Animal Species Profiles:

Mammals, Birds, Reptiles & More

Explore wildlife from around the world with the species profiles on WildlifePhotographer. Mammals, birds, reptiles… For each species, you’ll find key information such as habitat, observation periods, distribution, and photography tips. Want more details and advanced features? Download the full app for the complete experience.


Marbled Salamander

Marbled Salamander

Ambystoma opacum

The Ambystoma opacum, or marbled salamander, is a fascinating amphibian native to North America. It is distinguished by its modest size, typically between 9 and 11 cm, and its unique black and white coloration, giving it a marbled appearance. This salamander prefers humid habitats such as deciduous forests and marshy areas. It is nocturnal, meaning it is primarily active at night. The marbled salamander is oviparous, laying its eggs in moist depressions before the autumn rains. It is known for its ability to hide under leaves and debris to avoid predators. Although its conservation status is concerning, it is not currently endangered.
Alpine salamander

Alpine salamander

Salamandra atra

The Alpine salamander is a terrestrial amphibian of the Alpine arc, with a shiny black body and short limbs. It inhabits humid montane forests and alpine meadows above 700 m, feeding on insects and small invertebrates. During the breeding season, males and females meet on damp ground to mate, without returning to water.
Spotted Salamander

Spotted Salamander

Salamandra salamandra

The Spotted Salamander is an amphibian primarily found in forests and wetlands across Europe, particularly in France, Spain, and Germany. It typically measures between 15 and 25 cm in length, although some specimens can reach up to 30 cm. Its body is black with bright yellow spots, making it easily identifiable. The Spotted Salamander is a nocturnal and terrestrial animal, hiding during the day under rocks or in holes in the ground to protect itself from the heat. It is carnivorous and feeds primarily on insects, worms, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates. While it remains relatively abundant in certain regions, this species is threatened by water pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change.
Tiger salamander

Tiger salamander

Ambystoma tigrinum

The tiger salamander is a robust terrestrial amphibian of 15–25 cm (sans la queue), with an olive to brown body marked by yellow blotches and a pale throat. A nocturnal and crepuscular species inhabiting woodlands, damp meadows and pond margins, it feeds on insects, worms and molluscs. During breeding, males produce low underwater calls to attract females to egg-laying sites.
California tiger salamander

California tiger salamander

Ambystoma californiense

The California tiger salamander is a stout-bodied salamander 15–20 cm long, with a black dorsum marked by yellow or cream spots. Endemic to grasslands, agricultural lands and open woodlands of central and coastal California, it depends on fishless temporary ponds to breed, migrating nocturnally from upland burrows. Adults shelter in rodent burrows during dry periods.
Variable Harlequin Toad
The Atelopus varius, commonly known as the variable harlequin toad, is a brightly colored toad species native to the tropical rainforests of Central America, primarily in Costa Rica and Panama. This toad is renowned for its vivid colors and distinctive patterns, which vary significantly from one individual to another. Colors can range from bright yellow to green, with contrasting black spots. Unfortunately, this species is critically endangered, mainly due to habitat loss, fungal diseases, and climate change. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this unique amphibian and its natural habitat.
Alpine newt

Alpine newt

Ichthyosaura alpestris

The Alpine newt is a small urodele amphibian, 9–13 cm long, with a bright olive back and orange belly. It inhabits ponds, pools, and wooded wetlands across temperate Europe. During the breeding season, males develop a colored tail crest and perform a nuptial dance to attract females.
Crested newt

Crested newt

Triturus cristatus

The crested newt is a urodele amphibian, 9–11 cm long, with a dark brown back spotted with bright orange and a black belly. It inhabits temporary ponds, ditches, and woodland pools in temperate Europe, feeding on aquatic insects and small crustaceans with its rapid tongue. During the breeding migration, males develop a prominent dorsal crest and perform a nuptial dance in front of females.
Italian Crested Newt

Italian Crested Newt

Triturus carnifex

The Italian Crested Newt, Triturus carnifex, is a species of newt in the family Salamandridae. It is characterized by its rough skin and prominent dorsal crest, especially visible in males during the breeding season. This newt typically measures between 10 and 16 cm in length. Its coloration ranges from brown to black, with lighter spots on the belly. It primarily inhabits wetlands, such as ponds and marshes, and is often found in nearby forests and grasslands. Although its population is stable, it faces threats from habitat destruction and water pollution.
Japanese fire‐bellied newt

Japanese fire‐bellied newt

Cynops pyrrhogaster

The Japanese fire‐bellied newt is a medium‐sized aquatic salamander (10–12 cm body length), with a dark dorsum and bright red belly marked with black spots. Endemic to Japan, it inhabits ponds, forest pools and slow‐flowing streams, feeding on invertebrates, worms and small crustaceans. Gregarious and secretive, it performs tail‐fanning courtship displays and aggregates in sheltered bays during breeding.
Palmate newt

Palmate newt

Lissotriton helveticus

The palmate newt is a small urodele amphibian, 6–9 cm long, with an olive-brown back dotted with dark spots and a yellow-orange belly. It inhabits temporary ponds, ditches, and woodland wetlands in temperate Europe. Solitary and unobtrusive, it feeds on aquatic insects and small crustaceans with its speedy tongue.
Eastern newt

Eastern newt

Notophthalmus viridescens

The Notophthalmus viridescens, commonly known as the Eastern newt, is a small amphibian native to North America. It is characterized by its smooth, moist skin, typically green with distinctive red spots along its back. The Eastern newt undergoes several life stages, including an aquatic larval stage, a terrestrial juvenile stage known as the "eft," and an aquatic adult stage. These newts prefer aquatic habitats such as ponds, marshes, and streams but can also be found in moist forests during their terrestrial phase. They primarily feed on aquatic invertebrates and play a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations.