PHOTOS: Searching for Endangered Salamanders

’s program "Search for the Eastern Tiger Salamander" was moved up from its original scheduled date of Feb. 25 to Feb. 18 and had great results. Herpetologist and program leader Andy Sabin suggested moving the date up due to heavy rains to increase the probability of seeing this New York State endangered species, the Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum), as it makes its way from its terrestrial habitat to ephemeral ponds to breed. Led by SoFo President Sabin, SoFo Executive Director Frank Quevedo and SoFo nature educator Lindsey Rohrbach, 35 participants made their way through the nighttime darkened woods in Sagaponack. Sabin entered the pond with his spotlight and within five minutes a tiger salamander was spotted, netted and brought to shore for all to witness and appreciate.  A total of three tiger salamanders  were brought to shore that evening and after Lindsey educated the group about this strikingly beautiful amphibian, she slowly made her way back to the pond and released them.  It was a magical evening.