{"id":44430,"date":"2025-12-25T17:46:11","date_gmt":"2025-12-25T16:46:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/newsletter\/andalusian-salamanders-jewels-of-the-winter-nights\/"},"modified":"2025-12-25T22:46:31","modified_gmt":"2025-12-25T21:46:31","slug":"andalusian-salamanders-jewels-of-the-winter-nights","status":"publish","type":"oikos_newsletter","link":"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/en\/newsletter\/andalusian-salamanders-jewels-of-the-winter-nights\/","title":{"rendered":"Andalusian Salamanders: jewels of the winter nights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"is-style-text-subtitle is-style-text-subtitle--1 wp-block-paragraph\">In the mild nights of the Andalusian autumn and winter, when the air is charged with humidity and the scent of wet earth, the forests of our sierras display a silent spectacle. From among the leaf litter, under fallen trunks and next to the murmur of streams, emerge creatures of legend and unmistakable colors: the salamanders. This article introduces you to the surprising and even exotic subspecies present in Andalusia.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-forma-cabeza.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44375 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"730\" height=\"487\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-forma-cabeza.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-forma-cabeza.jpg 730w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-forma-cabeza-380x254.jpg 380w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Position of salamanders on the tree of life<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Salamanders belong to the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/en\/blog\/amphibians-of-andalusia\/\">class Amphibia <\/a><\/strong>known for their &#8220;double life&#8221; (aquatic and terrestrial phases) and metamorphosis. Within the modern amphibians <strong>(Lissamphibia<\/strong>), they are classified in the order <strong>Caudata or Urodela<\/strong>, which includes about 800 species that retain the tail in the adult state and represent an ancient and morphologically conservative evolutionary lineage. The <strong>Urodela<\/strong> are subdivided into three major lineages: the giant salamanders (Cryptobranchoidea), with three species, the oldest group, with external fertilization; the sirens (Sirenoidea), with four species, anguilliform in appearance and totally aquatic; <strong>Salamandroidea<\/strong>: the most numerous and advanced group, with <strong>internal fertilization<\/strong> by spermatophore, unlike other amphibians, and containing the vast majority of species, with seven families, mostly distributed in North America.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-parotida-800x533.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44399 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-parotida-800x533.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-parotida-800x533.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-parotida-380x253.jpeg 380w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-parotida.jpeg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of these, the Family <strong>Salamandridae<\/strong>, <strong>&#8220;true salamanders and newts,&#8221;<\/strong> has a radiation in Europe and Asia and also occurs in eastern North America. It comprises approximately <strong>150 species worldwide<\/strong>, representing about <strong>2%<\/strong> of the global amphibian diversity. Defining characteristics of the Family:  <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chemical Defense<\/strong>: They have skin glands that secrete toxins (mainly samandarin), used as a defense against predators.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Aposematic Coloration<\/strong>: Many species exhibit bright warning colors (yellow\/red on black) to signal toxicity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Behavioral Complexity<\/strong>: They exhibit elaborate courtship rituals, often terrestrial, with characteristic &#8220;dances&#8221; and nuptial embraces <em>(amplexus<\/em>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-frente.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44369 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"766\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-frente.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-frente.jpg 766w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-frente-380x253.jpg 380w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Traditionally, they are divided into two main subfamilies:<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pleurodelinae (True Newts)<\/strong>: Includes Genus such as <em>Triturus<\/em>, <em>Lissotriton<\/em>, <em>Pleurodeles<\/em> (Iberian ribbed newts) and <em>Ichthyosaura<\/em>. They are mostly aquatic during the reproductive phase, with more hydrodynamic bodies, caudal fins and, generally, oviparous reproduction and aquatic larvae. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Salamandrinae (True Salamanders)<\/strong>: Includes 8 species within the Genus <em>Salamandra<\/em> and <em>Lyciasalamandra<\/em>, mainly distributed in Europe and neighboring regions.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-hembra-1-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44411 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-hembra-1-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44411\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-hembra-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-hembra-1-380x253.jpg 380w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-hembra-1.