The American Museum of Natural History, in conjunction with the University of Guelph and the Wildlife Conservation Society, is nearing completion of a twenty-year study of the genetic relationships within the blue-spotted salamander ? Jefferson's salamander complex. This complex at one time was thought to consist of four species and their hybrids. The blue-spotted salamander is a state-listed endangered species. However, this species very closely resembles the more common Jefferson's salamander. In fact, the only method to assuredly identify each species is through genetic analysis.

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge has been a speculated site for blue-spotted salamander based upon existence of suitable habitat. However, suspected individual salamanders have only been found since 2002. The museum will conduct genetic analysis of refuge salamanders to confirm whether the endangered blue-spotted species occurs on the refuge. This information could be critical in making informed habitat management decisions. Further, the museum study would benefit by documenting a new site at the edge of the species? range and lending insight into its evolutionary history.

NORTHEAST REGION, U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE -- Conserving the Nature of the Northeast