A major part of the California Tiger Salamander’s diet includes invertebrates such as earthworms, snails, and beetles. Many invertebrates are decomposers which directly impact the rate of leaf litter decomposition. By eating some of these decomposers, the California Tiger Salamander slows the “seasonal release of essential micronutrients from leaf litter to the root systems of the flora.” (Welsh and Davic, 2004) Furthermore, plant material is made of cellulose, and when it is decomposed, carbon is released from the plant back into the atmosphere. Carbon is a major greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. “Salamanders help capture some of this carbon before it is released in the air by feeding on decomposing invertebrates that would otherwise release carbon through the consumption of fallen leaves and other forest debris.” (Why Salamanders Matter, 2006)

       Today we are already witnessing the adverse effects climate change is having on our world. The California Tiger Salamander populations have a vital instrumental value. If this species can be revived before it is too late, we may have a stronger chance to mitigate the effects climate change has on the environment and the species within it.