They Might Be Giants: Salamanders of Minnesota

This informative talk about salamanders is presented by Spencer Rettler, Nongame Wildlife Specialist with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Nongame Wildlife Program. Despite their small stature, salamanders are heavy lifters in Minnesota’s ecosystems. Not only do they consume high volumes of invertebrates (including Minnesota’s abundant mosquito larvae), but they also convey this biomass and energy up the food chain as they become prey for various mammals and birds. Additionally, salamanders act as indicators of ecosystem health since they are highly sensitive to changes in water quality, habitat conditions and temperature. Because of this sensitivity, Minnesota’s salamanders face multiple threats including habitat disturbance/loss, disease and climate change.

This free event requires no registration.