North African Salamander

The North African Salamander is endemic to the mountainous regions of northwestern Africa. Its distribution is highly fragmented due to climate and topographical barriers, with populations isolated in different mountain ranges13.

Distribution of Salamandra algira in Morocco, showing the ranges of different subspecies:
S. a. tingitana S. a. splendens S. a. spelaea S. a. atlantica

In Morocco, different subspecies occupy distinct ranges:

• S. algira tingitana is found in the northwestern Rif Mountains (Tingitana Peninsula), ranging from Ceuta to Jbel Sougna14.
• S. algira splendens inhabits the central and eastern Rif Mountains, from Chefchaouen to Al Hoceima, including recently discovered populations in the Bokkoyas massif which represent its easternmost occurrence in the Rif15.
• S. algira spelaea is restricted to the Beni Snassen massif in northeastern Morocco, where it is confined to a small area of approximately 45 km²4.
• S. algira atlantica is endemic to the northern and central Middle Atlas Mountains, particularly around Jbel Tazekka and Bou Iblane Massif3.

The nominotypical S. algira algira is found in Algeria, across the pericoastal mountains of Annaba, Collo, Kabylia, and the Blida Atlas16. These populations are separated from Moroccan populations by approximately 800 km2. The main distribution barrier separates the eastern S. algira spelaea population from the three other western subspecies.

The fragmented distribution of Salamandra algira is primarily due to its requirement for humid habitats in predominantly arid regions. The main barrier between eastern and western populations is the arid Moulouya River basin, which creates a significant biogeographical boundary13.

In Morocco, Salamandra algira inhabits predominantly humid, forested mountain regions with abundant rainfall. These salamanders are typically found between elevations of 30-2,455 m above sea level, occupying a variety of Mediterranean forest types and microhabitats depending on the subspecies13.

The four Moroccan subspecies have adapted to slightly different habitat types:

• S. algira atlantica is found in subhumid to humid forests and karstic systems at mid to high elevations (600-1,300 m), typically in forests dominated by Quercetalia ilicis vegetation including cork oak, holm oak, and cedar forests3.
• S. algira spelaea inhabits rocky environments and caves in the Beni Snassen massif, at elevations of 600-1,300 m. This troglophilic subspecies can be found deep within caves, as well as in the Mediterranean forest outside5.
• S. algira splendens occurs in diverse habitats from 280-2,200 m elevation in the Rif Mountains and Middle Atlas, preferring calcareous soils in pine, cedar, and oak forests. It is typically found near springs and small streams6. Recently discovered populations in the region of Al Hoceima have been found at lower elevations (around 220 m) in mesic mixed forest with dense scrub15.
• S. algira tingitana occupies varied ecological niches in karstic regions at elevations of 390-1,274 m. The vegetation is predominantly Mediterranean maquis with small shrubs, herbs, and forests of pine and cork oak6.

The species requires access to clean, flowing water bodies such as mountain springs, streams, and seeps for larval development, typically avoiding still waters. Populations from caves and certain high-elevation areas have adapted to viviparous reproduction, eliminating the need for aquatic habitats10.

Salamandra algira atlantica at the edge of a forest in the Middle Atlas.

Salamandra algira atlantica in a cave 50 meters below the surface, in the Middle Atlas.

Salamandra algira spelaea in a rare pocket of humidity in the Beni Snassen Massif.

Salamandra algira splendens in its natural habitat near a spring in the Rif Mountains.

Melanistic individual of Salamandra algira tingitana, belonging to the first genetic clade, observed in a highly humid open habitat currently threatened by quarrying activity.

Salamandra algira tingitana, belonging to the third genetic clade, observed near a stream in a forest of the Tingitan Peninsula.

Salamandra algira is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with populations showing a declining trend. The species faces numerous threats throughout its limited range in North Africa, resulting in increasingly fragmented populations and local extinctions17.

Major threats to this species in Morocco include:

• Habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development17.
• Increasing drought frequency, reducing habitat suitability and breeding opportunities. The species' specific reproductive requirements make it particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts18.
• Water pollution and modification of stream habitats, affecting larval development17.
• Introduced predatory fish that prey on salamander larvae17.
• Emerging fungal diseases, including chytridiomycosis, which threatens amphibian populations globally19.

Conservation efforts for Salamandra algira in Morocco include protection within several national parks and nature reserves, such as Talassemtane National Park in the Rif Mountains and the Parc National d'Al-Hoceima. The species is legally protected in Morocco, though enforcement is inconsistent. Research and monitoring programs have been established to better understand population dynamics and genetic diversity across the species' range20.

The cave-dwelling subspecies S. a. spelaea is of particular conservation concern due to its extremely restricted range and specialized habitat requirements. This subspecies may warrant elevation to Critically Endangered status in future assessments4.