×

Algyroides fitzingeri, Algyroides marchi, Algyroides moreoticus, Algyroides nigropunctatus, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta lepida, Lacerta princeps, Lacerta schreiberi, Lacerta strigata, Lacerta trilineata, Lacerta viridis, Lacerta andreanszkyi, Lacerta armeniaca, Lacerta bedriagae, Lacerta brandtii, Lacerta cappadocica, Lacerta caucasica, Lacerta chlorogaster, Lacerta cyanura, Lacerta danfordi, Lacerta derjugini, Lacerta dugesii, Lacerta fraasii, Lacerta graeca, Lacerta horvathi, Lacerta jayakari, Lacerta laevis, Lacerta monticola, Lacerta mosorensis, Lacerta oxycephala, Lacerta parva, Lacerta perspicillata, Lacerta praticola, Lacerta rudis, Lacerta saxicola, Lacerta vivipara, Gallotia atlantica, Gallotia galloti, Gallotia simonyi, Podarcis erhardii, Podarcis filfolensis, Podarcis hispanica, Podarcis lilfordi, Podarcis melisellensis, Podarcis milensis, Podarcis muralis, Podarcis peloponnesiaca, Podarcis pityusensis, Podarcis sicula, Podarcis taurica, Podarcis tiliguerta, Podarcis wagleriana, Psammodromus algirus, Psammodromus blanci, Psammodromus hispanicus, Psammodromus microdactylus.

×

Twenty-four species of lacertid lizards were examined at 31 sites in western Yogoslavia, Greece and Iberia. Comparative observations were made on over 4500 individual lizards, noting such features as times of activitiy, hunting methods, diet, micro- and macrohabitat, refuges used and body temperature. These data are used as a basis for assessing resource partition in related sympatric species, for find out whether different systematic groups have characteristic types of niche, and for comparing cumminity structures in the peninsulas of southern Europa. Acanthodactylus erythrurus, Algyroides marchi, Algyroides moreoticus, Algyroides nigropunctatus, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta graeca, Lacerta horvathi, Lacerta lepida, Lacerta monticola, Lacerta oxycephala, Lacerta mosorensis, Lacerta schreiberi, Lacerta trilineata, Lacerta viridis, Lacerta vivipara, Podarcis bocagei, Podarcis erhardii, Podarcis hispanica, Podarcis melisellensis, Podarcis milensis, Podarcis muralis, Podarcis peloponnesiaca, Podarcis sicula, Podarcis taurica, Psammodromus algirus, Psammodromus hispanicus.

×

Archaeolacerta s. l., in the currently utilized sense results to be a polyphyletic taxon, composed of three monophyletic and phylogenetically well differentiated taxa: a)-Archaeolacerta (s. str.) Mertens, 1921, which includes three species: A. bedriagae, A. oxycephala, and A. mosorensis, distributed by the northern part of the Central Mediterranean (Corsica, Sardinia, and west Balcanic Peninsula). His most related genera seem to be Teira (his adelphotaxon in our study), Apathya, and Omanosaura. b)-Iberolacerta gen. nov., with two subgenera: Iberolacerta s. str. and Pyrenesaura subgen. nov. includes six species: I. monticola, I. cyreni, I. bonnali, I. aranica, I. aurelioi, and I. horvathi. They are distributed by the mountains of Western Europe (Iberian Peninsula, Pyrenees, Central and Eastern Alps and the north of the Dinaric Chains). His adelphotaxon are the Caucasian and Near East species of Darevskia gen. nov. c)-The third taxa is Darevskia gen. nov., which includes the species of the `L.` saxicola complex besides `L.` derjugini, `L.` praticola, and `L.` chlorogaster. They are distributed by Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Near East. Other clear relationships among some taxa of the Eurasian Radiation [= `Eurasische linie` from (Mayer and Benyr, 1994)] have been found: Algyroides seems to be the sister group of the species considered of uncertain phylogenetic relationships belonging to the `L.` danfordi-laevis group and of Podarcis. `L.` brandtii seems to be a very primitive species within the Eurasian Radiation. Omanosaura and Apathya appear as sister taxa. `L.` graeca occupies a very basal position in the sister group of Podarcis and relatives (see above). `L.` andreanskyi is the sister species of the Darevskia nov. and Iberolacerta nov. clade. The assimilation of `L.` andreanskyi to Teira is very problematic. Also the `L.` parva group seems to be related to Timon. Some groups of species like `L.` brandtii, `L.` parva-fraasii and `L.` danfordi-laevis probably merit generic rank, but it is necessary a more deep study before to take a decision.

×

Colour signals are ubiquitous in nature but only recently have researchers recognised the potential of ultraviolet (UV)-refecting colour patches to function as signals of quality. Lacertid lizards often display UV-blue patches on their fanks and black spots over their entire body, both of which are under sexual selection. They also have a cryptic dorsum and some species have a conspicuous, polymorphic ventral coloration. In this study, we use the Tyrrhenian wall lizard Podarcis tiliguerta to investigate the information content of the lateral UV-blue patches and black melanin spots of males by assessing the relationship between colour features and individual quality traits. In addition, we use a visual modelling procedure to examine whether the colora tion of the diferent body parts and diferent colour morphs can be distinguished by a wall lizard visual system. We found that larger males had more numerous and larger UV-blue patches, with a higher UV chroma, UV-shifted hue, but a lower spectral intensity than smaller males. The extent of black on the throat, dorsum, and fanks also correlated with male body size and size-corrected head length but not with colour features of the UV-blue patches. These results suggest that the UV-blue and melanic colour patches may provide diferent, non-redundant information about male resource holding potential, and thus act as condition-dependent indicators of male quality. Finally, we found that the diferent body parts can be chromatically distin guished from each other, and that the UV-blue patches are the most conspicuous while the dorsum is the least conspicuous.

×

The longevity of several lacertid lizard species in captivity is reported. The conditions of keeping, which have been successful throughout many years, are briefly presented.

×

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.

×

Etwa 13 Kilometer vom italienischen Festland entfernt und 100 Kilometer nördlich von Rom liegt die Insel Giglio, ein über 21 Quadratkilometer großes Traumziel, das für Taucher und Schnorchler, aber auch für Liebhaber der terrestrischen Fauna und Flora interessant ist.

×

Oganismal performance abilities occupy a central position in phenotypic evolution; they are determined by suites of interacting lower-level traits (e.g., morphology and physiology) and they are a primary focus of natural selection. The mechanisms by which higher levels of organismal performance are achieved during evolution are therefore fundamentally important for understanding correlated evolution in general and coadaptation in particular. Here we address correlated evolution of morphological, physiological, and behavioral characteristics that influence interspecific variation in sprint speed in a clade of lacertid lizards. Phylogenetic analyses using independent contrasts indicate that the evolution of high maximum sprinting abilities (measured on a photocell-timed racetrack) has occurred via the evolution of (1) longer hind limbs relative to body size, and (2) a higher physiologically optimum temperature for sprinting. For ectotherms, which experience variable body temperatures while active, sprinting abilities in nature depend on both maximum capacities and relative performance levels (i.e., percent of maximum) that can be attained. With respect to temperature effects, relative performance levels are determined by the interaction between thermal physiology and thermoregulatory behavior. Among the 13 species or subspecies of lizards in the present study, differences in the optimal temperature for sprinting (body temperature at which lizards run fastest) closely matched interspecific variation in median preferred body temperature (measured in a laboratory photothermal gradient), in- dicating correlated evolution of thermal physiology and thermal preferences. variability of the preferred body tem- peratures maintained by each species is, across species, negatively correlated with the thermal-performance breadth (range of body temperatures over which lizards can run relatively fast). This pattern leads to interspecific differences in the levels of relative sprint speed that lizards are predicted to attain while active at their preferred temperatures. The highest levels of predicted relative performance are achieved by species that combine a narrow, precise distribution of preferred temperatures with the ability to sprint at near-maximum speeds over a wide range of body temperatures. The observed among-species differences in predicted relative speed were positively correlated with the interspecific variation in maximum sprinting capacities. Thus, species that attain the highest maximum speeds are (1) also able to run at near-maximum levels over a wide range of temperatures and (2) also maintain body temperatures within a narrow zone near the optimal temperature for sprinting. The observed pattern of correlated evolution therefore has involved traits at distinct levels of biological organization, that is, morphology, physiology, and behavior; and trade- offs are not evident. We hypothesize that this particular trait combination has evolved in response to coadaptational selection pressures. We also discuss our results in the context of possible evolutionary responses to global climatic change.

×

New data on the distribution of the herpetofauna of the La Maddalena Archipelago are reported in the present work, together with the available literature. The study reports data on 78 islands, for 19 of these islands the data are unpublished.

×

Predation is one of the major selective forces in the evolution of many behavioural traits, particularly in animals subjected to high predation rates, like lizards. Many factors as predation pressure and habitat complexity are known to shape escape behaviour in lizards. We investigated if different Podarcis species display a similar escape behaviour under similar environmental conditions. We analyzed data from 9 Mediterranean islets: three in eastern Corsica, three in north-eastern Sardinia, inhabited by Podarcis tiliguerta, and three in the eastern coast of the Adriatic sea, inhabited by P. melisellensis (Pm, n=62). Islets were all small in size (from about 1 to 22 ha), characterised by comparable predation pressure (hosting no potential ground predators, i.e. snakes, rats), and were classified in two categories of habitat structure complexity. We considered two main traits of escape behaviour: flight initiation distance (FID) and distance fled (FLD) (Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used). P. tiliguerta from Corsica (Ptc, n=97) and from Sardinia (Pts, n=86) were analysed separately following recent studies suggesting substantial morphological and genetical differences between the two groups. Our results highlighted that in Podarcis the level of wariness was quite a variable feature, linked more to population variability than to differences among species. Ptc displayed the longest FID (significantly longer than Pts, P=0.006), probably to compensate with a greater level of awareness its lower locomotory efficiency due to smaller size (Ptc showed the smallest SVL considering the studied islets). FLD, on the contrary, was a less variable trait, likely related to the escape strategy of individuals: Podarcis populations of different species and islets run comparable distances when escaping, and lizards that hid in a refuge run significantly shorter distances than lizards that just stopped without hiding.

