Despite its wide distribution and abundance, it is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to its susceptibility to infection by the introduced fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, which has caused severe declines in fire salamanders in parts of its range.

They were found in heterogeneous and shallow streams with scarce periphyton (a type of algae) and rich macrobenthos (aquatic invertebrates), characteristic of oligotrophic water.

[4] A 2021 research project investigated the role of physical and ecological isolation in shaping genetic differentiation patterns among populations and subspecies of the fire salamander in central Iberia.

Physical isolation, represented by landscape resistance, played a substantial role in genetic differentiation between populations across all spatial extents.

The researchers proposed a scenario where gene flow between two subspecies, S. s. bejarae and S. s. almanzoris, was restricted by ecological isolation associated with sharp transitions in precipitation seasonality.

[6] The diet of the fire salamander consists of various insects, spiders, millipedes, centipedes, earthworms and slugs, but they also occasionally eat newts and young frogs.

The plastic responses observed were beneficial for increasing encounter rates with prey and optimizing energy utilization in resource-scarce environments.

The study revealed an interplay between phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation in shaping the foraging behavior of fire salamander larvae.

[12] A European study investigated the breeding and developmental patterns of the fire salamander in both natural and artificial caves across various regions in Italy.

Larval development in underground springs and natural caves was found to be slower compared to epigean environments, possibly influenced by factors such as temperature and food availability.

Cave environments presented unique challenges for fire salamanders, including food scarcity and the occurrence of cannibalism, particularly in resource-poor habitats.

However, the study revealed that fire salamanders exhibited strong phenotypic plasticity, which allowed them to adapt and survive in these extreme underground conditions.

[13] The fire salamander's primary alkaloid toxin, samandarin, causes strong muscle convulsions and hypertension combined with hyperventilation in all vertebrates.

Using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, the researchers analyzed individual specimens from two populations of fire salamanders and observed a high degree of intraspecific variability in the ratio of samandarine to samandarone in the skin secretion.

Particularly noteworthy was the finding that the larvae found in the oviducts of gravid females were entirely free of alkaloids, and their skin lacked the typical granular glands that are present in adult salamanders.

[15] A research team conducted a comprehensive study investigating the impact of mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) on endangered Near Eastern fire salamander (S. infraimmaculata) larvae in Israel.

The research was conducted through a combination of field surveys and a mesocosm experiment to understand the potential threat posed by mosquitofish to the native amphibian population.

The results supported the field observations, showing that mosquitofish had a significant negative impact on salamander survival, size, and body condition.

[16] Importantly, the study revealed that increased structural complexity (artificial vegetation) did not provide a refuge for the salamander larvae against mosquitofish predation, contrary to expectations.

Efforts to remove mosquitofish from Salamandra-breeding sites are recommended to safeguard the long-term persistence of the fire salamander population and protect against potential ecological disruptions caused by invasive fish species.

[16] In parts of its range, the fire salamander has become highly endangered by the spread of the introduced chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, which has had catastrophic effects on its population.

In 2013, the cause of the decline was officially identified as a new chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), likely introduced to Europe from east Asia via captive amphibians.

Dramatic declines have been noted in all affected populations, and some may eventually be entirely extirpated, although at most known sites, fire salamanders persist at low numbers even after disease outbreak, and in one case appear to have recovered.

[19][20] In 2023, the fire salamander was officially moved from 'Least Concern' to 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List, relating to the past and predicted future declines in the species.