Surrounded by Salamanders: A Guest Blog from CMTM's Live Exhibits Coordinator Colin Marshall
CMTM Live Exhibits Coordinator Colin Marshall.
Image courtesy of Colin Marshall.
Surrounded by Salamanders
A Guest Blog from CMTM Live Exhibits Coordinator Colin Marshall
As winter overstays its welcome, I find solace in the anticipation of spring and summer, eagerly awaiting the signs of their arrival. For some, spring announces its presence with the melodious chirping of birds or the sight of fresh leaves adorning trees. However, for me, the true harbinger of spring is the deafening chorus of Maine's tiniest frogs, the spring peepers, and The Big Night.
What is Big Night?
Every spring in the land we now call Maine, hundreds of thousands of amphibians awaken to leave their underground homes in the pouring rain to journey to vernal pools, known as Big Night. Salamanders and frogs can travel up to half a mile, crossing roads to begin the next phase of amphibious life cycles.
Spring peepers, though small in stature, possess a voice that resonates powerfully, marking the beginning of spring with their cacophony. They can reach over ninety decibels, the same volume as a lawnmower or a motorcycle! Alongside them, wood frogs join in with their deep croaks, and spotted salamanders, resembling creatures from tropical rainforests, make their presence known.
The little spring peeper may be the loudest creature in our area. But they are not our only record-breaking amphibians. If you were to guess what the most common vertebrate (animal with a backbone) is in our state, you might assume something like deer or gulls, perhaps deer mice. But if we're talking about biomass, the combined mass of all species' individuals in an area, the title of most common creature belongs to the humble little red back salamander. They're about the size of a crayon, but if you placed all of Maine's moose on one side of a balance and all of the salamanders on the other, the salamanders would win it. You could even add the whitetail deer to the moose side, and the salamanders would still weigh more! Maine has a lot of salamanders!
What is a vernal pool?
Many of Maine's amphibians prefer to breed in a unique wetland called a vernal pool at the very start of spring. As their name implies, vernal pools form in spring when the snow of winter melts and collects in low areas of the forest floor. Because they usually dry up by mid-summer, vernal pools do not have any fish. This makes them a perfect nursery for the tadpoles of salamanders, peepers, and many others to grow in relative safety. This is why the peepers peep at the start of spring. The first warm, wet nights of the year are when Maine's amphibians awake from hibernation and get to work starting the next generation.
Vernal Pools + Peeping
But when was the last time you saw a salamander? Why don't we see them everywhere when we're enjoying all of the beautiful natural spaces our area offers? Maine is home to nine different species, and while not all are as common as the red backs, it is safe to say that in areas with suitable habitat, one could be surrounded by salamanders. So, how can we find them? How can we meet our shy, slimy, little neighbors? Well, what if I told you that nearly all of them come out of their hiding places together during one of the most breathtaking nights of the year?
Known as "The Big Night," this annual event sees these shy creatures emerging en masse to breed, traversing various landscapes, including perilous roads.
However, unlike mere spectators, we have the power to intervene.
By preserving wetland habitats and exercising caution on warm, rainy nights, we can mitigate these creatures' risks during their migration. Simple actions, like slowing down when driving near wetlands and gently assisting them across roads, can make a significant difference.
How to lead a salamander or amphibian to safety
Grab a flashlight, throw on your boots, and lend a helping hand. As long as traffic is safe, you can gently carry amphibians across the road in the direction they are heading. If it isn't clear which direction they are going, listen for the peeps and send them toward that siren song of spring.
Engaging in initiatives like The Maine Big Night Project further enhances our impact, allowing us to protect these vital species while fostering a deeper connection with nature. Through the Big Night Project, you can sign up to adopt a section of road, act as an amphibian crossing guard, and help gather valuable data on how many amphibians are migrating and where. This data allows scientists to make more informed decisions regarding protecting our state's amphibians. Additionally, it is an exciting and engaging way to introduce kids to nature and teach them how to interact with it in a way that benefits all of us while making a real impact on some of our neighbors.
So, if you're like me and have had enough of winter, hang tight. Spring is almost here. And as you prepare for longer and warmer days, let us not forget the humble beings that signify its arrival. Let us be stewards of our amphibian neighbor's journey, ensuring they herald the new season safely.
