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Distribution, ecology and conservation of the parsleyfrog (Pelodytes punctatus) in Italy (Amphibia,Pelodytidae)Sebastiano Salvidio a , Luca Lamagni b , Pierluigi Bombi c & Marco A. Bologna ca Dipartimento per lo Studio del Territorio e delle sue Risorse , DIPTE.RIS, Università diGenova , Corso Europa 26, I-16132, Genova, Italy E-mail:b Pro Natura Genova , Via Brigata Liguria, 9, I-16121, Genova, Italy E-mail:c Dipartimento di Biologia , Università Roma Tre, Roma , Viale Marconi, 446, I-00146,Roma, Italy E-mail:Published online: 19 May 2010.

To cite this article: Sebastiano Salvidio , Luca Lamagni , Pierluigi Bombi & Marco A. Bologna (2004) Distribution, ecologyand conservation of the parsley frog (Pelodytes punctatus) in Italy (Amphibia, Pelodytidae), Italian Journal of Zoology,71:S1, 73-81, DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2004.9525540

To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/11250003.2004.9525540

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Hal. J. Zool., 71. Suppl. 1: 73-81 (2004)

Distribution, ecology and conservation of the parsley frog (Pelodytes punctatus) in Italy (Amphibia, Pelodytidae)

SEBASTIANO SALVIDIO Dipartimento per lo Studio del Territorio e delle sue Risorse DIPTE.RIS, Università di Genova, Corso Europa 26, 1-16132 Genova (Italy) E-mail: salvidio@dipleris.miige.il

LUCA LAMAGNI Pro Natura Genova, Via Brigata Liguria, 9, 1-16121 Genova (Italy) E-mail: malpolon@libero.it

PIERLUIGI BOMBI MARCO A. BOLOGNA Dipartimento di Biologia. Università Roma Tre. Roma. Viale Marconi, 446, [-00146 Roma (Italy) E-mail: botnM9unirotna3.il; bologna@uniroma3.it

ABSTRACT

In Italy, the parsley frog ( Pelodytes punctatus) readies the east­ern limit of its distribution range along the Mediterranean coast in Liguria and in southern Piedmont. The status of the Italian popu­lations was analysed on the basis of a complete survey of known breeding sites. Since 1993. the reproduction of /'. punctatus has been observed in only 15 sites, several of which were discovered during the monitoring project. Spawning sites were mainly small temporary pools, small streams and artificial tanks in Mediter­ranean habitats. The number of breeding females was estimated indirectly counting egg strings both in .spring and autumn, from 2000 to 2002. Populations appeared isolated and made up of an extremely low number of reproductive females (range 2-19. mean 9). In Italy. /'. punctatus populations show a fragmented distribu­tion and appear threatened mainly by the drying up of pools or habitat destruction. For each reproductive site, the conservation status was evaluated, and a general conservation strategy was proposed. Active management of breeding sites, with the mainte­nance and/or creation of small temporary water bodies should be planned. The collaboration of private landowners and local ad­ministrations was requested, and in one case, active management of a relevant breeding site obtained.

KEY WORDS: Pelodytes punctatus - Distribution - Ecology -Conservation - Monitoring.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We wish to thank the following naturalists who helped us dur­ing the field work. Riccardo Jesu. Carla Marangoni. Dario Ottonel­lo, Monica Pitzalis, Donatella Rosilici, Emiliano Trucchi, Federica Turco.

INTRODUCTION

The genus Pelodytes Bonaparte, 1838 distributed in the north Mediterranean and Colchidian area, only in­cludes three species: P. caucasicus Boulengcr. 1896 from Georgia and northern Turkey, P. ibericus Sànchez-Hérraiz, Barbadillo, Machordom. Sanchiz, 2000, from southern Spain and southern Portugal, and P. punctatus (Daudin, 1802) (Fig. 1). The distribution of the parsley frog P. punctatus ranges from central and eastern Spain, to France and NW Italy (Toxopeus et al., 1993- Guyé-tant, 1997). Peracca (1886) firstly cited this species in Italy. It reaches its eastern limit of distribution in south­ern Piedmont (Peracca, 1886; Sindaco & Andreone, 1988) and Liguria (Sindaco, 1994). In Liguria and Pied­mont, the historical, stable localities identified are less than twenty (Table I) (Torchio, 1963; Hotz, 1971; Bruno, 1977; Lanza, 1983; Doria, 1887; Sindaco & Andreone, 1988; Boano & Delmastro, 1989; Jesu et ai, 2000a). Thus, the parsley frog represents one of the lesser known amphibians in Italy, deserving special research and management efforts.

