Hidden Jewels

How is gerrymandering like a salamander? In 1812, Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry signed a law that established an odd-shaped Congressional district. It was redrawn by political cartoonists into a salamander-type creature and thus the term gerrymander was born.

I thought about featuring salamanders today after reading a press release about the Smithsonian's exhibit "The Hidden Jewels of Appalachia."

The Hidden Jewels of Appalachia from Joe Milmoe on Vimeo.

Plethodon yonahlossee (Yonahlossee Salamander)
photo by Marshal Hedin

Larch Mountain Salamander (Plethodon larselli)
photo by John Clare

Barred Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma mavortium mavortium)
photo by John Clare

Clouded Salamander, Aneides ferrus
photo by johnvillella

Plethodon yonahlossee
photo by squamatologist

Salamander (salamandra salamandra gigliolii)
photo by Aldo Crisci

Cave Salamander (Eurycea lucifuga)
photo by Greg Schechter

Northern two-lined salamander (Eurycea bislineata)
photo by Dave Huth

Cave Salamander, Eurycea lucifuga
photo by johnvillella

Helping out a salamander migration
How you can help salamanders