The Alpine salamander is a fascinating creature that thrives in the cool, damp environments of mountainous regions, primarily found in the European Alps. What makes this salamander particularly interesting is its ability to live at altitudes up to 2,800 meters (9,186 feet), which is quite high for amphibians known to favor moist, lowland habitats.
Unlike many amphibians that spend part of their life in water, the Alpine salamander is fully terrestrial, which means it lives on land its entire life. It hides under rocks or logs during the day and becomes active at night, especially when the air is moist, which helps it breathe through its skin.
A unique feature of the Alpine salamander is its mode of reproduction. Unlike most amphibians that lay eggs, the female Alpine salamander gives birth to live young, a rarity among salamanders. In one of the most extreme adaptations to its cold environment, the development of the embryos inside the female can last for several years, with the mother eventually giving birth to two fully developed offspring. This live birth helps ensure that the young are not exposed to the harsh, freezing conditions of their habitat, which could be detrimental to eggs or newly hatched larvae.
The diet of the Alpine salamandaer consists mainly of small invertebrates, such as insects, spiders, and worms. Its hunting method is pretty straightforward; it uses its sticky tongue to snatch prey that comes within reach. This simple yet effective feeding strategy serves them well in their rugged, high-altitude homes.
Distribution
Albania
Austria
Bosnia And Herz.
Croatia
France
Germany
Italy
Kosovo
Liechtenstein
Montenegro
Serbia
Slovenia
SwitzerlandAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size)/ Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
