Conservation Canines locating endangered Jemez Mountains salamanders

Jemez Mountains salamanders, found only in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico, must stay moist in order to breathe, and spend much of their time in fallen logs and damp soil foraging for insects. The creature is listed on New Mexico's endagered species list, and is on its way to gaining federal protection due to increased logging, road construction, and climate change. Now with a chronic drought affecting the region, the salamander is having an increasingly difficult time thriving in its habitat. That's where Conservation Canines come in. The dogs are assisting the Center for Conservation Biology's research team in determining how many salamanders have survived the drought. After the data is analyzed, a specialized management plan for conserving this unique salamander can be formed. To read the NYT blog post, click here