Red Salamander

Red Salamander
The “Jewels of Appalachia” exhibit in the Reptile Discovery Center showcases the hidden beautiful treasures in the forests of the Appalachian region: salamanders. The region which includes West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland is home to more species of salamanders than any other region on the planet. Of the estimated 600 salamander species in the world, one-third are found in the United States—half of which live in Appalachia. Visitors can step into the underground world of salamanders and learn about the tiny creatures critical to an entire ecosystem, as well as what Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute scientists are doing to save them. Photo: Amy Enchelmeyer