endangered animals

The scientific name of the tiger salamander is Ambystoma tigrinum. There are seven species of tiger salamanders. They are the Arizona, Barred, Blotched, California, eastern, Gray, and Sonora Tiger Salamanders. They grow to be about 6 - 8 inches in length, although there are times when some may grow up to be 12 inches. They have tiny eyes and a big roundish snout. There are many reasons why they became endangered. First, since their habitats are near roads, they are run over by cars and therefore killed on roadways. Second, farmers are using pond water for crops and their ponds are being eliminated. This is hazardous to their survival because tiger salamanders breed in ponds. Third, they are being caught and used as bait or pets. Fourth, there has been an introducing of predatory fish in there breeding ponds. Most importantly, pollution and destroying of their habitats and breeding areas. Tiger Salamanders live in many different environments. They live in woods with sandy soil, meadows that are moist, and in dens and burrows of other animals. They belong to the family of mole salamanders. The characteristics of this family are that the salamanders have well-developed lungs, and spend most of their lives underground. They feed on earthworms, small mice, spiders, and other amphibians. They live for about 12 - 15 years and breed during the months from March until June, which is usually during the springtime. The area in which the Tiger Salamander lives is scattered throughout the United States. \"The Eastern Tiger Salamander ranges along the East Coast from southern New York to northern Florida, west from Ohio to Minnesota, and southward through eastern Texas to the Gulf.\" (NYSDEC, 12/10/98) In order for it to survive, there has to be a water source for it to be able to breathe in. Many things are being done to help protect the Tiger Salamanders from extinction. Mostly, organizations are conducting many procedures to keep and build up their habitats. One thing that they are doing to help them is conducting many procedures to keep and build up their habitats. One thing that they are doing to help them is controlling and watching over the use of pesticides and salt. They are lowering the use of pesticides by cultivating agricultural fields after the salamanders have migrated. Also, the Environmental Services Program is making a survey of areas where tiger salamanders have lived or could be living in and go to breed. The outcome of the survey will show how long their breeding time is and inform construction workers where their habitats are and what could be the consequences that would happen if they were to work there. They are posting up signs that inform the workers if an area is their habitat or breeding area. We think that the Tiger Salamanders have a good chance of surviving because many things are being done to help them. Also, the main reason that they are becoming extinct is because of destruction of their habitat and breeding areas. To prevent that, many organizations are informing construction workers upon the consequences of working in their habitats and breeding areas.	Dutch

Written by: *Krystal Guo , Lucy Sung , Geoffrey Gunawan*	(geschreven door)