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Salamander: an emblem of European forests<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The common salamander<em>(Salamandra salamandra<\/em>) is the most emblematic representative of these fascinating amphibians that retain a long, cylindrical tail in its adult stage. With an elongated and robust appearance -it can reach between 15 and 30 centimeters-, it moves with a slow and undulating gait, without jumping like frogs. Its appearance is somewhat reminiscent of a lizard (it was originally described as <em>Lacerta salamandra<\/em> Linnaeus, 1758), but its design is unmistakable: a jet black background with bright yellow or sometimes orange spots. These vibrant colors are not decorative; they are an alarm signal (aposematic coloration) that warns predators of the potent toxins secreted through its smooth, shiny skin.   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-hembra-poniendo-huevos-800x532.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44378 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-hembra-poniendo-huevos-800x532.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44378\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-hembra-poniendo-huevos-800x532.jpg 800w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-hembra-poniendo-huevos-380x253.jpg 380w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-hembra-poniendo-huevos.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What makes it special globally is its <strong>ovoviviparous reproductive strategy<\/strong> and its <strong>eminently terrestrial way of life<\/strong>. Unlike most amphibians, whose fertilization is external and takes place in the water, the common salamander <strong>fertilizes internally<\/strong> (the male deposits a spermatophore that the female collects). But, unlike many other urodeles that perform the nuptial courtship in the water and deposit fertilized eggs in it, the females of this species are fertilized on land and retain the eggs inside. They perform an internal gestation and only go to the water to <strong>give birth to aquatic larvae already developed<\/strong> in streams and springs.     <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-despues-de-puesta-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44402 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-despues-de-puesta-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-despues-de-puesta-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-despues-de-puesta-380x253.jpg 380w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-despues-de-puesta.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some cases, this process goes even further: larval development also occurs entirely within the female, which gives birth directly to <strong>metamorphosed offspring (terrestrial juveniles)<\/strong>, completely eliminating the free aquatic larval phase. This latter strategy is <strong>true viviparity<\/strong>, an extreme adaptation that distinguishes it markedly among amphibians. <strong>Viviparity<\/strong> (or <strong>pueriparity<\/strong>) in salamanders of the Genus <em>Salamandra<\/em> (such as <em>S. atra<\/em> and <em>S. lanzai<\/em>) has been consistently associated with the <strong>scarcity of shallow bodies of water<\/strong> in their habitat, a condition driven by steep topography and karst geology. This association constitutes the <strong>clearest and most direct support to date<\/strong> for the <strong>&#8216;dry climate&#8217; hypothesis<\/strong> as the primary driver of this extreme reproductive adaptation (Dinis <em>et al.<\/em>, 2025).   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-larva-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44408 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-larva-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44408\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-larva-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-larva-380x253.jpg 380w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-larva.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Common Salamander <\/strong>is the <strong>most widely distributed<\/strong> species <strong>of the Genus<\/strong>. It occupies the humid forests of much of Europe, from Central Europe to the Mediterranean basin. It shares the genus with five other species of more restricted and fragmented distribution, grouped in specific geographic nuclei: <strong>Mediterranean Salamanders:<\/strong> <em>Salamandra algira<\/em> (Algerian Salamander, North Africa), <em>Salamandra corsica (Corsican<\/em> Salamander, Corsica) and <em>Salamandra infraimmaculata<\/em> (Near Eastern Salamander, Eastern Mediterranean). <strong>Alpine salamanders:<\/strong> <em>Salamandra atra<\/em> (Alpine salamander) and <em>Salamandra lanzai<\/em> (Spear salamander), endemic to the Alps. In addition, the <strong>nearby Genus <em>Lyciasalamandra<\/em><\/strong> comprises several species of slender-legged salamanders, endemic to Turkey and Greece.   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-cabeza-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44390 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-cabeza-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-cabeza-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-cabeza-380x253.jpg 380w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-cabeza.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What makes Andalusian salamanders so special?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The common salamander is considered the <strong>&#8220;generalist&#8221;<\/strong> species of the Genus, the only one that has achieved a wide and continuous geographic expansion throughout the European continent.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, its history is marked by climatic vicissitudes. The successive <strong>episodes of<\/strong> Quaternary <strong>glaciation<\/strong> profoundly affected a species with a <strong>naturally low dispersal capacity<\/strong>. These climatic and geographic barriers fragmented their populations and isolated their individuals, which acted as a powerful driver of diversification.