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It is presented two instances of Lacertid nomenclature in which changes in the species names in func-tion of grammatical gender or number of the honored persons have been suggested. However Interna-tional Code of Zoological Nomenclature only rules to concord in gender the species name with the genus one. Whatever other change, reasonable or not, is an unjustified emendation, as nomenclatural priority is mandatory over grammatical correctness. Similar cases on reptile and amphibian nomenclature are also commented.

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In connectivity conservation and ecological network planning, the selection of focal fragmentationsensitive species represents a priority step. Nevertheless, despite their strategic role, selection of focal species has traditionally been carried out using charismatic and/or non objective approaches. In this way, actions of planning and conservation could be ineffective. Using as a case study Italian reptiles, we apply an expert-based approach for the selection of focal species on the basis of sensitivity to components of habitat fragmentation (habitat area reduction, increase of habitat isolation, increase of edge effect and landscape matrix disturbance) and of intrinsic ecological traits of the species (trophic level, dispersal ability, body size, niche breadth, rarity). The threshold values for each component of fragmentation defined a set of 21 focal species that can be divided into the three macro-components of human-induced habitat fragmentation (HIHF) towards which they show a sensitivity, the suitable spatial scale of populations and relative suitable habitat categories. Among these species, seven can be sampled easily with standard, low-cost field protocols. The selected species largely coincide with the species known in literature as fragmentation-sensitive.

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New informationen concerning systematical questions within the family Lacertidae, which were published during the last one and a half years, are presented.

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The electrophoretic variation at 26 presumptive gene loci was investigated in populations of the closely related species Podarcis sicula, P. wagleriana, P. raffonei, and P. filfolensis. Low values of proportion of polymorphic loci (P) and mean observed heterozygosity (Ho) were found in P. sicula (P= 0.10; Ho= 0.016), P. wagleriana (P= 0.13; Ho= 0.029), and P. raffonei (P= 0.08; Ho= 0.017), while higher levels of genetic variability were observed in P. filfolensis (P= 0.17; Ho= 0.054). In the latter species, a multiple regression analysis was carried out in order to analyse the geographic correlates of P and Ho. The results of this analysis were consistent with the predictions of the time-divergence theory of variation, supporting the conclusion that directional selection is the main force eroding genetic variation on small islands. Intraspecific values of Nei`s (1972) standard genetic distance were relatively low in P. sicula (average D= 0.024), P. wagleriana (average D= 0.004), and P. filfolensis (average D= 0.012), while higher in P. raffonei (D= 0.040). The lizards from Pantellena Island, which were considered by BISCHOFF (1986) to be very similar to P. filfolensis from Malta on the basis of a superficial analysis of the coloration pattern, were shown to actually belong to P. sicula. This confirms that the range of P. filfolensis only includes the Maltese Archipelago, Linosa Island, and the islet of Lampione. Surprisingly, the samples of P. filfolensis from the Pelagie Islands (Linosa and Lampione) were very similar to those from the Maltese Archipelago (average D= 0.016). This could be explained by rafting or anthropogenic introduction of P. filfolensis on Linosa and Lampione. Podarcis wagleriana and P. raffonei were genetically related (average D= 0.152), confirming the results of previous electrophoretic investigations. Podarcis filfolensis, though showing some morphological affinity with P. wagleriana, was genetically highly differentiated from this latter species (average D= 0.526), while being more similar to P. sicula (average D= 0.306). This indicates a close relationship between P. sicula and P. filfolensis, suggesting that P. sicula and P. filfolensis probably diverged from a common ancestor, and that the apparent similarity between P. filfolensis and P. wagleriana could be merely due to morphological convergence.

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The electrophoretic variation at 26 presumptive gene loci was investigated in populations of Podarcis ivagleriana from Sicily, the Aegadian Islands, and the Aeolian Islands. For interspecific comparison, samples of the closely related lizard P. sicula from the same geographic area were also used. Population heterogeneity analyses carried out by the estimation of F-statistics and Nei`s standard genetic distance, showed a high genetic homogeneity within P. sicula, but a noticeable genetic differentiation within P. wagleriana. In the latter species, Nei`s D ranged from 0 to 0.212, and this is because the Aeolian populations were quite distinct from those inhabiting Sicily and the Aegadian Islands. Fixed differences identified at three loci (Ck, Ada, Gp-4) contributed to a relatively high value of Nei`s standard genetic distance between the two population groups (D= 0.147). This value is very similar to those found comparing pairs of well-recognized biological species included in the genera Podarcis and Lacerta. Estimation of the time of evolutionary divergence shows that the Aeolian and Sicilian populations of P. wagleriana have been isolated geographically for a long time (0.7 Myr according to Nei`s formula; 2 Myr according to Sarich`s calibration), indicating evolutionary divergence at the species level. Based on genetic and biogeographic data, it is suggested the recognition of full specific status for the Aeolian populations, for which the name P. rajfonei comb. nova (Aeolian wall lizard) is proposed. Electrophoretic data and comparative species distributions suggest that (1) Podarcis sicula recently colonized the Aeolian Islands, and (2) it has competed successfully with P. rajfonei in this area, greatly reducing the range of the latter and causing the extinction of most of its populations. In fact, P. sicula is widespread in the Aeolian Archipelago, while P. rajfonei is confined at present to one large island (Vulcano) and three tiny islands (Strombolicchio, Scoglio Faraglione, La Canna). This can be considered a classic example of competitive exclusion of a native form (P. rajfonei) by a species accidentally introduced by man (P. sicula).

