The green salamander (Aneides aeneus) matters because it is a species of special concern in some parts of its range, needing help to maintain healthy populations. It is an important species of the eastern US and Canada, as part of the larger salamander community. Despite the awesome coloration and strange behavior of this species, it is important for its role in the ecosystem and its conservation status in certain areas.

The green salamander is a species of small, slender salamander found in eastern North America. It is one of the lungless salamanders, capable of acquiring oxygen through its skin rather than gills or lungs. It can be found living in caves or woodlands and tends to feed on invertebrates such as insects and spiders. These are mostly black and yellow with some specimens exhibiting a creamy green body coloring. They have stocky legs and long tails with rough patches along the sides. Females reach an average size of 9 cm (3.5 in) while males range from 6–7 cm (2.4–2.8 in). Their life span is approximately four to eight years.

Habitat Loss: Fragmentation and destruction of their natural habitats due to human activities such as urbanization, timber harvesting, and dam construction is posing an immense threat to the green salamander.

Climate Change: Extreme weather events caused by the changing climate, such as droughts and heat waves, could have consequences on the species’ population levels.

Pollution: Contamination of water sources by industrial runoff or agricultural pesticides can lead to habitat degradation for Aneides aeneus as well as potential exposure to toxins through drinking water sources.

Disease and Parasites: There are a few parasites that are known to impact this species, including some fungal diseases, though the prevalence and effects of these on their population have not been completely studied yet. In addition, the rising number of pathogens from other wildlife species could cause a spread of viruses among Aneides aeneus populations.

(Aneides aeneus)