Allochthonous water frogs (gen. Pelophylax) have been repeatedly introduced in several European c... more Allochthonous water frogs (gen. Pelophylax) have been repeatedly introduced in several European countries , causing dramatic consequences for the conservation of indigenous taxa. In Italy, invasive populations are known for northern regions, where they were introduced mainly for edible and scientific purposes. Here, we report the first detection of an alien population of water frogs in Central Italy, along the Resina valley (Umbria). Genetic analysis of the mitochondrial ND3 gene polymorphism assigned some specimens to two different Pelophylax ridibundus clad-es widespread in Central and Eastern Europe. By contrast, two samples matched the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence of Pelophylax lessonae bergeri, an autochthonous taxon widespread in Central Italy, suggesting possible hybridization between alien and indigenous frogs. Finally, the specific haplotype of Pelophylax shqipericus, the Alba-nian Pool Frog, was also identified according to mtDNA polymorphism. This record, firstly reported for Italy, poses concerns for the conservation of this cryptic taxon, suggesting that international water frog trade may involve also particularly endangered species.
The spread of non-native invasive species is among the factors thought to be responsible for the ... more The spread of non-native invasive species is among the factors thought to be responsible for the recent global declines in amphibian populations. In a Protected Natural Area of Local Interest in Tuscany, Italy, we tested approaches for preserving the local amphibian populations threatened by the presence of the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. The construction of artificial breeding ponds, with suitable vertical barriers, was initially effective in preventing the spread of the red swamp crayfish and created a source site for amphibians, in particular newt species. Unfortunately, five years after construction, the breeding sites were colonized by fish and crayfish, possibly due to the actions of members of the public.
In this paper we evaluated the effects of the metacercariae of C. complanatum on body condition a... more In this paper we evaluated the effects of the metacercariae of C. complanatum on body condition and survival probability of the Italian crested newt. We studied two populations of T. carnifex, with one of the two infected by the trematode, in central Italy, for a year. We found that: i) paedomorphic newts were more likely to be infected; ii) cysts were mostly located on the head and into the mouth; iii) the infection did not affect the body size of newts; iv) survival probabilities of infected and not infected newts from the same population did not differ, and it was similar to the survival of newts from the not-infected population. We conclude that, at least in the short term, the metacercariae of C. complanatum are not damaging for T. carnifex.
On the presence in Tuscany of Deleproctophylla australis (Fabricius, 1787) (Neuroptera: Ascalaphi... more On the presence in Tuscany of Deleproctophylla australis (Fabricius, 1787) (Neuroptera: Ascalaphidae). Deleproctophylla australis (Fabricius, 1787) is recorded for the first time in Tuscany (Italy).
We present the results of a two year field survey on the herpetofauna of the Poggi di Prata area ... more We present the results of a two year field survey on the herpetofauna of the Poggi di Prata area in Central Italy. A total of 2,653 records were made on nine Amphibian and sixteen Reptile species. Eleven species had not been recorded before. Bombina pachypus has not been observed since 2004 and represents a conservation concern. Among the main threats to the local herpetofauna, we consider the filling-in of the ponds, the abandonment of the traditional agricultural practices, road kills, killings of snakes by lay people, fish introductions and, possibly, climate change.
On the presence in Tuscany of Cordulia aenea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Odonata: Corduliidae). Cordulia ae... more On the presence in Tuscany of Cordulia aenea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Odonata: Corduliidae). Cordulia aenea (Linnaeus, 1758) is recorded for the first time in Tuscany (Italy).
247. Groenlandia densa (L.) Fourr. (Potamogetonaceae) - LRT (A3) Montieri (Grosseto), località «L... more 247. Groenlandia densa (L.) Fourr. (Potamogetonaceae) - LRT (A3) Montieri (Grosseto), località «La Riservetta» (Il Gabellino) (UTM: 32T PN 64.73), 23 Oct 2012, E. Mori (PI). - Nuova stazione di specie rara per la provincia di Grosseto. La specie cresce in uno stagno di circa 30 × 15 m, situato in una depressione venutasi a creare in seguito all’attività mineraria sottostante, in una radura all’interno di un bosco di Quercus cerris L. e Carpinus betulus L. Altre specie presenti nel bacino sono Typha latifolia L. e Lemna minor L. Per quanto riguarda la provincia di Grosseto, Baroni (1897-1908) la segnala anche sul monte Amiata, mentre Selvi (2010) riporta la specie solo in prossimità della giunzione tra il canale Fossa e il fiume Bruna, nei dintorni di Braccagni. Una recente segnalazione riguarda Monterotondo Marittimo (Viciani et al., 2012).