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The conservation status of Podarcis raffonei, native to the Aeolian Islands (north cast of Sicily, Tyrrhenian Sea), is assessed by studying its genetic structure and evidencing factors affecting the survival of the species. Genetic variation in the species is quite low and genetic subdivision is high, as compared to other lacertid lizards and to vertebrates in general. Very little gene flow was detected, implying little or no contact between populations. The four remaining populations of P. raffonei are under severe threat from the effects of habitat alteration, interspecific competition, collecting and trade, very low population density and inbreeding, population fragmentation, and apparent loss of genetic variation. Possible management and conservation measures are suggested.

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The conservation status of Podarcis raffonei, native to the Aeolian Islands (north-east of Sicily, Tyrrhenian Sea), is assessed anaslyzing in genetic structure and evidencing factors affecting the survival of the species. Genetiv variation in the species is quite low and genetic subdivision is high, as compared to other lacertid lizards. The four remaining populations of P. raffonei are under severe threat from the effects of habitat alteration, interspecific competition, collecting and trade, very low population density and inbreeding, population fragmentation, and apparent loss of genetic variation. Possible management and conservation measures are suggested.

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Landmark based geometric morphometrics was applied to the analysis of the cephalic scales of three phylogenetically related lacertid lizards (Podarcis raffonei, P. sicula, P. wagleriana) from some islands of the central Mediterranean area in order to assess the pattern of geographic variation and the phenetic relationships among and within the three species. Twenty nine homologous landmarks were recorded on the half configuration of the cephalic scales. To compare geometric and biometric patterns of variation and to evaluate any static allometry, seven biometric measurements were also recorded on the whole body. The three species significantly differ from each other in both shape and size of the skull. The shape of the Sopraocular and the Parietal scales appears to be highly diagnostic and species-specific. The analysis of intraspecific variation in shape of the cephalic scales indicates that P. sicula is the less variable species within the studied geographic area, whereas Podarcis raffonei is the most variable species both in size and shape. Podarcis raffonei is characterized by a divergent allometric pattern, likely related to the small population size and highly fragmented geographic range of the species.

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In this paper some aspects of the thermal ecology of Podarcis raffonei , a lacertid lizard endemic to the Aeolian Archipelago (NE Sicily, yrrhenian Sea) which is on the verge of extinc-tion and is now considered as one of the most endangered lizard species in Europe, are provided. Field body temperatures were recorded on adult lizards from two islets (Scoglio Faraglione and Strombolicchio) which are separated each other by a long and deep sea channel and are charac-terized by different landscape. Te range of the body temperatures registered in P. raffonei is con-gruent with the field body temperatures known for some lacertid lizard species occurring on other Mediterranean small islands. Podarcis raffonei seems to adopt a strictly heliothermic strategy. Te studied lizard populations were not thermoconformers, as they do actively bask and keep their temperatures regardless of the environment thermal conditions. Despite thermal conditions were identical on the two islets, mean and median body temperatures were higher on Scoglio Fara-glione than on Strombolicchio Te difference in body temperatures observed in the investigated populations could be explained taking into account some operating natural selection factors (dif-ferent genetic and morphological characteristics of the studied populations; different geological, pedological and vegetation cover characteristics of the two islets; different morphology and sun exposure of the rocky slopes of the islets)

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nvestigations carried out in the Aeolian Islands (off north-east Sicily) during 1989–99 gathered evidence strongly indicating that the endemic Aeolian wall lizard Podarcis raffonei is close to extinction. Competitive exclusion by the lizard Podarcis sicula, which has been introduced by man, habitat degradation, and possibly reduced genetic variability and inbreeding, were the main causes for the decline of the species. For the Aeolian wall lizard to recover from its threatened status and to prevent further decimation of populations, collection and trade in the species should be prohibited, and an education programme for local people should be promoted. An integrated project involving habitat protection and captive breeding is needed to secure the species in the wild for the future.

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Lizard thermoregulation is costly and is largely behavioural. Podarcis raffonei, endemic of few islets of the Aeolian archipelago (southern Italy), is one of the most threatened lizards in Europe, its survival being under threat also due to the presence of the congeneric P. siculus, a successful invader characterised by behavioural plasticity and effectiveness and precision at regulating body temperature (Tb). We tested whether thermoregulation behaviour diverges between the two species by analysing (i) the heating rates under a standard thermal condition, and (ii) the temperature at which lizards ended basking (Tfinal) along a thermal gradient. Overall, we found behavioural differences between the two lizards (i.e. P. siculus exhibited lower Tfinal), although both species had comparable heating rates and thermoregulated in the same thermal conditions. The invasive P. siculus had lower Tfinal and, since heating rates were similar between species, it expended less time basking than native P. raffonei. We speculate that the observed thermal ecology differences could provide a selective advantage to P. siculus in the harsh island environment.

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The aim of the present study is to synthesise the available data on the occurrence of lacertid lizards on Mediterranean islands better to understand how far human influence is involved in the present distributional patterns of insular lacertid lizard fauna. At present, the Mediterranean islands are inhabited by several lacertid genera, including endemic species of the genera Algyroides (viz. fitzingeri), Lacerta [Archaeolacerta] (viz. bedriagae) and Podarcis (atratus, filfolensis, gaigae, lilfordi, milensis, pityusensis, raffonei, tiliguerta, waglerianus). Recently reported data shed new light on the relationships between these endemics and some continental species that have recently colonised the islands. The arrival of the latter might be directly related to the progressive human colonisation of these islands. The arising conservation problems are also considered.

