Italy’s varied landscapes — from Alpine peaks and the Apennine spine to Mediterranean islands and coasts — support a distinct suite of wildlife shaped by isolation and microclimates. Many Italian species occupy narrow habitats or evolved as unique subspecies tied to those regions.
There are 6 Animals Only Found in Italy, ranging from Apennine chamois (Apennine chamois — endemic subspecies) to Spectacled salamander (southern spectacled salamander). The list below is organized with Scientific name,Region/range,IUCN status so you can quickly see where each species occurs and its conservation outlook; you’ll find below.
Are these species strictly endemic to Italy?
Most are true endemics or endemic subspecies confined to Italy, though a few have very limited ranges that approach neighboring countries; check the Region/range column for specifics and the IUCN status for conservation context.
How can I see these animals without harming them?
Visit protected areas and follow local guidelines, join guided walks or contact local conservation groups for recommended viewing times and spots, keep distance, avoid disturbing habitats, and report rare sightings to help monitoring efforts.
Animals Only Found in Italy
| Common name | Scientific name | Region/range | IUCN status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectacled salamander (northern spectacled salamander) | Salamandrina perspicillata | Northern & central Apennines, Tuscany to Marche | Least Concern |
| Spectacled salamander (southern spectacled salamander) | Salamandrina terdigitata | Southern Apennines from Abruzzo to Calabria | Least Concern |
| Sardinian long-eared bat (Sardinian long-eared bat) | Plecotus sardus | Endemic to Sardinia (mountains and olive groves) | Endangered |
| Italian newt (Italian smooth newt) | Lissotriton italicus | Central and southern peninsular Italy, Apennines | Least Concern |
| Apennine chamois (Apennine chamois — endemic subspecies) | Rupicapra pyrenaica ornata | Central Apennines, Gran Sasso–Monti della Laga, Majella | Endangered |
| Sicilian pond turtle (Sicilian pond turtle) | Emys trinacris | Sicily and some southern Italian localities | Vulnerable |
Images and Descriptions
Spectacled salamander (northern spectacled salamander)
Small, slender lungless salamander with distinctive “spectacle” markings around the eyes; lives in humid woodlands and stream valleys of the Apennines. Notable as a salamander genus found only in Italy and of strong regional interest.
Spectacled salamander (southern spectacled salamander)
Similar to its northern cousin but occupying southern Apennine forests and rocky streams. A unique Italian lineage, recognizable by its eye markings and habitat preference for moist, shaded slopes and karst springs.
Sardinian long-eared bat (Sardinian long-eared bat)
Medium-sized bat with long ears and pale fur, confined to Sardinia. Rare and threatened by habitat loss and cave disturbance; notable for being one of Europe’s few island-endemic bat species.
Italian newt (Italian smooth newt)
A small newt found in ponds, ditches and mountain pools across peninsular Italy. Recognizable by breeding colors in males; notable as a species largely restricted to Italy’s freshwater habitats.
Apennine chamois (Apennine chamois — endemic subspecies)
A distinctive mountain goat-antelope subspecies in high Apennine cliffs and alpine meadows. Small population, legally protected and a conservation symbol for Italy’s mountain ecosystems.
Sicilian pond turtle (Sicilian pond turtle)
Freshwater turtle native to Sicily and nearby southern Italian wetlands; distinguished from European pond turtles by subtle shell and genetic traits. Threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and introduced competitors.
