Speleomantes strinatii

S. strinatii is a completely terrestrial plethodontid, meaning that they are a fully land-based species. S. strinatii is one of seven species of plethodontid salamanders found in southern Europe. S. strinatii can vary widely in size. S. strinatii is highly sexually dimorphic. Male S. strinatii average about in length, and can grow to up to long. Females average about and have been observed at a maximum length of . S. strinatii have an oval-shaped head, a rounded snout, and a slight overbite that is more pronounced in males. ''S. strinatii's'' hind limbs are slightly longer than their front limbs. The salamanders' hind feet have five digits each, and their front feet only have four digits. The S. strinatii also have highly variable coloration and patterns. S. strinatii are commonly brown and black in color. However, some of these salamanders have different patterns on their skin, such as spots, blotches, or striped reticular patterns in red, yellow, gray, green, or metallic sheen. ==Habitat and distribution==

S. strinatii are found in the Southeast region of France as well as in Northwest Italy. This species ranges from Alpes de Haute Provence to Northwest Tuscany, through the Maritime Alps, Ligurian Alps, and Ligurian Apennines. S. strinatii are commonly found at above sea level. However, in the Maritime Alps, S. strinatii have been observed at a higher elevation of . S. strinatii are not obligate cave dwellers. For example, during times of extreme heat, S. strinatii retreat to underground environments that are cooler and more comfortable. S. strinatii can be active throughout the year. They prefer humid environments, such as the caves for which they are named. The salamander is found in caves, crevices, and other cavities from late spring to summer. == Conservation ==

S. strinatii was most recently assessed for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2021. This list declared S. strinatii an endangered species, because the population size was declining. There are many known contributing factors. Known threats to S. strinatii include residential and commercial development, climate change and severe weather, biological resource use, and invasive species. There is a localized loss of habitat due to logging, tourist developments, and urbanization. Climate change is likely to be a major threat to S. strinatii due to the narrow climatic preferences of this species. == Behavior ==

Territoriality When in cave environments, S. strinatii movement is extremely limited and easily detected. S. strinatii have displayed spatial age-class segregation, with juveniles living closer to the cave entrances and older salamanders living deeper in the caves. It has been theorized that this segregation occurs because the juveniles are attempting to avoid cannibalistic behaviors that have been observed in older salamanders. Adult salamanders have been seen traveling 3 to 49 meters from their caves, while juveniles do not stray as far from their homes, only seen exploring between from their cave habitats. Diet S. strinatii appear to be opportunistic hunters with a wide range of invertebrate prey. These salamanders tend to eat more in autumn. == Reproduction and life cycle ==

Fertilization There is little to no research on the reproduction of S. strinatii in the wild. However, it is known that sperm transfer takes place through cloacal contact. Observations of S. strinatii in captivity see the salamanders hiding their eggs around loose rocks and leaf litter. Their eggs are ivory white and are about 5 to 6 millimeters in diameter. After 8 months, the eggs will double in size. Lifespan After hatching, the young are about 22 to 24 millimeters in length. Male S. strinatii reach sexual maturity at the age of three years, while females become sexually mature at 4 years of age. Direct observation of this species in captivity provides data that they may live about six years; however, the recapture of one individual provides evidence that their lifespan may be much longer, in this case, more than 17 years. == Parental care ==

Post hatching parental care is known to occur in amphibians such as frogs and caecilians. However, there has not been much reported on such care in salamanders. There is little to no information regarding S. strinatii nest sites and egg clutches in the wild; however, in captivity, females have been observed to produce between six and fourteen relatively large eggs. Egg Guarding Females were observed guarding their eggs for up to ten months. == Microbial Threats ==

Like other Hydromantes, S. strinatii produces a deterring secretion from dorsal skin glands as a form of protection. The bright-colored patterns on their backs can be considered aposematic.Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans and Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis both cause the infectious disease of chytridiomycosis. Symptoms of this fatal condition include disruptions of the amphibian's salt-water balance, destruction of the amphibian's skin, and eventual heart failure. The fungal pathogens are believed to have originated in Asia and are thought to likely have been introduced to Europe through the pet trade of salamanders. Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans has been detected in the wild in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Spain and have been shown to be highly pathogenic to most urodelan taxa. While there are currently no records of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in France or Italy, it is probable that it will spread through these areas in the near future, as the closest recorded outbreak is only away. The secretions have been shown to kill the fungus within 24 hours. Because of this microbial protection, researchers do not believe that Bd will have the same detrimental effect on S. strinatii populations as it had for other salamanders and amphibians. References