×

I dati presentati in questa nota descrittiva sull’ecologia termica di Podarcis tiliguerta, lucertola endemica di Corsica e Sardegna, si riferiscono alla popolazione di Lavezzi, a SE della Corsica. Le osservazioni, svolte nel periodo di inizio giugno, hanno mostrato che nei maschi le temperature corporee sono significativamente maggiori rispetto alle femmine, con medie di 31,3 °C e 30,0 °C rispettivamente. In entrambi i sessi la temperatura corporea appare correlata con quella dell’aria e del substrato e sembra essere maggiore per gli individui in movimento.

×

Within a species one can often distinguish between groupings which correspond to objectively different levels of differentiation. The level of these differentiations may vary between semlspecies and local population rank. On the other hand the zoological system supplies us with only one category for the nomenclatoral expression of infraspeclflc relative relationship. Several examples taken from the European herpetofauna are used to demonstrate the absurdity of infraspeclflc concepts currently accepted for many European, especially Mediterranean reptile species. An alternative to this unsatisfactory situation would be the concept of `megasubspecies` as developed by American ornithologists. This concept would allow to express Infraspeclflc relationship also in herpetology better than before, but nevertheless in harmony with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.

×

For planning practical measures aimed at biodiversity protection, conservation priorities must be identified at a local scale. Unfortunately, identifying local conservation priorities requires high-resolution data on species distribution, and these are often unavailable. Atlases of species distribution provide data for several groups of organisms in many different areas but are often too coarse in resolution to provide valuable information. We explored the possibility of cross-scale modelling species distributions and we clarified, for the first time, its effect on prioritization exercises. We used different modelling techniques for scaling down atlas data for Sardinian reptiles, validated the outcomes with detailed, field-sampled data, and compared conservation priorities deriving from atlas maps and downscaled models. Doing this, we obtained as a further result the identification of priority species and areas for future conservation strategies. Our results encourage us to experiment further with this approach. Through the downscaling procedure, we obtain high-resolution models with strong variations in predictive performances, although most of the models show satisfactory/excellent scores. This testifies that low-resolution data can be downscaled maintaining low rates of omission and commission errors. Increasing the resolution of distribution maps used for prioritization influences the spatial patterns of priority but does not modify the evaluation of species representation. Overall, we show that atlases can meet the large demand for distribution data by decision makers if appropriate downscaling procedures are adopted. In addition, we provide practical instruments for the conservation of reptiles in Sardinia by identifying priority species and areas that require strict management.

×

Studies of the ecological characteristics of sympatric species are important for developing and testing ecological theory, but may be of interest also for conservation biology research when the study species are threatened, endemic and with narrow distribution. Here, we studied a particular aspect of the ecology (i.e. microhabitat use) of two sympatric lizards (Archaeolacerta bedriagae, Podarcis tiliguerta) endemic to Sardinia and Corsica (Tyrrhenian islands). We studied this issue by modelling procedures, using field data collected at six study areas in both Sardinia and Corsica. We recorded 18 microhabitat variables for each lizard spot. The variables were entered as independent variables in logistic regression analysis with the presence/absence data for the lizards as the dependent variable, and Akaike Information Criterion was applied to select the best models describing the ecological equation of each study species. In total, we based our modelling approach on 296 individuals of A. bedriagae and 182 of P. tiliguerta. The general logistic regression models revealed that five distinct variables were significantly correlated to the presence/absence of A. bedriagae, and six to that of P. tiliguerta. We found that three variables were important for only P. tiliguerta, two for only A. bedriagae, and three for both species and with an identical sign. We also found some similarities in microhabitat choice between species. Indeed, some variables were always present in the best models of both A. bedriagae and P. tiliguerta. In general, A. bedriagae was more related to spots with large stones and low vegetation than P. tiliguerta, which, on the contrary, choose spots relatively closer to vegetation. The various reasons explaining the observed similarities and differences between species were examined. It is suggested that our modelling procedure may be widely used for studies of lizard community ecology, because it easy to use and allows a more-in-depth analysis than normal `count approaches`.

×

Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy 3Laboratoire d’Ecologie Alpine, University Grenoble Alpes, University Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, Grenoble, France 4Kosmos – Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy 5Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy 6I.P.L.A., Istituto per le Piante da Legno e l`Ambiente, Torino, Italy Correspondence Gentile Francesco Ficetola, Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20126 Milano, Italy. Email: francesco.ficetola@gmail.com Funding information Italian Ministry for Research, Grant/Award Number: 2017KLZ3MA Editor: Ana Margarida Coelho dos Santos Abstract Aim: Analyses of biogeographical patterns and macroecology of islands require large datasets reporting the occurrence of species. The Mediterranean region is a biodiver- sity hotspot, which hosts a large number of reptile species and has been the focus of many studies. Nevertheless, comprehensive inventories describing the features and biodiversity of these environments are lacking. We gathered a dataset summarizing data on reptile distribution on islands of the Mediterranean basin and Macaronesia, also including detailed information on the geographical features. Location: Islands from the Mediterranean Basin, the Atlantic Ocean within the Mediterranean biogeographical region, and Macaronesia (Canary and Savage Islands, Azores, Madeira and Cape Verde). Time period: Present. Taxon: Reptiles (squamates and turtles). Methods: Initially, we developed a geographical database describing islands of the study region, then gathered information on reptile occurrences from 757 bibliograph- ical sources, including atlases, published papers and the grey literature. Through a critical review of these sources, we also obtained information on the status of popula- tions (native, island endemic or non-native) and on the reliability of occurrence data. Results: We obtained basic geographical information from 1875 islands covering the whole study region and with a very broad range of geographical features. We gath- ered >4150 records of reptile occurrence on islands, referring to 198 taxonomic units (species or species complexes); information on population status was available for 84.9% of records. Data are provided as comma-delimited text files. Main conclusions: The database provides a key resource for biogeographical analyses and can also serve as a backbone for conservation studies. The availability of a large database on island features can also be useful for biogeographers working on other taxonomic groups. Nevertheless, more data are required for some geographical areas, in order to ascertain the status (e.g., native vs. non-native) of many populations and to understand the interplay between natural and human-driven processes.

×

The author describes a herpetological vacation on Corsica. It is an island with lots ofdifferent habitats, where reptiles and amphibians are abundant. Several (sub)species are endemic to Corsica or to both Corsica and Sardinia, for instance Archaeolacerta bedriagae, Podarcis tiliguerta, Algyroides fitzingeri, Discoglossus montalemii, D. sardus, Hyla sarda, Euproctus montanus, Salamandra salamandra corsica and Natrix natrix corsa. Several others are probably introduced by men, for instance Podarcis sicula cam- pestris (in Ajaccio, Porro-Vecchio and Basria), P. s. cettii (in Bonifacio), Tarentola mauritanica, Rana esculenta, Bufo viridis and Testudo hermanni. Corsica and Sardinia are part of the natural distribution o f Phyllodactylus europaeus, Hemidactylus turcicus, Coluber viridif/avus, Emys orbicularis, Caretta caretta and Dermochelys coriacea, that inhabit other parts of Europe as well. Several species of lizards are in a more or less fierce competition with each other. A. bedriagae for instance is pushed to high altitude, bare rock and granite boulders in little streams, by P. tiliguerta. P. sicula campestris is successful in flat terrain, leaving only walls ofstacked stones toP. tiliguerta. P. s. cettii doesn`t even leave this habitat toP. tiliguerta. As for now P. sicula is restricted mainly to coastal areas, lea- ving the better part of Corsica to P. tiliguerta. D. sardus and D. montalentii are only recently recog- nised as different species. D. montalentii is endemic to Corsica, whereas D. sardus is known too from Sardinia. D. montalentii is living in high altitudes, especially in clear mountain-streams, D. sardus in lower altitudes and has a less specialised preference for its habitat. Corsica is a very interesting island from a herpetolo- gical point ofview.

×

Podarcis tiliguerta were observed on a dry hillside in the Gennargentu mountains, Sardinia, in July 1989, where they aggregated around tiny springlets, their only source of water. In this uncommon situation the lizards repeatedly rubbed their cloacas with quick lateral undulating hindbody movements against the substrate, their tail bases raised vertically and their hindlegs stretched dorsolaterally. These movements are interpreted as submissive behaviour derived from and substituting Treteln (head bobbing and frontleg lifting); the latter behaviour impossible to perform here for practical reasons. The interpretation a s displacement activity is ruled out. A female Lacerta laevis, observed later in captivity, showed both forms of Treteln, the normal one changing into the newly described movements. This reinforces the suggestion of homology between the action pattern Treteln and the cloacal rubbing of P. tiliguerta. Rubbing of the cloaca known from courting male tejids, is only in appearance somewhat similar.

×

The interspecific relationships among female size, clutch size, egg size, and hatchling size were examined for 64 European lacertids. The eggs of all species increased linearly in both linear dimensions and mass during incubation. Across species initial egg mass was positively correlated with juvenile mass, with an allometric relationship exponent of 0.87. Initial egg mass across species increased proportionally with female mass to the power of 0.57. Moreover, an increase in maternal mass was also accompanied by an increase in clutch size. The number of eggs per clutch across species scaled with female mass to the power of 0.39. Removing the effect of female mass resulted in a negative correlation between egg mass and clutch size. Species for which the average egg size was lower than expected on the basis of female mass, tended to have larger relative clutch size. The total egg mass per clutch was about one third of female mass (exponent 0.94).

×

On February 29, 2016, the authors departed to one of the best herpetofauna hotspots in Europe, Sardinia. The aim of this 4-day journey was to find as many species as possible, with a focus on the endemic specialties of the island. Although the intent was non-scientific, we did some interesting observations that contradict, confirm or complement other surveys. We spent the first three days of our trip at the east coast of the island, near the mountainous Parco Nazionale del Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu. Here we found our target species, the European leaf-toed Gecko (Euleptes europaea) and the Supramonte Cave Salamander (Speleomantes supramontis), as well as two other gecko species (Tarentola mauritanica and Hemidactylus turcicus), two endemic lizards (Podarcis tiliguerta and Algyroides fitzingeri), a skink (Chalcides occellatus) and two species of anurans (Hyla sarda and Bufotes viridis balearicus). The Moorish Gecko was not recorded yet for this region. The amount of observed cave salamanders was striking, as well as the relatively dry habitat in which they were found. This is probably due to the rainy conditions just before our arrival. At least four out of the seventeen observed salamanders were parasitized by the leech Batracobdella algira, significantly more than nine out of 1380 in a recent study. The last day, we tried to find some new species in the vicinity of Lago Baratz, the only natural freshwater lake of the island, at the west coast. Here, we observed six species, including Discoglossus sardus, Chalcides chalcides and Podarcis siculus, which were new species of the trip. In total, we found an estimated 114 individuals of twelve different species. Some species we missed out were Archaeolacerta bedriagae, Euproctus platycephalus, Testudo hermanni and all Sardinian snake species, giving us enough reasons to return to Sardinia!