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Although it was obvious to us that it would be useful to include a list of the herpetofauna found on the Italian islands, it immediately became clear that this would be no easy task: the information in the literature is often incomplete, inaccurate and difficult to check, and precise data are available only for the circum-Sardinian islands (POGGESI et al., 1996), the circum-Sicilian islands (L ANZA, 1973; CORTI et al., 1998) and the Tuscan Archipelago (HOTZ, 1973; COR- TI et al., 1991; VANNI & NISTRI, 1999, 2000). In order to form as complete a picture as possible, we also consulted numerous works on single islands or groups of islands, e.g. the Handbuch der Rep- tilien und Amphibien Europas. Finally, we had access to a large vol- ume of as yet unpublished data from the Progetto Atlante, including reports for the Ligurian and Apulian islands, gathered by the region- al chapters of the Societas Herpetologica Italica. For the sake of brevity, lacustrian and riverine populations and those of delta bars, beaches and island lakes have been omitted. Apart from the fact that few data are available, these populations are not actually separate from those of adjoining coasts. We do make an important exception to this rule in mentioning the taxon Lacerta muralis borromeica Mertens, 1932, described for the Isola Madre on Lago Maggiore and later declared invalid by the author. The subspecies status of many island populations of lacertids of the Podarcis genus remains open to debate, and is discussed in more detail in the chapter “Checklist of the Italian herpetofauna with tax- onomic remarks”. These populations can present far greater variabil- ity in patterning than continental populations [e.g. Podarcis sicula caporiaccoi (Taddei, 1949) see HOTZ (1973)] or unusual colouring (e.g. melanotic) which, although they make island and archipelago populations easier to identify, are considered by modern taxono- mists to be of doubtful systematic validity. It was decided to include the description of a species or sub- species for an island as a note, with the type locality in square brack- ets, and with the name supplied by the author without commenting on its validity.

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The Aeolian Wall Lizard (Podarcis raffoneae) is an endemic species of the Aeolian Archipelago of Italy (Mediterranean Sea). Its distribution is limited to three islets and two relict populations on a relatively large island: Vulcano (a population on the summit of Gran Cratere volcano and another on Capo Grosso promontory). The critically endangered Aeolian Wall Lizard is threatened by the introduction of the Italian Wall Lizard (Podarcis siculus), which successfully competes and hybridizes with the endemic lizard. The invasive lizard is widespread on Vulcano, although the literature does not provide the exact distribution. Our first aim was updating the distribution of the Italian Wall Lizard on Vulcano, with special attention to the last enclaves of the Aeolian Wall Lizard. Our second purpose was investigating the factors determining this distribution range. In the spring of 2016, we surveyed the Italian Wall Lizard distribution on Vulcano, considering 10 human-related and 10 natural areas, including Gran Cratere volcano and Capo Grosso promontory. We recorded the presence of the invasive Italian Wall Lizard in each survey area. As a consequence, the Aeolian Wall Lizard populations of Vulcano face an imminent extinction risk. The main factors increasing the presence probability of this invasive lizard on Vulcano were the nearness to the harbor (the introduction gateway) and the urbanization degree (the invasion pathway). Therefore, we suggest the implementation of a control plan simultaneously acting on the areas of sympatry (mostly Capo Grosso promontory), the introduction gateway (Vulcano harbor), and the source populations (urban areas).

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Lizards and Eleonora’s falcon occur on many Mediterranean islets. Data given in literature and new observations concerning their asymmetrical interactions, which have been reviewed and illustrated, allow to regard those as a commensal relationship typical on these micro-insular ecosystems. Some considerations on the ecological, ecomorphological and phenological traits involved on this commensalism are also briefly discussed.

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Mediterranean islands have complex reptile assemblages, but little is known about the factors that determine their organization. In this study, the structure of as-semblages of Squamata was evaluated based on their species richness and two measures of phylogenetic diversity (variability and clustering). I evaluated the com-position of the assemblages comparing distinct biogeographic subregions within the Mediterranean: Adriatic, Aegean, Balearic, Corsica–Sardinia, Crete, Gulf of Gabés, Ionian Sea, Ligurian Sea, Malta, Sicily, and Tyrrhenian Sea. The effect of island en-vironments and geographical isolation on the diversity metrics was assessed using generalized linear models. The analyses indicated that species richness was mostly influenced by island area and geographical isolation. Assemblages on smaller islands were poorer in species and phylogenetically dispersed, possibly as an effect of inter-specific competition. The species composition of the assemblages was determined by similar environmental drivers within the biogeographic subregions, including is-land area, island elevation, geographical isolation, and aridity. In several subregions, significant patterns of phylogenetic attraction were found in species co-occurrences, caused by the limits imposed by the island size on large predatory species

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Background Lizards of the genus Podarcis are widespread in the Mediterranean region, including islands and island archipelagos. These small-bodied lizards have a predominantly protective green-brown colouration. However, some populations display unusual patterns, in which the colouration is predominantly blue or uniformly black. This study explores the factors that influence this chromatic variation, whether environmental (climate and island conditions) or evolutionary (phylogenetic trait conservatism). The colouration of 1400 individuals (27 species) was analysed in the CIELAB colour space. Results Pagel’s λ indicated that colouration is weakly conserved within phylogenetic lineages. Although the island surface plays a key role in the chromatic variability of these lacertids, geographic isolation and climate hold less influence. The colouration of some small island populations tends to be uniform and dark, possibly due to intense intraspecific competition and lower predatory pressure. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of island populations in understanding the processes that favour the emergence of extreme phenotypes in small ectothermic vertebrates.

