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The Hidden Life of Alpine Salamanders: Why Can They Survive in Extreme Environments?
The Alpine Salamander (Ichthyosaura alpestris) is a species native to continental Europe and has been introduced in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. As an adaptable amphibian, the alpine salamander can survive in extreme environments, and its unique physiological and ecological characteristics allow it to switch freely between high altitudes and lowlands.
"Although still relatively common, alpine salamander numbers are declining and their survival is threatened by habitat destruction, pollution, and fish introductions."
Alpine salamanders are between 7 and 12 centimeters long. Their backs and sides are usually dark gray to blue, and their bellies and throats are bright orange. Especially during the breeding season, males become more colorful and conspicuous in order to attract females. These creatures mainly inhabit forest ecosystems and migrate to waterholes, ponds or lakes to breed during the breeding season.
During reproduction, males often perform ritualized courtship behaviors and deposit spermatophore (sperm sacs) into which females fold their eggs into the leaves of aquatic plants after fertilization. The larvae in the water will grow to 5 centimeters in length in about three months, and then metamorphose into terrestrial larvae. These juvenile jaws mature into adults in about three years, and in some southern populations, some individuals do not even undergo metamorphosis, retaining their gills and continuing to live in the water.
“The evolution of alpine salamanders can be traced back to about 20 million years ago, mainly based on estimates from molecular clocks.”
The evolution of alpine salamander groups shows their complexity at the species level. Scientists have recognized at least four subspecies. Ancient genetic differences between these subspecies may imply that they may represent several different species. Cryptic species. These studies suggest that early populations separated during periods of warm temperatures or under the influence of sea-level fluctuations, promoting the formation of anamorphic species. Further research also revealed that ecological diversity allows these organisms to adapt and survive in harsh environments.
The ecological niche and behavior of the alpine salamander provide the key to its survival in extreme environments. These creatures typically live on land for 9 to 10 months and return to the water only during the breeding season. Its adult survival strategies include adaptations to a lifestyle of passive feeding during the day and night, and the ability to reproduce in environments that are not too cold or wet.
“Therefore, for alpine salamanders, suitable habitats and migration pathways are key to their reproduction and survival.”
In addition, the alpine salamander's behavior in hunting and avoiding natural enemies is also part of its survival strategy. These creatures feed on a variety of food sources, including a variety of invertebrates and a small number of larvae of their own species. Because their external coloration is sometimes affected by pressure from predators, they tend to display more careful and cautious behavior when feeding.
Although alpine salamanders are distributed in a wide geographical range and ecological environment, their survival still faces various threats brought by human activities, including habitat destruction and water pollution. In addition, the introduction of alien species, such as certain freshwater fishes, may also have serious impacts on their breeding grounds. Therefore, the protection of these organisms and corresponding ecological restoration measures are particularly important.
“Why the alpine salamander can survive in such a competitive environment is a question that biologists are constantly studying.”
With the changes in the ecological environment and the increase in human activities, how to provide a safe living space for alpine salamanders has become a joint effort of scientists and environmental activists. Will the uniqueness of this species and the challenges it faces attract public attention and action?
