Small-mouthed salamander (Ambystoma texanum) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 11
Special Significance of the Species
Ambystoma texanum has been present on Pelee Island for a very long time and the Island salamanders are most likely descended from migrants that came to the Island when it was connected to the Ohio mainland. Pelee Island is the only Canadian locality for Ambystoma texanum and the preservation of this species is deemed to be important to maintain and preserve the natural diversity of Canadian fauna. In addition to this worthy endeavor, the existence and diversity of genomic hybrids on Pelee Island depend on the continued existence of A. texanum. The very interesting and complex interaction of A. texanum, A. laterale, and genomic hybrids appear to be unique to Pelee Island and it is important to maintain and to study this assemblage of genetic forms that might represent a unique biological phenomenon.
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