The Equestrian Salamander (''Salamandra pyrophilus'') is a furry creature about  20-30 cm long. It is intrinsically [[magical]], resisting fire. Its fur is made of asbestos-like silicate fibre, although the filaments are large enough in diameter to not be a cause of lung diseases. It has biochemical modifications to catalyze the oxidation of carbon monoxide before it gets to the systemic circulation, and thus to breathe smoky air without succumbing. It can also tolerate very high levels of carbon dioxide. It is mildly venomous (a reasonably healthy [[pony]] would not die from being bitten, but might be temporarily sickened) and it is carnivorous, eating mostly arthropods. It also needs a source of silicate in the diet to produce its wool, which it normally obtains by eating various species of freshwater sponges.

CategoryFauna