Aging Salamandrina perspicillata (Savi, 1821) by skeletochronology

We assessed age and first reproduction age in Salamandrina perspicillata females by means of skeletochronological analysis. As we examined sections from the third toe of the hind limbs, the tecnique herewith introduced is non-letal and compatible with ecological investigations. Females reached sexual maturity at four or five years; the oldest female was 12. SVL is a reliable body size index for assessing age (r2 = 0.74)

The Pandemic pathogen of amphibians, <i>Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis</i> (Phylum Chytridiomycota), in Italy

Worldwide amphibian declines and species losses are global problems and emerging infectious diseases have been identified as one of the major threats. The worst of these is chytridiomycosis, an amphibian disease caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Here we review what is known of the distribution of Bd and chytridiomycosis in Italy. We critically summarize the evidence in support of the hypothesis that Bd is an invasive pathogen in Italy. Last we provide recommendations for immediate research needs, both for basic science and applied conservation

Mitochondrial DNA of Sardinian and North-West Italian Populations Revealed a New Piece in the Mosaic of Phylogeography and Phylogeny of <i>Salariopsis fluviatilis</i> (Blenniidae)

The genus Salariopsis (Blenniidae) comprises freshwater blenny fish that inhabits Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, and north-east Atlantic areas. Three species were formally described to date: Salariopsis fluviatilis. S. economidisi, and S. atlantica. In this study, 103 individuals were collected from different Italian regions (Sardinia, Liguria, Piedmont, Lombardy) and analyzed using the mtDNA Control Region and the ribosomal 16s gene. We aimed (i) to depict the phylogeographic patterns of S. fluviatilis in northern Italy and Sardinia and (ii) to compare the genetic structure of Italian samples with those from other Mediterranean regions. Results obtained showed the presence of a well-supported genetic structuring among Italian S. fluviatilis populations, shedding new light on the phylogeographic patterns of northern Italian populations of S. fluviatilis sensu stricto across the Ligurian Alpine ridge and the Sardinia Island-mainland dispersal patterns. Furthermore, our species delimitation analysis was consistent in supporting results of previous research about the presence of genetic differentiation among S. fluviatilis, evidencing: (i) a large group of S. fluviatilis sensu stricto that includes two sub-groups (Occidental and Oriental), (ii) one group comprising populations from the Middle East of a taxonomic entity corresponding to Salariopsis cf. fluviatilis, and (iii) one group of Iberian individuals from the Guadiana River

microsatellite dataset

Excel file for allele sizes (bp) for 8 microsatellite loci for individual Euproctus platycephalus, sampled in Sardinia, with gender/lifehistory stage (J juvenile, L larva, NK not known)

Data from: Islands within an island: Population genetic structure of the endemic Sardinian newt, Euproctus platycephalus

The identification of historic and contemporary barriers to dispersal is central to the conservation of endangered amphibians, but may be hindered by their complex life history and elusive nature. The complementary information generated by mitochondrial (mtDNA) and microsatellite markers generates a valuable tool in elucidating population structure and the impact of habitat fragmentation. We applied this approach to the study of an endangered montane newt, Euproctus platycephalus. Endemic to the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, it is threatened by anthropogenic activity, disease, and climate change. We have demonstrated a clear hierarchy of structure across genetically divergent and spatially distinct subpopulations. Divergence between three main mountain regions dominated genetic partitioning with both markers. Mitochondrial phylogeography revealed a deep division dating to ca. 1 million years ago (Mya), isolating the northern region, and further differentiation between the central and southern regions ca. 0.5 Mya, suggesting an association with Pleistocene severe glacial oscillations. Our findings are consistent with a model of southward range expansion during glacial periods, with postglacial range retraction to montane habitat and subsequent genetic isolation. Microsatellite markers revealed further strong population structure, demonstrating significant divergence within the central region, and partial differentiation within the south. The northern population showed reduced genetic diversity. Discordance between mitochondrial and microsatellite markers at this scale indicated a further complexity of population structure, in keeping with male-biased dispersal and female philopatry. Our study underscores the need to elucidate cryptic population structure in the ecology and conservation strategies for endangered island-restricted amphibians, especially in the context of disease and climate change

Repubblicanesimo, democrazia, socialismo delle libert\ue0. \u2018Incroci\u2019 per una rinnovata cultura politica

Repubblicanesimo, democrazia, socialismo delle libert\ue0. \u2018Incroci\u2019 per una rinnovata cultura politic