In recent decades, with the exception of a few studies (Torchio, 1963; Sindaco & Andreone, 1988), scarce field surveys have assessed the distribution and ecology of P. punctatus in Italy. Field surveys have recently been conducted in the framework of the regional herpetolog-Ical atlases of Liguria (Doria & Salvidio, 1994) and Pied­mont (Andreone & Sindaco, 1999). These studies veri­fied some of the historic sites, and identified a few new localities (Sindaco, 1994). Moreover, some practical con­servation activities such as habitat management and captive breeding programmes were started (Jesu el al.. 2000a. 2000b). However, information on biology, habi­tat preferences and threats to parsley frog populations in Italy remain scarse (but see Jesu et al., 2000a), and the need to assess its conservation status and propose specific management actions is required.

Eig. 1 - Adult of Pelodytes punctatus ham Ml. Mao. Bergeggi (Photo L. Lamagni).

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74 S. SALVIDIO, L LAMAGNI. P. BOMBI, M. A. BOLOGNA

TABLE I - Published and original records q/"Pelodytes punctatus in Italy. The geographical coordinates are approximated for conserva­tionistic reasons.

Locality (Province)

Piedmont Region Between Càstino and Cortemilia, Alba (CN)

Tana del Forno, 114/Pi, Serra di Pamparato (CN)

Mombaldone. Asti (A'D

Mornese (AL)

Liguria Region Roverino, M. Fontana, Camporosso (IM)

Ospedaletti, Sanremo (l.V

Pompeiana, S. Bernardo chapel (IM)

Road Cipressa-Pompeian about 700 m E of Case Zunchi (IM)

Elevation (m a.s.l.)

1045

360

390

0

367

a 470

Coordinates

44°38'N-08°45'E

43°48'N-07°36'E

43°51'N-07°53'E

43°51'N-07o54'E

References

Peracca (1886), Vandoni (1914), Tortonese (1941), Bruno (1977), Andreone & Sindaco (1999), Jesu et al. (2000b)

Morisi (1972, 1983), Bologna & Vigna Tagliami (1985), Sindaco (1994), Andreone & Sindaco (1999), Jesu et al. (2000b) Sindaco & Andreone (1988), Andreone & Sindaco (1999), Jesu et al. (2000b)

Sindaco et al. (2002)

Jesu et al. (2000a, 2000b) as "Ciaixe"

Kohler, 1916 in KJingelhòffer (1956) Icitation not verified], Bruno (1977), Jesu et al. (2000b)

This paper

This paper

Notes

One specimen, I.IV. 1886 M. G. Peracca leg., in the Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturale of Torino, An663 (Tortoncse, 1941; Elter (1982), Cavetti & Andreone, 1993) No other data (Sindaco, 1999).

Cited as "one juvenile" but no specimen conserved; site doubtful - to verifiy (Sindaco et al., 2002). One juvenile in the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale of Genoa, MSNG 29743, VI.1920, S. Molini leg. No other data (Sindaco, 1999). Adult specimens observed and photographed (Sindaco et al., 2002). Breeding site unknown

X.1996 R. Jesu & A. Grasso obs.; 1 egg string and tadpoles 29.IV.2000 M. Bologna & P. Bombi; several tadpoles 28.IV2001 M. Bologna, L. Lamagni, S. Salvidio (about 100 transferred in an artifical tank, 300 m S, because the pond had almost dried up). No tadpoles, pond almost dry or dried up 19.111.2000 L. Lamagni, S. Salvidio, 13.V1.2000 M. Bologna, P. Bombi, 7.X.2000 M. Bologna, P. Bombi, L. Lamagni, S. Salvidio, 12.IV.2002, 18.V.2002, and 12.X.2002 M. Bologna, P. Bombi, M. Pitzalis, F. Turco, E. Trucchi.

No specimen conserved. No other data in spite of periodic surveys in an old artificial tank fed by a perennial stream (Fosso dell'Acqua Marcia) populated by three other species of amphibians, and in several other tanks for agriculture.

