Yellow-Eyed Ensatina Salamander (Monterey Subspecies) |
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Felled trees, rotting logs are common debris on forest floors. |
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Decaying tree limbs and trunks are often hollow inside. |
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Perfect habitat for native salamanders like the Yellow-Eyed Ensatina. |
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Lungless, the Ensatina breathes by absorbing moisture through its skin. |
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It's body swells as it absorbs moisture until it resembles a water-filled balloon. |
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The Yellow-Eyed Ensatina's eye and skin coloration is a survival adaptation. |
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To ward off predators, it evolved to resemble the California Newt. |
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But unlike Newts, the Yellow-Eyed Ensatina is nocturnal and exceedingly shy. |
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Avoid handling. Residue on hands can be toxic to this fragile creature. |
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Extremely sensitive, Ensatinas retreat far underground if they |
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