A dire situation of amphibian decline has happened in the Netherlands. In the past five years 96% of the Fire salamander population has been wiped out by a new fungus that is devouring their skin.

In an attempt to save the species from extinction, Dutch scientists have created  SOS Vuursalamander and are keeping the majority of the remaining population (only 120 of them) captive until re-introduction is possible. Keeping and treating them is very costly and, unfortunately, the organization has received very little funding so far. The scientists desperately need help to continue their efforts.

Working with Museum Het Domein, RAVON and several partner organizations, I just debuted a new limited edition print to directly raise money for “adopting” for these Fire salamanders.

All profits will go to SOS Vuursalamander and with the sale of one print, 2 living salamanders will be saved for more than a year in captivity. The goal for the edition is nothing short of trying to save these beautiful salamanders from extinction!

Brandon Ballengée
Danse Macabre
2014. Archival pigment print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag Bright White 310 gms
59,4 x 42 cm/ 23.25 x 16.5 inches
Printed by master printer Peter Foolen
Limited edition of 96 prints, each signed and numbered
Price € 150 (about $ 200 U.S. Dollars) + mailing cost

To order please email Simoon Hanssen at Museum Het Domein simoon.hanssen@hetdomein.nl

The artwork depicts two wild Fire salamanders that died from the fungal infection in the Netherlands. The specimens were cleared and stained then photographed while I was in residence at Museum Het Domein this past May.  The background is a micro-detail of ashes meant to recall cremation ceremonies. There are 96 total prints in the edition representing the 96% population decline to the species. Click here for more information.

Please help us save these wonderful creatures by buying a print.