Tadpoles 12.VI.20OO M. Bologna, P. Bombi, D. Rosilici; 1 male 7.X.2000 M. Bologna, P. Bombi, L. Lamagni, S. Salvidio; 1 male and 3 egg strings 9.XI.2000 S. Salvidio; young and mature tadpoles in both tanks 25.III.2O01 M. Bologna; 9 egg strings 20.1V.2001 S. Salvidio, Tribocco; 2 egg strings, about 100 young and some mature tadpoles and 4 individual just metamorphosed still in the water 27.IV.2001 M. Bologna, L. Lamagni, S. Salvidio; 2 males 12.IV.2002 M. Bologna, P. Bombi, M. Pitzalis, E. Trucchi; a few tadpoles 27.IV2002 M. Bologna & C. Marangoni; both young and mature tadpoles 17.V2002 M. Bologna, P. Bombi, E. Trucchi.; 5 males also in call, 2 egg strings 11.X.2002 M. Bologna, P. Bombi, M. Pitzalis, F. Turco. One mature tadpole 25.111.2001 M. Bologna; several young and one mature tadpoles 27.IV.2001 M. Bologna, L. Lamagni, S. Salvidio. Pond dry 12.1V.2002 and 27.IV.20O2 M. Bologna & C. Marangoni. Pools with water but no specimens, 11X2002 M. Bologna, P. Bombi, M. Pitzalis, F. Turco.

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DISTRIBUTION AND ECOLOGY OF PELODYTES PUNCTATUS IN ITALY 75

TABLE I - Continued.

Continued

Locality (Province)

Cipressa 3 ponds near gas-pipeline pump (IM)

Lucinasco, laghetto di S. Stefano, (IM)

Salea, Rio Fanfane, Albenga (SV)

Albenga (SV)

Campochiesa, Albenga (SV)

Rio Ibà, Peagna, Ceriale (SV)

Cava Pattarello, Borghett S. Spirito (SV)

Grotta inferiore di S. Luci; 59/Li, Toirano (SV)

Monte Grosso fountain near Quagliodromo (SV)

Monte Grosso pond and lank near perdix cages (SV)

Cava S. Ambrogio, Borgio Verezzi (SV)

Elevation (m a.s.l.)

350-417

509

60

120

200

o 57

i, 200

265

280

243

Coordinates

43°51'N-07°55'E

43°57'N-07°57'E

44°05'N-08°11'E

44°05'N-08°11'E

44o05'N-08°ll'E

44°06'N-08°13,E

44°08N-08°12'E

44°10'N-08°17'E

44°09'N-08°17'E

44°09'N-8°18'E

References

This paper

Lanza (1983), Jesu et al. (2000b); erroneously cited (Capula, in verbis 2000) as "Borgomaro" by Sindaco & Andreone (1988), Sindaco (1994) and Jesu et al. (2000b)

This paper

Sindaco & Andreone (1988)

Jesu et al. (2000a, 2000b)

Jesu et al. (2000a, 2000b)

This paper

Doria (1887), Dellepiane (1924), Brian (1938, 1940, both as "Batraci"), Franciscolo (1955), Bologna & Vigna Tagliami (1985), Sindaco (1994), Jesu et al. (2000b); cited as "Toirano" by Capocaccia (1956), Bruno (1977), and probably as "Loano" by Vandoni (1914), Capocaccia (1956), Sindaco & Andreone (1988)

This paper

This paper

This paper

Notes

2 egg strings (and residual of 4 other egg strings), several very small tadpoles 25.111.2001 M. Bologna (third pond); several tadpoles 31.III.2001 L. Lamagni, S. Salvidio (first pond); several tadpoles 27.IV.2001 M. Bologna, L. Lamagni, S. Salvidio (firstpond; other two ponds dried). Ponds dry 12.IV.2002 and 27.IV.2002 M. Bologna & C. Marangoni; some tadpoles 17.V.2002 M. Bologna, P. Bombi, E. Trucchi (first pond). Pools with water but no specimens, 11.X.2002 M. Bologna, P. Bombi, M. Pitzalis, F. Turco. One specimen not preserved in M. Bologna coll., 2.IV.1972 M. Bologna; one male in Museo La Specola of Firenze 16600 MZUF, 18.IV,1981, M. Borri, P. Agnelli & L. Malenotti; one male in M. Capula coll., IV. 1984 at nigth M. Capula. No other data in spite of periodic surveys from March 1999 to October 2002. Tadpoles, autumn 1999; several tadpoles 22.IV.2001 and 19.V.2001 L. Lamagni, S. Salvidio; dried pond X.2000 M. Bologna, P. Bombi.

