Salamander, Giant Prairie

Andraous (Discontinued)    Wildlife    Amphibians      Salamander, Giant Prairie

Thought to have gone extinct over two centuries prior, the Giant Prairie Salamander has recently been rediscovered closer to the heart to the Firadas Prairie. Scholars are now working to set up protections for this species so it doesn't end up on someone's dinner plate.

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

Giant Prairie Salamanders begin breeding as soon as the rain season begins. Females will lay up to 300 eggs a season and a male will fertilize them and guard them until they hatch.

Ecology and Habitats

These salamanders are highly dependent on prairie potholes for their survival. The frequent drying out of these potholes prevent most fish from becoming established, and reduces predation of the salamanders eggs and larvae. They also help keep the salamanders skin moist, and draws in thirsty prey that the salamander may snatch from the edge of the water.

Biological Cycle

The Giant Prairie Salamander is typically seen at the beginning of the rain season, when the adults dig themselves out of the banks of the prairie potholes that are now starting to fill up with rain water. They will immediately breed, before spending the rest of the season bulking up for the next dry season. As the prairie potholes start to dry up, they will dig themselves back into the banks, and wait for the next rain season to repeat the process.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Giant Prairie Salamanders were prized by early Humans as an easy to catch and meaty meal. This would lead to their supposed extinction throughout much of the region. Recently with their rediscovery, poachers have been eager to find these salamanders, hoping to sell them for a high price from those that wish to eat the same meals their ancestors did.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

This species is endemic to the Firadas Prairie region.