Description

Reaching a size of 30cm, Pleurodeles waltl is a large species of newt, distinguished by its brown back covered in black spots. A row of small orange markings runs along its flanks, adding to its characteristic appearance^[1].

Natural History

Pleurodeles waltl is a predominantly aquatic species, typically inhabiting deep ponds. However, it may occasionally venture onto land during rainy days in search of a new habitat. Mating occurs in winter, during which the male grasps the female with his front limbs and transfers a spermatophore, which she then absorbs. This process can last anywhere from several hours to a few days.

Following fertilization, the female lays up to 300 eggs, each around 5 mm in diameter, attaching them in small clusters to submerged vegetation or objects. The larvae hatch after approximately two weeks and undergo metamorphosis into adults after four months. Once fully developed, these salamanders can live for up to 20 years in the wild, feeding primarily on insects and mollusks^[1].

These salamanders could be considered venomous due to their unique defense mechanism. They have evolved toxic skin secretions and sharp, mobile ribs that can pierce their own skin without causing harm. When threatened, these ribs protrude, acting as primitive venom-delivery structures by injecting toxins into potential predators. However, this defense mechanism is completely harmless to humans^[2][4].

Distribution

This species is found across the southern half of the Iberian Peninsula and northern Morocco, at elevations of up to 900 meters. Pleurodeles waltl appears to be absent from heavily urbanized regions, such as much of the Moroccan coastline^[1].

Habitat

In Morocco, Pleurodeles waltl inhabits a variety of freshwater environments including deep ponds, slow-moving streams, cisterns, and irrigation channels. They prefer waters with abundant vegetation and can be found from sea level up to elevations of about 900 meters.

These newts can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including slightly brackish water, which has helped them persist in human-modified landscapes. However, they require unpolluted water for successful reproduction and larval development.

Conservation

The conservation status of the sharp-ribbed newt has fluctuated between Least Concern and Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List since 2004. Its populations are primarily declining due to habitat destruction and the loss of spawning sites, driven by urbanization and water depletion caused by both climate change and drainage. Despite its resilience, heavy water pollution—sometimes linked to cattle grazing—poses a significant threat to the species. Additionally, invasive fish and crustaceans prey on its eggs, further impacting population numbers^[1][3].

Find the species in the wild

Information on where to see this species in the wild is currently being updated.

References

1. AmphibiaWeb—Pleurodeles waltl. (n.d.). Retrieved 25 February 2025, from https://amphibiaweb.org/cgi/amphib_query?where-genus=Pleurodeles&where-species=waltl
2. Bruna Azara, C. (1995). "Vertebrados terrestres venenosos peligrosos para el ser humano en España" (PDF). Boletín de la Sociedad Entomológica Aragonesa (S.E.A.). 11: 32–40.
3. IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (IUCN Ssc). (2020). IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Pleurodeles waltl. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https://www.iucnredlist.org/en
4. Heiss, E., Natchev, N., Salaberger, D., Gumpenberger, M., Rabanser, A., & Weisgram, J. (2010). Hurt yourself to hurt your enemy: New insights on the function of the bizarre antipredator mechanism in the salamandrid Pleurodeles waltl. Journal of Zoology, 280(2), 156–162. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.2009.00631.x