Hi new herpophiles

[Red Eft]

Hi everyone. My name is Sarah and I love salamanders and newts! I have 4 rough skinned newts that Ive had since they were eggs/just hatchlings, about 2-3 years ago. I also just got an adult female axolotl. Some of my favorites include red efts and pacific giant salamanders. I am studying Wildlife Conservation Biology with an emphasis on herps and a minor in Natural Resources. I am also interested in arboreal salamanders. I live in Northern California.

 

[Jennewt]

I share your interest. I have rough-skinned newts and arboreal sals, both raised from captive-bred eggs/juvs. I would love to see a Pacific giant in the wild some day. FYI: you do realize that it's illegal to keep an axolotl in California?

 

[Red Eft]

I did not realize it was illegal. I got her from the University. Wonder of that makes a difference somehow.

 

[oregon newt]

Welcome to the forum. I believe all Ambystoma are banned in California. Here's a thread on their laws http://www.caudata.org/forum/showthread.php?t=55976

 

[Red Eft]

They sell axolotls and tiger salamanders at the local pet shop, wonder if they know it's illegal, not that they'd probably care. I don't personally purchase animals from stores, all mine were given to me/rescued. I'm not going to release them into the wild or anything like that. I know axolotls are endangered in the wild (habitat loss) but are commonly found in research settings and as pets. Interesting.

 

[Jennewt]

They are banned because captive Ambystoma pose a threat of interbreeding with the endangered Cali tiger sal. Sadly, there are people who do release pets into the wild, so thus the ban.

 

[newtons13]

I don't know when those laws were passed, but the first axolotl i ever saw was and albino on a very responsible (as far as care) exotic reptile/fish shop in the san Fernando Valley. This was back in '95 or so though...hee I'm gettin' old!

I walked by and had to do a tripple take at the oddity in the tank. Someday, if luck is my friend I'd like to have one. but as with a lot of other people, I don't really beleive in pet stores. rescue is so much better.

'Nighers! = )

~rachel