Conservation and biology of triturus italicus in Italy (amphibia, salamandridae)

We sampled 154 sites of Triturus italicus from central and southern Italy to infer conservation guidelines. In most sites, the species lives in small populations (tens of individuals) in natural (ponds, pools, streams) and artificial (ditches, wells, tanks, troughs) bodies of water. Its biological cycle regarding in-water movements and reproductive patterns is very variable. The species seems in decline, with the exception of Latium and Calabria, and 22 populations have become extinct. The main causes of the species disappearance are likely due to loss of habitats caused by trasformation or destruction of bodies of water by modern farming techniques, pollution, and introduction of allochtonous species (such as fishes and pond turtles). A status of “endangered” is suggested for the species, or “vulnerable” for the populations of Latium and Calabria. The species deserves a conservation plan which includes measures such as habitat protection, scientific monitoring aimed at abundance and genetic analysis, and the creation of corridors to allow genetic exchange. The protection and restoration of small artifical bodies of water could help reach these objectives. © 2004 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC