Hello from NC!

[DavidC]

Dear List,

Allow me to introduce myself... I reside in western NC (great salamander country!) and I've been interested in Amphibians since childhood. I teach high school Biology and work as a freelance botanist in my spare time. Getting 'out and about' affords me many opportunities to observe native herps in the region. At present I do not keep any species, but I'd like to start. I've kept many organisms previously (Snakes, Turtles, etc.) but no amphibians. I'm very interested in Plethodontids, by the way. Does anyone offer any of these captive bred?

Many thanks.

David

 

[Otterwoman]

Welcome, David!

What kind of sals/newts have you seen on your explorations?

I don't think you'll find any CB plethodontids for sale, but maybe I'm wrong. However, there are many wonderful resources on this site. There are great articles on Caudata Culture (http://www.caudata.org/cc/) on different species and many aspects of caudate care. Happy reading!

 

[Jennewt]

Welcome! Captive breeding of Plethodontids is relatively rare. One of the members of this forum has had some good luck with some of the Aneides, and you can find his ads in the ads section. Several other Pleths have been bred on occasion, so clearly it's possible, but unfortunately not many people bother.

 

[DavidC]

Thanks very much. I wonder why more don't bother with the Plethodontids?
David

 

[DavidC]

Wow, I've seen quite a few Salamanders on my rambles in western NC... most of the common ones, some not so common. I certainly have no trouble going out to see several species if I feel like it. As so few breed them, would it be permissible to take a few specimens from the wild of common species and give it a try? Some species of Desmognathus are very, very common near my home.
David

 

[Jennewt]

For the people interested in captive breeding, there tends to be a preference for "exotic" species, or those with a monetary value, and a preference for aquatic over terrestrial species. This rules out most of the Plethodontids. People don't want to breed animals that they can just go pick up outdoors.

You should check on the laws in NC. Some states forbid taking any wild animals, some require a fishing permit, etc. If it's legal, and you're taking fairly abundant species, I see nothing wrong with giving it a try. Keep in mind that sals usually need to be kept fairly cool all year, and many need to get really COLD in winter in order to breed. This takes some creativity in terms of how/where to house them.

 

[DavidC]

Plethodontids

I know there are some laws, but I also know that one may obtain common species also. I will look into particulars. As a Biology teacher, I can typically obtain most authorizations. I have a crawl space under my house, and a below ground garage that are always cool in summer and COLD in winter- as is the attic. I think they will suffice.

Thanks for your advice.

David