Groups seek to protect unique salamander species in Oregon

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Four conservation groups are seeking federal protection for a unique species of salamander that lives in the Klamath-Siskiyou region of Southern Oregon and Northern California.

The petition filed with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Monday said increasing logging of old-growth forests is threatening the Siskiyou Mountains salamander, The Capital Press reported.

The petition by Cascadia Wildlands, the Center for Biological Diversity, Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center and Environmental Protection Information Center said the long-bodied, short-limbed terrestrial salamander deserves immediate protection under the Endangered Species Act.

“Increased logging of mature forests in the Applegate Valley could jeopardize the very survival of the salamander,” said George Sexton with KS Wild.

Two timber industry groups issued a joint statement against the petition. The Oregon Forest Industries Council and American Forest Resource Council accused the groups of overwhelming federal agencies with petitions and litigation, The Press reported.

The Siskiyou Mountains salamander lives only in isolated locations along the Klamath River, on stabilized rock talus in old-growth forests covered with thick moss.