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The result of this process is an uneven distribution map. In most of continental Europe, this fragmentation resulted in only two main subspecies: <strong><em>Salamandra s. salamandra <\/em><\/strong>the nominal or typical subspecies of Central Europe <strong> <\/strong>with yellow spots on black; and <strong><em>Salamandra s. terrestris<\/em><\/strong> from <strong>Western Europe<\/strong> and occurrence in Catalonia, with two longitudinal thick yellow bands.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-saliendo-de-la-zona-de-puesta-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44414 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-saliendo-de-la-zona-de-puesta-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-saliendo-de-la-zona-de-puesta-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-saliendo-de-la-zona-de-puesta-380x253.jpg 380w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-saliendo-de-la-zona-de-puesta.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In contrast, in the glacial refuge and geographical mosaic represented by the <strong>Iberian Peninsula<\/strong>, a <strong>true evolutionary radiation<\/strong> took place. Here, the Pyrenean barrier, isolation and adaptation to different habitats gave shape to a spectacular mosaic of <strong>seven endemic subspecies<\/strong>, each with its distinctive features, making this territory a hotspot of diversity for the Genus. Andalusia is a &#8220;melting pot&#8221; for the common salamander, hosting <strong>four subspecies<\/strong>, two of them with a majority presence and two others in very specific enclaves. Each is an adaptive response to different landscapes.   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sal-sal-dist-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"has-border-color has-base-border-color wp-image-44396 lazyload\" style=\"border-width:16px\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sal-sal-dist-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"has-border-color has-base-border-color wp-image-44396\" style=\"border-width:16px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sal-sal-dist-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sal-sal-dist-380x254.jpg 380w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/sal-sal-dist.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The distribution of the common salamander in the Iberian Peninsula is markedly irregular.<\/strong> It presents a very clear gradient of abundance and continuity:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Areas of continuous and abundant presence:<\/strong> It is found <strong>continuously and commonly in the humid mountain systems of the north (Cantabrian Mountains, Montes de Le\u00f3n, Galicia) and west (Sistema Central, most of Portugal).<\/strong> Here, humidity and forest conditions are optimal. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Areas of relictual and fragmented distribution:<\/strong> Its presence becomes <strong>discontinuous, scarce and very localized in the Mediterranean mountain ranges of the eastern and southern peninsular (<\/strong> e.g., Betic Systems, Sierra Morena, southern Iberian). In these areas, its survival is linked to specific <strong>&#8220;islands&#8221; or refuges of humidity<\/strong>: gallery forests in deep ravines, headwaters of permanent streams on shady slopes and springs in limestone mountain ranges. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This pattern directly reflects <strong>the climatic history of the Peninsula and the low dispersal capacity of the species<\/strong>. Populations in the south and east are <strong>relicts<\/strong> from wetter times, which have become isolated in the few remaining favorable habitats. This fragmentation is precisely what has driven the evolution of the multiple Iberian endemic subspecies, such as <em>S. s. bejarae<\/em>, <em>S. s. almanzoris<\/em>, <em>S. s. crespoi<\/em>, <em>S. s. gallaica<\/em>, <em>S. s. morenica<\/em> and the emblematic <em>S. s. longirostris<\/em> of Andalusia.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44366 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"690\" height=\"460\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris.jpg 690w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-380x253.jpg 380w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Betic or Penibetic Salamander<em>(Salamandra s. longirostris<\/em>)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>S. s. longirostris <\/em>forms a singular evolutionary unit <strong>separated from other Iberian salamanders by the Guadalquivir depression <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/1447714\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(Paris <em>et al. <\/em>1998<\/a>) and has its own morphological and genetic traits. It forms a clade with <em>S. s. morenica <\/em>and <em>S. s. crepoi<\/em>, which is why it is positioned as a subspecies (Burgon <em>et al. <\/em>2021).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Distribution in Andalusia: <strong>Strictly endemic to the Western Betic Sierras <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/231214376_Comparative_assessment_of_different_methods_for_using_landcover_variables_for_distribution_modelling_of_Salamandra_salamandra_longirotris\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(Romero <em>et al. <\/em>2013<\/a>), with no connection to other salamanders. Its main nuclei are in the Serran\u00eda de Ronda and Sierra de Grazalema (C\u00e1diz-M\u00e1laga), with isolated and very vulnerable populations in the mountain ranges of M\u00e1laga (Bermeja, Axarqu\u00eda) and extinct populations in the extreme east of Granada.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Charla-Salamandras.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"has-border-color has-base-border-color wp-image-44372 lazyload\" style=\"border-width:20px\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"742\" height=\"495\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Charla-Salamandras.