Samwel Shasta salamander explained

The Samwel Shasta salamander (Hydromantes samweli) is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is endemic to Shasta County in California.^{[1] [2]}

Taxonomy

It was previously thought to be a population of the Shasta salamander (H. shastae) and is not physically distinguishable, but a 2018 phylogenetic study found it to be a genetically distinct species. It is named after its type locality, Samwel Cave, which originates from Sa-Wal, the Wintu name for grizzly bear.^[3]

Distribution

It is found in a fairly small area around the north-central and northwest sides of Shasta Lake, but possibly extending 20 km further to the west.^{[4] [5]}

Threats

Its distribution was likely fragmented by the creation of the lake and the construction of the Shasta Dam. Proposals to raise the water levels would likely flood more habitats and further threaten it. However, in 2021 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found the species to not warrant Endangered Species Act protections.^{[6] [7]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: Hydromantes samweli Bingham, Papenfuss, Lindstrand, and Wake, 2018 Amphibian Species of the World. 2021-12-22. amphibiansoftheworld.amnh.org.
2. Web site: AmphibiaWeb - Hydromantes samweli. 2021-12-22. amphibiaweb.org.
3. Bingham. Robert E.. Papenfuss. Theodore J.. Lindstrand. Len. Wake. David B.. April 4, 2018. Phylogeography and Species Boundaries In the Hydromantes shastae Complex, With Description of Two New Species (Amphibia; Caudata; Plethodontidae). Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology. 161. 10. 403–427. 10.3099/MCZ42.1. 0027-4100.
4. Web site: Hydromantes samweli Bingham, Papenfuss, Lindstrand, and Wake, 2018 Amphibian Species of the World. 2021-12-22. amphibiansoftheworld.amnh.org.
5. Web site: Samwel Shasta Salamander - Hydromantes samweli. 2021-12-22. www.californiaherps.com.
6. Web site: Study: California’s Shasta Salamanders More Endangered Than Once Thought. 2021-12-22. www.biologicaldiversity.org.
7. Web site: on 05.12.2021. David Miller. Service Finds Salamanders Do Not Warrant Endangered Species Act Protection. 2021-12-22. www.endangeredspecieslawandpolicy.com. en-US.