Submitted by allison_kenlan_5542 on Fri, 07/12/2024 - 17:10

Adopt the blue-spotted salamander

Ambystoma laterale

Secure according to NatureServe

Habitat: Hardwood and mixed forests

Diet: Adults eat small invertebrates such as snails and earthworms; larvae eat small aquatic animals

Behavior: Nocturnal; inactive in late fall through most of winter

Meet the inspiration behind NatureServe's logo: the blue-spotted salamander! These small, nocturnal creatures are cautious and secretive but are striking if you know where to look. Similarly, NatureServe knows where to find North America's rarest species, no matter how small. We appreciate every species, from the minuscule to the mighty, just as we appreciate every spot on the blue-spotted salamander's skin. The blue-spotted salamander population in North America is secure but that does not mean there aren’t active threats to their survival. Loss of habitat due to agriculture and urban development impact blue-spotted salamanders across their range, which stretches from the Midwestern and Northeastern United States into Canada.

The blue-spotted salamander is only available for adoption for a limited time in honor of NatureServe's 50th anniversary. By adopting this species, you'll also contribute to NatureServe's vital mission of protecting biodiversity, ensuring that we continue to thrive for the next 50 years and beyond.

Learn more on NatureServe Explorer

Photo by Adam Cushen.

What You'll Get With Your Adoption

For a contribution of $25 or more, you are helping to protect our precious biodiversity. Your adoption will help update the featured species on NatureServe Explorer with an image and a description. You will receive a certificate of adoption, an Adopt-a-Species sticker, and a digital wallpaper of your species. Plus, next year you can vote on the new featured species for adoption!

Adopt a species for yourself or a loved one! Adoptions can be great way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or holidays. When you gift a species, you’ll have the option to send the recipient a note letting them know of your thoughtful gesture.