Salamanders

Description

Salamanders are a group of amphibians in the order Caudata [1]. There are over 740 species of salamander in 10 families [1]. Salamanders are characterized as amphibians which have tails as adults [1]. Salamanders are typically small animals, usually reaching no more than 4 to 6 inches when fully grown [1]. There are notable exceptions however, with some species, reaching much larger sizes. Most notably, the Japanese giant salamander can reach up to 5.6 feet in length [1]. Other well known examples of salamanders include axolotls, hellbenders, sirens, and newts [1]. Salamanders can be found in temperate and tropical climates worldwide, with most of their diversity occurring in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere [1].

Habitat and Range

Salamanders can be found throughout almost the entire northern hemisphere with the one exception being the Amazon basin in South America [3]. The greatest amount of salamander diversity can be found in the United states, with all but one of the families being found there, the Hynobiidae or Asiatic salamanders [2]. All species of salamanders require access to a nearby water source, as it is essential for them to keep their skin moist in order to survive [2]. Some groups, particularly newts, spend most of their time out of the water while others, such as hellbenders, are almost fully aquatic [2]. Some other species are cave specialists and spend most, if not all of their lives in total darkness [4].

References

[1] salamander | Species, lifestyle, & facts. (n.d.).. https://www.britannica.com/animal/salamander

[2] Facts About Salamanders | Live Science. 2015, October 29.. https://www.livescience.com/52627-salamanders.html

[3] Caudata | Characteristics & Facts | Britannica. (n.d.).. https://www.britannica.com/animal/Caudata

[4] Salamander and Newt | San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants. (n.d.).. https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/salamander-and-newt#:~:text=HABITAT%20AND%20DIET,dug%20in%20the%20damp%20earth.