Out There

The rough-skinned newt, Canada’s most poisonous salamander, is a genuinely unusual species

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Taricha granulosa

REGION

Coastal British Columbia in mature forests

CONSERVATION STATUS

Least concern

WHY SO SPECIAL

The most poisonous salamander in Canada

COOL FACTOR

The skin of this small newt contains the most potent skin toxin of any amphibian in North America, perhaps the world. The toxin, called tetrodotoxin, is the same nerve poison present in pufferfish that is served as “fugu” — the Japanese seafood delicacy prepared by specially trained chefs. Should a predator grab the newt, it arches its back and curls its tail to expose its bright yellow underside as a conspicuous warning of its dangerous toxicity. Despite this deadly chemical defence, some populations of the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) have evolved resistance to the toxin and readily prey on the newts. (See page 26 for more on the extraordinary adaptability of garter snakes.)