Lanza's Salamander

Lanza's salamander is endemic to the high-altitude Cottian Alps on the border of France and Italy. It is a fully terrestrial amphibian, meaning it does not require standing water for its life cycle, unlike many other salamander species.

Lanza's salamander was recognized as a distinct species in 1975, having previously been confused with similar salamander species in the region. It is named after the Italian herpetologist Benedetto Lanza, who contributed significantly to the study of European amphibians.

Lanza's salamander is characterized by its predominantly black skin, which sometimes features subtle metallic or bronzy markings. It is a relatively large salamander within the family Salamandridae, adapted to its high-altitude alpine habitat.

Lanza's salamander has a very restricted range limited to a small area of the Cottian Alps, making it vulnerable to threats such as habitat loss and climate change. Its limited distribution means that any significant environmental disturbance could severely impact wild populations.