Alpine Salamander
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| Salamandra atra Laurenti, 1768 |
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The Alpine Salamander (Salamandra atra) is a shiny black salamander. It is found in the Central and Eastern Alps, at altitudes above 700 metres. Adult Alpine Salamanders are approximately 9 to 14 cm in length. Their life expectancy is at least ten years.
It is an ovoviviparous amphibian, giving birth to two live young. Generally, at altitudes of 650-1,000 metres, a pregnancy lasts 2 years, and at altitudes of 1,400 to 1,700 metres, the pregnancy lasts 3 years.
A subspecies, the Golden Alpine Salamander (Salamandra atra aurorae), is classified as being Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List 2002. This subspecies has golden or yellow spots on its back.
[edit] References
- Andreone et al (2004). Salamandra atra. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 09 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern
[edit] External links
- Arie van der Meijden (1999-12-30). AmphibiaWeb: Salamandra atra.
