CR

Speleomantes ambrosii

DecliningNTEU

Overview

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

Speleomantes ambrosii faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to quarrying activities and urban development in its extremely limited range in the Ligurian Alps. The species is particularly vulnerable to cave disturbance and pollution, as it depends entirely on specific microhabitat conditions within limestone cave systems. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the delicate moisture and temperature regimes essential for this cave-dwelling salamander's survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic salamander inhabits limestone caves and underground fissures in the Ligurian Alps of northwestern Italy. It requires specific microhabitat conditions including stable temperatures, high humidity, and minimal light penetration found in deep cave systems and rock crevices.

Rocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Species managementSpecies recoveryLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Speleomantes ambrosii classified as Critically Endangered?
Speleomantes ambrosii 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 ambrosii faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to quarrying activities and urban development in its extremely limited range in the Ligurian Alps. The species is particularly vulnerable to cave disturbance and pollution, as it depends entirely on specific microhabitat conditions within limestone cave systems. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the delicate moisture and temperature regimes essential for this cave-dwelling salamander's survival.
Where does Speleomantes ambrosii live?
Speleomantes ambrosii 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 Speleomantes ambrosii?
The main threats to Speleomantes ambrosii are 11.1, 3.2, 5.1, and 5.1.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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