A massive salamander (up to 13 inches) — the largest fully terrestrial salamander in North America. Adults are often arboreal-leaning, climbing logs and into low forest canopy.

Also called: Pacific Giant Salamander, Cope's Giant Salamander complex

Native status: Native to Pacific Northwest

§ Quick facts

SizeAdult length 17–34 cm (7–13 in); largest documented 35 cm
Weight40–180 g
LifespanWild typically 10+ years
OrderCaudata
FamilyDicamptodontidae

§ Encyclopedia

The coastal giant salamander is a species of salamander in the genus Dicamptodon. It is endemic to the Pacific Northwest of North America. There are three closely related species to this taxon: D. ensatus, D. copei, and D. aterrimus.

Source: Wikipedia — Coastal giant salamander Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive stout salamander with marbled tan-and-brown back; smooth shiny skin; broad rounded head; large eyes; thick tail.

Similar species. Cope's Giant Salamander (smaller, more uniform color). Other Dicamptodon species (different ranges). True giants (Asian; much larger).

Voice. Rare but produces audible barking and rattling sounds when distressed.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Slugs, snails, beetles, earthworms, small mammals, lizards, smaller salamanders, occasionally small snakes.

Behavior. Among the largest terrestrial salamanders in the world. One of very few salamanders that climb trees — has been documented in vegetation 2+ m above ground, possibly hunting birds and small mammals. Larvae spend 2 or more years in cold clean Pacific Northwest streams before metamorphosing; some populations are paedomorphic, retaining gills as reproductive adults.

§ Range

Pacific Northwest

§ Habitat

Cold clear forest streams, seeps, splash zones

§ Threats

Old-growth forest loss, stream sedimentation, dam construction.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the coastal giant salamander is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support Pacific Northwest old-growth protection. Maintain forested stream buffers. Skip stream alteration.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • AmphibiaWeb
  • USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station
  • Oregon Wildlife
  • IUCN Red List 2014