Adult in Museo Civico di Storia Naturale of Genova, MSNG 37175, V.1958 A. Margiocco 2 egg strings IV. 1996 L. Cortesogno, L. Lamagni, S. Ortale. No more observations until 8.X.2001. 10 egg strings IV.1996 L. Lamagni, S. Ortale; one male, about 10.111.2001 L. Lamagni; no specimens 23-111.2001 M. Bologna, L. Lamagni; 1 egg string and young tadpoles 14.IV.2001 L. Lamagni.

15 egg strings 28.111.2001 L. Lamagni, S. Salvidio; tadpoles IV.201 L. Lamagni; tadpoles 31X.2002 L. lamagni. Several tadpoles were transferred to Campochiesa 6.V.2000 because this pond was drying up.

One adult in the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale of Genoa, MSNG 29745, 10.VIII.1883, A. lssel; perhaps other specimens collected by A. Vacca and cited by Brian (1940) are preserved in the Genoa Museum.

2 gravid females in a small water tank 23.111.2001 M. Bologna & L. Lamagni. Neither males nor eggs were observed: this is probably not a breeding site.

Numerous tadpoles 13-V.2000 L. Lamagni; numerous tadpoles and 2 egg strings 23.111.2001 M. Bologna & L. Lamagni; tadpoles IV. 2002 L. Lamagni, D. Ottonello, S. Salvidio: 1 calling male 2.X1.2002 D. Ottonello

One male in mating call 19IH2000 L. Lamagni; 5 egg strings 23.IV.2000 L. Lamagni; 1 male in mating call and 1 gravid female 23.III.2001 M. Bologna & L. Lamagni

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76 S. SALVIDIO, L. IAMAGNI, P. BOMBI, M. A. BOLOGNA

TABLE I - Continued.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Distribution

other localities where only adults were identified. Each site was geographically coded by a GPS; altitude and habitat characteris­tics were also described.

Field surveys were carried out monthly in the reproductive pe­riod (March-June; October-November), and also occasionally in other months from 1999 to 2002, along the entire coastal and sub-coastal western Liguria and in some areas of southern Piedmont (the Tanaro and Pennavaira valleys, Ovadese). By exploring the territory using detailed maps and seeking information from the lo­cal people, we checked a large number of suitable habitats, such as temporary ponds, streams, tanks, springs. Extensive research was particularly developed in the Imperia province, where only two reliable records were known before the monitoring work.

The distribution database includes the breeding sites as well as

Breeding sites description

Breeding sites were defined as water bodies in which the presence of parsley frog egg strings or tadpoles were observed. Thus, terrestri­al sites where adult frogs were found were not considered reproduc­tive habitats. The identification of P. punctatus tadpoles was con­firmed in the laboratory, where specimens preserved in 5% formalde­hyde were examined under a dissecting microscope, determined ac­cording to identification keys (Boulenger, 1897-98; Lanza, 1983; Nollert & Nollert, 1995), and compared with reference tadpoles.

Locality (Province)

Calizzano (SV)

Rio Porto, Capo Noli, Finale Ligure (SV)

Le Manie, near Manic-village, and ponds on the SE slope of the plateau Finale Ligure (SV)

Cava Voze, Noli (SV)

Monte Mao, Bergeggi (SV)

Monte S. Elena, Bergeggi (SV)

Rio Rialasco, Cremeno (GE)

Rapallo

Rio Tuia, Rapallo (GE)

Elevation (m a.s.l.)

175

290-300

289

279

256

90

30

Coordinates

44°irN-08°24'E

44°12'N-08°25'E

44°14'N-08°25'E

44°14'N-08°26'E

44°28'N-08°55'E

44°21 'N-09°14E

References

Bonadonna, spring 1971 (in Sindaco & Andreone, 1988), Jesu et al. (2000b) Jesu el al. (2000a, 2000b)

Torchio (1963), Hotz (1971), Bruno (1977), Sindaco & Andreone (1988), Boano & Deimastro (1989), Sindaco (1994), Jesu et al. (2000b)

Sindaco & Andreone (1988), Boano & Deimastro (1989)

Jesu et al. (2000a, 2000b)

Jesu et al. (2000a, 2000b)

Sindaco & Andreone (1988), Sindaco (1994), Jesu et al. (2000b). Cited as "Bolzaneto, Val Polcevera" by Vandoni (1914), Capocaccia 0956), Bruno 0977)

Vandoni (1914), Bruno (1977); Lanza (1983 also as "Portofino") Casu in Sindaco (1994), Jesu et al. (2000b)

Notes

No specimens conserved, site to be verified.

