Coeur d'Alène Salamander

Plethodon idahoensis

The Coeur d'Alene salamander is considered the most aquatic member of the salamander family. It inhabits well-shaded and steep bedrock in forests, always near surface water such as waterfalls or streams. Females may mate only in alternate years, in early spring or in the fall, and lay an average of six eggs. The salamander is threatened by logging operations that remove neccesary shade as well as alterations in ground water flow. Although it is protected by law from being killed or kept, the majority of known habitats are on private land which is being altered by commercial activities.