salamandras

Salamandras, or salamanders, are a diverse group of amphibians in the order Caudata (also called Urodela). There are about 700 described species, distributed mainly in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with some tropical representatives. They vary widely in size and shape but typically have elongated bodies, long tails, and four limbs with moist, smooth skin. Many species are adapted to life in moist forests, streams, wetlands, and underground habitats.

Most salamanders have life cycles that involve both aquatic and terrestrial stages. Eggs are usually laid in water or damp environments, and larvae often have gills and a finned tails. Depending on the species, development may proceed through metamorphosis to a juvenile form, or directly to a small adult. Some lineages exhibit paedomorphosis, retaining larval features into adulthood in permanent aquatic habitats.

A notable feature of salamanders is their regenerative ability. They can regrow lost limbs, tails, spinal cord, and other tissues, a trait studied for insights into tissue regeneration. Their diets are mostly carnivorous, feeding on insects, worms, mollusks, and other small invertebrates, with some larger species taking small vertebrates.

Conservation concerns are common across the group. Habitat loss, water pollution, climate change, and introduced predators threaten many species, and several are listed as endangered or threatened. Protection varies by country but can include habitat preservation and legal safeguards.

Taxonomically, major families include Plethodontidae (lungless salamanders), Salamandridae (true salamanders and newts), Ambystomatidae (mole salamanders), Proteidae (mudpuppies), Sirenidae (sirens), and Amphiumidae (amphiumas). Taxonomic classifications continue to be refined as new data emerge.