NABU night shift: Emminger fire salamander inspires large group!

NABU night shift: Emminger fire salamander inspires large group!

A night-time excursion into the wonders of nature: 33 enthusiastic participants, including numerous children, gathered on September 4, 2025 at 9:30 p.m. at the “Katzensteig” bus stop in Emming. The NABU Nagold/Altensteig night excursion, led by herpetofauna expert Andreas Schäberle, was a complete success that was not only fun but also educational.

A highlight of the excursion was the encounter with the impressive fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra). This remarkable amphibian species can be immediately recognized by its bright yellow spot and stripe pattern and is one of the largest native tailed amphibians with a body size of 14 to 20 centimeters. Fire salamanders prefer to live in moist mixed deciduous forests and in mountainous areas, hiding in dark cavities during the day and only emerging at dusk, especially in cool weather. Participants were fascinated by the fact that these salamanders can live up to 25 years.

The habitat of the fire salamanders

The route of the excursion led along Wildberger Straße towards Wildberg, where the first fire salamanders were discovered in the tuff stone walls along the way. Amazingly, some of these salamanders were already over ten years old. The Emminger fire salamanders live in a unique special location in Baden-Württemberg, not in the forest, but in meadows. The historic tuff walls, made of locally mined tuff, form an exciting connection between the habitat of these animals and regional history.

Another highlight was the visit to the Emminger Tuffsteinrinne. Here the participants were able to observe the larvae of fire salamanders and alpine newts. This naturalistic exploration impressively illustrated the ecological importance of the habitat and the challenges that the species face in the face of environmental changes.

Why the fire salamander is worth protecting

The fire salamander not only has a striking appearance, but is also particularly fascinating. An important characteristic is its toxicity, which is signaled by the striking warning colors. It produces toxic alkaloids that ward off predators. These poisons are usually harmless to humans, but are harmless to the animals that try to catch it.

Despite its impressive ability to camouflage itself in nature, the fire salamander is endangered by various environmental factors, such as the streamflow and pollution of reproductive waters. The species is protected in Germany in accordance with the Federal Nature Conservation Act and the Federal Species Protection Ordinance - catching, injuring or killing is prohibited by law.

Finally, Albrecht Bosch, the organizer of the excursion, thanked the participants and Andreas Schäberle for their expert support. The Nights of Nature are not only a showcase of biodiversity, but also a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the conservation of natural heritage.

For anyone who wants to find out more about the fire salamander, it is worth taking a look at the complex habits and habitat of these special animals, which are widespread in Europe. For more information, see the articles from NABU, Black Forest messenger and Bioikon.