Salamandra algira Bedriaga, 1883

Scientific Classification

The North African fire salamander, scientifically named Salamandra algira Bedriaga, 1883, is a species of salamander in the family Salamandridae.

Preliminary Distribution

It occurs in Algeria, Morocco, and Ceuta, and may also be present in Tunisia.

Habitat and Threats

Its natural habitats include temperate forests, rivers, and caves, and it is currently threatened by habitat loss.

Endemism

This salamander is endemic to northwestern Africa.

Confirmed Range

Its confirmed range covers the Rif Mountains and Middle Atlas Mountains in northern Morocco, the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, and the coastal mountains of northern Algeria.

Unverified Distribution Records

Records of the species from northern Tunisia are considered potentially erroneous.

Altitude Range

It occurs at altitudes between 80 m (260 ft) and approximately 2,450 m (8,040 ft).

Microhabitat

It typically inhabits the floor of moist oak and cedar forests, where it shelters under roots and stones, and it is also found in caves.

Ovoviviparous Reproduction

Across most of the species' range, the North African fire salamander is ovoviviparous: females produce 8 to 50 eggs per batch, retain eggs inside their bodies until hatching, and embryos gain nourishment from egg yolk.

Tingitana Region Reproduction

In the Tingitana region, however, developing embryos get at least part of their nourishment from secreted fluids produced by the female, so this population is considered viviparous.

Viviparous Larval Deposition

Viviparous females produce around fifteen larvae, which are deposited in streams or pools.