How to Care for Arboreal Salamanders

Arboreal salamanders are fascinating creatures that live in wooded areas in the wild. They are native to the California coast area, and these salamanders prefer a moist environment with trees and plenty of organic material to hide beneath. To keep these animals in captivity, you must give them a proper habitat to live in. This will include specific bedding, the right temperature and moisture levels, and the correct food to keep the salamander happy and healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Vivarium habitat
  • Bedding materials (moss, bark, etc.)
  • Rocks and sticks
  • Insects
  • Water to mist
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a suitable habitat for your arboreal salamander. Because these creatures live on moist forest floors in the wild, give your salamander a vivarium habitat with organic materials such as moss, bark, plants, sand and peat. Keep these materials wet, but not soaking wet. Add sticks and rocks to give the salamander places to hide and climb.

    • 2

      Light your salamander's habitat with a lamp if you have plants. Otherwise, natural light is enough for the salamander because it is mostly nocturnal anyway. Just be sure to not place the habitat in direct sunlight.

    • 3

      Feed the salamander a diet of live insects, such as small crickets, fruit flies and waxworms. Offer food twice a day. Water the salamander by misting its habitat, preferably twice a day.

    • 4

      Clean the habitat a few times a month. When you are changing out bedding, you might need to handle the salamander. Be sure your hands are wet, and touch the animal very gently. Don't hold for longer than necessary.