SALAMANDRA (FIRE SALAMANDER)

Contents hide

1) Classification of Salamandra (Fire Salamander)

2) Geographical distribution

3) Habit and habitat

4) General Characteristics

5) Ecological Importance

6) Conservation Status

7) Special features

8) Identification

Classification of Salamandra (Fire Salamander)

Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
Class :- Amphibia (Cold blooded. Scaleless glandular skin. Can live in water and land. Two occipital condyles, Heart three chambered)
Order :- Urodela (Scaleless Amphibia having well developed tail, generally with two limbs, with or without external gills and gill-slits in adults.)
Family :- Salamandroidea (Adults without gills. Lungs present)
Genus :- Salamandra

Geographical distribution

Salamandra is distributed in Europe, Eastern Asia and North America. Eocene to Recent.

Habit and habitat

Terrestrial Salamandra commonly found under logs, stones, cracks and crevices of the old walls.

General Characteristics

Commonly known as fire salamander.
Animal lizard like. Males measuring 12 to 15 em in length. Females longer than males.
Body divisible into head, trunk and tail.
Body coloured brilliantly black with irregular patches of yellow on back and limbs.
Forelimbs and hind limbs well developed and lift the body well above ground.
Head contains mouth prominent eyes and nostrils. Eyes are provided with movable eyelids.
The large paratoid glands are present behind the head.
Tooth-bearing extensions of prevomers along parasphenoids present.
Lungs present. Gills and gill clefts are absent in adults.
Vertebrae opisthocoelus. Inter-auricular septum perforated.

The genus Salamandra comprises terrestrial salamanders found mainly in Europe, parts of North Africa, and Asia. Species like the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) are among the most well-known. These amphibians are notable for their striking coloration and role in their ecosystems.

Ecological Importance

Pest Control:
- Salamanders feed on a variety of invertebrates, including insects, worms, and slugs, helping control pest populations.
Prey and Predator Role:
- They are both predators of smaller organisms and prey for birds, snakes, and mammals, contributing to the food web.
Soil Health:
- Salamanders often burrow or hide in moist environments, contributing to soil aeration and organic matter cycling.
Ecosystem Indicators:
- Being highly sensitive to environmental changes, salamanders are indicators of ecosystem health, particularly in forested and riparian zones.

Conservation Status

General Status:
- Many Salamandra species are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN; however, specific populations face threats due to habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and disease (e.g., chytrid fungus).
Threats:
- Habitat Loss: Urbanization, deforestation, and land-use changes reduce their habitat.
- Pollution: Agricultural runoff and chemical pollutants harm salamanders and their habitats.
- Climate Change: Altered precipitation patterns and rising temperatures affect breeding cycles and habitat suitability.
Disease: Pathogens like Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) pose significant risks to salamander populations globally.
Conservation Efforts:
- Protecting forests and riparian habitats.
- Monitoring and mitigating the spread of diseases like chytrid fungus.
- Raising awareness about their ecological role and the importance of conservation.

Special features

Tail is without tail fin. Body is spotted all over. Some forms like S. maculosa are viviparous. The eggs develop in oviducts. Larva has gills which are sqed before hatching.
Bright Warning Coloration:
- Salamanders, such as the fire salamander, display aposematic (warning) colors like black and yellow to signal toxicity to predators.
Toxin Production:
- They produce skin secretions containing toxins (e.g., alkaloids) for defense against predators.
Moisture-Dependent Skin:
- Their permeable skin requires moist environments for respiration and survival.
Live Birth (Viviparity):
- Some species within the genus give birth to live young, an adaptation for survival in specific environments.
Long Lifespan:
- Salamanders can live for several years, with some species reaching over 20 years in the wild.