#salamander

A new species of the Giant Salamander genus Andrias (Amphibia, Urodela, Cryptobranchidae) from Yuexi, Anhui, China

Zhihao Jiang, Ruyi Huang, Jingjing Yang, Kai Zhao, Yixue Zhang, Tierui Zhang, Yucai Zhang, Jun Chu, Jinmin Chen, Song Huang

Abstract

Chinese giant salamanders (genus Andrias), encompassing the largest extant amphibian species in the world, are widespread in China. Several molecular studies have shown that there are several undescribed species of Andrias. A new species, Andrias yaoluopingensis sp. nov., is described, based on mitochondrial genomes and morphological characteristics from Yuexi County, Anqing City, Anhui Province, China. Morphologically, the new species is characterised by the combination of seven external characters: (1) head and trunk flat, head slightly longer than wide; (2) tubercles above the orbit few and irregularly distributed; (3) eye diameter longer than naris diameter; (4) lateral neck fold discontinuous with body fold at fore-limb insertion; (5) interdigital webbing slightly present; (6) finger length formula FIII > FII > FI > FIV; and (7) dorsum tan in life, darker blotches present on trunk. Molecularly, the new species and an undescribed clade (identified in previous studies) of Andrias form an independent clade with strong support (1.00/100) in the phylogenetic trees, based on mitochondrial genomes. The number of species in Andrias now reaches six, but cryptic species richness in the Chinese giant salamanders deserves further attention.

Read the paper here:

Innovative efforts salvage breeding season for threatened salamanders

More than 1,600 young Threatened frosted flatwoods salamanders reached the landscape this year despite one of the most severe droughts on record in parts of the Southeast. With seasonal wetlands failing to fill and natural reproduction largely disrupted, biologists implemented innovative recovery strategies that helped salvage a breeding season that otherwise may have largely failed. The Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (ARC), a national nonprofit dedicated to conserving imperiled wildlife, led the effort in Florida and Georgia, adapting recovery strategies as drought conditions intensified this spring...

Oviedo Fire Salamander (Salamandra s. bernardezi), family Salamandridae, northern Spain

This subspecies of the Fire Salamander gives live birth to fully formed terrestrial offspring!!!

This subspecies is also highly variable in pattern and coloration.

Marbled Newt (Triturus marmoratus), male, family Salamandridae, northern Spain