Salamandra salamandra salamandra

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Common fire salamander
French : Salamandre tachetée

Classification
Class : Amphibia
Order : Caudata
Family : Salamandridae
Notes : Up to 12 other subspecies known. Subspecies validity is questionned.

Identification
The species can grow to 30 cm in length for a weight up to 55 g. Body is black with yellow spots, sometimes forming bands. Flanks show vertical folds, wide head. This subspecies has smaller yellow spots that are not arranged in lines.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in most of western and central Europe, east to Turkey and Greece. Subspecies found in most of central Europe, north to Poland. Lives in deciduous forests on hilly terrain, often with small ponds, up to 1000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a large range and can tolerate living in a wide variety of habitats but some endemic populations are threatened with habitat loss.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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