Image of Fire Salamander

Description:

I would not normally handle a tadpole like this, but this was a remote location and I didn't have a scoop net or a container, and I wanted to ID the tadpole so I could provide accurate information. The tadpole was only taken out of water for a few seconds and was never allowed to dry. I have since pinpointed the location to a research group working with the conservation of small water bodies. Typical Salamandra salamandra tadpole, with big eyes, a tail round end and a caudal membrane that starts only half-way of the body.