Order Caudata 



Also called Urodela, so titled because they have long 

 tail, long body and distinct body regions. The front limbs are 

 similars in size to the hind ones. They lack external ear 

 openings. Both adults and their larvae are carnivorous. 

 Fertilization is internal but there is no copulation. Males 

 deposit a gelatinous capsule - the spermatophore - which 

 contain the spermatozoa. The female places this capsule in her 

 cloaca. This generally takes place in water. The larvae have 

 external gills. 



Of the approximately 392 species alive today, only three 

 are found in Africa and their distribution is limited to the 

 extreme northwest. The three species belong to the family 

 Salamandridae . 



Family Salamandridae 



Some 55 species currently live in Europe, Asia, North 

 Africa, and North America. Generally nocturnal with cryptic 

 habits. Salamandra salamandra is terrestrial and lives in 

 wooded areas with relatively high humidity. This species does 

 not lay eggs and give birth to well-developed larvae. It is 

 found in Europe and Southwest Asia as well as North Africa. 



The two species of Pleurodeles are terrestrial with the 

 exception of the reproductive season, which is spent in water. 

 One of the species - P. poireti - is endemic to the north of 

 Algeria and Tunisia, while the other - P. waltl - is also found 

 in the Iberian Peninsula. 



Fig. 1. Dorsal view of the head of Salamandra salamandra (a), Pleurodeles waltl (b), and Pleurodeles 

 poireti (c). 



