This blotched ensatina looked stunning amidst the shadowy background and mossy carpet. Back in the 80’s, a well-intentioned fellow, fearing the extinction of this beautiful species, captured over 100. He drove to a perfect habitat for them, deep in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest, and proceeded to release these precious little salamanders. This bold move risked outcompeting other species, spreading disease, or simply further depleting a population he was already concerned about. Interestingly, they reproduced within a very isolated area and have since thrived without appearing to have had any negative impact on the ecosystem. Encountering several was an absolute joy!
Tonto Nat Forest, AZ.
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