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Accurate measures of species abundance are essential to identify conservation strategies. N-mixture models are increasingly used to estimate abundance on the basis of species counts. In this study we tested whether abundance estimates obtained using N-mixture models provide consistent results with more traditional approaches requiring capture (capture-mark recapture and removal sampling). We focused on endemic, threatened species of amphibians and reptiles in Italy, for which accurate abundance data are needed for conservation assessments: the Lanza’s Alpine salamander Salamandra lanzai, the Ambrosi’s cave salamander Hydromantes ambrosii and the Aeolian wall lizard Podarcis raffonei. In visual counts, detection probability was variable among species, ranging between 0.14 (Alpine salamanders) and 0.60 (cave salamanders). For all the species, abundance estimates obtained using N-mixture models showed limited differences with the ones obtained through capture-markrecapture or removal sampling. The match was particularly accurate for cave salamanders in sites with limited abundance and for lizards, nevertheless non-incorporating heterogeneity of detection probability increased bias. N-mixture models provide reliable abundance estimates that are comparable with the ones of more traditional approaches, and offer additional advantages such as a smaller sampling effort and no need of manipulating individuals, which in turn reduces the risk of harming animals and spreading diseases.

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The Aeolian wall lizard Podarcis raffonei is an island endemic that survives only on three tiny islets, and on the Capo Grosso peninsula of the Vulcano island, thus is among the European vertebrates with the smallest range and one of the most threatened by extinction. This species is declining due to competition and hybridization with the non-native lizard Podarcis siculus, but a regular monitoring program is lacking. Here we assessed the size and status of the Capo Grosso population of P. raffonei on Vulcano. In September 2015 we captured 30 individuals showing the typical brown phenotype of P. raffonei, while one single male showed a green phenotype, apparently intermediate between P. raffonei and the non-native Podarcis siculus. In May 2017, only 47% of 131 individuals showed the typical brown phenotype (P. raffonei-like) and 53% showed the green phenotype (P. siculus-like). Based on N-mixture models and removal sampling the estimated size of the Capo Grosso population was of 800–1300 individuals in 2017, being similar to 2015; available data suggest that the total range of the species could be as small as 2 ha. The frequency of individuals with the typical P. raffonei phenotype dramatically dropped between two samplings with a parallel increase of individuals displaying the green phenotype. Observation on outdoor captive bred individuals demonstrates plasticity for colouration in P. raffonei individuals from Capo Grosso, with several individuals showing the typical brown pattern in September 2017 and a green pattern in March 2021. Non-exclusive hypotheses, including hybridization with P. siculus and plasticity in colour pattern of P. raffonei, are discussed to explain the phenotypic shifts of the P. raffonei population of Capo Grosso. While genomic evidence is required to reach conclusions and investigate eventual hybridization, it is urgent to undertake a programme for the monitoring and management of this lizard.

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The Aeolian wall lizard, Podarcis raffonei, is an endangered species endemic to the Aeolian archipelago, Italy, where it is present only in 3 tiny islets and a narrow promontory of a larger island. Because of the extremely limited area of occupancy, severe population fragmentation and observed decline, it has been classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) High Fidelity (HiFi) long-read sequencing, Bionano optical mapping and Arima chromatin conformation capture sequencing (Hi-C), we produced a high-quality, chromosome-scale reference genome for the Aeolian wall lizard, including Z and W sexual chromosomes.The final assembly spans 1.51 Gb across 28 scaffolds with a contig N50 of 61.4 Mb, a scaffold N50 of 93.6 Mb, and a BUSCO completeness score of 97.3%.This genome constitutes a valuable resource for the species to guide potential conservation efforts and more generally for the squamate reptiles that are underrepresented in terms of available high-quality genomic resources.

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Species-based conservation legislation needs to be based on sound scientific data and updated taxonomic knowledge. European Union environmental legislation is among the most advanced in the world, yet there is not a clear and regular mechanism to update species’ lists of Habitats Directive Annexes according the latest available scientific data. Here we reviewed the situation of the endemic Aeolian lizard Podarcis raffonei and indicate it as a case-study of possible ongoing species extinction into the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot as the result of failure to update lists of EU protected species. We recommend to implement a mechanism of periodical revision of the Annexes of the Habitats Directive with particular attention to endemic EU species included in the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered.

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Lizards belonging to the species Lacerta sicula, L. oxycerihala, and L. mellisellensis from numerous Adriatic Islands and from adjacent mainland populations show no variation in karyotype. All are characterized by the diploid number 2n - 3S consisting of 36 acrocentric macrochromosomes and 2 acroce trie microchromosomes.

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The results of a study concerning the ecology of P. raffonei at Scoglio Faraglione islet (Aeo- lian Archipelago) are given. Population density was estimated equal to 1800-3700 individuals per Ha, while the total number of lizards inhabiting the islet can estimated to be 200-400. Lizards occurring mainly on the upper part of the islet, where show a preference for the areas covered by dense vegetation, referred to the epilittoral association Senecioni bicoloris-Helichrysetum litorei. Mean body temperatures resulted 35.4 and 34.2 °C, respectively, for females and males. The pos- itive correlations found between body, air, and substrate temperatures suggest that the species is strictly influenced by environmental factors in the maintenance of own temperatures, as a typical thermoconformer. Diet is mainly based on insects, and the main bulk of prey is constituted by Coleoptera (28.2%) and Hymenoptera Formicidae (17.8%). Vegetal matter is also well repre- sented in the trophic spectrum, with a proportion of 11%. The species can be considered a troph- ic opportunist and a widely foraging predator. Predators of lizards are mainly rapresented by fal- cons, while the interactions between lizards and the Mediterranean Yellow-legged gull occurring on the islet seem to represent just a slight disturbance for this population. However, the increase of nesting gulls observed during the last years seems to be the main cause of some changes in the floristic and vegetation composition, determining the loss of the lizards’ preferred vegetation- types. In order to preserve the Aeolian Wall lizard and its habitat, Scoglio Faraglione needs urgently to be declared as actively managed and protected area, possibly with an active control of gull’s population.

