By Staff
March 1th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
A small creature that few people have ever seen has had an impact far out of proportion to its size.
Jefferson salamander
There was a point in the history of the city when protecting the salamander was the reason for an application from a local quarry being refused.
Nelson Aggregates report that “Although no direct or indirect impacts will occur to Jefferson Salamander habitat, an off-site ecological enhancement plan on 4.0 hectares of land regulated as Jefferson Salamander habitat is proposed. These lands are located to the south of the South Extension, on lands owned by Nelson.
“The ecological enhancement plan is focused on improving Jefferson Salamander habitat; improving local landscape connectivity; improving buffering of existing features. The off-site ecological enhancement plan will result in an additional 4 ha of upland forest and vernal pools, which is the preferred habitat for Jefferson Salamanders.”
The communications people at city hall refer to the Jefferson salamander as a “local and beloved endangered species in Burlington.”
Portions of King Road closed from March 12th to April 9th.
On Wednesday, March 12, the City will close a section of King Road to allow for Jefferson salamanders’ breeding migration. King Road, from North Service Road to Mountain Brow Road, will be closed so the salamanders can cross the road safely in their search to find a mate.
Local traffic for all properties between North Service Road and the escarpment will be maintained. King Road will reopen for through traffic on Wednesday, April 9, when the salamanders are predicted to finish their annual crossing.
The City of Burlington has partnered with Conservation Halton since 2012 to protect the Jefferson salamanders by closing a section of road to allow the salamanders to safely cross. They are a nationally and provincially protected endangered species.
About the Jefferson salamander
The Jefferson salamander is found in Southern Ontario in select areas of deciduous forest, mostly along the Niagara Escarpment.
This endangered species spends most of its life underground. When the weather starts to warm up and spring rain begins, the salamanders surface and migrate to breed in temporary ponds formed by run-off. They lay their eggs in clumps attached to underwater vegetation. Adults leave the ponds after breeding. By late summer, the larvae lose their gills, become air-breathing juveniles and leave the pond to head into nearby forests.
Adult salamanders migrate to their breeding ponds during wet rainy nights. They are drawn to the pond where they hatched and can be very determined to reach it, sometimes crossing busy roads to get back to their birthplace.
Quick Facts
- The Jefferson salamander is protected at both the provincial and national levels. It was added to Ontario’s endangered species list in 2011.
- Jefferson salamanders have a grey or brown-coloured back, with lighter under-parts. Blue flecks may be present on the sides and limbs.
- Adult Jefferson salamanders are 12 to 20 cm long. The long tail makes up half this length.
- Females tend to be larger than males. The males have swollen vents during the breeding season.
- Unlike most small animals, Jefferson salamanders can live a very long time; up to 30 years of age.
Chandra Sharma, President and CEO, Conservation Halton explains: “Each spring, the Jefferson salamander’s journey reminds us of the importance of conservation and collaboration. Through our longstanding partnership with the City of Burlington, we continue to support the recovery of this remarkable species and maintain a healthy ecosystem in our watershed.”
Links and Resources
Learn more about the Jefferson salamander
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