Fire salamander

The Fire salamander is distributed in Southern and Central Europe, Northern Africa and the northern parts of the Middle East. The northeastern border of its range passes through the southern part of Denmark, southern Poland and the Carpathians, and the eastern reaches Iran.

In Bulgaria it is found in almost all mountainous and forested places in the country, except for Strandzha and Sakar. It is not found in the Thracian lowlands, Dobrudzha and in most of the Danube plain. In the mountains it usually reaches about 1 600 m above sea level, but it is also found at 2 350 m a. s. l. in Pirin. In the mountains it usually reaches about 1 600 m above sea level, but it is also found at 2 350 m a. s. l. in Pirin.

The largest of the three species of salamander in Greece. The local population is smaller than the 2% of the national population. The conservation status of the local population, which is not isolated within its wider distribution range, is considered sufficient. In the area, the species is found in wet deciduous forests, mainly beech, but also other broadleaf species, with streams and rivers, mainly in northern slopes, taking advantage of the humidity of the forest floor.

The fire salamander reaches a length of 15–18 cm with the tail. The venom glands of the head are well developed and visible, and the limbs are relatively short and massive. The dorsal side of the body is black, with different in shape and size yellow or yellow-orange spots, the abdomen of the species is black, rarely dark grey. The larvae have well-developed external gills and a rounded caudal fin and are most often light grey to black, with small spots on the dorsal side. As they grow, the yellow spots gradually form. In case of severe irritation, the skin glands of the S. salamandra secrete a white secretion, which causes a burning effect when in contact with mucous membranes and open wounds on the skin.

Night active species, but in wet and rainy weather also shows daily activity. The Fire salamander is very moisture-loving and is attached to deciduous and especially to the old beech forests. He spends most of his life on land, except for the larval stage. It is usually active from April to November, but in warm and rainy weather it can be observed during the winter months. Adults feed mainly on naked snails, earthworms and slow-moving arthropods. The larvae of the species feed on small crustaceans and insects.

The insemination of the species takes place on land in the fall, and the female can give birth several times for 2-3 years after that. The reason is that sperm can retain their ability to fertilize in the fallopian tubes for a long time. Females give birth to fully developed larvae by immersion in water. Metamorphosis usually occurs after 2-3 months, but can last over a year in cold and shady ponds.

The main threats for the species are the degradation and destruction of its habitats, improper forest management and the pollution of aquatic breeding habitats by agrochemicals. Also, road vehicle mortality can be a threat to the species.

Least Concern.

Protected under the 92/43/EEC Directive (Annex ΙII) and the Bern Convention (Appendix ΙΙ). Listed as Least Concern in Greece and in Europe, by the Greek Red Data Book and the IUCN correspondingly.