| Endangered Species: Salamander |
A Christiansburg Elementary Project
Submitted by Reid of Christiansburg Elementary School
Christiansburg, Virginia, U.S.A.
 |
Salamander
Source Unknown
Photographer Unknown |
|
Original artwork by Reid
This original report may be found
on the Radical
Report Resources
pages completed by the Web Weavers
of Christiansburg Elementary School. |
Why Study This Topic?
I wanted to find out what the habitat of the salamander
is and how they produce eggs. I was interested in learning more about salamanders
because I have never researched them.
What Was Already Known
Before I began my research, I already knew that they
are amphibians. I wanted to know more.
The reason they are endangered is because fishermen
use them for bait. However, the main reason for endangerment is because
they have lost their habitat.
Search for Information
I searched in the library, using encyclopedias and
other reference books.
Description of Plant or Animal
A salamander is an amphibian with a tail. Most salamanders
are four to six inches long, but the giant salamander is 10-15 inches long.
Salamanders have short bodies with tails. They
usually have four legs. They also have well developed heads with large
mouths and large eyes. Salamanders have moist skin, just like snakes and
lizards.
They are often brown, black, yellow and read and
have spots, stripes, and bars on their bodies. Salamanders lay 500 eggs
at a time.
Habitat Requirements
They eat insects, snails, worms, and other small animals.
Most salamanders only live in the water in their
tadpole state and then return to it later when they lay eggs. Some live
in the water all the time, but most live in moist places such as under
stones and the roots of trees.
Adaptations
Their predators are larger salamanders and fish. Their
prey is worms, slugs, snails, and other small matter.
They have markings such as stripes and spots to
camouflage themselves.
Reasons for Endangerment
The sources of endangerment for the salamander is
that their predators are eating them, and they have been unable to multiply
enough to keep the species going. The reason for endangerment are that
houses and communities are being built, and also fisherman are catching
them and using them for bait.
Restoration Actions
Some of the actions that people can take are to let
people know that they are endangered and protect their natural habitat
as much as humanly possible.
What Was Learned
I learned that there are lots of species of salamanders--so
many that the number has not been totaled. I also learned that hundreds
of species of salamanders live in Virginia and North Carolina.
Conclusions From Research
No information provided for this section.
Return to Amphibians page.
If you would like to add to these Endangered Species
pages then email your contributions to Christiansburg
Elementary
|
© copyright 1997 Christiansburg Elementary
|
Last updated on March 4, 1998
|