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"has-border-color has-base-border-color wp-image-44372\" style=\"border-width:20px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Charla-Salamandras.jpg 742w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Charla-Salamandras-380x254.jpg 380w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 742px) 100vw, 742px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Description and unique features. <strong>It can be recognized by its elongated, pointed snout <\/strong>and large, rounded yellow spots with sharp outlines on a deep black background.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The stain patterns make it possible to distinguish individuals and potentially create a catalog of specimens.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-morenica-hembra-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44381 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-morenica-hembra-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44381\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-morenica-hembra-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-morenica-hembra-380x253.jpg 380w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-morenica-hembra.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sierra Morena Salamander or Mariana Salamander<em>(Salamandra s. morenica<\/em>)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Salamandra salamandra morenica<\/em> (Altimiras, 1947) is distinguished by <strong>small, isolated yellow or reddish spots<\/strong> on a brownish black background, forming a mottled panther pattern or with scattered small macules, especially intense in parotid glands; the <strong>reddish tone<\/strong> of the spots is due to the <strong>partial absence of melanin (black pigment)<\/strong> in the epidermis and gives it a truly spectacular appearance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Distribution in Andalusia: It occupies the eastern sierras of Andalusia and the foothills of Sierra Morena. It has populations in the sierras of Cazorla, Segura, Alcaraz (Ja\u00e9n), Carde\u00f1a (C\u00f3rdoba). In the area of Huelva it comes into contact with the following subspecies <strong><em>Salamandra s. crespoi<\/em><\/strong> y <strong><em>Salamandra s. gallaica<\/em><\/strong>.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-morenica-macho-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44384 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-morenica-macho-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44384\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Crespo&#8217;s Salamander<em>(Salamandra salamandra crespoi<\/em>) &#8211; Testimonial presence<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Distribution in Andalusia<\/strong>: It is endemic to southern Portugal (Algarve, Alentejo) and very close to <em>S. s. morenica<\/em> (they could belong to the same subspecies). Its presence in Andalusia is <strong>exceptional and <\/strong>limited to <strong>some border localities in Huelva (<\/strong> Donnaire-Barroso <em>et al. <\/em>2019). <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Galician Salamander<em>(Salamandra salamandra gallaica<\/em>) &#8211; Testimonial Presence<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Description and unique features<\/strong>: Its pattern is very characteristic, with <strong>typically elongated yellow spots, forming lines or bands<\/strong> (sometimes with orange or reddish tones) on a black background.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Distribution in Andalusia<\/strong>: Its main area is the northwestern peninsular. In Andalusia, its presence is limited to <strong>relict or possibly hybrid populations in the extreme west of the province of Huelva<\/strong> (And\u00e9valo region, Sierra Pelada). <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-rampa-de-salida-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44405 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-rampa-de-salida-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44405\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-rampa-de-salida-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-rampa-de-salida-380x253.jpg 380w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-rampa-de-salida.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>A future under threat: the call for conservation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The presence of these salamanders is an <strong>irreplaceable bioindicator<\/strong>: it signals the health of aquatic ecosystems and mature forests. Their disappearance would be the silent alarm of a broader environmental collapse. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Red Book of Amphibians of Andalusia<\/strong> lists their populations as <strong>Vulnerable (VU)<\/strong>, but their decline is constant and their threats are multifactorial and synergistic.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-ahogada-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44417 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-ahogada-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44417\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Habitat loss and fragmentation<\/strong>: Deforestation, intensive agriculture and urbanization destroy and isolate their populations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Disappearance of water points<\/strong>: The canalization of springs, the abandonment of traditional livestock ponds and the overexploitation of aquifers rob them of essential breeding grounds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drowning<\/strong>: Females cannot swim and drown if they cannot find exit ramps in pools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contamination<\/strong>: Pesticides and nitrates from agriculture poison the waters where their larvae live.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Invasive species<\/strong>: The American red crab<em>(Procambarus clarkii<\/em>) preys on its larvae.