Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
California tiger salamander
Scientific name: Ambystoma californiense
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Family: AMBYSTOMATIDAE
Group: Amphibians
Shyness: Tolerant
Safe distance: 5 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 01.11-31.03
Gestation: 14-28 jours
Births: 01.12-30.04
Habitat:
Grasslands, agricultural lands and open woodlands near temporary ponds
Description:
The California tiger salamander is a stout-bodied salamander 15–20 cm long, with a black dorsum marked by yellow or cream spots. Endemic to grasslands, agricultural lands and open woodlands of central and coastal California, it depends on fishless temporary ponds to breed, migrating nocturnally from upland burrows. Adults shelter in rodent burrows during dry periods.
Recommended lens:
>=Macro
Photography tips:
Photograph the California tiger salamander at night or dusk near temporary ponds using a 100–200 mm macro lens on a tripod. Use high ISO and a shallow depth of field to isolate the yellow spots against its dark back, position low and silent, and avoid sudden movements.
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