Sardinian Cave Salamander

Total length of males to 115 mm for males (average 94 mm), up to 124 mm for females (average 96 mm). Adult males have a mental gland on the chin. Tail oval in cross section and slightly less than half the total length. Limbs well developed, hind legs slightly longer than front legs. Front feet with 4, hind feet with 5 broad, flattened digits that are widened distally. Base color from dark brown to black, with marbled pattern. Pattern may be in brown, olive-green, gray-green, or (rarely) ochre, and can be covered with randomly distributed white spots. The ventral side is bright and with a speckled or marbled pattern (Boehme et al 1999).(image, http://amphibiaweb.org/images/amazing/amazing_logo.jpg) Featured in Amazing Amphibians on 13 May 2013 (http://amphibiaweb.org/amazing_amphibians/20130513_Atylodes_genei.html)

H. genei is an endemic of Southwestern Sardinia, precisely of the region known as Sulcis-Iglesciente (province of Cagliari). It has been collected from 8 m (locality Pubusino, commune of Fluminimaggiore) and 600 m a.s.l. (Western slope of Monte Sebera, commune of Teulada)(Gasc 1997). Lanza (Boehme et al 1999) reports the finding of this species at an altitude of 646 m a.s.l. and suggests it may occur at even higher altitudes. The preferred temperature of H. genei and other Sardinian Hydromantes species is slightly higher than that of mainland species. H. genei is abundant, like other Hydromantes species, in caves and under rocks (Boehme et al 1999).

The data on the life history of this species is sparse. It is assumed that the life history and habitat choice are similar to those of H. ambrosii (Boehme et al 1999).

The specialized biology of this species has allowed it to persevere although its natural habitat has been subjected to deforestation. Only the populations inhabiting the marginal zone between Carbonaria (deforestation, urbanization), Barbusi (quarry) and Monte Tasua are in need of protection(Boehme et al 1999).

The brown cave salamander (Speleomantes genei), also known as Gene's cave salamander, Sardinian cave salamander, or simply Sardinian salamander, is a species of salamander in the family Plethodontidae. It is endemic to Sardinia (Italy). Its natural habitats are temperate forests, rocky areas, caves, and subterranean habitats (other than caves). It is threatened by habitat loss.