So how does the salamander navigate in the air without wings, flaps of skin or webbed feet?

Scientists at the University of South Florida and UC Berkeley put wandering salamanders in a wind tunnel to learn more about their tricks.

The researchers also gave other salamanders the opportunity to try out the wind tunnel. They didn’t do as well.

OK, who’s ready for the skydiving academy?

The wandering salamander can control its up and down angle or inclination by swinging its long, flexible tail up or down.

To turn while remaining horizontal, he swings the tail from side to side, thus controlling his yaw.

To roll in one direction, it twists its tail in the opposite direction. This is called rolling.

Even steep curves are possible.

See how it dips its foot into the airstream – like a paddle changing the course of a canoe?

And this parachute position slows them down and prepares them for landing.

So how do they manage to land?

The answer lies in their amazing feet. Scientists believe that the powerful impact of landing causes their feet to bend, causing blood to pool in their toes, which swell and stiffen into grippy claws.

These toes are of great advantage to the salamander on its long and arduous climb.

Once it has reached the treetop, it is ready to give this leap of trust again and again.

Hi, it’s Laura. A question for all you amphibian lovers: Why are toads so great at catching insects? Well, they smack them with a super soft tongue covered in special saliva! How special? Watch our episode to find out. See you there.