Do you want to support environmental conservation and education, increase state pride, and showcase the unique biodiversity in Maryland? Well, designating the long-tailed salamander as Maryland's state amphibian will do all three!

Here are five reasons why Eurycea longicauda should be a state symbol:

1. Alignment with other state symbols

Black and gold symbols: State Flag, State Cat (Calico), State Bird (Baltimore Oriole), State Flower (Black-eyed Susan), State Insect (Baltimore checkerspot)

Previously, Maryland has prioritized state symbols that match the gold and black pattern on the flag (sourced from the Calvert family coat of arms). The long-tailed salamander is yellow or orange colored with black spots, making it a perfect candidate.

2. Environmental threats facing the species

Threatened species symbols: State Reptile (Diamondback terrapin), State Insect (Baltimore checkerspot)

Listing species of concern as state symbols brings more attention to conservation issues surrounding wildlife. Long-tailed salamanders are threatened by habitat loss and water pollution, issues that have led to them being classified as threatened in parts of their range. Making the long-tailed salamander a state symbol would spread awareness of these issues.

3. Correlation with clean water

Percent area of water in Maryland: 21.8%

Maryland is just over one-fifth water, making it the fifth highest state for percentage of water! Since long-tailed salamanders are extremely vulnerable to water pollution, highlighting their high populations in the state shows that, in addition to large water quantities, Maryland has exceptional water quality.

4. Variety compared to other state symbols

Bay and coastal-related symbols: State Dessert (Smith Island cake), State Dog (Chesapeake Bay Retriever), State Fish (Rockfish), State Boat (Skipjack), State Fossil (Echphora gardnerae gardnerae), State Reptile (Diamondback terrapin)

While the bay is a significant part of Maryland geography, history, and culture, the state is extremely diverse. In fact, it is nicknamed "America in Miniature" because of its wide variety of terrain! Adding the long-tailed salamander-- a Piedmont and Appalachian species-- to the state symbols would better highlight this unique state character.

5. Opportunity to showcase Marylander's amazing state pride

States with a state amphibian: 28

Marylanders have a reputation for loving all of our state's iconic features, from official symbols (our beloved flag!) to... about as official as you can get without a law (yes, I'm talking about Old Bay). So why not join 28 other states with an official amphibian and add another symbol to love?

Last time a bill to designate the long-tailed salamander as the state amphibian was introduced to the General Assembly, it didn't make it out of committee. But you can help encourage our lawmakers to make this a reality! Each signature on the petition increases the chance of a new bill being sponsored, voted on, and made into law!