×

Podarcis tiliguertais a lacertid lizard endemic to Corsica, Sardinia and many of their satellite islands. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships among the various island populations using morphological characters, to assess the usefulness of these characters in phylogenetic studies, and to test the concordance of morphologi- cal and earliergenetical studies. Snout-vent length and 11 pholidotic characters have been studied on 2783 specimens from localities on the two main islands and the majority of theirrespective satellite islands. Data formales and females are analyzed separately using uni- and multivariate statistical methods; the results are compared to previous genetical analyses. With few exceptions, the two populations, one on Corsica, the second on Sardinia (and theirsatellite islands), are readily distinguish- able. We argue that the few exceptions may be due to a foundereffect and/orgenet- ic drift. The male sample from northern Corsica and both sex samples from southern Corsica present unresolved problems because they group with the Sardinian clade. Ourresults, forthe most part, are in accord with those obtained with genetical analy- ses, but furtherstudies are needed to clarify the unresolved questions.

×

This thesis comprises part of a wider project that addresses the evolution of Mediterranean lizards of the genus Podarcis (Wagler, 1830), and is mainly focused on insular populations. This genus is widespread across the Mediterranean basin. They exhibit a great intraspecific variability in morphological traits. In particular, melanic and non-melanic populations (which are completely green or brown, and/or with intermediate coloration) are found on different islands. The causes for this variability remain unknown. The Podarcis genus contains various insular endemism such as Podarcis tiliguerta from Corsica and Sardinia islands, and P. lilfordi and P. pityusensis from the Balearic archipelago. The Mediterranean basin is considered a biodiversity hotspot due to the presence of an exceptional number of endemic species and Podarcis provides an important component of this biodiversity. It can provide information on the effects of fragmentation and/or degradation of habitat. Analyses of Podarcis also have important implications for conservation of the group itself: understanding the evolutionary framework provides a basis for future conservation actions. The present thesis is focused on the molecular study of the evolution of several Mediterranean Podarcis. It aims to build on and extend previous studies that made evolutionary inferences from just the mitochondrial DNA. This is achieved by analysing several nuclear markers (MC1R, RAG1, APOBE28, BLC9L, KIAA2018 and KIF24) in combination with mtDNA data. The main aim is to address two important evolutionary questions: i) Factors determining melanism in insular populations P. lilfordi and P. pityusensis present an important colour variation and polymorphism in the MC1R gene has been related to pigmentation in other species. Therefore, the relationship between DNA substitutions and melanism in different populations was studied. We did not detect any differences in the MC1R sequence that we analysed and so this sequence does not appear to be the basis of the colour variation in these Balearic Podarcis. Differences in gene expression were also compared between melanic and nonmelanic individuals, but no differences that were directly related to MC1R expression were detected. Nevertheless, the transcriptome profiles of melanic and non-melanic individuals from two populations of P. lilfordi did show some differences. The main differences found between the two groups were: non-melanic samples showed overexpression of stress-response genes, while melanic individuals had higher metabolic rates and an increased inflammatory response to exogenous antigens. Despite finding differences in expression, our study was unable to reveal major insights into the genetic basis of melanism in these island lizards. ii) Phylogeny and phylogeography of different endemic species. This work contributes important findings relevant to the systematics and evolution of the species P. tiliguerta endemic to Corsica and Sardina. Using Bayesian phylogenetic dating, we determined that this species originated ~11 Ma ago. Both markers (nuclear genes and mtDNA) showed a high level of intraspecific divergence, especially between Corsica and Sardinia. Ancient divergence (which was estimated at 9.5 Ma ago) and associated high levels of between-island lineage sorting in nuclear markers support the view that Corsican and Sardinian populations should be recognized as two different species. Podarcis were also studied from the Columbretes archipelago, a small island group off the coast east of Spain. Populations were previously recognized as a subspecies of P. hispanica or as P. atrata species. However, the suitability of this taxonomic designation has been made unclear by recent systematics studies of Podarcis that have led to major taxonomic changes. We used nuclear and mitochondrial genes to define their phylogenetic relationships. Columbretes populations were found to be most closely related to the new taxon P. liolepis.

×

Podarcis tiliguerta is an insular Mediterranean lacertid lizard endemic to Corsica, Sardinia and many neighbouring small islands. The genetic structure and population heterogeneity of the species were studied by means of allozyme electrophoresis at 20 presumptive gene loci. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) decreases southwards towards more arid climatic regimes. No severe reduction in genetic variability was found in samples from the tiny satellite islands, except for a population inhabiting a very small island off the south-western coast of Sardinia (Meli Island), in which about 80 per cent of the genetic variability was lost. Population heterogeneity analysis carried out by the estimation of Wright`s F-statistics demonstrated substantial genetic differentiation among populations. The value of FST (0.460) exceeds values known for other lizard species. F-statistics and genetic distance data show that genetic variation is distributed into three geographically coherent population groups. The first group includes populations from the northern part of the range (Corsica), the second includes populations from the small islands off the south-eastern coast of Corsica (Cerbicale and Lavezzi), and the third comprises populations from the southern part of the range (Sardinia and Meli Island). The pattern of genetic variability and the apparent clinal variation of alleles at a few loci (Idh-1, Gapd, Gpi) indicate that the subdivided genetic structure of P. tiliguerta is moulded by the interplay of stochastic processes and agents selectively affecting allele frequency changes.

×

An allozyme survey revealed instances of natural hybridi zation between Podarci s sicula and P. tiliguerta from a locality of southern Sardinia. Pure specimens of both species together with some F1 hybri ds were found, but no evi dence of backcrossing was detected. The hybrid specimens appeared morphologically intermediate between the parent species. The absence of backcrossed individuals indicate that free interbreeding between the two species is unlikely. Hybrids were found in areas of habitat disturbance only.

×

Abstract Some aspects of community ecology in a lizard assemblage composed of three sympatric and diurnal species (Algyroides fitzingeri, Podarcis tiliguerta, Chalcides ocellatus) were studied in a Mediterranean habitat of central Sardinia. The three lizards were characterized by significantly different mean body size. There was no spatial overlap between the smallest species (A. fitzingeri) and the largest one (C. ocellatus), while there was a certain amount of overlap between P. tiliguerta and each of the other two lizards. The three species preyed on a wide variety of invertebrates, but mainly on insects. Food niche breadth was higher in P. tiliguerta, and this could be related to the higher microhabitat heterogeneity of this lizard in the study area. Food niche overlap was high between Chalcides ocellatus and Podarcis tiliguerta, but low between Algyroides fitzingeri and C. ocellatus. Although further data are required before any firm conclusion can be drawn, the results of this investigation seem to indicate that (i) interspecific competition among the three lizards is rather limited, due both to food and spatial resource partitioning, and (ii) the lizard community is organized through the ecological needs of each species.

×

The chromosome complements of Podarcis filfolensis, P. tiliguerta, P. wagleriana and Archaeolacerta bedriagae were analyzed in bone marrow somatic mitoses as well as in meiotic diakinesis. All four species are characterized by the typical lacertid karyotype consisting of 38 chromosomes (36 acrocentric macrochromosomes plus 2 microchromosomes). Adaptive stability of karyotypes, as a result ofa canalization process of chromosomal evolution, and absence of complex social behaviour promoting population subdivision and inbreeding, are the evolutionary factors presumably correlated with the remarkable conservativeness of karyotype observed within the family Lacertidae.

×

We discuss three aspects of the thermal biology of lacertid lizards. First, we provide an overview of the available data on field body temperatures (Tb), the thermal sensitivity of various performance functions and selected body temperatures in different species of lacertid lizards. We also briefly summarise information on the mechanisms of thermoregulation. Second, we discuss recent developments to estimate the »precision« of thermoregulation, and the contribution of distinct behavioural mechanisms. Finally, we revise available evidence for the existence of evolutionary adjustments of thermal characteristics in lacertid lizards. Existing studies have mainly dealt with within- and among-species differences in thermoregulatory behaviour (selected temperatures) and thermal physiology of adults (optimal temperatures, heating rates). Available data provide only limited evidence for clear-cut evolutionary shifts in thermal physiology characteristics along climatic gradients.

×

The data available on the herpetofauna of the Archipelago della Maddalena are mainly based on investigations carried out during the 1980’s by the Sezione di Zoologia “La Specola” of the Museo di Storia Naturale dell’Università di Firenze. Such records have not been specifically updated successively. Here field data on the composition and distribution of the herpetofauna of the Archipelago are presented, with particular attention to the micro-insular areas for which no bibliographic data were available. Between 2011 and 2012 a total of 51 islands and islets have been visited: new records have been gained for 15 islands and islets already studied in past while on 4 the herpetofauna has been recorded for the first time. The lack of herpetofauna on 9 islets and rocks seemingly never previously studied has been reported too.

×

Although distribution databases are a dynamic tool, continuously updated, it is important to take “snapshots” of the species distribution over time to promptly identify potential conservation issues. With this work, we provide an update of the distribution of amphibians and reptiles in Sardinia and satellite islands. Data derive from both direct field observations (carried out since 2005 until July 2022) and literature, accounting for over 7000 records: 1416 records of 11 species of amphibians and 5600 records of 18 species of reptiles. Distribution maps (on 10 × 10 km UTM grid) of 29 species are provided in supplementary materials as well as the updated list of the amphibians and reptiles occurring in the circum-Sardinian islands. Most of the meshes were characterized by the presence of 1-3 amphibian species (73%) and 6-8 or 9-11 reptile species (32% with 6-8 species, 30% with 9-11 species). Species abundance was favoured by environmental heterogeneity, and mostly varied in relation to elevation range and edge density.

×

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.

×

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.

×

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.

×

Comparative analyses were carried out about the variability of the pileal shields of different species belonging to the family Lacertidae. The results of the comparisons have been evaluated in respect to the phylogenetical relationships existing between the different genera and species of the family.

