Hybridization between Native California tiger salamanders and Non-native Tiger Salamanders: Developing Management Strategies

William McIver

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Ventura, CA

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ABSTRACT

McIVER, WILLIAM R.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ventura, California 93003, bill_mciver@fws.gov

Hybridization between Native California tiger salamanders (Ambystoma californiense) and Non-native Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum): Developing Management Strategies

The California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) is federally listed as endangered in Sonoma and Santa Barbara Counties, and threatened in central California. Non-native barred tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum mavortium) were introduced into central California as fishing bait in the mid-1900s. The threat of hybridization with non-native tiger salamanders is particularly severe in the Central Coast Range and Bay Area regions, and, to a lesser extent, the Central Valley region. Hybridization between species may lead to introgression, which occurs when hybrid individuals repeatedly backcross to one or both parental types so that genetic material is transferred between the two species. Natural hybridization can be an important component of evolutionary processes; however, hybridization and introgression can be cause for concern, particularly if they are the result of human activities such as the introduction of non-native taxa. Management strategies regarding hybridization in native California tiger salamanders need to be developed through cooperation between Federal and State agencies, researchers, consultants, and private landowners.