New article published in Acta Herpetologica on distribution of Sardinian herpetofauna

New article published in Acta Herpetologica on distribution of Sardinian herpetofauna

In this article we show an updated database on the distribution of herp species in Sardegna, with an analysis on the environmental variables that promote higher species abundance.

Title: Species diversity and distribution of amphibians and reptiles in Sardinia, Italy

Authors: Claudia Corti, Marta Biaggini, Valeria Nulchis, Roberto Cogoni, Ilaria Maria Cossu, Salvatore Frau, Manuela Mulargia, Enrico Lunghi, Lara Bassu

Journal: Acta Herpetologica

Link to the article Species diversity and distribution of amphibians and reptiles in Sardinia, Italy

New article published in Scientific Reports on the trophic niche of Speleomantes italicus

New article published in Scientific Reports on the trophic niche of Speleomantes italicus

In this article we investigated the trophic niche of multiple populations of the Italian cave salamander, Speleomantes italicus, throughout a year. We found a discrepancy in the foraging activity of the populations located in different areas, and temporal and spatial variability in the body condition of individuals. Our study highlighted a remarkably high spatial and temporal divergence in the trophic habits of conspecific populations.

Title: The trophic niche of subterranean populations of Speleomantes italicus

Authors: Enrico Lunghi, Fabio Cianferoni, Claudia Corti, Yahui Zhao, Raoul Manenti, Gentile Francesco Ficetola and Giorgio Mancinelli

Journal: Scientific Reports

Link to the article: The trophic niche of subterranean populations of Speleomantes italicus

New article published in the special issue “Salamanders: Distribution, Diversity, and Conservation” of Animals

New article published in the special issue “Salamanders: Distribution, Diversity, and Conservation” of Animals

In this article we studied the trophic niche of two sympatric salamanders, the fire salamander Salamandra salamandra and the Italian cave salamander Speleomantes italicus. We found that the Italian cave salamander mostly consumed flying prey with a hard cuticle, while the fire salamander preferred worm-like and soft-bodied prey. We hypothesize that in our case, the two species of salamanders did not have to change their prey preference in order to avoid competition, but divergences in metabolism and behavioral traits likely worked as natural deterrent.

Title: The Trophic Niche of Two Sympatric Species of Salamanders (Plethodontidae and Salamandridae) from Italy

Authors: Enrico Lunghi, Claudia Corti, Marta Biaggini, Yahui Zhao and Fabio Cianferoni

Journal: Animals

Link to the article: The Trophic Niche of Two Sympatric Species of Salamanders (Plethodontidae and Salamandridae) from Italy