urbanization is beginning to encroach on its habitat. Direct effects from logging and disturbing forests with the building of roads and other man-made features are limiting the habitable areas for these salamanders. Other indirect effects from urbanization are those that are affecting the temperature of the environment. R. variegatus is extremely sensitive to temperature fluctuations, having a very narrow range of temperatures in which it can thrive. The salamanders will begin to show temperature stress at about 63 °F. If the temperature of mountain streams and brooks rises over the next few years, the species will either have to adapt or succumb to the warm temperature. In California, R. variegatus is a Species of Special Concern. The composition of the ground in the habitat is also quite important. If the texture of the components is too fine, then the environment would not be ideal. R. variegatus needs large, pebble-like particles to be able to hide and avoid predators. Many concerned people still petition to place R. variegatus in a more at-risk category because of the previously unregulated logging that altered the population. The species will remain at least concern status until the populations become more threatened. See also Rhyacotriton olympicus Torrent salamander References External links Amphibians of the United States Rhyacotriton Amphibians described in 1951 Taxonomy articles created by Polbot