Sites

Sirens of the Savannah River Site - English
URL: http://www.uga.edu/srelherp/salamanders/sirens.htm

The sirens are generally regarded as the most primitive living salamanders. The ecology and natural history of sirens is poorly known. All sirens share a conspicuous basic characteristic: the absence of rear limbs. Another notable characteristic is the presence of external gills throughout life. Sirens are completely aquatic, rarely emerging from water unless absolutely necessary. The absence of hindlimbs and the relatively weak forelimbs make overland travel virtually impossible. But if, for instance, a body of water dries up, sirens are forced to deal with a terrestrial existence.

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Siren lacertina (Greater Siren): Narrative - English
URL: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/siren/s._lacertina$narrative.html

Sirens are most common in ditches, lakes, ponds and other slow-moving fresh water. This nocturnal species spends most of the day hidden under debris or rocks, burrowed in mud or thick vegation. Young are often seen amid water-hyacinth roots. In times of drought they aestivate in mud burrows. Their skin glands secrete a moisture-sealing cocoon over their entire body, except the mouth.

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Siren intermedia: Narrative - English
URL: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/siren/s._intermedia$narrative.htm

Siren intermedia will inhabit most any slow and sluggish body of water that is shallow and with plenty of aquatic vegetation, including marshes, ponds, ditches, and canals. In most circumstances they need a permanent or semi-permanent body of water but they are able to move short distances over land if factors are right or stay encased in a cocoon of slime if drought occurs.

[ eng ]