GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Pacific Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus)

Species Code: DITE

Click to enlarge Range map

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Predicted Distribution
Amphibians do not migrate as some birds and mammals, so the colored areas depict the predicted range for the Pacific Giant Salamander year-round. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project.

Click to enlarge distribution map

Other maps & Information:
  • NatureMapping observations
    throughout the year

Distribution and Habitat Requirements
This salamander is largley retricted to moist conifer forests and along streams during breeding (Nussbaum et al., 1983). It is found along and somewhat east, but mostly west, of the Cascades crest, except on the Olympic Peninsula. This species occurs on Fidalgo Island (Slater, 1941).

This species is associated with small streams. Although primarily a forest species, it has been found in streams with steep ravines in low-density developed residential areas.

habitat 534 picture habitat 952 picture habitat 524 picture

Models
The Cascades ecoregions, except the Northeast Cascades and the southern portions of the Olympic Peninsula were selected. All lower elevation zones west of the Cascades including the Western Hemlock zone were core. The Silver Fir zone was core except in the Northwest Cascades, where is was marginal. Western Hemlock and Interior Western Hemlock zones were core east of the Cascades. Marginal zones included Mountain Hemlock south of Snoqualmie Pass and the Grand Fir, Oak, Ponderosa Pine and Interior Douglas-fir zones east of the Cascades.

The dry woodlands in Thurston County and the Chehalis River Valley appear to act as a barrier to its entry into the Olympic Peninsula.

Riparian areas were good habitats. All classes of open and closed hardwood/conifer and conifer forests, low-density developed residential areas, including parks, and wooded forests surrounded by lightly developed residential areas, were considered suitable if adequate microhabitats were available.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Amphibians and Reptiles Volume by Karen Dvornich
Webpage designed by Dave Lester