×

Background. The western Mediterranean archipelagos have a rich endemic fauna, which includes five species of reptiles. Most of these archipelagos were colonized since early historic times by anthropochoric fauna, such as ship rats (Rattus rattus). Here, I evaluated the influence of ship rats on the occurrence of island reptiles, including non-endemic species. Methodology. I analysed a presence-absence database encompassing 159 islands (Balearic Islands, Provence Islands, Corso-Sardinian Islands, Tuscan Archipelago, and Galite) using Bayesian-regularized logistic regression. Results. The analysis indicated that ship rats do not influence the occurrence of endemic island reptiles, even on small islands. Moreover, Rattus rattus co-occurred positively with two species of non-endemic reptiles, including a nocturnal gecko, a guild considered particularly vulnerable to predation by rats. Overall, the analyses showed a very different pattern than that documented in other regions of the globe, possibly attributable to a long history of coexistence.

×

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.

×

During a herperological journey to Sardinia in may 2001 19 of the 25 species of reptiles and amphibians were spotted. Especially Podarcis tiliguerta, chalices ocellatus and Coluber viridiflavus were abundant throughour the entire island. Tarentola mauritanica, Hyla sarda and Podarcis sicula cettii were locally abundant. Few animals of the other species were seen. Only Hydromantes flavus, Hydromantes genei, Lacerta bedriagae, Coluber hippocrepis, Elaphe longissima and Natrix natrix cetti were not seen.

×

The analysis of biogeographical structure and patterns of endemism are central topics of biogeography, but require exhaustive distribution data. A lack of accurate broad-scale information on the distribution of reptiles has so far limited the analyses of biogeographical structure. Here we analysed the distribution of reptiles within the broad-sense Western Palearctic to assess biogeographical regionalization using phylogenetic and non-phylogenetic approaches, identified areas of endemism and evaluated the environmental factors pro- moting community uniqueness and endemism. We gathered distributional records from the literature and from the field, mapping the distribution of all the Western Palearctic reptiles on a 1-degree resolution grid. bsim dissimilarity and hierarchical clustering was used to identify bioregions, analysing data both at the species and at the genus level, and considering phylogenetic dissimilarity. Consensus areas of endemism were identified on the basis of the optimality criterion. We then assessed whether biogeographical structure is related to present-day climate, insularity, orography and velocity of climate change during the Late Qua- ternary. The genus-level analysis identified five main biogeographical regions within the Western Palearctic, in partial agreement with previous proposals, while the species-level analysis identified more bioregions, largely by dividing the ones identified by genera. Phylogenetic bioregions were generally consistent with the non- phylogenetic ones. The strongest community uniqueness was observed in subtropical warm climates with seasonal precipitation and low productivity. We found nine consensus areas of endemism, mostly in regions with limited velocity of Quaternary climate change and warm subtropical climates. The biogeographical structure of Western Palearctic reptiles is comparable to what has been observed in other vertebrates, with a clear distinction between the Saharo-Arabian-Sindian and Euro-Mediterranean herpetofaunas. Unlike other vertebrates, in reptiles the highest uniqueness and endemism is observed in dry climates, but the velocity of climate change during the Quaternary remains a major driver of endemism across all the vertebrates.

×

Climatic conditions changing over time and space shape the evolution of organisms at multiple levels, including temperate lizards in the family Lacertidae. Here we reconstruct a dated phylogenetic tree of 262 lacertid species based on a supermatrix relying on novel phylogenomic datasets and fossil calibrations. Diversification of lacertids was accompanied by an increasing disparity among occupied bioclimatic niches, especially in the last 10 Ma, during a period of progressive global cooling. Temperate species also underwent a genome- wide slowdown in molecular substitution rates compared to tropical and desert-adapted lacertids. Evaporative water loss and preferred temperature are correlated with bioclimatic parameters, indicating physiological adaptations to climate. Tropical, but also some popu- lations of cool-adapted species experience maximum temperatures close to their preferred temperatures. We hypothesize these species-specific physiological preferences may con- stitute a handicap to prevail under rapid global warming, and contribute to explaining local lizard extinctions in cool and humid climates.

×

An electrophoretic investigation of 17 gene loci in 11 populations of Meditteraneans lacertids (Podarcis muralis, P. tiliguerta, P. hispanica, P. sicula, `Archaeolacerta` bedriagae) completed with a dendrogram after unweighted pair groups` arithmetic average cluster analysis of NEI genetic identity values, show: - important differences between Podarcis muralis and Podarcis tiliguerta, apparently sufficient to justify the maintenance of this taxon at the specific level; - important differences between animals of Archaeolacerta, Podarcis and Lacerta s. str. (MAYER et TIEDEMANN, 1982) which would allow to raise Archaeolacerta at a generic statute. This study allows equally to establish the diminution of percentage of polymorphic loci for micro-insular P. tiliguerta populations according to the removal from Sardinia and the estimate separation`s time. A tentative phylogenetic explanation is done by the authors.

×

This study examined the distribution and localization of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor in the brain cortex of a reptile by light and electron microscopy, to test whether cortical GABA inhibition is mainly mediated through the GABAA receptor complex. We used preembedding immunocytochemistry and a monoclonal antibody, raised against the receptor complex, that recognizes the beta 2 and beta 3 subunits of the receptor. GABAA receptors were distributed throughout the entire cerebral cortex except the dorsomedial cortex. The immunostaining consisted of fine granules restricted to the plexiform layers of the cortex as seen by light microscopy. This granular aspect of the immunoreactivity most likely corresponds to the immunopositive dendritic and axonal profiles observed under the electron microscope. Some neurons in the medial and lateral cortices displayed patches of immunoreactivity along the cell body and processes, and as a result their morphology was outlined. We discuss the possibility that these neurons were GABAergic as well. The immunocytochemical data demonstrate that the distribution and localization of GABAA receptors in discrete regions of the reptilian cerebral cortex resemble that of parts of the hippocampal formation of humans and rats, suggesting that the basic configuration of the GABA system in these regions is conserved.

×

In recent years there has been an exponential increase in the amount of published DNA sequences, as it has become one of the most popular sources of data for reconstructing phylogenies. A number of studies have attempted to resolve the relationships of groups of lacertids using mitochondrial DNA sequence data, in particular Podarcis and Gallotia (e.g. THORPE et al., 1994; 1996; GONZALEZ et al., 1996; FU et al., 1997; HARRIS, 1997; HARRIS et al., 1998a; 1999; CASTILLA et al., 1999a,b). Reassessment of these data suggest some alternative phylogenies to those previously published, and also highlight possible problems. Two studies have attempted to unravel the phylogeny of the whole family using mitochondrial DNA sequences (FU, 1998; HARRIS et al., 1998b). By combining these essentially congruent data sets, and reanalysing levels of support for the phylogenies produced, a more complete estimate of relationships across the family is produced. This is then compared to alternative sources of evidence, primarily morphological (ARNOLD, 1989), biochemical (MAYER & BENYR, 1994) and karyological (OLMO et al., 1993). Reasons for discrepencies are discussed, as are the relative advantages and disadvantages of the different sources of phylogenetic inference.

×

Conclusions Podarcis tiliguerta appears to be a species complex. Further morphological and molecular analyses will be needed to confirm this. Podarcis sicula is not sister taxon to P. muralis, nor is P. wagleriana a genetic lineage within P. filfolensis as has been previously suggested. However relationships between most Podarcis species remain unresolved.

×

Several recent papers have reviewed the life and work of French herpetologist Louis Amédée Lantz. They have detailed the composition of his collections deposited in several museums. However, since then, several other important specimens from his collections deposited at the Natural History Museum (NHM, UK) have come to light and we here present all of them in detail. We discovered paralectotypes of Lacerta saxicola obscura Lantz & Cyrén (BMNH 1918.11.21.5–7), syntypes of Lacerta boemica Sukhov (BMNH 1960.1.4.26–30, BMNH 1965.337–342) and Lacerta viridis media Lantz & Cyrén (BMNH 1960.1.4.25, 1966.512). We also identified numerous specimens from the French Mediterranean islands in Lantz’s collection deposited at the NHM, some of which represent the first reported specimens of their species from certain islands. We here provide data on all these specimens. We also place the Mediterranean island specimens from the Lantz collection in their historical context and emphasize the historical and taxonomic value of these collections.

×

Polydactyly is a fairly frequent phenomenon in tetrapod populations, but it is relatively rare in reptiles. Here we report the occurrence of polydactyly in a random sample of the Tyrrhenian wall lizard (Podarcis tiliguerta) from Sardinia. In the locality of Siniscola (NE Sardinia), we found two polydactylous female lizards, one of which showed polydactyly in one and the other in both hind limbs. This observation constitutes, to the best of our knowledge, the highest frequency of polydactyly ever reported in a single lizard population (4.54%). While providing a direct explanation for polydactyly is complicated, the genetic data available show that the two polydactylous individuals are not direct siblings, excluding the hypothesis of direct maternal inheritance of this condition.

×

During a short study trip to Sardinia in May 2012 the Pygmy Algyroides (Algyroides fitzingeri) was focussed on five occasions with seven individuals in the north of the island. The localities and habitat structures are described. Two species of the additional herpetofauna were the Tyrrhenian Wall Lizard (Podarcis tiliguerta) and the Italian Wall Lizard (Podarcis siculus).

