long-toed salamander

Saving the Santa Cruz Long-Toed Salamander

Adult Santa Cruz Long-Toed Salamander, observed at Ellicott Slough. Photo credit to Matthew Slater and Pacific Southwest Region USFWS

In the winter of 2015, drought conditions made the outlook for the Santa Cruz Long-Toed Salamander breeding season bleak indeed—until dedicated Fish & Wildlife Service staffers intervened.