Ambystoma californiense

Ambystoma californiense, commonly known as the California tiger salamander, is a large, robust amphibian native to California. It typically measures 6 to 8 inches long and has a dark body with distinctive yellow or orange markings on its sides and head, resembling tiger stripes. This salamander spends most of its life underground in burrows but emerges during rainy seasons to breed in ponds and vernal pools. It prefers grasslands and woodlands nearby water sources. The California tiger salamander is considered a threatened species due to habitat loss and urban development, making conservation efforts vital for its survival.