×

The gaps as yet existing in our knowledge on the palaeogeography of the Mediteranean area, one of the most geologically «restless» on the globe, the scarcity of palaeontological data on amphibians and reptiles (often identified or identifiable only as far as the genus or family) as well as the uncertainties on the systematic position and true relationships of several of the taxa involved make many of the following conclusions on the origins of the herpetological population of Sardinia opinable. This population seems to have occurred i n at least five periods: 1) premiocenic age (taxa deriving from ancestors already present on the Sardinian Corsican microplate prior to its detachment from the main European plate): Euproctus platycephalus, Hydromantes genei, Discoglossus sardus?, Phyllodactylus europaeus??, Algyroides fitzingeri?, Archaeolacerta bedriagae?, Podarcis tiliguerta?; 2) messinian age (salinity crisis of the Upper Miocene), from European or African areas: Hydromantes flavus, Hydromantes imperialis, Hydromantes n.sp., Discoglossus sardus? Hemìdactylus turcicus??, Tarentola mauritanica??, Phyllodactylus europaeus?, Algyroides fitzingeri?, Archaeolacerta bedriagae?, Podarcis tiliguerta?, Chalcides chalcides?, Chalcides ocellatus?, Coluber hippocrepis?, Natrix natrix?, Natrix maura? 3) pliocenic age: Bufo viridis?, Hyla sarda, Hemìdactylus turcicus??, Tarentola mauritanica??, Natrix natrix?; 4 ) pleistocenic age (Cassian regression), from Tuscany across the so-called Elba-Brücke: Bufo viridis? Emys orbicularis, Testudo hermanni?, Hemìdactylus turcicus?, Tarentola maurìtanica?, Podarcis sicula?? Coluber viridiflavus, Elaphe longissima?, Natrix natrix?; 5) protohistoric and/or historic period (transport by man followed by acclimatization): Rana sp. plurimae of the «Rana escidenta-complex», Testudo graeca, Testudo marginata, Hemìdactylus turcicus?, Tarentola mauritanica?, Podarcis sicula?, Chalcides chalcides??, Chalcides ocellatus??, Coluber hippocrepis??, Elaphe longissima?, Natrix maura??, Testudo hermanni?.

×

Immunological reactions tested according to Libby`s photronreflectometric technique show that: (i) Archaeolacerta Mertens, 1921, and Podarcis Wagler, 1830, are independent genera and not subgenera of Lacerta Linnaeus, 1758; (ii) Podarcis muralis (Laurenti, 1768), Podarcis sicula (Rafinesque, 1810), Archaeolacerta bedriagae (Camerano, 1885), Archaeolacerta monticola (Boulenger, 1905), Lacerta lepida Daudin, 1802, Lacerta schreiberi Bedriaga, 1878 and Lacerta viridis (Laurenti, 1768) are full species; (iii) Podarcis tiliguerta is a subspecies of P. muralis: P. muralis tiliguerta (Gmelin, 1789).

×

Vengono forniti dati preliminari sull’ecologia di Podarcis tiliguerta dell’Isola di Lavezzu (Corsica, Francia), raccolti in giugno 2010. Il 75% e il 50% degli individui esaminati, rispettivamente di sesso maschile e femminile, presentava la coda rigenerata. La temperatura media corporea dei maschi e risultata pari a 32,2 °C, quella delle femmine pari a 31,8 °C. La dieta e risultata essere essenzialmente insettivora; le prede principali sono rappresentate da Imenotteri, Coleotteri, Isopodi e ragni; alcuni costumi alimentari tipici delle popolazioni insulari, come l’erbivorismo o la mirmecofagia, non sembrerebbero caratterizzare la dieta della popolazione studiata, almeno per quanto concerne la tarda primavera.

×

Albumins from several species assigned to Lacerta s. 1. and Gallotia were investigated by means of the Micro-Complement fixation technique. The phylogenetic trees evaluated according to Fitch & Margoliash (1967) and Beverley & Wilson (1982) led us to infer a division, which is in accordance with protein electrophoretic results (Mayer & Tiedemann, 1982) as well as with the subgeneric division used before the studies of Böhme (1971) and Arnold (1973).

×

The geographic distribution of a species is the result of many factors, among which the anthropogenic habitat alteration has become more and more important. A direct evaluation of its effect may become critical for conservation policy, particularly in insular context, where resources and animal dispersal are limited. In the present study we used species distribution models (SDM) to assess the influence of habitat alteration on the Sardinian distributions of the Tyrrhenian wall lizards (Podarcis tiliguerta - endemic) and the Italian wall lizard (P. siculus - introduced in historical or protohistorical time). SDM were built using Maxent under three scenarios: the distribution is guided i) only by climate and topography (model CT); ii) only by anthropization (An); iii) by both factors (AnCT). Sensitivity and specificity of the models was computed after applying a threshold to the Maxent output, while the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was used to identify the best model. Finally, a variation partitioning approach was used to disentangle the contribution of each factor. For both species, AnCT model showed the best performance (best AIC, best sensitivity and specificity). Anthropization weighs as much as climate and topography for the endemic wall lizard, whereas the weight is far lower for P. siculus. Climate and anthropization showed interaction in P. tiliguerta, whereas they are independent in P. siculus. Our results show that: i) the endemic lizard is more vulnerable to human impact than the non-endemic one; ii) the tolerance of P. tiliguerta towards anthropization varies with the climatic suitability, while it appears constant for P. siculus. These conclusions focus the attention on the potentially problematic situation of P. tiliguerta, situation that may be worsened by the suspected competition between the two species: where habitat alteration is increasing, competition may be exacerbated, favouring the Italian wall lizard and penalizing the Tyrrhenian wall lizard.

×

Patch context is a way to describe the effect that the surroundings exert on a landscape patch. Despite anthropogenic context alteration may affect species distributions by reducing the accessibility to suitable patches, species distribution modelling have rarely accounted for its effects explicitly. We propose a general framework to statistically detect the occurrence and the extent of such a factor, by combining presence-only data, spatial distribution models and information-theoretic model selection procedures. After having established the spatial resolution of the analysis on the basis of the species characteristics, a measure of anthropogenic alteration that can be quantified at increasing distance from each patch has to be defined. Then the distribution of the species is modelled under competing hypotheses: H0 , assumes that the distribution is uninfluenced by the anthropogenic variables; H1 , assumes the effect of alteration at the species scale (resolution); and H2 , H3 … Hn add the effect of context alteration at increasing radii. Models are compared using the Akaike Information Criterion to establish the best hypothesis, and consequently the occurrence (if any) and the spatial scale of the anthropogenic effect. As a study case we analysed the distribution data of two insular lizards (one endemic and one naturalised) using four alternative hypotheses: no alteration (H0 ), alteration at the species scale (H1 ), alteration at two context scales (H2 and H3 ). H2 and H3 performed better than H0 and H1 , highlighting the importance of context alteration. H2 performed better than H3 , setting the spatial scale of the context at 1 km. The two species respond differently to context alteration, the introduced lizard being more tolerant than the endemic one. The proposed approach supplies reliably and interpretable results, uses easily available data on species distribution, and allows the assessing of the spatial scale at which human disturbance produces the heaviest effects.

×

A five-year field research carried out between January 2008 and January 2013 resulted in the compilation of the first checklist of the herpetofauna of the Santa Gilla lagoon, a protected area sited in southern Sardinia, Italy. By using the Visual Encounter Survey (VES) approach, we systematically collected presence records for 18 species, of which 4 anurans (Amphibia, Anura) and 14 reptiles (Reptilia). Our observations were reinforced and enriched by an accurate consultation of the extant bibliography. In an attempt to perform a semi-quantitative analysis joining dispersion and recurrence data about the species observed, we assigned a Commonness Score to every species observed during the study years for each sampling station in the study area. Among the observed species, Caretta caretta (Testudines, Chelonidae), Emys orbicularis (Testudines, Emydae) and Hemorrhois hippocrepis (Squamata, Colubridae) are the rarest and those of the greatest conservation concern. We recorded only three Sardinian endemics (Discoglossus sardus, Anura, Atylidae; Hyla sarda, Anura, Hylidae; Podarcis tiliguerta, Squamata, Lacertidae), while two alien species Trachemys scripta (Testudines, Testudinidae) and Pelophylax sp. (Anura, Ranidae), already known for other localities in the island, were observed for the first time at this site. Unfortunately, two species of conservation concern previously recorded in the area (Testudo graeca and T. hermanni) were never observed during the five-year study, this possibly due to local extinction. We recorded almost 60% of the currently known amphibian and reptilian species of Sardinia and the totality of the anurans, confirming the key role of Santa Gilla lagoon for the conservation of the lowland herpetofauna of Sardinia and, in a broader perspective, of the Mediterranean area, as a whole.

×

A new taxonomic checklist is established for the Amphibians and non-avian Sauropsids (= “Reptiles”) of France. It takes into account the most recent publications. In addition to zoological scientific names, a French scientific name is attributed to each taxon.

×

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.

×

A description of the beautiful island of Corsica and of its richness of reptiles and amphibians. The lizard which is most frequently found in the island, Lacerta muralis tiliguerta, is a splendid animal he met with everywhere. In the mountains, above 1000 meters, he found the likewise very fine lizard Lacerta bedriagae bedriagae wtth the cobalt blue lateral shields. This species is very alert and hard to get. Especially in moist regions the most individuals are to be found. Amphibians were plentiful in the neighbourhood of Calvi (N. Corsica). Tadpoles were found of Hyla arborea sarda (de B e t t a), and of Discoglossus pictus sardus T s c h u d i, together with young Buto viridis viridis Laurenti. Also near Calvi Emys orbicularis L i n n e and a lot of grass snakes were found. If anyone might go to Corsica on herpetological purposes he should visit the reservoir near Argentella, for there is a real meeting place of reptiles and amphibians.

×

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.

×

Aim Temperature influences most components of animal ecology and life history – but what kind of temperature? Physiologists usually examine the influence of body temperatures, while biogeographers and macroecologists tend to focus on environmental temperatures. We aim to examine the relationship between these two measures, to determine the factors that affect lizard body temperatures and to test the effect of both temperature measures on lizard life history. Location World-wide. Methods We used a large (861 species) global dataset of lizard body temperatures, and the mean annual temperatures across their geographic ranges to examine the relationships between body and mean annual temperatures.We then examined factors influencing body temperatures, and tested for the influence of both on ecological and life-history traits while accounting for the influence of shared ancestry. Results Body temperatures and mean annual temperatures are uncorrelated. However, accounting for activity time (nocturnal species have low body temperatures), use of space (fossorial and semi-aquatic species are ‘colder’), insularity (mainland species are ‘hotter’) and phylogeny, the two temperatures are positively correlated. High body temperatures are only associated with larger hatchlings and increased rates of biomass production. Annual temperatures are positively correlated with clutch frequency and annual longevity, and negatively correlated with clutch size, age at first reproduction and longevity. Main conclusions Lizards with low body temperatures do not seem to have ‘slower’ life-history attributes than species with high body temperatures. The longer seasons prevalent in warm regions, and physiological processes that operate while lizards are inactive (but warm enough), make environmental temperatures better predictors of lizard life-history variation than body temperatures. This surprisingly greater effect of environmental temperatures on lizard life histories hints that global warming may have a profound influence on lizard ecology and evolution.

