Story perspectives

Rare California Giant Salamander Larvae Discovered in Olema Creek

4/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Michael Reichmuth, a National Park Service fisheries biologist, photographed freshly hatched California giant salamander larvae while snorkeling in Olema Creek.
Patrick Kleeman of the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the finding.
The California giant salamander is a Species of Special Concern, and the discovery yields nesting and larval development insights amid scarce distribution data and a potentially declining population.
National Park Service asks visitors to report sightings to aid research.

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Story summary

Michael Reichmuth, a National Park Service fisheries biologist, photographed freshly hatched California giant salamander larvae while snorkeling in Olema Creek.
Patrick Kleeman of the U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the finding.
The California giant salamander is a Species of Special Concern, and the discovery yields nesting and larval development insights amid scarce distribution data and a potentially declining population.
National Park Service asks visitors to report sightings to aid research.