Posted on 03/23/2005 12:01:03 PM PST by Calpernia
EAST BRUNSWICK — Why did the salamander cross the road?
In the township’s case, it’s to get to the vernal pool on the other side and mate.
March is when the spotted salamanders that live in East Brunswick make their annual trek across Beekman Road for the purpose of procreating. And the town has taken notice — in fact, so has neighboring South Brunswick — by agreeing to shut down the road to make sure the small critters make it safely across.
David Moscowitz, of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission, said the town was able to get its neighbor to go along with the road closing this year. East Brunswick closed its section of Beekman Road last March to keep the salamanders from winding up as roadkill.
“We were very successful last year in closing the road and allowing a lot of salamanders to cross,” he said.
Before that, dozens at a time would be killed by passing traffic, he said. It is not easy to see the spotted creatures, as even adults are only about six inches in length.
They cross the road to get to the vernal pool in the woods, where they do their mating, Moscowitz said.
“They are black with yellow spots, so if you are in a car at night, you’re not going to see one,” Moscowitz said.
Beekman Road, which has only one residential house in the East Brunswick section, is generally used for cut-through purposes, he said. There are a number of homes on the South Brunswick side. Though it is a small road, it does see a good amount of vehicular traffic, putting the salamanders at risk.
It remains a question as to exactly when the road will be closed, Moscowitz said. It will depend on the weather, as the salamanders only look to mate when daytime temperatures are around 50 degrees, night temperatures around 40, with some rain. Moscowitz figures the next couple of weeks will bring those weather conditions. Last year’s crossing took place the first week of March.
The crossings are more frequent at night.
There is one seemingly rebellious salamander who, despite his kin not following, crossed the road already, Moscowitz said. Moscowitz found the salamander because he and others have been watching for the crossing. The rain came too late after the relatively high temperatures, though, and the other salamanders stayed put.
Mayor William Neary, who has helped facilitate the road closing, said he is working with South Brunswick and local police to protect the creatures. The township has also posted signs in the area to warn of the crossings.
Moscowitz said the area is likely the only place in the township where the spotted salamanders still exist. The salamanders have likely been in the area for hundreds of years, with some living for more than 30 years.
Though not endangered nationally, they are locally, which is why allowing them to safely traverse Beekman Road is so important, he said.
Each female has between 150 and 500 eggs. If she dies crossing the road, a significant number of births do not occur, he said. Males drop sperm that is picked up by females for fertilization.
The process, which occurs in vernal pools, represents the only time the creatures come out from underground, Moscowitz said.
Moscowitz invites residents to Beekman Road to watch the crossings. Other types of creatures such as frogs and snakes also cross, he said, noting that he has organized hikes to the vernal pools.
And in a few weeks, spring peepers, or tiny frogs, will be breeding in the pools. Those driving by with the windows open can hear the males doing their very loud mating call, Moscowitz noted.
Those wanting to know when the crossings occur or related information can check out the commission’s new Web site at www.njnaturenotes.com. The site was established by member Rich Wolfert.
Our state is heading for bankruptcy....
We are riddled with gangs and crime....
Our politicians are being investigated and jailed for corruption, so much so, I've not been able to keep my bump list up to date http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/1352722/posts New Jersey - Corruption and Scandal BUMP LIST
Yet, let it be known, the Salamandars will live.
But, who cries for krill?
*smooch*
Smooching up will not get you front row seats to the Salamander crosssing :)
It's a start...
Will the state assure a food supply and water for salamanders? Maybe humans can be next?
The humans will be deprived of food and water because it takes the natural resources away from the salamanders.
Matter of fact, I'm packing my things to go as I speak. I just found a salamander on my sidewalk and he has squatter rights to my home since he is a protected species.
But if you've spotted a feeding tube on that salamander, you've got a full green light to squash her with extreme predjudice.
As kids, we enjoyed the salamander treks in suburban Philadelphia in Fairmount Park. We collected them and put them inside our Hotwheels race cars and held races. A few guys loaded them into their Estes Rockets and sent them up for a few G's above some solid rocket fuel. Survivors of the races and rocketships made it into our terrariums with some moss and rotted wood where we dreamed of dinosaurs on the roam while trying to fall off to sleep, which is not easy at age 10 with summer approaching.
I thought salamanders were a different color. Must be all of the pollution here.
You should see the red ones. They are pretty.
Your nic made me have to ping you here.
Squeeeeeeal!
They're so CUTE!!!!....:))
If it was an Eastern Spotted, you needn't worry.
They're "mole salamanders" and spend 90% of their lives underground eating worms....:)
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