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Emerging diseases <\/strong>and <em>Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans<\/em> (Bsal, &#8220;salamander eater&#8221;) virus causing lethal skin necrosis in 80% of infected individuals within days.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Climate change<\/strong>: Reduced precipitation and more erratic rainfall threaten to dry up their fragile aquatic refuges.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Observando-a-las-salamandras-por-la-noche-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44423 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Observando-a-las-salamandras-por-la-noche-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Observando-a-las-salamandras-por-la-noche-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Observando-a-las-salamandras-por-la-noche-380x253.jpg 380w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Observando-a-las-salamandras-por-la-noche.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How and when to observe them (ethically and respectfully)<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Salamanders are <strong>strictly nocturnal and crepuscular<\/strong> animals, which greatly limits casual encounters. During the day, they take refuge under logs, rocks or in subway galleries to avoid desiccation. In addition, their <strong>life cycle is eminently terrestrial<\/strong>. Adults do not live in water; only females occasionally go to streams or ponds to <strong>give birth to their larvae<\/strong>, after which they immediately leave the aquatic environment. This behavior, coupled with their nocturnal activity, means that <strong>adults are rarely seen<\/strong> by the general public, making it difficult to raise social awareness of their critical status.    <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><strong>Location<\/strong>: Wooded areas of Andalusia<\/strong>, Sierra Morena, Serrania de Ronda, Grazalema, Cazorla-Segura.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Season<\/strong>: From <strong>autumn to late spring<\/strong>. Summer is a dormant season. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Time of day<\/strong>: Nights.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Weather conditions<\/strong>: Humid and rainy nights. Humid (drizzle, &gt;90%) and mild temperatures (&gt;11\u00baC). <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you feel the call to meet them in person, the responsibility is paramount. Here are some essential guidelines: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>DO NOT handle them<\/strong>: The permeable skin of amphibians is very sensitive, and their toxins can irritate you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don&#8217;t destroy their shelters <\/strong>for the sake of watching an adult.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do not disclose exact locations<\/strong> (GPS coordinates) on social networks to avoid pressure on sensitive populations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-larva-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44432 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-larva-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-larva-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-larva-380x253.jpg 380w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-larva.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-macho-800x533.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44426 lazyload\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-macho-800x533.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44426\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-macho-800x533.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-macho-380x253.jpeg 380w, https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Salamandra-salamandra-longirostris-macho.jpeg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Summary Sheet<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Scientific name<\/strong>: <em>Salamandra salamandra longirostris<\/em> (Betic) \/ <em>S. s. morenica<\/em> (moray).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Family<\/strong>: Salamandridae (urodeles).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Distribution in Andalusia<\/strong>: Western Betic Sierras (Betic) and areas of Sierra Morena and Prebetic (Morena).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Key habitat<\/strong>: Well-preserved humid forests, with permanent or temporary watercourses or clean ponds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation status<\/strong>: <strong>Vulnerable (VU)<\/strong> in Andalusia.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best time to observe<\/strong>: Rainy nights or nights with high humidity, from October to February.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the mild nights of the Andalusian autumn and winter, when the air is charged with humidity and the scent of wet earth, the forests of our sierras display a silent spectacle. From among the leaf litter, under fallen trunks and next to the murmur of streams, emerge creatures of legend and unmistakable colors: the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":44370,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_joinchat":[]},"categories":[607,611,613],"class_list":["post-44430","oikos_newsletter","type-oikos_newsletter","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-reptiles-amphibians","category-enciclopedia","category-encyclopedia"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/oikos_newsletter\/44430","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/oikos_newsletter"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/oikos_newsletter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44430"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44370"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44430"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g3-guides.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44430"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}