Caudata

Caudata, also known as Urodela, is an order of amphibians containing the salamanders and newts. They are characterized by their elongated bodies, tails, and typically four limbs of roughly equal size. The presence of a tail in both larval and adult stages distinguishes them from frogs and toads (order Anura).

Salamanders are found predominantly in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, although some species occur in the tropics of Central and South America. Their habitats range from aquatic environments, such as streams, ponds, and lakes, to terrestrial environments, including forests, woodlands, and grasslands.

Salamanders exhibit a wide range of life history strategies. Some species undergo complete metamorphosis, transforming from aquatic larvae with gills into terrestrial adults. Others exhibit paedomorphosis, retaining larval characteristics such as gills into adulthood. Some species are entirely terrestrial, hatching directly from eggs laid on land.

Salamanders are primarily carnivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates, and sometimes small vertebrates, depending on their size and habitat. They often use their sticky tongues to capture prey.

Many salamander species are facing population declines due to habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and disease. Conservation efforts are underway to protect salamanders and their habitats.