fire fight

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Jeroen Speybroeck
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fire fight

Post by Jeroen Speybroeck »

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.

Image

Image

Image
ThomWild
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Re: fire fight

Post by ThomWild »

Wow! I can't stop coming back to this. Thank you very much for sharing!

-Thomas
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Antonsrkn
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Re: fire fight

Post by Antonsrkn »

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.
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Jeroen Speybroeck
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Re: fire fight

Post by Jeroen Speybroeck »

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.
NACairns
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Re: fire fight

Post by NACairns »

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
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Jeroen Speybroeck
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Re: fire fight

Post by Jeroen Speybroeck »

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
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.
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SurfinHerp
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Re: fire fight

Post by SurfinHerp »

So cool Jeroen!

I especially like Wouter's low-angle photos!!

Jeff
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krisbell
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Re: fire fight

Post by krisbell »

Awesome stuff - I too didnt know this behavior occurred. Makes me want to see Salamandra even more now...
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Jeroen Speybroeck
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Re: fire fight

Post by Jeroen Speybroeck »

Thanks, guys!
SurfinHerp wrote:I especially like Wouter's low-angle photos!!
Me too! :lol:
krisbell wrote:Makes me want to see Salamandra even more now...
You're welcome to drop by any time.
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