Lungless Salamanders

[kitty_b]

My boss (Assitant Professor at a major university) has asked me to look into the acquisition of one or more species of lungless salamander. The lab works on the molecular mechanisms of early heart development, and he has developed a side project (for me to run) that involves the evolutionary/molecular development of a 1 atrium/1 ventricle system into a 2 atrium/1 ventricle system (like the frogs that we use).

He's interested in species that are small (less than 12"). I don't believe he has a preference on terrestrial vs. aquatic. I'm developing a list of more "common" species on my own (literally just started today), and of course I'll seek out information on more amphibian-related sites as well as in the good ol' books. We would be breeding the species that we acquire, so species with information and/or success in captive breeding would be a plus.

So, long story short, please let me know of species that fit our criteria. Also, any direction to informative sites or breeders/dealers would be appreciated. Like I said, I'm actively researching this, but there may be something I miss.

 

[Mushroom Spore]

You've probably seen it, but wiki has a nice list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lungless_salamander

I had no idea there was an actual group specifically called lungless salamanders, that's kinda neat.

 

[josh_r]

there are MANY MANY plethodontid (lungless) salamanders in your area. the best known is probably the slimy salamander (plethodon glutinosus) and relatives are quite common in certain areas. be very careful as to what species you use as many have severely restricted ranges and should be avoided.

 

[kitty_b]

there are MANY MANY plethodontid (lungless) salamanders in your area. the best known is probably the slimy salamander (plethodon glutinosus) and relatives are quite common in certain areas. be very careful as to what species you use as many have severely restricted ranges and should be avoided.

I have no intention of hunting down wild salamanders, though it is great to know there are more species around than I knew of. Given that we operate under strict federal regulations on a state campus, I'm choosing to go the route of purchasing animals from a reliable dealer. Obviously I also need to get permission from IACUC and DLAM to use the species we decide on, but we should have no problem getting paperwork for any species that are "restricted" in this state (such as the Xenopus species we use in the lab).

And I did see that wiki page. Very helpful.

 

[dtknow]

Well, most "reliable dealers" are going to be catching these animals from the wild. So you might as well collect them yourself.

A few do CB, I can give you names...but WC for your purposes is probably best if you only need a few animals.

I reccomend either Plethodon cinereus or Eurcyea bislineata(or cirrigera depending on where you see the 2 line sal). The only issue with these is they are quite small.

 

[UrbanJungles]

Almost 100% of any native plethodonts you buy (unless direct from a breeder) wild be WC. Check with your local USF&W, they may have some displaced or confiscated specimens or they can direct you to someone (institution or private) that is permitted to work with them that may have a surplus. Many museums, zoos, wildlife centers and Universities often have native reptiles & amphibians available for legitimate research purposes.

If at all possible, avoid having one wild collected for your purposes until you've checked around for any available captives first.

 

[kitty_b]

Almost 100% of any native plethodonts you buy (unless direct from a breeder) wild be WC. Check with your local USF&W, they may have some displaced or confiscated specimens or they can direct you to someone (institution or private) that is permitted to work with them that may have a surplus. Many museums, zoos, wildlife centers and Universities often have native reptiles & amphibians available for legitimate research purposes.

If at all possible, avoid having one wild collected for your purposes until you've checked around for any available captives first.

Thanks! I'll look into that.