Exploring the Northern RockiesMany of the species found in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest also have relatives in the Northern Rockies. The majority of these occur in the wet belt of interior Cedar-Hemlock forest which stretches from central Idaho to northern British Columbia. Where amphibians are concerned, few are known from the BC portion of this region, but the Coeur D'alene salamander, unknown in Canada before the 1980's, may occur throughout this region, putting the majority of its known range in BC!
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Revelstoke Lake
Revelstoke Lake, the reservoir of the Columbia River behind the Revelstoke Dam, viewed from the slopes of the creek on Mount Revelstoke. Coeur D'alene salamanders are unknown from the west side, but may occur where the bedrock is suitable. |
Unnamed Creek
A typical segment of the unnamed creek we searched for Plethodon idahoensis. |
Waterfall
This waterfall marked the upper limit of our search, though salamanders could conceivably be found up to a kilometer higher in this area. This is only a couple hundred meters higher than the reservoir, which stands at 570m. |
Banana slug
Several of these giant banana slugs, some nearly 6 inches long, were found in the humid environments of the forested upper creek. Unlike several other giants, this one is a native species and not a significant pest. Probably Ariolimax columbianus. |
Upper Creek
The upper creek, viewed from the road through the dense vegetation. |
Coeur D'alene salamander
Difficult to find, much less photograph along the shady upper creek, this juvenile Coeur D'alene salamander tried to quickly wriggle into the gravel. |
Lower Creek
This segment below the road is prime habitat for salamanders, being abundant under foreground rocks and within the gravel bank upper left, within the spray zone. |
Lower Creek
This moss-covered deadfall is typical of these steep creeks, which even in August are cold and swift. |
