Tess O'Malley- Berry Cave Salamander magnet

The Berry Cave Salamander is the largest cave-dwelling salamander in North America at more than 9 inches in length, and they are extremely rare; they are only found in a series of caves in the Knoxville Metropolitan area of Tennessee. These salamanders mainly feast on water insects, and sometimes other salamanders.

Sales from this one-of-a-kind artwork will benefit the Ijams Nature Center, home of the Berry Cave Salamander.

The Berry Cave Salamander is currently listed as a candidate species for protection under the Endangered Species Act, as threats to the species' survival include water quality impacts from residential & commercial development, and siltation and sedimentation from deforestation in the surrounding habitat. 

Sadly, a few of these salamanders have been discovered with chemical burns due to the pH levels of the water reaching 10-12, which has similar effects as bleach. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has until August 2029 to decide whether the Berry Cave salamander qualifies for protective measures.

Should Berry Cave salamanders be granted protection under the Endangered Species Act, it will also mean that there will be more funding to improve Tennessee’s drinking water quality in general.

PLEASE NOTE: Each magnet is individually sculpted and glazed fully by hand, no two charms are identical. As there are 3 pieces available, you will receive a magnet at random if you choose to purchase.

1.4 inch diameter, 0.5 inch height

Original reference photo (slide 6) taken by Matthew Niemiller.

50% of the proceeds of this piece will be donated to Ijams Nature Center to support their conservation efforts. To learn more about their work please visit https://www.ijams.org/

To see more of Tess's work be sure to follow on Instagram @artesstry