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The Aeolian wall lizard Podarcis raffonei, strictly endemic to Aeolian Islands, where it occurs just in four relict and geographically isolated stations, has been included among the critically endangered species in the recent IUCN Red List. The abundance of its populations is estimated at 920-1380 individuals, spread over an area of approximatively 20,000 m2. Other than problems resulting from fragmentation and small size of these populations, which are reflected on their genetic structure (lack of gene flow, low genetic variability, etc.), main conservation problems include i) competition with Podarcis siculus, ii) direct or indirect human disturbance, iii) lack of legal measures to protect the species, and iv) questionable management policies concerning the protected areas and the Natura 2000 sites designated for the stations occupied by the species. After a short synthesis on the available biological and ecological information, as well as on the different level of detail concerning each population, some proposals on the conservation of the species and protection are discussed. In particular, the author highlights the need for urgent actions aimed at reintroduction of the species within its distribution range, its inclusion in the Annex to 92/43/EEC Directive, and implementation of appropriate information in the local communities regarding the conservationist and biological importance of this lizard.

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In this paper the invertebrate fauna occurring on Scoglio Faraglione, a tiny Aeolian island (Aeolian Archipelago, NE Sicily) inhabited by a population of the critically endangered lacertid lizard Podarcis raffonei (Mertens, 1952), was censused at different seasons and the resulting data were then compared with data obtained analysing prey composition and prey abundance in the diet of the lizards occurring on the same islet. The diet of Podarcis raffonei was mainly based on insects and other arthropods. The results indicate that diet composition is not directly influenced by prey availability and temporal prey abundance, and that there is strong evidence indicating selective predation. Lizards prey upon a number of arthropod categories fewer than that recorded in field. Some invertebrate taxa (e.g. Diptera and Gastropoda) are really less attractive for lizards and are rarely preyed or not preyed at all despite their spatial and/or temporal abundance. This suggests that Podarcis raffonei is able to operate a hierarchical choice within the range of prey items constituting its prey spectrum, probably through the ability to discriminate between prey chemicals or visually oriented predation.

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Several uninhabited islets of the Aeolian Archipelago harbour lacertid lizard populations, but only on three of these the autochtonous lizard Podarcis raffonei occurs. A detailed analysis of the relative palaeogeographical and historical features suggests that human exploitation in particular, represents on of the main causes which have influenced their present-day micro-insular distribution.

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New data are given on the population size and ecology of P. raffonei occurring on La Canna stack, off Filicudi Island (Aeolian Archipelago). The estimates provided a consistency of 82.5 ± 52.5 individuals. Lizards occupy the whole surface of the stack, although they result more abundant (0.8 ind./m2) in the areas more densely covered by vegetation. The diet is based mainly on ants and other arthropods, among which marine crustaceans found in the intertidal belt, and includes a significant percentage of vegetal matter. Also, the lizards feed on the prey remains from the pellets of Eleonora’s falcon. All these traits reveal a remarkable level of adaptation to the chronic lack of resources that characterizes this micro-insular environment.

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Circum‐Sicilian and Maltese herpetofauna includes 22 species occurring with steady populations, andsome of them (Pelophylax bedriagae, Trachemys scripta, Chamaeleo chamaeleon, Hemorrhois algirus and perhapsTelescopus fallax) were introduced during the last two centuries, while for other 7 at least one introduction withinthe study islands was documented during the same span of time; furthermore, temporary occurrences were alsodetected for other 16 species (3 amphibians and 13 reptiles), some of which (Hyla sp., Graptemys pseudogeo‐graphica, Centrochelys sulcata, Pantherophis guttatus and Lampropeltis getula) have not been previously recordedfor these islands. Accidental or intentional introductions have gradually increased in recent decades and have asignificant influence in shaping these herpetofunal assemblages. On the contrary, extinction seems to be less fre‐quent and involved especially amphibians. The updated faunal inventory for 65 islands includes several new recordsand the results of the first herpetological investigations on the islets Faraglione di terra di Cala Fico, Colombaia,Vittoria Garcia (circum‐Sicilian), Pigeon Rock and Cheirolopus Rock (Maltese).

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Atlases of fauna with distribution maps and information about biology and ecology are useful tools for the management and conservation of the species. Knowledge about distribution of the reptiles in Sicily dates back to 2006. An update of data was carried out taking also into account the systematic innovations of the last twelve years. For creating the geographic distribution maps, the UTM WGS84 cartographic system was used. At present 24 species of reptiles live and reproduce in the Sicilian territory. On the main island there are 17 species, on the minor islands the number varies from a minimum of four to a maximum of eight species. Compared to the bibliographic data, for 16 species an increase in the number of cells occupied has been recorded, with a variation between 0.3 and 81.8%, five species have not undergone variation, and for two species a decrease was recorded. The current presence of Testudo hermanni on the minor Sicilian islands is dubious or unlikely. The higher number of species compared to the previous distribution data is due to the recent confirmation of the presence of Eryx jaculus in Sicilian territory, and the presence of a new Tarentola taxon of specific rank in Lampedusa island. The decrease of Podarcis filfolensis is due to its absence from the known site in Lampedusa, while the case of Zamenis situla is due to the exclusion of data collected in some areas where there are no recent, reliable observations.

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Preliminary data on the diet of two populations of Podarcis raffonei are presented. This species is principally insectivorous and the main categories of its prey are represented by ants and other small-size Hymenoptera.The unexpected very low consumption of vegetal matter, as well as other dietary features emerged from the analysed data are discussed.

