CR

Sette Fratelli Cave Salamander

Speleomantes sarrabusensis

DecliningVUEU

Overview

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

Speleomantes sarrabusensis faces severe threats from habitat degradation and human disturbance within its extremely restricted range in southeastern Sardinia. Mining activities, quarrying, and cave tourism pose direct risks to the fragile limestone cave systems this species depends upon. Climate change threatens to alter the delicate moisture and temperature conditions essential for this cave-dwelling salamander's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic salamander inhabits limestone caves and underground fissures in the Sarrabus region of southeastern Sardinia. It requires stable, humid cave environments with specific temperature and moisture conditions typical of Mediterranean karst systems.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area managementSpecies managementSpecies recovery

Other threatened species in PLETHODONTIDAE

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Conant's Mushroomtongue SalamanderVU

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VU

Pygmy Web-footed Salamander

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Threatened in Italy

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Arum apulum

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European RabbitEN

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VU

Olive Skipper

Pyrgus serratulae

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Apulian Quillwort

Isoetes iapygia

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sette Fratelli Cave Salamander classified as Critically Endangered?
Sette Fratelli Cave Salamander is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Speleomantes sarrabusensis faces severe threats from habitat degradation and human disturbance within its extremely restricted range in southeastern Sardinia. Mining activities, quarrying, and cave tourism pose direct risks to the fragile limestone cave systems this species depends upon. Climate change threatens to alter the delicate moisture and temperature conditions essential for this cave-dwelling salamander's survival.
Where does Sette Fratelli Cave Salamander live?
Sette Fratelli Cave Salamander occurs in Italy. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sette Fratelli Cave Salamander?
The main threats to Sette Fratelli Cave Salamander are 11.1, 5.1, 5.1.1, and 5.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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