Salamanders on the Hunt
In Salamanders on the Hunt, narrator Sir David Attenborough joins the world’s largest amphibian on its nighttime hunt. Learn how sensory nodes make up for its poor eyesight as it searches for prey. This video is excerpted from BBC's Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.
Lesson Express
Q: Describe the giant salamander.
A: It is an amphibian; it grows up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) long; it has black skin with some bumps; it has a long tail; it has tiny eyes and a huge mouth; it is flat; it lives up to 80 years.
Q: Why do you think giant salamanders hunt at night?
A: They have poor eyesight, so light might not matter; darkness helps them sneak up on prey.
Q: What are the advantages of being the only large predator in these waters?
A: The giant salamander has no competition for food; it has no predators of its own.
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In Olms in the Caves of Slovenia, narrator Sir David Attenborough discusses the strange creatures that are found in the caves in Slovenia: olms. They are some of the most specialized creatures on the planet. They can breathe in both air and water and can survive without food for a decade. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Seven Worlds, One Planet, a series featuring remarkable animal behavior from all seven continents.