Salamandridae

Salamandridae is a family of amphibians in the order Caudata that includes the true salamanders and the newts. Members are distributed across Eurasia and North Africa, with several species extending into North America. They display a range of life histories and occupy a variety of habitats, from forests and wetlands to streams and ponds. Adults generally have robust bodies, often rough or granular skin, and laterally compressed tails. Many salamandrids produce toxins in their skin as a chemical defense, and coloration in some species serves as a warning to predators.

Taxonomy and diversity: The family is traditionally divided into two extant subfamilies: Salamandrinae (true salamanders) and Pleurodelinae (newts). Genera commonly cited within these groups include Salamandra and Taricha among the true salamanders, and Triturus, Lissotriton, Cynops, Paramesotriton, and Notophthalmus among the newts. Taxonomic revisions are common, and the exact composition of genera and species varies with new research.

Ecology and life history: Salamandrids range from largely terrestrial adults to those that are aquatic for much of their lives. Reproduction typically requires water; eggs are laid in aquatic or moist environments, and the larvae are aquatic before metamorphosis. Some species exhibit paedomorphosis, retaining larval features into adulthood. Diet consists mainly of invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans, and worms.

Conservation and threats: Many salamandrids face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and collection. Emerging diseases, notably chytrid infections and other pathogens, also pose risks to certain populations. The conservation status of species within Salamandridae ranges from Least Concern to Critically Endangered, highlighting the need for habitat protection and monitoring.