>>The Shenandoah salamander.

(bright subtle music) In a region home to the highest diversity of salamanders on the planet, this species is one of a kind, found nowhere else on Earth.

(bright subtle music) With his distinctively narrow yellow stripe, this salamander emerges from the dark, hunting for flies, beetles, and other unsuspecting prey.

But he can't stray too far.

(bright subtle music) As one of the most geographically restricted vertebrates in the world, the Shenandoah salamander has adapted to a tiny niche atop only three mountains in Shenandoah.

(bright subtle music) Often bathed in fog, his high-elevation home provides a cool, wet environment, essential for his survival.

(bright subtle music) With no lungs to breathe, his moist skin lets oxygen diffuse through his pores and into his bloodstream so he can respire.

(bright subtle music) But as climate change drives fog to higher altitudes and their fragile habitat continues to shrink, the Shenandoah salamander has become federally endangered, but this creature's will to survive remains strong.

Today, he focuses on his more immediate goal, finding food.

(bright subtle music) Throughout his search, he must maintain his body temperature.

As the hot midday sun breaks through the clouds, he must retreat underground to prevent his skin from drying out.

There, the cool moisture of the soil offers much needed relief, and a safe hideout until the fog returns.

(bright subtle music) (bright gentle music)