About Rhyacotriton cascadae Good & Wake, 1992
The Cascade torrent salamander (Rhyacotriton cascadae) is a species of salamander in the family Rhyacotritonidae. It is a small species, with adults averaging about two inches in length. Their coloration ranges from brown to black, and they typically have yellowish underbellies and spotted sides. This species is endemic to the Pacific Northwest of the United States, occurring on the west slope of the Cascade Mountains from Skamania County in Washington south to Lane County in Oregon. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, rivers, and freshwater springs. It is typically found under rocks and fallen logs. In terms of movement, Cascade torrent salamanders can remain in a small area for very long periods, and they generally move parallel to the streams they inhabit. Living alongside streams leads to a wide range of individual lifespans, because these salamanders may die during severe stream flooding. The species is threatened by habitat loss.
