The California Tiger Salamander (CTS, Ambystoma californiense) is a federally- and state listed California endemic species that exhibits a biphasic life history, requiring both upland and aquatic breeding habitats. Past studies have examined hydroperiods required for CTS to complete metamorphosis, which can advise management recommendations for determining suitable and successfully used breeding habitat. We observed CTS larvae of adequate size to metamorphose in just 53 days, suggesting that CDFW and USFWS recommendations on minimum ponding durations for suitable aquatic breeding habitats be reduced from 70 days (ten weeks) to at least 56 days (eight weeks). This recommendation will increase the number of aquatic habitats considered potential to support CTS breeding. Published in Herpetology Notes (July 2025).

Sean O’Brien is a proud vernal fool. He obtained his B.S from UC Davis and M.S. from Sacramento State, both in Evolution and Ecology. He specializes in vernal pool ecology with an emphasis on vernal pool branchiopods and amphibians. He is a biologist with Westervelt Ecological Services, part-time biology professor at Sierra College, and leader of volunteer organization, Dry Creek Conservancy.