III.1994 L. Lamagni, C. Lovisolo-, VI.1996 A. Mamone; 1 male in mating call, 2 egg strings 11.IV.2000 L. Lamagni, S. Orlale, S. Salvidio; mature tadpoles 12.V 2001 S. Salvidio. One male and one female and 2 others in mating call 14.IV.1963, about 100 tadpoles 25-28.IV.1963 M. Torchio; tadpoles in other ponds, last days of May 1963 M. Torchio (Torchio, 1963). Male mating calls 9/10.IV.1969 11. Hotz (Hotz, 1971). VI.1996 A. Mamone. Two juveniles in the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale of Genoa, MSNG 41559, 6.VI.1968, H. Hotz.

5. & 11/12. IV. 1987 R. Sindaco obs 5 larvae and 8 subadults from eggs 11.IV. 1987 in Museo di Storia Naturale of Carmagnola; 5 egg strings 28.111.2000 L. Lamagni, S. Salvidio and a new egg string 11.IV.2000 L. Lamagni, S. Orlale, S. Salvidio. No specimens 14.VI.20OO M. Bologna P. Bombi, L. Lamagni and dried pond 5.V.2O01.

V.1995. IV.1996 L. Lamagni; 19 egg strings, 8 males and 1 female 11.IV.2000 L. Lamagni, S. Oliale, S. Salvido; one male in mating on Hyla meridionalis, and iwo other males in mating call, 7 egg strings (4 just opened), several young tadpoles 23.111.2001 M. Bologna, L. Lamagni; 27.V11I.2002 3 calling males and 1 egg string L. Lamagni.

1V.1996, IX. 1996 L. Lamagni, R. Marocco. Introduced tadpoles from Mao Ml. site 20.V.20O0. Last breeding observed in 1999. One male in the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale of Genoa, MSNG 36402, 20.111.1887, R. Barbieri leg.. No other data in spite of periodic surveys fron 1992 to 2000.

One male in mating call M. G. Peracca (Vandoni, 1914). III. 1991 Casu. Last breeding observed in 1993 in spite of periodic surveys until 2001.

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DISTRIBUTION ANI) l-COI.OOY OI; PlitOnriliSPUNCTATUS IN ITALY ~

The breeding urn rohal>i(al (i.e., the water body in which eggs and tadpoles were found) was briefly described on (he base of its natural or anthropogenic origin. The drying up pattern of each site was assessed on (he base of several surveys concluded in dif­ferent seasons and years. The general habitat surrounding the breeding sites was described, according to the prevailing vegeta­tion communities, using the Corine biotopes manual (European Community Commission, 1991) as a reference.

I-stimate of reproductive populations

In P punctatUS, the abundance of breeding females may be es-(imatcd indirectly by counting egg strings (Toxopeus et ai, 1993; Guyétant et ai, 1999). The accuracy of this procedure has Ix-en questioned, as in captivity, one female may spawn up to three egg strings (Hartley, 1990). However, according to Guyétant et ai ( 1999), strings laved at more than lO cm from each other should be considered spawned by different females. Thus, egg counts were made using this criterion, in the spring and autumn from 2000 to 2002 to obtain replicate estimates. This procedure was used to assess the feasibility of a regional monitoring scheme, which in the case of Italian populations of P. punctatus corre­sponds to a national population assessment. However, as different sites may differ in their physical characteristics (i.e., vegetation cover, water depth and transparency) and accessibility, egg counts should not IK- used in comparing different breeding sites. but mainly to compare temporal trends within one single site.

RESULTS

Geographic and ecological distribution

The published records of P. punctatus in Italy are given in Table I, with complete references and notes, together with the new localities found during the present study.

Overall, the parsley frog was identified in 28 locali­

ties, 4 in Piedmont and 24 in Liguria (Table I; Fig. 2). These sites comprise hibernation habitats (e.g., natural caves), and in some cases, were not precisely described or localised, and thus could not be verified in previous surveys (Sindaco. 1999; Jesu et ai, 2000a) nor during our field surveys.

