Salamanders - Are They Really Dirty?

  Salamanders may not be the most appealing creatures to us, as they may appear dirty and slow-moving, but they play an essential role in our ecosystem by contributing to ecological balance. With about 5,000 species known today, salamanders belong to the class Amphibia, which means they can live in both water and on land. They have slender bodies, stout noses, and long tails. Fossil species are classified under order Caudata, while living species fall under order Urodela. Their forelegs have four toes, while their hind legs have five toes. Their skin is well-suited for living in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Some species live entirely in water or on land, while others prefer a combination of both. They have a remarkable ability to regenerate body parts. Mature salamanders have a lizard-like appearance, while some have an eel-like body with reduced limbs. They do not have claws, and some species are brightly colored year-round, while others only become brightly colored duri