2014 Named the "Year of the Salamander" by Conservation Groups

Hi, Frank Indiviglio here. I’m a herpetologist, zoologist, and book author, recently retired from a career spent at several zoos, aquariums, and museums, including over 20 years with the Bronx Zoo.
[FONT=&quot]Salamanders and newts, often overlooked by pet keepers, zoos and environmentalists alike, are getting some much-needed exposure this year. Led by the Partnership for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, a consortium of environmental groups has designated 2014 as the Year of the Salamander. I’m very pleased, as past efforts, including the Year of the Snake and the Year of the Lizard, have done much to advance reptile conservation. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Even among my Bronx Zoo colleagues, I was considered somewhat strange when I began writing a book on newt and salamander natural history and captive care some 17 years ago. But I have been very lucky, salamander-wise. Perhaps because so few people were interested, many fascinating opportunities came my way. Whether crossing the USA and Japan in search of my favorite species or caring for those in my home collection – several of which are now aged 25 to 35 – I’ve never tired of learning about them, and remain as passionate today as I was in childhood. [/FONT]Read the rest of this article here 2014 is Named ?The Year of the Salamander? | That Reptile Blog [FONT=&quot][/FONT]
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My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with: That Pet Place welcomes Zoologist/Herpetologist Frank Indiviglio to That Reptile Blog | That Reptile Blog

Best Regards, Frank

Quite interesting Frank! The Salamander can finally have the spotlight. Surprising they live that long. Another thread, some people talked about their fire belly toads that were really old too.

One of my lifetime wishes has been to meet a true salamander eye to eye. I kept axolotls for years as a teenager, but they were more or less like keeping tadpoles: they never grew up! I'd just love to see a newt or a salamander in the flesh.

PS. What about the whoppers that grow in China and Japan??? Now those are salamanders! I believe I'd be quite happy just to meet a common or garden salamander, however...

I'm pro amphibian

Interesting as always. Shame people still use the poor things for bait. There were a "few times" I "accidentally" tipped the bait cup over, releasing the captives, er...., bait when I was a kid :54:

That one photo is really nice! How'd they get those images through the glass? Tried to take some pics of Mr. Newt this morning, not so amazing photos (the flash!), but he says hello to everyone on the forum!

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Oh! Mr Newt is gorgeous! Thank you for posting pics of him! If I were ever lucky enough to have a newt, I'd call him Isaac Newton.

The other animal I've always wanted to see is a squirrel (pref. red, but I'm not all that picky). Do you happen to own one of those as well, Kiwibird???

Betrisher said:

Oh! Mr Newt is gorgeous! Thank you for posting pics of him! If I were ever lucky enough to have a newt, I'd call him Isaac Newton.

The other animal I've always wanted to see is a squirrel (pref. red, but I'm not all that picky). Do you happen to own one of those as well, Kiwibird???

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Sir Isaac NEWTon lolololol The little fire belly newts are REALLY common over here in the US. They sell them in pretty much every pet store with a fish section. Sadly, you can find even prettier ones in the bait shops *cringes* Do they not sell them at all where you are?

As for squirrels, I have PLENTY of great big ones I'd LOVE to send you lol. They are a nuisance and steal all the food for the wild birds. If Kiwi wasn't so fond of watching the darn things, I would get a squirt gun to chase them off!

Kiwibird, I love the pics of Mr. Newt! Thanks for showing him
How do you tell if it's a Mr. or Ms?

RavensGryf said:

Quite interesting Frank! The Salamander can finally have the spotlight. Surprising they live that long. Another thread, some people talked about their fire belly toads that were really old too.

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Thanks...some amphibs are surprisingly long-lived; the 35 yr old in my collection is a 4 inch long Black-Chinned Red Salamander; Japanese Giant Salamanders, Fire Salamanders and African Bullfrogs have all reached age 51-53; many toads in their 30's, etc.!

Kiwibird, there are no salamanders, newts or squirrels here in Australia. Which is why I'd like to see them!

RavensGryf said:

Kiwibird, I love the pics of Mr. Newt! Thanks for showing him
How do you tell if it's a Mr. or Ms?

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That's a good question for Findi. I just guessed he was a "he". I know you can determine the gender of reptiles by flipping them over and looking at their vents, but I'm not sure if the same applies to amphibians.

Betrisher- That's crazy, because we have so many of those animals here in the US. But I guess you have your marsupials and wild cockatoos, which we certainly don't have here!