Some well known sites (i.e. Lucinasco lake, Rio Ria-lasco and the artificial tank along the Rio Tuia) were peri­odically surveyed, but no frogs, tadpoles or eggs strings were found, suggesting that these populations are now probably extinct. In particular, the small natural Lake Lu­cinasco, fed by a spring, was partially modified along the banks about ten yars ago, and allochtonous fish (Caras-sius sp.) and terrapins ( Tracbemys scripta) were intro­duced. Afterwards (see Table I), other specimens were collected in 1981 (Table I; Lanza, 1983) and in 1984 (M. Capula, in verbis, 2000; erroneously cited by Sindaco & Andreone, 1988, as "Borgomaro"; see Table I). Several surveys have been unsuccessfully carried out in Luci-nasaco in the last ten years, also if suitable habitats (artili-cial tanks fed by springs), utilised by other amphibians, were identified close to the lake.

On the other hand, the presence of this species in Piedmont (Peracca, 1886; Morisi, 1972) was only recently confirmed, though not in old known data of the Cuneo and Asti provinces, by the identification of one male adult P. punctatus near Mornese (Alessandria Province) (Sindaco et ai, 2002) in 2000. However, the exact breed­ing site of this population has not been found, in spite of several surveys in the area (E. Biggi. personal communi­cation). The citation of Morisi (1983) in the Cuneo province is doubtful (Sindaco et ai, 2002).

Fig. 2 - Sites of presence of Peloclyles punctatus in Italy.

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78 S. SAI.V1DIO. L LAMAGNI, P. BOMBI, M. A. BOLOGNA

Bruno (1977) summarised the knowledge on this species, and published 23 additional localities; the com­ments of Sindaco & Andreone (1988) on this research should b e taken into considerat ion. These localities were all possible habitats but none were personally confirmed in several surveys (L. Lamagni witness). The following localities cited by Bruno (1977) were not con­sidered in the present database: Montezemolo, Belbo river marshes; Bossolasco, Belbo River (both in the Cu­n e o Province); Ventimiglia near Trucco-, Baiardo, Rio Bonda; Bordighera surrondings; Impero River under 1'oggialto (cited as Poggio Alto); the surrounding area of Evigno (all in the Imperia Province); Albenga, Rocca Barbena (cited as Barbera); Loano; Osiglia Lake; Pian dei Corsi; Cengio; Buratto Mt.; Cadibona pass; Stella in the Letimbro River valley; Savona Santuario; Savona bosco delle Ninfe; Savona Legino; Piampaludo; S. Gior­gio Mt.; Sassello, S. Giovanni; Beigua Mt. Arrestra spring (all in the Savona Province).

According to Vandoni (1914) P. punctatus is also dis­tributed in Mentone, just along the Italian border, and in Nizza (both in the Alpes Maritimes Department).

Breeding habitat characteristics

Jesu et al. (2000b) reported only 8 breeding localities known u p to 1996. On the basis of recent intensive field surveys, its reproduction has now been verified in other seven sites, making a total of 15 (Table II). These results suggest that the distribution range of P. puncta­tus is probably still underes t imated . Additional field work could obtain a more complete knowledge of the parsley frog distribution.

In NW Italy, the reproduction of the parsley frog has been observed mainly in small, temporary pools with aquatic vegetation. In a few cases however, breeding oc­curs in small streams and artificial reservoirs (Table II). In general, this species seems to prefer temporary body water for reproduction. It seems to be well adapted to ephemeral water habitats, and consequently well related to Mediterranean ecosystems, where it can colonise mar­ginal habitats. Another typical adaptative strategy is the presence of two reproductive periods, one in spring and the other in autumn, with hibernant tadpoles.

Near Cipressa, where a perennial pond deriving from a small spring is associated to a complex of temporary ponds produced by rain, P. punctatus only utilised the temporary habitat for oviposition, where several eggs strings or tadpoles repeatedly essicated. In other cases, as in the S. Ambrogio quarry, it oviposited both in tempo­rary laminar ponds and in an almost perennial deep tank. In 2002, at the Ml. Moro site, the first autumnal reproduc­tion occurred on August 30. after a period of intense rain.

The altitudinal distribution of breeding sites ranged from 60 to 460 m a.s.l., in Mediterranean habitats (i.e.. Evergreen oak mattoral, Olive yards. Pine mattorals), and in cultivated or perturbated environments, such as gravel and s tone quarries (Table II). In all cases , P. punctatus reproduced syntopically with some other am­

phibian species. In eight of the corfimed sites, it repro­duced with both the Common toad Bufo bufo and the Mediterranean tree frog Hyla meridionale. In tree sites, it reproduced along with the agile wood frog Rana dal-matina. while in another site with the green toad B. viridis. a species reaching its western range limit near Savona, and with the introduced R. kuertmuelli.

