Ambrosi's Cave Salamander

Ambrosi's cave salamander (Speleomantes ambrosii) is native to a strictly restricted range in the Liguria region of northwestern Italy. It exclusively inhabits the limestone caves, rocky crevices, and subterranean environments of this area.

It is a completely lungless amphibian belonging to the family Plethodontidae. It relies entirely on cutaneous respiration, meaning it absorbs oxygen directly from the humid cave air through its moist skin.

Because the species is endemic to such a small geographic range in Italy, it is considered highly vulnerable to habitat disruption. Changes to the microclimate of its limestone caves or groundwater pollution pose severe threats to its survival.

While they are called cave salamanders, they can also be found in the surrounding damp, shaded rocky crevices outside of caves. However, they must retreat deep underground during extreme temperature shifts or dry seasons to keep their skin wet.