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Salamanders

Salamanders encompass approximately 500 species of amphibians. They typically have slender bodies, short legs, and long tails. Usually found in moist or arid habitats in the northern hemisphere, most salamanders are small, although there are two species that reach up to 5 feet in length.

Habitat

Salamanders live in or near water, or find shelter on moist ground and are typically found in brooks, creeks, ponds, and other moist locations such as under rocks. Some species are aquatic throughout life, others take to the water periodically, and a few are completely terrestrial as adults. They lay shell-less eggs in water.

Regeneration

Salamanders are capable of regenerating lost limbs within in a few weeks, including tails and toes, allowing them to survive attacks from predators.

 

Salamander Fun Facts

  1. The name Salamander comes from the Greek word for Fire Lizard. This name came about when salamanders came running out of the logs they had been hiding in when those logs were thrown on a fire.
  2. Salamanders are nocturnal.
  3. Some salamander species can be poisonous and some even have teeth.
  4. Some salamanders and frogs have tongues up to 10 times as long as their bodies.
  5. The largest salamander in the world in the Chinese Giant Salamander. It can grow to a length of 5 feet.
  6. The Americas are home to more species of salamander than the entire rest of the world combined!

 

 

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Don’t be fooled!

Here in South Dakota, people frequently find small lizard-like creatures in their garages, basements, or window wells. Often they are told these are venomous Gila Monsters. These creatures are not Gila Monsters, or even reptiles - they are usually common amphibians called Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum). Like all amphibians, they require moisture on their skin to stay alive and often seek dark wet places like a basement window well in hot, dry weather.

Conservation Status

Image of a light green salamander with a white stripe down its back and crawling up a tree.

Due to the deadly chytrid fungus, pollution, and the destruction of wetland habitats, many salamander populations have experienced a dramatic decrease in recent years, causing some species to be listed as endangered and a few to be considered threatened.

Housing one of the largest collection of reptiles in the world, Reptile Gardens is fun for the whole family.  Be sure to take a tour of our Sky Dome and you might just catch a glimpse of our free-roaming frogs, turtles, birds, or friendly snakes.  Head toward the lower levels to see our unique collection of amphibians like salamanders.

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Dog Policy

We love all animals, wild and domesticated. Unfortunately due to a high number of recent incidents with dogs, our insurance company has advised us that we can no longer allow dogs, or other personal pets, on the Reptile Gardens grounds. ADA approved service dogs are, of course, allowed although there are three areas where they are not allowed for their safety and the safety of our animals. We do offer a shaded grassy area adjacent to our parking lot for walking your dog. We only ask that your pet be leashed and attended to at all times. You are welcome to come and go from the park as often as you like to tend to your dog. For more information, visit our FAQ Page

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