FIVE-YEAR STATUS REVIEW FOR THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY DISTINCT POPULATION SEGMENT OF THE CALIFORNIA TIGER SALAMANDER, AMBYSTOMA CALIFORNIENSE

Andrew J. Dennhardt; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; andrew_dennhardt@fws.gov;

Five-year status reviews give the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the opportunity to periodically review the best available scientific information about a listed species and assess its progress toward recovery. Inhabiting rangelands along the central coast of California, the Santa Barbara County Distinct Population Segment of the California Tiger Salamander is managed across six metapopulation areas. A final Recovery Plan was published in 2016, which outlined both quantitative criteria and priority actions to help recover the species. Here, I present findings from an evaluation of population status and threats to the species, progress made toward achieving recovery criteria, and future recommended actions to advance recovery of the species. After reviewing the best available scientific information, we concluded that the California tiger salamander remains an endangered species in Santa Barbara County, with increased threat from climate-induced drought and inbreeding depression. Five-year status reviews assist the Service and its partners in identifying conservation needs and enhancing prioritization of conservation efforts for listed species.

Challenges and Opportunities I: Species Recovery  InPerson Presentation