Limestone Salamander
VU

Limestone Salamander

Hydromantes brunus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limestone_salamander

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Limestone Salamander faces significant pressure from limestone quarrying and mining activities that directly destroy its specialized cave and rock crevice habitats. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the delicate moisture and temperature conditions essential for this species' survival in its restricted Mediterranean range. Human disturbance from recreational caving and habitat fragmentation from infrastructure development further compound these pressures on remaining populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits limestone caves, rock crevices, and underground fissures in Mediterranean karst landscapes, requiring specific humidity and temperature conditions. It is typically found in cool, moist microhabitats within limestone formations at elevations ranging from sea level to moderate mountain slopes.

Other threatened species in Plethodontidae

Red-legged SalamanderVU

Red-legged Salamander

Plethodon shermani

Unknown
Tennessee Cave SalamanderVU

Tennessee Cave Salamander

Gyrinophilus palleucus

Unknown
Bolitoglossa lozanoiVU

Bolitoglossa lozanoi

Unknown
Pigeon Mountain SalamanderVU

Pigeon Mountain Salamander

Plethodon petraeus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Limestone Salamander classified as Vulnerable?
Limestone Salamander is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Limestone Salamander faces significant pressure from limestone quarrying and mining activities that directly destroy its specialized cave and rock crevice habitats. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the delicate moisture and temperature conditions essential for this species' survival in its restricted Mediterranean range. Human disturbance from recreational caving and habitat fragmentation from infrastructure development further compound these pressures on remaining populations.
Where does Limestone Salamander live?
Limestone Salamander occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Limestone Salamander?
The main threats to Limestone Salamander are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.