Range and Habitat: Northern dusky salamanders are found through much of the Appalachian Mountains in the United States, ranging from Northern Tennessee, north into Upper State New York. In Canada however, they are few and far between with one small population in Ontario, in the Niagara Gorge, a slightly larger population in southern Quebec. and New Brunswick The Ontario population remains precarious as the habitat is especially delicate due to the presence of a steep slope and loose rocks that can easily be damaged by visiting making it rather controversial amongst Ontario herpers and conservationists. Dusky Salamanders inhabit a variety of environments but have a strong preference for forests and running water, being found in seepages, mountain streams and deciduous forests.
Identification: Northern dusky salamanders can sometimes be confused with the Allegheny mountain dusky salamander where their ranges overlap, such as some areas of Canada. These species can be accurately differentiated by looking at their tails as the northern dusky salamander has a more vertically flattened tail, to help act like a paddle in the water. The Allegheny Mountain dusky salamander's tail is round throughout and tend to have a more reddish and chevron colour while the northern dusky salamanders in Canada are more uniformly grey or beige.
Sources:
"Northern Dusky Salamander." Ontario Nature, 2021, ontarionature.org/programs/community-science/reptile-amphibian-atlas/northern-dusky-salamander/. Accessed 2 Nov. 2021. |