Fire Salamander

Fire Salamander (Near Eastern)

The Fire Salamander (Near Eastern) (Salamandra infraimmaculata) in the Litani Basin, specifically in Zawtar El-Sharqieh, is an additional indicator of the river’s gradual ecological recovery in its lower basin. The activity of this tailed amphibian serves as a sign of water quality improvement following the removal of many pollution sources, while efforts continue to eliminate the remaining ones.

This amphibian species is characterized by its black color with yellow spots and stripes that sometimes shade toward orange. These bright colors serve as a warning signal to predators, helping protect it from attacks. It also secretes a sticky toxic substance from glands beneath its skin that repels predators and parasites.

Its diet consists of insects, earthworms, spiders, and mollusks such as snails, helping regulate the population of these prey species.

It is mostly active during the evening and night, spending most of its time on land under wood and between stones. The adult female returns to the water to lay her larvae. Protect it.