Autumn's here at last and finally I can post some news with some pictures that are worth looking at!
Long drought followed by some rain = maximum activity, even if conditions are not their 'better than best'.
My previous count record of 240 (over 1.3km) was blown to pieces by a stunning 320...!
Hormone levels were at their peak, with some amplexi and several fights.
Thanks to Wouter for allowing me to post the 3rd picture.
fire fight
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- Jeroen Speybroeck
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Re: fire fight
Wow! I can't stop coming back to this. Thank you very much for sharing!
-Thomas
-Thomas
Re: fire fight
Excellent! These are 2 males then? I wasn't really aware of combat behavior in salamanders, except in some of the aquatic ones. Amazing documentation, must have been a marvel to see.
- Jeroen Speybroeck
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Re: fire fight
Yep, these are 3 sets of two males engaged in a wrestling match. It's a fairly rare sight at my spot, but under certain circumstances it does happen... Last Thursday, five of these fights were going on at my spot, as well as several more at other sites during the same night. If I recall correctly, it happens more often in Salamandra atra and/or S. lanzai than in S. salamandra.
Re: fire fight
Great post! As usual I am in awe of another behavior I am totally unaware of, I really need to buy your book. Can the winner actually exclude the loser from breeding opportunities?
Thanks for sharing,
Nick
Thanks for sharing,
Nick
- Jeroen Speybroeck
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Re: fire fight
Hmmm... Don't think so. Usually, the loser speeds away with the winner in pursuit. There's not a lot known about mate selection but from what I've seen, picky females may be a major element.NACairns wrote:Great post! As usual I am in awe of another behavior I am totally unaware of, I really need to buy your book. Can the winner actually exclude the loser from breeding opportunities?
Thanks for sharing,
Nick
- SurfinHerp
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Re: fire fight
So cool Jeroen!
I especially like Wouter's low-angle photos!!
Jeff
I especially like Wouter's low-angle photos!!
Jeff
Re: fire fight
Awesome stuff - I too didnt know this behavior occurred. Makes me want to see Salamandra even more now...
- Jeroen Speybroeck
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Re: fire fight
Thanks, guys!
Me too!SurfinHerp wrote:I especially like Wouter's low-angle photos!!
You're welcome to drop by any time.krisbell wrote:Makes me want to see Salamandra even more now...