#salamanders

This emergency need is compounded by the government mass firing of conservation officials and the pulling of funds from many of the country's conservation organizations.

If you can help please donate here:

Key points from the Amphibian Foundation.

Our building will be demolished in 2026, and we need to identify a new location (or locations) for 7 labs and over 1,000 animals, many of which are endangered and part of critical conservation programs.

We've identified a new location for most of AF, but not our research and conservation programs. We have an amazing lead, but it's not confirmed yet.

Our first fundraising project is the AF Emergency Fund as the minimum cost estimates to move this many labs and animals safely is $50,000. (It costs about 50 USD per animal to move them)

If you can't donate.. please share... here.. and everywhere else.

A pair of marbled salamanders (Ambystoma opacum) in North Florida, USA

Salamandrina perspicillata, commonly known as the northern spectacled salamander or Savi's salamander, is a peculiar species that can be found only in Italy.

Above: the northern spectacled salamander assuming a defensive pose

When the salamander feels threatened, it will often deploy a defense mechanism known as the unken reflex -- it curls its tail up over its body and arches its back, exposing the bright red markings that run along the underside of its tail, legs, and cloaca.

Above: the belly of the beast

These aposematic markings serve as a warning to potential predators by signalling that the salamander is noxious or unpalatable.

Above: this guy might be trying a little too hard

The males of this species have also been known to stand in an upright position while searching for a mate, using their tails to support themselves as they stand on their hind legs.

Above: a male standing in an upright position

The northern spectacled salamander is quite small, with a total length of just 80-90mm (about 3 to 3.5 inches) from the tip of its nose to the end of the tail. According to this article:

It prefers cool, shady habitats rich in natural refuges: broadleaf woodlands, moist valleys, and stream edges with little current. It can be found among leaf litter, under logs and stones, in rock crevices, caves, and natural cavities.

It is especially connected to microhabitats with abundant vegetation cover and the presence of temporary water reservoirs—environments that ensure the survival of both terrestrial adults and aquatic larvae

Above: the females laying their eggs underwater

The adult males are completely terrestrial, dwelling only on land, but the females lay their eggs underwater. The hatchlings then remain in the water for 2-4 months before emerging onto land.

Sources & More Info:

The Salamanders of Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa: The Northern Spectacled Salamander

Herpeto Savona: Salamandrina perspicillata

Newts and Salamanders of Europe: Unken Reflex

Illustrated Encyclopedia of Wildlife: Spectacled Salamander

The Tailed Amphibians of Europe: Genus Salamandrina