Marmaris Lycian salamander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marmaris Lycian salamander |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Urodela |
| Family: | Salamandridae |
| Genus: | Lyciasalamandra |
| Species: |
L. flavimembris
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| Binomial name | |
| Lyciasalamandra flavimembris (Mutz and Steinfartz, 1995)
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| Synonyms | |
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Mertensiella luschani flavimembris Mutz and Steinfartz, 1995 |
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The Marmaris Lycian salamander (scientific name: Lyciasalamandra flavimembris) is a special type of salamander. It belongs to the Salamandridae family, which includes newts and salamanders. This amazing creature lives only in Turkey, making it an endemic species. You can find it along the southwestern coast of Anatolia, specifically between the towns of Marmaris and Ula. Scientists first described it in 1995. At that time, they thought it was a subspecies of another salamander, Mertensiella luschani, which is now known as Lyciasalamandra luschani.
Contents
What Does the Marmaris Salamander Look Like?
These salamanders have some unique features! The name flavimembris actually means "yellow limbs," which is a big clue about their appearance.
Size and Body Features
- Adult males: They are usually about 52 to 74 millimeters (2 to 3 inches) long from their snout to their vent (the opening at the end of their body). Their total length, including the tail, can be 102 to 142 millimeters (4 to 5.5 inches).
- Adult females: Females are similar in size, measuring 48 to 77 millimeters (about 2 to 3 inches) in snout-vent length. Their total length can be 90 to 149 millimeters (3.5 to 6 inches).
Colors and Markings
The Marmaris salamander has a dark brown color on its back. It also has cool silvery-white spots all over its body. Its tail is a bit lighter in color than its body.
A special feature is their parotoid glands, which are located behind their eyes. These glands are bright yellow. They also have lighter patches right above their eyes. The underside of their body (their belly) has no color, creating a sharp contrast with their darker back.
Where Does the Marmaris Salamander Live?
The Marmaris Lycian salamander prefers rocky areas made of limestone. You can find them living at different heights, sometimes as high as 890 meters (about 2,900 feet) above sea level.
Preferred Homes
These salamanders often live in areas with maquis shrubland. This is a type of dense, evergreen shrubbery common in the Mediterranean region. They also like to live in pine woodlands. These habitats provide them with shelter and places to find food.
Protecting the Marmaris Salamander
The Marmaris Lycian salamander is considered a rare species. This means there aren't many of them left in the wild. Because of this, they are listed as an endangered species.
Threats to Their Survival
Sadly, these salamanders face several dangers that threaten their survival:
- Forest fires: Large fires can destroy their homes and the plants they rely on. This is a major cause of habitat loss.
- Losing their homes: Their natural living areas are shrinking. This is often due to human activities that change the land. Some studies show that many known groups of these salamanders are losing their homes quickly.
- Collection for studies: Sometimes, these salamanders are collected for scientific research. While this helps us learn more about them, it needs to be done carefully so it doesn't harm their populations.
Scientists and conservation groups are working to protect the Marmaris Lycian salamander and its unique habitat.
 | Anna J. Cooper |
 | Mary McLeod Bethune |
 | Lillie Mae Bradford |