×

Die Insel Montecristo wird nur von einer einzigen Mauereidechsen-Rasse bewohnt: Lacerta sicula calabresiae TADDEI, die auf Grund der Zeichnung und geringen Anzahl von Rückenschuppen als valid zu betrachten ist. Die älteren Angaben über das Vorkommen von Lacerta sicula campestris und Lacerta tiliguerta auf Montecristo sind hinfällig. Doch erscheint es nicht als ausgeschlossen, daß letztere im vergangenen Jahrhundert auf Montecristo neben Lacerta sicula vorkam und dann dort erloschen ist.

×

Planning conservation actions requires detailed information on species’ geographic distribution. Species distribution data are most needed in areas hosting unique or endangered biodiversity. Italy is one of the European countries with the highest levels of herpetological diversity and endemism and is home to several threatened species of amphibians and reptiles. Information on the distribution of species’ habitats can help identify sites where the species is most likely to thrive, as viable populations depend on it. Area of Habitat (AOH) maps reveal the distribution of the habitat available to the species within their geographic range. We produced high resolution, freely accessible global area of habitat maps for 60 species of reptiles and amphibians distributed in Italy, which represent 60% of all Italian amphibian and reptile species. We validated a total of 44 AOH maps through a presence-only based evaluation method, with 86% of these maps showing a performance better than expected by chance. AOH maps can be used as a reference for conservation planning, as well as to investigate macroecological patterns of Italian herpetofauna. Furthermore, AOH maps can help monitoring habitat loss, which is known to be a major threat to many reptile and amphibian species in Europe.

×

The birth and development of the herpetology collection of theMuseo di Storia Naturale of the University of Florence are described. Early specimens, mainly turtles’ shells, date from the eighteenth century and are no longer found in the museum. At present the collection includes about 26,500 amphibians and 40,000 reptiles; it mostly increased at the end of 1800, due to Enrico Hillyer Giglioli’s work, and in the second part of the twentieth century, as a result of the studies of Benedetto Lanza and his colleagues. The most important specimens of the typical material are also mentioned.

×

The chromosome C-banding pattern has been studied in four lacertid species possessing the same karyotype. The results obtained show a remarkable interspecific variability both in the amount and distribution of C-banded heterochromatin. This leads us to the speculation that alleged conservativeness in their karyology is probably due to inadequate resolution by the conventional cytological techniques. Moreover, it has been hypothesized that these variations of the C-bands play an important role in the evolution of this saurian family.

×

The occurrence and form of sex chromosomes were investigated with the aid of C-banding and 4′-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining in 13 species of lacertid lizards. The results obtained show the presence in five species of a female heterogamety in which the two sex chromosomes have the same shape and size, but the W differs from the Z in being almost entirely heterochromatic. This condition is clearly similar to that found in some snakes and considered to be an early stage of differentiation of sex chromosomes by Singh et al. (1976, 1980). A more evolved condition may be that found in three other species in which the W is distinctly smaller than the Z. A third situation is that found in all Podarcis species which, even though they are considered to be among the more evolved species in the family, possess two sex chromosomes that are indistinguishable. In general, the situation in lacertids may be compatible with the hypothesis of sex chromosome evolution put forward by Singh et al. (1976, 1980). However a differentiation mechanism of this kind does not seem to be well established in lacertids, and is probably not the only mechanism that is in operation in this family.

×

Chromosomal inter- and intraspecific variation in Lacertidae. The karyology of various species from the family Lacertidae (Reptilia, Sauria) has been studied with conventional and C-banding techniques. The study shows that this family is not so conservative from a karyological viewpoint as considered til! now. In fact supernumerary chromosomes have been observed in two of the species investigated. Moreover an inter- and intraspecific variability has been found in the C-banding pattern of the various species studied. The situation found in Podarcis sicula is particularly remarkable. Different Cbanding patterns have been observed in three different subspecies and in two populations of the same subspecies. The C-banding technique evidences also the existence in some of the species studied of a female sex heteromorphism, in which the W chromosomes is completely heterochromatic. These observations suggest that in lacertid lizards the evolution of the sex chromosomes follows the same steps hypothesized for snakes.

×

The karyology of various species from the family Lacertidae (Reptilia, Sauria) has been studied with conventional and C-banding techniques. The study shows that this family is not so conservative from a karyological viewpoint as considered till now. In fact a higher diploid number than that generally observed in most species of Lacertidae and supernumerary chromosomes have been observed in three of the species investigated. Moreover an evident interand intraspecific variability has been found in the C-banding pattern of the various species studied. The situation found in Podarcis sicula is particularly remarkable. Different C-banding patterns have been observed in three different subspecies and in two populations of the same subspecies. These variations do not show a well defined trend and their role in the evolution of lacertid lizards is discussed. The C-banding analysis evidences also the existence in two of the species studied of a female sex heteromorphism, in which the W chromosome has the same shape and size as the Z, but differs from it in being completely heterochromatic. This situation reminds that observed in some snakes and suggests that in lacertid lizards the evolution of sex chromosomes might have followed the same steps previously hypothesized for ophidians.

×

ventaire exhaustif des espèces indigènes et naturalisées, présentes e n France et au Benelux : 85 taxons, relevant de 72 espèces, sont cités, mais deux autre s taxons, dont le statut reste à définir, sont mentionnés au n os 31 (Rana esculenta) et a u n° 53 (Podarcis muralis) et huit autres au n` 56 (Podarcis muralis tiliguerta) de l`inven- taire. On signale les zones à prospecter par priorité et les problèmes taxonomiques à résoudre d`urgence . Les aires sont définies par rapport aux provinces ou aux départements : des cartes d`aire provisoires, en France, sont données pour 33 taxons. En ce qui concerne la liste des taxons relatifs à la France, les modifications suivante s sont à noter : 1°) taxons admis : Triturus alpestris apuanus, Acanthodactylus erythrurus cf. erythru- rus, Lacerta agilis garzoni, Podarcis hispanica hispanica, Podarcis muralis merremia , Vipera latastei latastei, Vipera seoanei ; 2.) deux intergrades de Salamandra salamandra sont retenus : 30) taxons refusés : Rana iberica, Coronella austriaca fitzingeri, Natrix tessellata tessellata ; 4.) tombent en synonymie les deux taxons suivants : Podarcis muralis occidentalis (= P. m. muralis) et P. m. calbia (= P. m. oyensis). En outre, liste des espèces introduites, liste des espèces citées par erreur et list e des taxons à rechercher . Quelques données inédites concernent le nord de l`Espagne .

×

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.

×

Understanding the role of the developmental pathways in shaping phenotypic diversity allows appreciating in full the processes influencing and constraining morphological change. Podarcis lizards demonstrate extraordinary morphological variability that likely originated in short evolutionary time. Using geometric morphometrics and a broad suite of statistical tests, we explored the role of developmental mechanisms such as growth rate change, ontogenetic divergence/convergence/parallelism as well as morphological expression of heterochronic processes in mediating the formation of their phenotypic diversity during the post-natal ontogeny. We identified hypermorphosis – the prolongation of growth along the same trajectory – as the process responsible for both intersexual and interspecific morphological differentiation. Albeit the common allometric pattern observed in both sexes of any species constrains and canalizes their cephalic scales variation in a fixed portion of the phenotypic space, the extended growth experienced by males and some species allows them to achieve peramorphic morphologies. Conversely, the intrasexual phenotypic diversity is accounted for by non-allometric processes that drive the extensive morphological dispersion throughout their ontogenetic trajectories. This study suggests a model of how simple heterochronic perturbations can produce phenotypic variation, and thus potential for further evolutionary change, even within a strictly constrained developmental pathway.

×

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.

×

Here we report on the combined observations of 10 years of opportunistic field work conducted during short visits to Sardinia, from 1999 to 2012. A total amount of 433 distribution records of 27 species were collected from 187 different localities covering 52 unique UTM squares. We report species presence in 157 new UTM squares and additionally reconfirm previous reported presence in 150 UTM squares. Overall, we produce a remarkable increase in the knowledge of the Sardinian herpetofauna. Notes and observations on ecology, taxonomy and conservation are provided.

×

The monophyletic species subgroup of Podarcis tauricus is distributed in the western and southern parts of the Balkans, and includes four species with unresolved and unstudied inter- and intra-specific phylogenetic relationships. Using sequence data from two mitochondrial and three nuclear genes and applying several phylogenetic methods and species delimitation approaches to an extensive dataset, we have reconstructed the phylogeny of the Podarcis wall lizards in the Balkans, and re-investigated the taxonomic status of the P. tauricus species subgroup. Multilocus analyses revealed that the aforementioned subgroup consists of five major clades, with P. melisellensis as its most basal taxon. Monophyly of P. tauricus sensu stricto is not supported, with one of the subspecies (P. t. ionicus) displaying great genetic diversity (hidden diversity or cryptic species). It comprises five, geographically distinct, subclades with genetic distances on the species level. Species delimitation approaches revealed nine species within the P. tauricus species subgroup (P. melisellensis, P. gaigeae, P. milensis, and six in the P. tauricus complex), underlining the necessity of taxonomic re-evaluation. We thus synonymize some previously recognized subspecies in this subgroup, elevate P. t. tauricus and P. g. gaigeae to the species level and suggest a distinct Albanian-Greek clade, provisionally named as the P. ionicus species complex. The latter clade comprises five unconfirmed candidate species that call for comprehensive studies in the future.

×

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.

×

Background: Podarcis tiliguerta is a wall lizard endemic to the Mediterranean islands of Corsica and Sardinia. Previous findings of high mtDNA and morphological diversity have led to the suggestion that it may represent a species complex. Here, we analysed mitochondrial and nuclear markers (mtDNA, 3110 bp; 6 nDNA loci, 3961 bp) in P. tiliguerta sampled from thirty-two localities across Corsica and Sardinia. Results: We find much greater intraspecific genetic divergence than between sister species of other Mediterranean island Podarcis, i.e., between P. lilfordi and P. pityusensis. We detected three mtDNA clusters in Corsica (North, South-East and South-West) and either two or three in Sardinia (North vs. South) depending on the clustering method. Only one or two nDNA groups were identified within each main island (again, depending on the method). A Bayesian time- calibrated multispecies coalescent tree was obtained from mtDNA and provided statistical support for a Miocene origin of the species (13.87 Ma, 95% HPD: 18.30–10.77 Ma). The posterior mean divergence time for the Corsican and Sardinian lineages was 12.75 Ma ago (95% HPD: 16.94–9.04 Ma). Conclusion: The results support the evolutionary distinctiveness of Corsican and Sardinian populations and also indicate a lack of post-divergence migration despite periods of contact being possible. Further to this, species delimitation analyses of Corsican and Sardinian lineages provided statistical support for their recognition as distinct (sister) taxa. Our results provide new insights into the biogeography of the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, and contribute important findings relevant to the systematics and evolution of this speciose lizard genus.

