Caucasian Salamander
Mertensiella caucasica
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caucasian_salamander
Overview
The Caucasian salamander is a species of stream-dwelling salamander in the family Salamandridae. This is a salamander of medium size, with a thin, elongated body. It is a relict species, endemic to the south-western Caucasus, in Georgia and Turkey. The subspecies M. c. janashvilii is found at Mt. Mtirala near Batumi and probably along the Black Sea coast.
The Caucasian Salamander faces significant threats from habitat degradation and fragmentation due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development across its limited range in the Caucasus region. Climate change poses additional risks by altering the cool, moist conditions essential for this species' survival, while pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development further degrades water quality in breeding habitats.
Habitat
Inhabits cool, moist deciduous and mixed forests in mountainous regions of the Caucasus, typically found under logs, stones, and leaf litter near streams and springs at elevations between 400-2,000 meters. The species requires permanent or semi-permanent water sources for breeding and depends on stable forest microhabitats with high humidity levels.
Other threatened species in Salamandridae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Caucasian Salamander classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Caucasian Salamander live?
What are the main threats to Caucasian Salamander?
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