Large alpine salamander  (Salamandra lanzai)

Biology

Little is known of the ecology of this unusual alpine amphibian. It is active during summer, from May to October when it is typically nocturnal or crepuscular. In times of heavy rain it may become active during the day (2). It is a territorial species (5) and feeds on a broad range of land invertebrates, sometimes also living in the water (6). In periods of bad weather, individuals take refuge under rocks or in crevices (2).

Very little is known of the reproductive behaviour of this salamander. They are thought to mate towards the end of summer. Between one and six young are produced, after a gestation period of up to three years (4). There is no ‘tadpole’ stage; instead, the young salamanders are immediately adapted to terrestrial life (2). Sexual maturity is reached at around eight years of age (5) and individuals can live for over 20 years (7).

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