×

The link between ecology and economies is manifest over the world as a result of long-term processes. But because these processes are long term, it is hard to prove the link. On Sardinia serious economic development was late to arrive, having occurred only over the last few decades. As a case study, research was carried out for 10 years on the state of nature as well as the economic growth in one of the least developed areas abutting the Gulf of Orosei on the east coast. Based on research and lasting attention to political affairs concerning the project, we formulate general recommendations for the area. In 1995, the Italian Government will be asked by the European Government to undertake serious steps to save endemics (especially herpetofauna) of Europe`s last pristine areas.

×

The link between ecology and economies is manifest over the umrld as a result of long-term processes. But because these processes are long term, it is bard to prove the link. On Sardinia serious economic development was late to arrive, having occurred only over the last few decades. As a case study, research was carried out for 10 years on the state of nature as well as the economic growth in one of the least developed areas abutting the Gulf of Orosei on the east coast Based on research and lasting attention to political affairs concerning the projecg we formulate general recommendations for the area In 1995, the Italian Government will he asked by the European Government to undertake serious steps to save endemics (especially herpetofauna) of Europe`s last pristine areas.

×

The present study reports the morphology of leukocytes of 12 European lacertid lizards (Podarcis sicula, P. tiliguerta, P. melisellensis, P. bocagei, P. muralis, Algyroides nigropunctatus, Lacerta viridis, L. bilineata, L. trilineata, L. oxycephala, Timon lepidus, and Zootoca vivipara) stained using May–Grünwald/Giemsa method. The morphology of white blood cells was very similar among species, suggesting a relative morphological uniformity within the lacertid lizards. For six species (i.e. P. sicula, P. tiliguerta, P. melisellensis, P. bocagei, P. muralis, and A. nigropunctatus), we determined the leukocyte differential counts, which may be considered representative of the normal values of the corresponding populations. These results may be useful either in clinical investigation to detect pathologies in wild individuals, as in management and conservation projects to assess the general health conditions of natural wild lizard populations.

×

Sardinia shows a clear lack of herpetological data due to an evident paucity of herpetological surveys. This gap of knowledge is worthy of attention, since Sardinia hosts a rich herpetofauna with a large proportion of endemic species, and distribution data are crucial for targeting conservation efforts. In this paper we provide new distribution data for Sardinian reptiles, with the aim of updating our knowledge on their specific distribution. Data were opportunistically recorded during ten years of field research in Sardinia, carried out in more than twenty campaigns from April 1999 to June 2009. All the eighteen reptile species belonging to the Sardinian fauna were recorded. A total amount of 293 faunistic data were collected from 178 different localities covering the entire study area. Within this dataset, 137 faunistic data fall outside known species’ ranges as reported in the Atlas of Italian amphibians and reptiles. In conclusion, data presented here produced a remarkable increase of knowledge on Sardinian reptiles distribution compare to that reported in the last available syntheses. Nevertheless, it should be evidenced that, notwithstanding the present updating, the knowledge of Sardinian reptiles’ distribution is probably still far from being exhaustive. Thus, further investigations are strongly required for obtaining a complete picture and identifying conservation priorities in terms of isolated species/populations and areas of high diversity and endemicity.

×

The peculiar bioclimatic and geographic features of Corso–Sardinian islands may provide an ideal scenario for investigating microevolutionary processes, given their large heterogeneity of environments, which could affect dispersal and gene flow among populations, as well as processes of local adaptation. The genetic variation and differentiation among populations of the endemic lizard Archaeolacerta bedriagae were studied by allozyme electrophoresis at 20 presumptive loci. The genetic structure of this species is characterized by relatively high levels of polymorphism and low differentiation among populations. The pattern of genetic differentiation cannot be explained by genetic drift as a function of geographic distance. Genetic distance data show that genetic variation is distributed into three geographically coherent population groups and suggest a recent (Late Pleistocene) origin for the observed geographic fragmentation. The analysis of environmental correlates of allozymic variation indicates a strong correlation of the Idh-1 locus with climatic variables. The frequency of the Idh-1106 allele is negatively correlated with annual temperature, and positively correlated with annual precipitation. In addition, the observed heterozygosity at this locus decreases towards more arid climatic regimes. The results obtained support the assumption of differential selection acting on Idh-1 allozymes under diverse climates. An association between Idh-1 allozymes and local bioclimatic regimes was also observed for the sympatric lizard Podarcis tiliguerta, suggesting a key role for such selective agents on Idh-1 polymorphism in these two Corso–Sardinian lacertids.

×

Corsica and Sardinia are important hotspots of diversity and endemism. Surprisingly, only a few studies are available on geographic variation and evolutionary history of Corsican-Sardinian species. In this study we investigate biogeographic and evolutionary patterns of three lacertid lizards endemic to Corsica and Sardinia under a comparative phylogeographic framework. We analysed mitochondrial gene genealogies in Archaeolacerta bedriagae, Podarcis tiliguerta, and Algyroides fitzingeri including populations from the entire species’ distribution range. Preliminary results show a complete lack of phylogeographical concordance among significant genealogical partitions across the studied species. Each species shows an idiosyncratic pattern of geographical distribution of genetic diversity and a different degree of differentiation among the main lineages with P. tiliguerta likely representing a species-complex, A. bedriagae showing two main (well differentiated) lineages and A. fitzingeri showing a very low differentiation among populations. Based on these preliminary results, the absence of common phylogeographic patterns in these three co-distributed species would reflect a complex of historical, evolutionary and biogeographical processes within the Corso-Sardinian biota. Further investigations with the inclusion of nuclear markers are needed for a better understanding of the complexity of the processes underlying the origin and the patterns of diversity in endemic reptiles from Corsica and Sardinia.

×

Background: Mediterranean islands host a disproportionately high level of biodiversity and endemisms. Growing phylogeographic evidence on island endemics has unveiled unexpectedly complex patterns of intra-island diversification, which originated at diverse spatial and temporal scales. We investigated multilocus genetic variation of the Corsican-Sardinian endemic lizard Podarcis tiliguerta with the aim of shedding more light on the evolutionary processes underlying the origin of Mediterranean island biodiversity. -- Results: We analysed DNA sequences of mitochondrial (12S and nd4) and nuclear (acm4 and mc1r) gene fragments in 174 individuals of P. tiliguerta from 81 localities across the full range of the species in a geographic and genealogical framework. We found surprisingly high genetic diversity both at mitochondrial and nuclear loci. Seventeen reciprocally monophyletic allopatric mitochondrial haplogroups were sharply divided into four main mitochondrial lineages (two in Corsica and two in Sardinia) of Miocene origin. In contrast, shallow divergence and shared diversity within and between islands was observed at the nuclear loci. We evaluated alternative biogeographic and evolutionary scenarios to explain such profound discordance in spatial and phylogenetic patterning between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. While neutral models provided unparsimonious explanations for the observed pattern, the hypothesis of environmental selection driving mitochondrial divergence in the presence of nuclear gene flow is favoured. -- Conclusions: Our study on the genetic variation of P. tiliguerta reveals surprising levels of diversity underlining a complex phylogeographic pattern with a striking example of mito-nuclear discordance. These findings have profound implications, not only for the taxonomy and conservation of P. tiliguerta. Growing evidence on deep mitochondrial breaks in absence of geographic barriers and of climatic factors associated to genetic variation of Corsican-Sardinian endemics warrants additional investigation on the potential role of environmental selection driving the evolution of diversity hotspots within Mediterranean islands.

×

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.

×

Sea level oscillations occurred during the Pleistocene have strongly affected islands’ physiography by changing area, elevation, and even the number of islands rising above the sea level. Such changes had direct consequences on island genetic diversity by promoting genetic admixture during glacial marine regressions while fragmentation or even extinctions occurred because of marine transgressions. Here we investigated the effect of islands’ physiographic changes on the mitochondrial diversity of 84 individuals of the Tyrrhenian wall lizard (Podarcis tiliguerta) from different islands and island groups surrounding Corsica and Sardinia. The La Maddalena Archipelago that is the more complex of the studied island groups, showed the highest genetic diversity, while we detected decreasing genetic diversity in island groups with lower number of islands and elevation. The genetic imprint we found seems to have been shaped by eustatic changes occurred in the Mediterranean basin during Mid-Pleistocene times. Indeed, a relevant component of ancient lineages was found on those island groups among which elevation of at least one island allowed populations to survive during the Mid-Pleistocene marine transgressions. In contrast, we found evidence of recent gene flow between populations inhabiting islands or island groups characterized by low elevation. Our results suggest that many features such as number of islands and their elevation, may provide predictive information to identify those islands or “archipelagos” that deserve special attention in terms of conservation priority.

×

We analysed the species–area relationship and structural connectivity among islands of La Maddalena Archipelago (Italy), a numerous group of small islands very close to Sardinia. We related species richness (amphibians and reptiles) to several environmental factors (area; number of unique habitats; topographical variables; and distances of each island to Sardinia, to the nearest island and to the nearest large island) using generalized additive models and connectivity analysis by graph theory and the software Conefor 2.6. Using each method, we performed several comparisons: considering all species; excluding species with a high exchange rate (‘in transit’); including only autochthonous species; and including species present on large islands. We also excluded, in turn, all amphibians; all Scincidae; all Gekkonidae; all Lacertidae; all Colubridae; and one species in turn. Except in the case of species present on large islands, all models selected the same variables: ruggedness standard deviation, area, number of unique habitats, and mean and maximal elevation. When excluding Sardinia, the highest connectivity value corresponded to the largest islands. Species richness is related to island complexity (habitat diversity and topographical complexity) and not simply to area. Network connectivity is dominated by the internal connectivity of the largest islands, but small islands are essential to maintain the network connectivity and endemicity.

