Relative Species
The California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense) (listed at Vulnerable), the Barred Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma mavortium), and the Plateau Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma velasci), were all once considered subspecies of A. tigrinum, but are now considered separate species. Genetic studies made it necessary to break up the original A. tigrinum population, even though there is some hybridization between groups.
The Axolotl is also a relative of the Tiger Salamander. Axolotls live in a neotenous state, retaining most characteristics of their larval stage for their entire lifespan. While they never metamorphose under natural conditions, metamorphosis can be induced in them, resulting in a form very similar to the Mexican Tiger Salamander. This is not, however, their natural condition, and dramatically shortens their lifespan.
Read more about this topic: Tiger Salamander
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