The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) announced the release of its newest Wildlife Conservationist License Plate., which depicts a Red Salamander (Pseudotriton ruber).
In 2018, this colorful wildlife species was named Virginia’s official state salamander. Del. Eileen Filler-Corn, D-Fairfax, sponsored the bill at the urging of young conservationists affiliated with Salamander Savers, an ecological-minded 4-H group whose members ranged in age from 8 to 18. This special designation was also made possible through a collaborated effort between DWR, the Virginia Herpetological Society, and many naturalists and teachers, who worked hard to raise awareness about salamanders.
This small but beautiful amphibian, with its distinctive bright red and orange coloration, is found throughout most of the commonwealth. During the spring and summer, adults prefer to live in habitat that is supported by wooded ravines, swamps and open fields and meadows. As cooler weather sets in, they then return to clear, cold springs and small streams where they will reside throughout the winter months. Due to its unique respiration and the ability to absorb pollutants through their skin, salamanders require an environment free of toxins to survive.
The Red Salamander plate is the ninth in a series of Wildlife Conservation License Plates produced by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), in cooperation with the Department of Wildlife Resources. After the first 1,000 Red Salamander plates are sold, DWR will receive $15 of the $25 additional annual fee. The Department uses these dollars for wildlife resource management, research and educational outreach programs in Virginia.
DWR Executive Director Ryan Brown said, “We are very fortunate to have suitable habitat to support one of the Commonwealth’s most brilliantly colored, non-game wildlife species and we are pleased to be able to recognize it on our newest Wildlife Conservation License plate.”
Since launching the Wildlife conservation series in 1991 with the mallard duck plate, DWR and DMV have cooperatively developed the Bald Eagle, Largemouth Bass, White-tailed Deer, Brook Trout, Mallard, Black Bear, Wild Turkey, and Eastern Bluebird plates. All designs in the series continue to be available for the motoring public. Currently, there are more than 25,000 active Wildlife Conservationist License Plates; the most popular plate has been the White-tailed Deer followed by the Bald Eagle plate and the Eastern Bluebird plate.
Wildlife conservationist license plates may be ordered from any DMV customer service center, through the mail or online at www.DMVNOW.com.
