How do spotted salamanders look and where do they occur?
The spotted salamander inhabits southern and central-western Europe. It is a symbol of the Kaczawskie Foothills – it occurs here especially abundantly!
Individuals grow to about 20 cm in length, have a broad, rounded head, a round tail, and it is shorter than the rest of the body. ts most characteristic feature is its colouring – on the black body, there are numerous yellow or orange spots, which serve as a warning signal to potential predators. Each salamander is colored differently; you won’t find two identical ones anywhere!
They live on land, not necessarily near water – you can find them in damp deciduous forests, clearings, stream valleys, and even in agricultural areas. They prefer significant shade and high humidity in the air.
This amphibian leads a solitary lifestyle and is a predator – it feeds on small invertebrates and naked snails. It only hunts at night or during warm, cloudy, and rainy days. It doesn’t tolerate heat well. It moves quite slowly and, when threatened, it doesn’t flee but instead freezes in place. It swims poorly. Around the turn of October and November, it goes into hibernation, and you can encounter it again in March.
Contrary to the associations that its elongated body and tail may evoke, the salamander is not a lizard but an amphibian. Its name comes from the Persian language and means “living in fire.” The superstition about its supposed birth from fire likely arose because when people lit fires, they could observe salamanders fleeing and hiding among the branches.
Is the spotted salamander venomous?
In case of danger, it remains motionless, and when attacked, it secretes a toxic and irritant substance called salamandrin. For humans, it is relatively non-dangerous.
Where and when is the best time to observe salamanders?
In the Land of Extinct Volcanoes, it’s best to go salamander watching in early spring when their breeding activity occurs. It’s best to choose a humid or rainy, warm day.
You can encounter salamanders in places such as:
- in Lipa Gorge
- in Siedmica Gorge
- in “Nad Groblą” Gorge
How to observe salamanders?
- salamanders are best spotted during a walk near a stream
- you can approach them closely, and it’s relatively easy to take photos of them because they don’t run away
Remember not to touch or scare the animals during observation, and when walking in a nature reserve, stay on the designated trail. Spotted salamanders are protected!
