They Might Be Giants: Salamanders of Minnesota

As a part of our Friday Speaker Series, join us for this informative talk about salamanders presented by Spencer Rettler, Nongame Wildlife Specialist with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Nongame Wildlife Program. Despite their small stature, salamanders are heavy lifters in Minnesota’s ecosystems. Not only do they consume high volumes of invertebrates (including Minnesota’s abundant mosquito larvae), but they also convey this biomass and energy up the food chain as they become prey for various mammals and birds. Additionally, salamanders act as indicators of ecosystem health since they are highly sensitive to changes in water quality, habitat conditions, and temperature. Because of this sensitivity, Minnesota’s salamanders face multiple threats including habitat disturbance/loss, disease, and climate change. Please join this presentation to learn about Minnesota’s salamanders, the habitats they rely on, and what you can do to help support the conservation of these fascinating species.

Spencer Rettler is a Nongame Wildlife Specialist with the Nongame Wildlife Program at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. His work area covers most of northeastern MN and much of his focus is on the conservation of Minnesota’s reptiles and amphibians. He is currently leading a monitoring effort on four-toed salamanders (Hemidactylium scutatum) to understand the impacts of habitat disturbance on their local populations. If Spencer’s not looking for rare reptiles and amphibians for work, he’s doing so on his personal time.

This free event requires no registration!