A salamander is a small newt-like amphibian that has smooth moist skin. They are most easily found under rocks, logs, or near wet areas and mountain seeps. In the Great Smokies the 5 families of salamanders found in the park are Cryptobranchidae, Proteidae, Salamandridae, Ambystomatidae, and Plethodontidae.
The most common species of salamanders in the park is the lungless salamander. Lungless, because they breathe out of blood vessels in their skin and also the lining of their throats.
The biggest species of salamanders ever discovered in the Hellbender which can get up to a foot long. Hellbenders sspend most of their time in water, and have very slippery aerodynamic bodies. 90% of their diet consists of crayfish, and they can live up to 30 years in captivity.
The Red-Cheeked Salamander, also known as, the Jordan Salamander is a species that is only found in the Great Smokies. They are medium sized, and has orangish patches on it's side. It is used a to a very specific kind of climate: 3000 foot elevation, and cool humid air. Since this species is unique to the area there is lots of monitoring and research done on them. 8th graders from surrounding schools do research projects, and observations of the famous "Salamander Hotels" where salamanders are kept in artificial habitats. Students observe the surrounding environmental factors such as the ph of the water, and the temperature of the air. Professionals, and scientists have been also been paying close attention to how this salamander is able to survive in the Great Smokies and what could affect their environment, and population in the future. Click on the link below to listen to a video n the environmental study of the Red-Cheeked Salamander in the Great Smoky Mountains.