Ichthyosaura alpestris

(Laurenti, 1768)

Vernacular names
English : Alpine newt
French : Triton alpestre

Classification
Class : Amphibia
Order : Caudata
Family : Salamandridae
Notes : Up to 9 subspecies known. Subspecies validity is questionned.

Identification
Adults can grow to about 11 cm in length with females being bigger than males. Back is black to grey-brown or olive, flanks are grey to grey-blue with black mottling. Males are brighter colored and develop a small crest during breeding.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in Europe, from the French Atlantic coastline to Ukraine, Bulgaria and Romania, south to Greece and southern Italy. Lives in forested areas, streams, lakes and marshes, often at high altitudes.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a very large range and can be found in many habitats. Some isolated populations and subspecies are endangered by habitat loss.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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