Animals and Plants of the Region

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Regional Plants and Animals

For amphibians, birds, fishes, mammals, and reptiles, SAIN focuses on providing information for species in the Southeast previously identified by state wildlife agencies as species of Greatest Conservation Need (GCN) in the state Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategies (CWCS), also referred to as State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAP).

SAIN has provided species profiles of amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles that occur on at least four state GCN lists. Each species profile combines information provided by partners - NatureServe and ITIS.

Information about plant and invertebrate species is also provided. All regional species content areas will continue to expand as the site is developed.

	Amphibians - The Southern Appalachian region is home to a wide variety of amphibians. Learn about the region's amphibians here.
	Birds - The Southern Appalachian region hosts many year-round and migratory bird populations. Learn about the region's bird species here.
	Fishes - Freshwater environments of the region contain many unique species among fishes.
	Invertebrates - Learn about invertebrates found in Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
	Mammals - The Southeastern United States has over 100 species of native mammals.
	Plants - Learn about regional trees, shrubs, grasses, mosses, and other plant life here.
	Reptiles - The diverse habitats of the Southern Appalachian region provide home to many species of reptiles.

In Need of Conservation

Four-toed Salamander
Charles Wilder, Discover Life in America

Four-toed Salamander
Hemidactylium scutatum

Description: Small lungless slender salamander with rusty to grayish brown above with grayish sides and may have small black and bluish speckles on sides. Length is 2 to 4 in (5 to 10 cm). Unique characteristics: four-toed hind feet and tail is constricted (narrows) at its base.

Life History: Breeds in fall and lays 30-50 eggs under moss, and spawns in early March and the larvae hatch in May. The eggs are laid so that larvae fall or wriggle into shallow ponds, pools, or small, quiet streams.

Habitat: Wooded areas with pools, bogs, or slow bog streams. In leaf litter and under rocks and logs.

Distribution: Widely but discontinuously distributed throughout much of the eastern U.S.

Status: Have been designated as a species of "Great Conservation Need" in states of KY, MS, NC, SC, & TN.

The NBII Program is administered by the Biological Informatics Office of the U.S. Geological Survey

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