Why do salamanders need moist skin to survive?

Many salamanders perform cutaneous respiration, meaning they absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide through their skin as well as their lungs or gills. For that exchange to work, the skin must remain damp and permeable. This is why salamanders are usually found in wet forests, under logs, or near streams and seepage areas. Dry conditions can be dangerous because they can dehydrate quickly and lose respiratory efficiency at the same time. Their moisture-dependent biology is one reason amphibians are closely tied to humid habitats.