The main threat to breeding sites was the frequent drying u p of the breeding pool dur ing reproduction: this was observed in 10 sites corresponding to 75%. In addi t ion, reservoir c leaning and habitat dis turbance were also reported (Table 111.

Estimate of breeding popuUnions In Liguria, t he parsley frog displays two distinct

spawning per iods, o n e in late winter or early spring and the other in autumn (Sindaco & Andreone, 1988; Jesu et al.. 2000b). Repeated surveys of breeding sites showed that parsley frog populations strongly depend­ed on heavy rainfall for egg laying, and that local cli­matic variations induced variations in spawning activity. Thus, egg deposit ion (Fig. 3) varied geographically in different areas within the same season, in accordance with the local rainfall patterns.

Table III gives the results of repeated egg counts ob­tained for four consecutive breeding periods, from Feb­ruary 2000 to October 2002. Female estimates regard nine populations, though in six sites eggs strings were never observed. The number of egg strings laid in the same site appeared consistent with successive censuses, indicating that the methodology used was probably ade­quate in estimating female numbers. The highest number of females estimated in one site was 19, with an overall mean of nine. These data could underestimate true fe­male abundances, as egg strings could go undetected in sites of difficult access, or females could breed annually though in different seasons (only in spring or autumn).

Fig. 3 - Egg .siring of Pelodytespunctatus from Mt. Grosso. Pietra Ligure (Photo L. Lamagni).

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DISTRIBUTION AND ECOLOGY OF PELODYTES PVNCTATUS IN ITALY 79 TA

BLE

II -

Cha

rach

teri

stcs

of b

reed

ing

site

s o/

Pelo

dyle

s pu

ncta

tus.

*.

noi

conf

irm

ed

site

s.

Thr

eat

leve

l T

hrea

t H

ydro

peri

od

Oth

er b

reed

ing

amph

ibia

ns

Bre

edin

g m

icro

habi

tat

Hab

itat

Site

Ver

y hi

gh

Freq

uent

dry

ing

Inte

rmitt

ent

Hyl

a m

erid

iona

le

Pool

Pi

ne m

atto

ral 3

2.14

1.

M. F

onta

na

Low

No

appa

rent

thr

eat

Stab

le

Hyl

a m

erid

iona

lis

Arti

ficia

l po

ol

Oliv

e gr

oves

83-

11

2. P

ompe

iana

V

ery

high

Fr

eque

nt d

ryin

g In

term

itten

t H

yla

mer

idio

nalis

Po

ols

Pine

mat

tora

l 32.

14

3. C

ipre

ssa

Gas

-pip

elin

e pu

mp

Not

kno

wn

Dry

ing

poss

ible

In

term

itten

t Bu

fo

bufo

Po

ol

Pine

mat

tora

l 32.

14

4. R

oad

Cip

ress

a-Po

mpe

iana

Extin

ctio

n?

Alie

n sp

ecie

s (f

ishe

s an

d te

rrap

ins,

see

tex

t)

Stab

le

Bufo

bu

fo

Ran

a da

lmat

ina

Ran

a ku

ertm

uelli

and

H

yla

mer

idio

nalis

now

app

aren

tly

extin

ct b

ut p

rese

nt i

n cl

ose

wat

er t

ank

Nat

ural

lak

e, p

artia

lly

mod

ifie

d by

man

O

live

grov

es 8

3.11

an

d Q

uerc

us w

oodl

and

5. Lu

cina

sco*

Mod

erat

e In

freq

uent

dry

ing

Inte

rmitt

ent

Bufo

bu

fo

Ran

a da

lmat

ina

Ran

a ku

ertm

uelli

Stre

am

Pine

mat

tora

l 32.

14

6. Sa

lea

Hig

h Fr

eque

nt c

lean

ing

Stab

le

Bufo

bu

fo

Hyl

a m

erid

onal

is

Ran

a da

lmat

ina

Arti

ficia

l po

ol

Oliv

e gr

oves

83.

11

7. C

ampo

chie

sa

Hig

h Fr

eque

nt d

ryin

g In

term

itten

t Bu

fo

bu/o

St

ream

E

verg

reen

oak

mat

tora

l 32.

11

8. R

io I

bà

Ver

y hi

gh

Freq

uent

dry

ing

Hab

itat d

estr

uctio

n In

term

itten

t Bu

fo

bufo

Po

ols

Qua

rrie

s 86

.41

in E

verg

reen

oa

k m

atto

ral

32.1

1 9.

