Del Norte Salamander

The Del Norte Salamander (Plethodon elongatus) is a lungless amphibian restricted to rocky talus slopes and redwood forests specifically within Del Norte County, California. Its range also extends slightly north across the state border into the moist forests of adjacent southwestern Oregon.

As a plethodontid salamander, Plethodon elongatus lacks lungs entirely and absorbs oxygen directly through its highly permeable skin. Because of this cutaneous respiration, the Del Norte Salamander must remain confined to the damp, humid microclimates found under rocks and logs in redwood forests.

The Del Norte Salamander is a relatively small, dark-colored amphibian typically featuring a distinct rusty or reddish-orange dorsal stripe running down its back. It also exhibits a characteristic nasolabial groove—a small slit between the nostril and lip—which is a defining physical trait of the Plethodon genus.

Currently, the Del Norte Salamander is not classified as federally endangered, though it is highly sensitive to habitat disruption. Because Plethodon elongatus relies entirely on intact redwood forest ecosystems and rocky talus slopes, industrial logging operations pose a significant threat to its localized populations.