biostudies-literatureUnknown14(1)de Rysky EThis research was funded by the University of Tuscia<h4>Objective</h4>Athletic performances are dynamic movements that are physically challenging and often predict individual success in ecological contexts. They stem from a complex integration of multiple phenotypic traits-e.g., morphological, physiological and behavioural-that dictate animal survival and individual fitness. However, directly quantifying athletic performances can be particularly challenging in cryptic, slow-moving species or not very reactive in attitude. Here we present and describe a rapid, simple, and low-cost method to measure athletic performance in post-metamorphic individuals of the fire salamander Salamandra salamandra. While extremely reactive during the larval stage, adult salamanders are, in fact, cryptic and relatively slow-moving.<h4>Results</h4>Forcing terrestBMC research notes399https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8549336biostudies-literatureMeasuring athletic performance in post-metamorphic fire salamanders.PMC8549336Daniele Cde Rysky ERoberta BAndrea CfalseMeasuring athletic performance in post-metamorphic fire salamanders.<h4>Objective</h4>Athletic performances are dynamic movements that are physically challenging and often predict individual success in ecological contexts. They stem from a complex integration of multiple phenotypic traits-e.g., morphological, physiological and behavioural-that dictate animal survival and individual fitness. However, directly quantifying athletic performances can be particularly challenging in cryptic, slow-moving species or not very reactive in attitude. Here we present and describe a rapid, simple, and low-cost method to measure athletic performance in post-metamorphic individuals of the fire salamander Salamandra salamandra. While extremely reactive during the larval stage, adult salamanders are, in fact, cryptic and relatively slow-moving.<h4>Results</h4>Forcing terrest2021-01-01T00:00:00Z2021 Oct2025-04-04T14:09:10.717Z2025-04-04T14:09:10.717ZS-EPMC85493363470235610.1186/s13104-021-05808-0