Cav

a Pa

ttare

llo

Low

? N

ot k

now

n St

able

H

yla

mer

idio

nalis

Po

ol

Maq

uis

10.

Mon

te G

ross

o II

H

igh

Freq

uent

dry

ing

Inte

rmitt

ent

Hyl

a m

erid

iona

lis

Arti

ficia

l po

ol

Qua

rrie

s 86

.41

in E

verg

reen

oa

k m

atto

ral

32.1

1 11

. C

ava

S. A

mbr

ogio

Mod

erat

e In

freq

uent

dry

ing

Inte

rmitt

ent

Bufo

bu

fo

Stre

am

Ale

ppo

pine

for

ests

42.

84

12.

Cap

o N

oli

Ver

y hi

gh

Freq

uent

dry

ing

Inte

rmitt

ent

Ran

a da

lmat

ina

(epi

sodi

c)

Pool

Q

uarr

ies

86.4

1 in

Eve

rgre

en

oak

mat

tora

l 32

.11

13.

Cav

a V

oze

Low

? N

ot k

now

n In

term

itten

t Bu

fo

bufo

H

yla

mer

idio

nalis

A

rtific

ial

pool

Fi

eld

crop

s 82

.11

14.

M.

S. E

lena

Hig

h Fr

eque

nt d

ryin

g In

term

itten

t Bu

fo r

irid

is

Hyl

a m

erid

iona

lis

Pool

Q

uarr

ies

86.41

in

Maq

uis

15.

Cav

a M

onte

Mao

Extin

ctio

n?

Infr

eque

nt d

ryin

g In

term

itten

t Bu

fo

bujo

H

yla

mer

idio

nalis

St

ream

Fi

eld

crop

s 82

.11

16.

Rio

Ria

lasc

o'

Not

Kno

wn

Freq

uent

cle

anin

g St

able

Bu

fo

bufo

A

rtific

ial

pool

Fi

eld

crop

s 82

.11

17.

Rio

Tui

a

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80 S. SALVIDIO, L LAMAGNI, P. BOMBI, M. A. BOLOGNA

TABLE III - Female abundance estimated by egg strings counts in several P. punclalus breeding sites (see text).

Breeding site

1. M. Fontana 2. Pompeiana 3. Cipressa 4. Cipressa-Pompeiana S. Salca 6. Campochiesa 7. Rio Ibà 8. Cava Fattarello 9. Monte Grosso 10. Cava S.Ambrogio 11. Capo Noli 12. Cava Vozc 13- M. S. Elena 14. Cava Monte Mao 15. Rio Tuia

Mean number of females

Spring 2000

1 Discovered in autumn 2000

Discovered in 2001 Discovered in 2001

No No No 15

Tadpoles 5 2 5

No 19 No

No.

Autumn 2000

1 2 (Tadpoles)

Discovered in 2001 Discovered in 2001

No No No

Tadpoles Not censused Not censused Not censused

2 Tadpoles

17 No

egg strings

Spring 2001

2 9

Tadpoles Tadpoles Tadpoles

No 2

Tadpoles 16 No

Tadpoles 7

No 17 No

Autumn 2002

No 2

No No

Tadpoles No No 7

No ? 1 f

No. females per site

2 9

Not known Not known Not known Not known

2 15 16 5 2 7

Not known 19

Not known

9

DISCUSSION

This species is protected in Italy by several laws: (a) Berne Convention, Appendix III (1979); (b) Habitats Di­rective 1992/43/CEE (recent proposal to insert the Ital­ian population); (c) Piedmont Regional Law 29/1984, Article I; (d) Liguria Regional Law 4/1992, Article 11.

The Italian populations, which are marginal and al­most isolated, are greatly endangered (Bologna & Venchi, 1998). Arillo et al. (1975) cited P. punctatus as an endangered species in the Liguria Region.

The habitat suitability of the sites is estimated in Table II. Some sites are situated in areas proposed by the Ital­ian Government as SIC (Sites of Communitary Interest), as defined by the Habitats CE Directive (1992/43). They could be established in the near future as ASC (Special Areas of Conservation) by the European Community. Casarino et al. (2000) proposed Lucinasco as an "area of herpetological interest", on the basis of Regional Law 4/1992. All these sites, considered in the Bioitaly project will be included in the 2000 Network and provided with management plans.

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