Amphibians of the Mt. Washington Area

The five (5) amphibian species below have been documented as occurring within the Report Area. Taxonomy and nomenclature follow that used by iNaturalist. Images, where available, are by the author.

Southern California Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps major)

Appears to be present predominantly on the eastern side of Mt. Washington based on iNaturalist records, but the sample size is small. Often found deep in leaf litter or in upper layers of soil, or sometimes on the surface after rain.

Links: iNaturalist | California Herps

Black-bellied Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps nigriventris)

Black-bellied Slender Salamander. Author’s home. January 2020.

Occurs throughout the Specific Plan Area based on iNaturalist records. Commonly encountered at the author’s home. Often found deep in leaf litter or in upper layers of soil, or sometimes on the surface after rain.

Links: iNaturalist | California Herps

Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas)

Western Toad. Verdugo Mountains. November 2020.

Reported commonly in iNaturalist along the LA River. Sparingly reported in the Specific Plan Area, but only those portions closest to the LA River.

Links: iNaturalist | California Herps

American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) – Introduced

American Bullfrog. Descanso Gardens. 2019.

Common on the LA River based on iNaturalist records and the author’s observations. NOTE: This is a very destructive introduced species that is a voracious predator and has caused the decline of many native species. Its presence should not be encouraged.

Links: iNaturalist | California Herps

Baja California Tree Frog (Pseudacris hypochondriaca)

Baja California Tree Frog. San Gabriel Mountains. May 2004.

Present, but perhaps uncommon, on the LA River based on iNaturalist records and the author’s observations.

Links: iNaturalist | California Herps

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