Italian water salamander (Lissotriton italicus), is a kind of tailed amphibians of the family Salamandridae. It is an endemic species of central and southern Italy. It is present from sea level up to 1,530 meters, the largest populations are concentrated at a low altitude. Is not present on the islands. It is spread from Marche to Calabria, the species is relatively common in Campania, where it is found in all areas of the region, from sea level to about 1400 m above sea level.
The species appears to be very rare but in the Province of Salerno it has been reported in four villages of Lattari: Torrente Caprile, Schito, Novella and Sala. It is also present within some areas of the Regional Park of Monti Lattari. It has been reported in four places that fall in the municipalities of Tramonti, Gragnano, Castellammare di Stabia and Carbara.
The species is found in water spots of different nature (ponds, lakes, reservoirs, troughs, fountains), as well as in small streams, creeks and channels. Migration into the water and the development of secondary sexual characteristics begin in the fall. The breeding season begins in winter and can last all spring. The return to the mainland takes place in late spring or early summer.
The main threats to the survival of the species are represented by the destruction of the small spots of water in which it lives and reproduces, water pollution of the streams, ponds and tanks were it lives, and the introduction of carnivorous fish (trout, cat fish, carp).
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“Monitoraggio del patrimonio di biodiversità. Analisi per la gestione delle risorse ambientali per la conservazione della biodiversità” , Agriconsulting per il Parco Regionale dei Monti Lattari