Amphibian · GBIF taxon 2431529
Red-cheeked Salamander
Plethodon jordaniAlso known as Jordan's Salamander, Jordan's Redcheek Salamander, Appalachian Woodland Salamander
Red-cheeked salamanders are lungless amphibians that breathe entirely through their thin, permeable skin in the cool hardwood forests of the high Appalachians. Emerging from underground retreats on humid or rainy nights, these nocturnal predators stalk small invertebrates through damp leaf litter. When cornered by predators, adults secrete a thick, sticky mucus from their tails that deters hungry birds and small mammals.
AmphibianNocturnalEndemic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Insects
- Spiders
- Mites
Predators
- Garter Snakes
- Woodland Birds
- Shrews
ThreatsHabitat loss, forest fragmentation, acid rain, and climate warming
HabitatsHigh-elevation deciduous hardwood and spruce-fir Appalachian forests
Life span10 to 15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPlethodontidae
- SpeciesPlethodon jordani
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a dark charcoal or black body accented by distinct red patches on both sides of the head.
- Support conservation
- Observe quietly from the trail on wet nights and refrain from flipping logs or handling specimens.
Responsible observation
- Observation Timing: Look along damp trail edges on cool, humid nights after rainfall.
- Avoid Handling: Refrain from touching salamanders, as skin oils and salts harm their delicate skin.
- Habitat Protection: Leave fallen logs and rocks undisturbed to preserve essential nest sites.
Mimic Model (c) Jeff Wilson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Predator Wilson44691 / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative 
Close Relative Alex Karasoulos / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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