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The collection of Amphibians and Reptiles of the Museum of Natural History of Ferrara has characteristics of historical representation, taxonomic and zoogeography that may be considered as examples of medium-sized types of collections more preva- lent in Italian museums. It consists of a historic part of the study and a donation from Guido Campadelli. The collection consists of 1739 specimens of amphibians (1734 of which held in 437 containers with ethanol and 5 taxidermized specimens) for a total of 78 amphibian species. There are 811 specimens of Reptiles (769 of which are stored in 526 containers with ethanol and 42 taxidermized specimens) representing a total of 108 species. The findings that form the collection of Amphibians come from 153 loca- lities of 15 states and 12 regions and 29 provinces of Italy. In the batrachological col- lection 62.1% of the total European species, and 94.3% of the total species in Italy, are represented. Zoogeographic regions most represented are the Palaearctic with 67% of the species of Amphibians in the collection and the Neotropical with 29%, fol- lowed by the Ethiopian (6%) and Nearctic (5%). Reptiles specimens come from 247 lo- calities of 15 states and 15 regions and 36 provinces of Italy. In the collection 46,2% of European species and 91,5% of the Italian ones are represented. The most represen- ted zoogeographic region are the Palaearctic with 89% of species in the collection, followed by the Ethiopian (14%), the Eastern (13%), Neotropical (11%) and the Nearctic (7%); australian and malagasy species do not exceed 3%. The herpetology collection was the subject of taxonomic and biogeographic analysis.

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Aim Body size is instrumental in influencing animal physiology, morphology, ecology and evolution, as well as extinction risk. I examine several hypotheses regarding the influence of body size on lizard evolution and extinction risk, assessing whether body size influences, or is influenced by, species richness, herbivory, island dwelling and extinction risk. Location World-wide. Methods I used literature data and measurements of museum and live specimens to estimate lizard body size distributions. Results I obtained body size data for 99% of the world`s lizard species. The body size–frequency distribution is highly modal and right skewed and similar distributions characterize most lizard families and lizard assemblages across biogeographical realms. There is a strong negative correlation between mean body size within families and species richness. Herbivorous lizards are larger than omnivorous and carnivorous ones, and aquatic lizards are larger than non-aquatic species. Diurnal activity is associated with small body size. Insular lizards tend towards both extremes of the size spectrum. Extinction risk increases with body size of species for which risk has been assessed. Main conclusions Small size seems to promote fast diversification of disparate body plans. The absence of mammalian predators allows insular lizards to attain larger body sizes by means of release from predation and allows them to evolve into the top predator niche. Island living also promotes a high frequency of herbivory, which is also associated with large size. Aquatic and nocturnal lizards probably evolve large size because of thermal constraints. The association between large size and high extinction risk, however, probably reflects a bias in the species in which risk has been studied.

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Von 13 Liparen-Inseln liegt jetzt Lacerta sicula vor; sie ist auf Alicudi, Filicudi, SaIina, Lipari, Vulcano, Panaria, Basiluzzo und Stromboli am besten zu der Nominatrasse zu stellen. Endemische Rassen hat Lacerta sicula auf Faraglione PolIara bei Salina (Lacerta sicula alvearioi n. subsp.), ferner auf Bottaro, Lisca Bianca und Strombolicchio (bei Stromboli) ausgebildet. Von diesen zeichnet sich die von Faraglione Pollara und Stromboliccbio durch eine erhebliche Verdüsterung der Färbung aus, ohne aber zum Cyanismus zu neigen, während die Bottaro- und namentlich die Lisca Bianca Eidechse eine Tendenz zur Blaufärbung erkennen lassen. Die Strombolicchio-Eidechse ist eine ausgesprochene Riesenrasse, die übrigen sind als mittelgroß bis klein zu bezeichnen. Weder nach der Beschuppung noch nach der Zeichnung kann man die Populationen der größeren Liparen als Rassen trennen; vielmehr lassen die einzelnen Merkmale von Insel zu Insel eine transgressive Variabilität aufs deutlichste erkennen, so daß auch Lacerta sicula strombolensis TADDEI als Synonym von Lacerta s. sicula zu betrachten ist. Ausschließlich auf Vulcano lebt neben Lacerta sicula noch die bisher nur von Sizilien und den Ägaden bekannte Lacerta wagleriana, die hier einer neuen, leicht zum Melanismus neigenden Rasse (antoninoi n. subsp.) angehört. Auf Vulcano bewohnt sie ein ganz bestimmtes Gebiet, dem sicula zwar nicht ganz fehlt, in dem sie aber jedenfalls erheblich zurücktritt. Diese bemerkenswerte Eidechse wirft ein neues Licht auf die Herkunft der Malta- und Linosa-Eidechsen (Lacerta filfolensis), die man bisher auf Grund der Intensivierung der Zeichnungselemente von der - auf Sizilien fehlenden - Lacerta muralis abgeleitet hat. Da aber auch die insulare Lacerta wagleriana auf Vulcano dieselbe Variationstendenz zeigt, ist die Annahme wahrscheinlich, daß Lacerta filfolensis ein Abkömmling von wagleriana ist. Da im Ganzen die Unterschiede der Liparen-Echsen von ihren Stammformen in Sizilien und Unteritalien gering sind, dürften die Lipari-Inseln mit ihrer äußerst armen Herpetofauna nur ein recht geringes geologisches Alter haben.

