Though I have always been intrigued by one of the most fascinating herpetological wonders, the salamander, I had virtually no exposure to the slimy little gems until I moved here. Thirty or so years knee deep and new wielding, in Texas ditches, creeks, swamps, and marshes yielded only one salamander to my recollection. It was a Marbled Salamander that came into my grasp that day. The excitement of such a rare find still lingers in my minds eye. Its alert and beaded eyes stop a thick, glossy, black, wet body with silver bands seemed alien yet beautiful to me. How could something so wonderful come from a Texas cow pasture muck hole? All that I knew for sure was that I wanted to find more of these creatures!

My wish was granted upon moving to Western North Carolina. In my yard was a spring seepage area and literally under every stone there was at least one salamander and sometimes three or more! If my landlord would have known about this goldmine he could have doubled my rent which I would have gladly paid. I soon learned that the Southern Appalachians are blessed with the largest and most diverse salamander populations on the planet! There are more than fifty different species here not counting sub-species and color phases. Our area is a Mecca for scientists and researchers who want to learn more about these lizard-like amphibians. New species and behavioral characteristics are being discovered today!

Why are there so many in number and species? The cool and damp mountain forest environment provides ideal habitat for all types of salamanders. Soils rich in mineral composition and plant life provide for a multitude of invertebrates on which salamanders mostly feed. The incredible diversity of our salamander population can be seen by comparing the size of the Pygmy Salamander at barely one-inch to the godzilla like Hellbender at close to three feet. Also, compare the delicate and brilliant Green Salamander to the cumbersome and subterranean Mole Salamander. This diversity amongst salamanders can most likely be attributed to the variety of habitats and the isolation of groups by the rugged terrain of our mountains. Salamanders are somewhat limited in long distance travel by their moisture dependent skin and tiny appendages with no claws. It is easy to imagine how a group of animals like salamanders might evolve separately, though in relatively close proximity, to suit the demands of a specific watershed or even a cove site.

You can experience the wonderful world of the salamander even in the dead of winter. Many species stay active year round. Find any flat stream side stone or rotten log and turn it over and if you look closely, I'll bet you will feel the excitement that I did when I found my first salamander. If you are not the hardy winter outdoors type you can still get a close look at and compare some of the many colors, shapes, and sizes of salamanders in the comfort of the Nature Lab. So, slip on by and check out some winter time slime!