×

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.

×

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.

×

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).

×

In pristine conditions, Mediterranean Europe was covered by dense forests during all Pleistocene and in more recent warm periods. Combined with its rather northern position this means that at that time, apart from in coastal environments, lizard habitats would have been present only where open places were formed by the action of storms, natural fires and the erosive forces of rivers. The latter will have been the most reliable and also the most important force, especially combined with the influence of large grazing and browsing animals. Variations in habitat quality in the resulting open spaces are determined by longitudinal gradients in temperature, humidity, steepness and trophic conditions. Present day ecological differentiation and some special characteristics of the lizards will be discussed in the light of these hypotheses.

×

We studied, in the field and laboratory, aspects of the thermal biology in two populations of the lizard Podarcis tiliguerta along a 1450 m altitudinal gradient. Body temperatures (Tb) at high altitudes average lower, are more variable, but are more elevated above environmental temperatures than at sea level. Lizards partially reduced the impact of altitudinal changes in thermal loads through presumable subtle behavioural adjustments. A comparison of the thermal preferences in the laboratory, the maximal operative temperatures predicted from a biophysical model, and the activity Tb`s at both sites, indicates that the main response to changing environmental conditions is an active shift in thermoregulatory set points. Integration of field Tb`s and laboratory data on temperature specific sprint speeds, predicts that the mountainous lizards experience reduced running abilities that are especially acute in the early morning. Despite this impairment of running performance, the thermal sensitivity of running speed has not evolved to match the Tb`s experienced by both populations. This result supports the view that the thermal physiology of this lizard is evolutionarily conservative, but the lack of information on the relation between running performance and fitness components impedes rejection of alternative hypotheses.

×

Three species of lacertid lizards (Lacerta bedriagae, Podarcis tiliguerta, and Podarcis sicula) are able to detect the former presence of the saurophagous snake Coluber viridiflavus by tongue flicking. Lizards tongue flicked more in cages previously inhabited by the predatory snake than in clean cages or in cages treated with eau-de-cologne. They also exhibited behavioral acts typically associated with stressful situations (foot shakes, tail vibrations, starts) more frequently when predator chemicals are present. Individuals from the two Podarcis species that came from populations syntopic with C. viridifiavus were also able to distinguish between chemical cues from this saurophagous predator and a nonsaurophagous snake (Natrix maura). In these lizards, the former presence of N. maura did not elicit higher tongue-flick rates or stress-indicating behaviors. In contrast, individuals of Lacerta bedriagae collected from a snake-free area increased tongue-flick rate and frequency of stress-related behavior in response to chemicals of both snakes, suggesting that prior contact is not required for chemosensory recognition of snakes in this species but may facilitate the distinction between different species of snakes. The presence of predator (C. viridiflavus) chemical cues induces a shift in the microhabitat use of the lizard species studied. In a large terrarium containing various substrates, lizards chose different types of microhabitats when chemical cues of C. viridiflavus were present than when absent and avoided the side of the terrarium labeled with the chemicals.

×

We tested the hypothesis that an evolutionary trade-off exists between the capacity to run on level terrain and the ability to climb inclined structures in lacertid lizards. Biomechanical and physiological models of lizard locomotor performance suggest that the morphological design requirements of a ground-dwelling vs. scansorial life style are difficult to reconcile. This conflict is thought to preclude simultaneous evolution of maximal locomotor performance on level and inclined terrain. This notion has been corroborated by comparative studies on lizard species from other groups (Anolis, Chamaeleo, Sceloporus), but is not supported by our data on 13 species from the family Lacertidae. We found no indication of a negative association between maximal sprint speed of lizards over a level racetrack (indicative of ground-dwelling locomotor performance), on an inclined stony surface (indicative of climbing performance over rock faces) and inclined mesh surface (indicative of clambering performance among vegetation). Moreover, morphological characteristics associated with fast sprinting capacities (e.g. long hind limbs) apparently enhance, rather than hinder climbing and clambering performance. We conclude that in our sample of lacertid lizards, the evolution of fast sprinting capacity on level terrain has not inflicted major restrictions on climbing and clambering performance.

×

Microhabitat use and antipredator behaviour (i.e. behavioural response to a bird model and refuge microhabitat) was measured in an experimental set-up for 11 lacertid lizard species. Additionally, locomotor performance (sprint speed, climbing and clambering speed, manoeuvrability and endurance) of the same species was quantified. The results showed considerable interspecific variation in microhabitat use, behavioural response and choice of refuge microhabitat. Part of that variation could be linked to differences in locomotor capacity. Species that frequently made use of open microhabitats tended to be fast sprinters, but had limited endurance. The behavioural data suggest these species will not start running before the predator is close at hand, and thus having high sprint capacities might be more beneficial than great endurance. Species that spent most of their time on vertical elements appeared to be fast climbers. As such microhabitats tend to be quite exposed, lizards living there are conspicuous to predators and being able to escape fast seems relevant. Contrary to our expectations, species mostly observed in the vegetated microhabitats did not excel in clambering capacity or manoeuvrability. Possibly, dense vegetation constitutes a safe harbour and species may no longer be under selection for locomotor speed. Behavioural response when confronted with an aerial predator was context-dependent in most species: most lizards fled more when in open or vertical microhabitats than when in densely vegetated ones. Moreover, when fleeing most species sought refuge in the vegetation. These findings support our idea that vegetated patches may constitute a safe harbour for lacertids.

×

1. Morphological features (i.e. snout–vent length, SVL, mass and limb parameters), locomotor performance (sprint speed, climbing speed, manoeuvrability and endurance) and microhabitat use were measured in three lacertid lizard species. Additionally, microhabitat preference was tested in the laboratory with species kept apart and in combination with each other to assess mutual interference. 2. It was predicted that each species possesses morphological adaptations that allow it to excel in those performance measures relevant in its particular microhabitat. 3. The three species differed in microhabitat use. Lacerta bedriagae was mostly seen on boulders, while Podarcis sicula occurred among vegetation. Podarcis tiliguerta seemed more general in its microhabitat use. The results from the microhabitat preference in the laboratory corresponded well to these field observations. 4. Besides differing in SVL, the three species differed in limb length and diameter, and body mass (all relative to SVL). L. bedriagae has long forelimbs, short hindlimbs and a high body mass, while P. sicula has short forelimbs, long hindlimbs and a low body mass. P. tiliguerta is morphologically intermediate. 5. The differences found in morphology translated partially into performance differences. Only climbing speed and endurance differed among species. L. bedriagae excelled in both cases. Considering its microhabitat use, this seemed adaptive. 6. Unexpectedly, the interference experiments suggested that L. bedriagae is the least competitive of the three species.

×

Morphological and physiological considerations suggest that sprinting ability and endurance capacity put conflicting demands on the design of an animal`s locomotor apparatus and therefore cannot be maximized simultaneously. To test this hypothesis, we correlated size-corrected maximal sprint speed and stamina of 12 species of lacertid lizards. Phylogenetically independent contrasts of sprint speed and stamina showed a significant negative relationship, giving support to the idea of an evolutionary trade-off between the two performance measures. To test the hypothesis that the trade-off is mediated by a conflict in morphological requirements, we correlated both performance traits with snout-vent length, size-corrected estimates of body mass and limb length, and relative hindlimb length (the residuals of the relationship between hind- and forelimb length). Fast-running species had hindlimbs that were long compared to their forelimbs. None of the other size or shape variables showed a significant relationship with speed or endurance. We conclude that the evolution of sprint capacity may be constrained by the need for endurance capacity and vice versa, but the design conflict underlying this trade-off has yet to be identified.

×

Podarcis tiliguerta, a Wall Lizard endemic to Corsica and Sardinia, has recently been shown to harbour highly genetically distinct mitochondrial lineages, that may indicate it is in fact a species complex. Here we combine 12S rRNA mtDNA sequences from previous studies with 17 newly gener- ated sequences to better understand genetic diversity within this group. In particular we include samples from the Cerbicale islands, which were quite distinct in an earlier assessment of protein electrophoretic variation. Results confirm that distinct lineages exist on Corsica and Sardinia. The Cerbicale islands appear as part of the Corsican group. A third lineage exists, although at present it is known only from a single specimen from Sardinia. Further morphological and molecular data is needed to revise the taxonomy of this apparent species complex.

×

Podarcis tiliguerta, a Wall Lizard endemic to Corsica and Sardinia, has recently been shown to harbour highly genetically distinct mitochondrial lineages, that may indicater it is in fact a species complex. Here we combine 12S rRNA mtDNA sequences from previous studies with 17 newly generated sequences to better understand genetic diversity within this group. In particular we include samüples from the Cerbicale islands, which were quite distinct in an earlier assessment of protein electrophoretic variation. Results confirm that distinct lineages exist on Corsica and Sardinia. The Cerbicale islands appear as part of the Corsican group. A third lineage exists, although at present it is known only from a single specimen from Sardinia. Further morphological and molecular data is needed to revise the taxonomy of this apparent species complex.

×

Apart from certain species of the African clade, the lizard family Lacertidae has generally been described as consisting of active foragers. We made quantitative field observations of 14 species of lacertid lizards, mainly belonging to the more basal Eurasian clade. Our data show that sit-and-wait foraging is much more widespread in Lacertidae than previously alleged. We also investigated the influence of weather and times of day on foraging activity levels and conclude that for comparative purposes observations should be restricted to circumstances that are optimal for activity. We did not find sex differences in foraging behavior.

×

Foraging strategy is often considered to play a central role in moulding diverse aspects of an animal`s general biology. Active foragers should have greater locomotor endurance, allowing high movement activity rates, while sit-and-waiting foragers may be better adapted to sprinting, allowing catching prey by a quick attack from an ambush site, and going with specific predator escape tactics. In this study we investigate these predicted patterns in a set of lacertid lizard species. There is considerable variation in foraging activity within Lacertidae, which allows the close investigation of the co-evolution of the traits considered. We found a tendency of positive correlation of foraging measures (PTM, percentage of time moving; MPM, number of movements per minute) with laboratory measured endurance capacity. However, the relationship of foraging measures with maximal sprint speed remains less clear. MPM correlates negatively with maximal sprint speed, but PTM does not. When sprint speed was corrected for body size, no correlations were found at all.