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“Extinction. An exhibition, a genetic data base and a survey on collections of extinct or endangered vertebrates located in Italian Natural History Museums” originated in 2014 as a joint project of the University of Padua, the Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali of Turin (MRSN), the MUSE - Science Museum of Trento, and FEM2-Ambiente s.r.l. (University of Milan-Bicocca). The project idea was based on the collaboration between different institutions (universities, museums of local authorities, university spin-off), in order to start a catalogue of specimens and species of vertebrates under threat of extinction and housed in the collections of Italian natural history museums, with the aim of conducting genetic research on preserved specimens and enhancing its conservationist importance. This was possible thanks to the contribution of the Ministry of Education, University and Research, which allowed to: i) activate the census of the collections; ii) support the investigations on the DNA of a critically endangered species, the Aeolian lizard Podarcis raffonei; iii) carry out three ostensive activities dedicated to the extinction phenomena of vertebrates, carried out at the MUSE in Trento, at the Biodiversity Garden of Padua University and in Turin in spaces of Regione Piemonte

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Aim We discuss biogeographical hypotheses for the Mediterranean lizard species Podarcis and Teira within a phylogenetic framework based on partial mitochondrial DNA sequences. Methods We derived the most likely phylogenetic hypothesis from our data set (597 aligned positions from the 12S rDNA and phenyl tRNA) under parsimony, distance and maximum likelihood assumptions. Results The species usually included in Teira do not form a strongly monophyletic clade. In contrast, the monophyly of the genus Podarcis is rather well supported. Seven lineages are identified in the genus; in order of appearance within the tree, these are: the Balearic pityusensis and lilfordi pair, the sicula complex, a Tyrrhenian tiliguerta and raffonei pair, muralis, the Siculo-Maltese filfolensis and wagleriana pair, the Balkan group (erhardi, peloponnesiaca, milensis, melisellensis and taurica), and the Ibero-Maghrebian group (bocagei, atrata, hispanica and vaucheri). Conclusions The origin of the three European genera of lacertid assayed (Lacerta, Teira and Podarcis) is hypothesized to have occurred in the Oligocene. For Podarcis, a possible scenario of a Miocene diversification is derived from the sequence data, and the zoogeography of the lineages are discussed in relation to the palaeogeography of the Mediterranean. It is hypothesized that in the early history of the genus the main lineages separated by rapid, numerous and close events that produced a starting point very similar to a polytomy, hard to resolve by parsimony analysis of the data set.

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Phylogenetic relationships within the Italian species of the lacertid genus Podarcis were examined by parsimony analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences from the genes encoding the small ribosomal RNA and the phenyl transfer RNA. Lacerta viridis was used as outgroup and Teira dugesii was also included in the ingroup. The 80 phylogenetically informative positions produced four most parsimonious trees, with the Italian Podarcis split into three groups: the first comprised P. filfolensis, P. melisellensis. P. wagleriaria, P. muralis, and P. raffonei, the second P. sicula with its various subspecies. The third lineage was that of P. tiliguerta, whose relationships were resolved as more closely related to the first clade, when weighting transversion three times transitions. Bootstrap analyses on a subset of sequences representing all species herein studied, supported the results from the larger dataset. The present results are only partly in agreement with previous hypotheses based on morphology, immunology, and allozyme variation analyses.

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Many animals display complex colour patterns that comprise several adjacent, often contrasting colour patches. Combining patches of complementary colours increases the overall conspicuousness of the complex pattern, enhancing signal detection. Therefore, selection for conspicuousness may act not only on the design of single colour patches, but also on their combination. Contrasting long- and short-wavelength colour patches are located on the ventral and lateral surfaces of many lacertid lizards. As the combination of long- and short-wavelength-based colours generates local chromatic contrast, we hypothesized that selection may favour the co-occurrence of lateral and ventral contrasting patches, resulting in complex colour patterns that maximize the overall conspicuousness of the signal. To test this hypothesis we performed a comparative phylogenetic study using a categorical colour classification based on spectral data and descriptive information on lacertid coloration collected from the literature. Our results demonstrate that conspicuous ventral (long wavelength-based) and lateral (short wavelength-based) colour patches co-occur throughout the lacertid phylogeny more often than expected by chance, especially in the subfamily Lacertini. These results suggest that selection promotes the evolution of the complex pattern rather than the acquisition of a single conspicuous colour patch, possibly due to the increased conspicuousness caused by the combination of colours with contrasting spectral properties.

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Tail autotomy is one of the main anti-predator mechanisms of lacertid lizards, but it has been predicted that it is only retained in its full capacity when its benefits exceed its costs (Arnold, 1988). To test this hypothesis, ease of tail shedding was examined in a number of continental and insular lacertid lizard populations, each of which showed a different shedding capacity. Tails are shed more easily in those continental and insular populations where there is a greater probability of predation. In insular populations not subjected to strong predation, the tail tends to be retained. The relationship of these findings to insular Mediterranean lizard populations and to the extinction of the Balearic lizard, Podarcis lilfordi are discussed.

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920 bp of the 12SrRNA mitochondrial gene was sequenced from several samples of the Podarcis species from the central Mediterranean region. These sequences were compared with these published before. For two species, P. wagleriana and P. tiliguerta, intraspecific divergences were found as usual for well separated species.

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Common Italian names of the amphibians and reptiles present in the geographic Italy are proposed. We analysed a large set of bibliography in order to assess a list of Italian common names used and we proposed the utilization of a single name, also in view of the forthcoming publication of the distribution atlas of the Italian herpetofauna. The criteria used to assign such names follow in general the current use, the possibility to clearly distinguish similar species, geographic and linguistic parameters.

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Se ha llevado a cabo un estudio helmintológico de muestras fecales de tres especies de saurios (Podarcis filfolensis, Podarcis raffonei y Chalcides ocellatus) en islas del Norte y Sur de Sicilia (Mediterráneo Central). Se detectaron cuatro especies de nematodos, Parapharyngodon micipsae, Parapharyngodon sp., Pharyngodon sp. y Skrjabinelazia sp. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren, para los tres hospedadores, pobreza de sus comunidades helmintianas y hábitos alimenticios esencialmente carnívoros.

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Simple Summary: Information about the status and trends of endangered species populations are vital for conservation actions, yet these data are often limited for those inhabiting remote and difficult-to-access areas. With the technical support of an alpine guide, I climbed on La Canna sea stack, a columnar volcanic pinnacle 70 m high, to gather information on the size, morphology, and genetic variability of the tiniest population of the critically endangered Aeolian wall lizard Podarcis raffonei. Results indicate a current population size of about a hundred individuals, a body size of lizards significantly larger than previously known, and a complete lack of genetic diversity. Cephalic malformations observed on all captured individuals indicate the detrimental effect of inbreeding depression and represent a severe threat to the persistence of this population. - Abstract: Among the extant populations of the critically endangered Aeolian wall lizard, the most vulnerable is the one surviving on La Canna, a columnar volcanic stack off the Filicudi Island. Here, I report the results of the first climbing expedition by a biologist on La Canna, that contributed direct observations and updated information on the size, morphology, and genetic variability of this population. Lizard density at the sampling site (a small terrace at 50 m of altitude) was 1.7 m?2, twice of a previous estimate. Standard methods for estimating population size are unsuitable for La Canna. An educated guess of about a hundred individuals can be drawn, considering the extent of habitat available on the stack and the number of observed lizards. Lizards on La Canna were not fearless, despite what was reported by alpinists, possibly because of aggressive intraspecific interactions or high environmental temperatures during sampling. Biometric data significantly extends the body size of La Canna’s lizards and indicates that it is not smaller than other P. raffonei populations. A complete lack of genetic diversity was found at the mitochondrial nd4 gene, in line with previous allozyme data and with estimates on other microinsular Podarcis populations. The small size of the La Canna population implies severe genetic drift and an extremely high level of inbreeding, as supported by low heterozygosity found across the genome. Detrimental effects of inbreeding depression are evident as cephalic malformations observed in all captured lizards of La Canna and might represent the more immediate threat to the persistence of this population.

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In recent years, great attention has been paid to many Podarcis species for which the observed intra-specific variability often revealed species complexes still characterized by an unresolved relationship. When compared to other species, P. siculus underwent fewer revisions and the number of species hidden within this taxon may have been, therefore, underestimated. However, recent studies based on genetic and morphological data highlighted a marked differentiation of the populations inhabiting the western Pontine Archipelago. In the present work we used published genetic data (three mitochondrial and three nuclear gene fragments) from 25 Podarcis species to provide a multilocus phylogeny of the genus in order to understand the degree of differentiation of the western Pontine populations. In addition, we analyzed new morphometric traits (scale counts) of 151 specimens from the main islands of the Pontine Archipelago. The phylogenetic analysis revealed five principal Podarcis groups with biogeographic consistency. The genetic distinctiveness of the Podarcis populations of the western Pontine Islands is similar or even more ancient than those observed in numerous other pairs of Podarcis sister species. In the light of these evidences we raise the western Pontine lizards to specific rank; thus they should be referred to as Podarcis latastei.

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This book shows a comprehensive picture of the reptiles, excluding snakes, living in Europe, North Africa, Middle and Near East and Central Asia. The bulk of the book is an annotated checklist and a distributional atlas of approx 500 species of lizards, crocodiles, turtles and terrapins, and amphisbaenians, living in the Western Palearctic. Information on distribution, subspecies, chorotype and main references are provided for each species, as well as 226 colour maps showing the global distribution of the species on a grid of one degree. For each species map the bibliographic and original sources (more than 850 sources are listed) are indicated. A further 83 maps show the distribution of all genera and main species groups of Palearctic reptiles. Beside the checklist and the atlas, in some additional chapters the following arguments are treated: Materials and methods; status of knowledge on the Palearctic fauna; composition of the Western Palearctic reptile fauna (including a statement on biodiversity and species richness); descriptive biogeography (including a discussion on the Palearctic region boundaries based on reptile distribution and the herpeto-geographic sectors of the Western Palearctic); conservation status. A list of more than 730 references quoted in the text and high quality colour plates including photos of the most of the supraspecific taxa living in the study area completes the book.

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This paper represents an update of the list of Italian amphibians and reptiles published 15 years ago by Razzetti et al. (2006) and of the checklist published in 1993 by the late Benedetto Lanza. At present, the Italian herpetofauna includes 100 species (41 amphibians and 59 reptiles) and an amphibian taxon of hybrid origin. Seven species and one subspecies are allochthonous and became naturalized within the last century. Since the last published list, a new species has been described (Vipera walser), five taxa have been raised to species rank (Salamandrina perspicillata, Speleomantes sarrabusensis, Zootoca carniolica, Malpolon insignitus and Natrix helvetica) while three taxa have been downgraded to subspecies. All the relevant taxonomic changes based upon new research have been discussed, including tentative revisions and controversial taxa. Nine species reported or listed dubitatively in Lanza’s 1993 list are excluded here.

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Research on the taxonomy of European amphibians and reptiles has increased noticeably over the last few decades, indicating the need for recognition of new species and the cancellation of others. This paper provides a critical review of recent changes and draws up a tentative species list.

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The last species list of the European herpetofauna was published by Speybroeck, Beukema and Crochet (2010). In the meantime, ongoing research led to numerous taxonomic changes, including the discovery of new species-level lineages as well as reclassifications at genus level, requiring significant changes to this list. As of 2019, a new Taxonomic Committee was established as an official entity within the European Herpetological Society, Societas Europaea Herpetologica (SEH). Twelve members from nine European countries reviewed, discussed and voted on recent taxonomic research on a case-by-case basis. Accepted changes led to critical compilation of a new species list, which is hereby presented and discussed. According to our list, 301 species (95 amphibians, 15 chelonians, including six species of sea turtles, and 191 squamates) occur within our expanded geographical definition of Europe. The list includes 14 non-native species (three amphibians, one chelonian, and ten squamates).