Various marking techniques are available for support population studies, in which they provide a ... more Various marking techniques are available for support population studies, in which they provide a valuable improvement. Visual implant elastomer tag is a marking method largely used to perform studies on many different species. The aim of this paper is to test the reliability and the efficiency of this method on two different amphibian species: the Italian cave salamander Hydromantes italicus and the Italian stream frog Rana italica. We used a marking technique that provides 40320 possible combinations on H. italicus and 192 on R. italica. After more than one year from marking, individuals kept tags providing reliable information on their identification.
We present the results of a two year field survey on the herpetofauna of the Poggi di Prata area ... more We present the results of a two year field survey on the herpetofauna of the Poggi di Prata area in Central Italy. A total of 2,653 records were made on nine Amphibian and sixteen Reptile species. Eleven species had not been recorded before. Bombina pachypus has not been observed since 2004 and represents a conservation concern. Among the main threats to the local herpetofauna, we consider the filling-in of the ponds, the abandonment of the traditional agricultural practices, road kills, killings of snakes by lay people, fish introductions and, possibly, climate change.
Adults of Clinostomum spp. are digenetic trematodes found in fish-eating birds, reptiles and occa... more Adults of Clinostomum spp. are digenetic trematodes found in fish-eating birds, reptiles and occasionally mammals, including humans. Freshwater snails serve as first intermediate hosts and many fish species and amphibians as second intermediate hosts. To date, amphibian hosts of Clinostomum metacercariae include members of urodele and anuran families in North America, but no data are available on infections of European amphibians, including newts. In this study, we characterize infections of Clinostomum complanatum metacercariae in four smooth (Lissotriton vulgaris) and 18 Italian crested newts (Triturus carnifex) from an artificial pond located in a protected area in Tuscany, Italy. Parasites were surgically removed from the infected newts and identified both morphologically and using sequences of a mitochondrial gene, cytochrome c oxidase I, and the ribosomal markers, internal transcribed spacers. This is the first record of C. complanatum in European newts and, more generally, in amphibians in Europe.
Salamandrina perspicillata is an endemic Italian salamander in which morphological sexual dimorph... more Salamandrina perspicillata is an endemic Italian salamander in which morphological sexual dimorphism is weak and sexes are almost indistinguishable in live specimens. We here report on a simple method for sexing these salamanders in the field on the basis of cloacal morphology and we present new data on the sexual dimorphism in this species. Nine morphological characters were used to assess the amount of sexual dimorphism using a multivariate approach (MANCOVA: Wilks' λ = 0.248, P < 0.001). Sexes differed significantly in both size (females are larger than males) and shape (females have proportionally longer distance between extremities, males have longer cloacal slit and wider head). The observed pattern of sexual dimorphism is discussed in an evolutionary context. Difference between sexes in the proportion of the V-shaped patch on the head was also tested. Finally, we also report the first preliminary data on the sex ratio of a S. perspicillata population in the wild.
The knowledge of reproductive behaviour of Salamandrina perspicillata, an endemic Italian salaman... more The knowledge of reproductive behaviour of Salamandrina perspicillata, an endemic Italian salamander, is still fragmented and not exhaustive; and the only detailed observations were made just once in a terrarium. We describe many aspects of the terrestrial courtship behaviour such as male alert posture, substrate marking trail, approach and pursuit, tail undulation and vent swinging, and spermatophore deposition and pick-up. The courting pair follows an ellipsoidal track during this manoeuvre a spermatophore is deposited by the male just in front of the female who will reach the spermatophore as she continues to circle. No body contacts were observed during the courtship. Tail movements play a key role in the communication between sexes as well as between antagonistic males. Male-male combat involves biting as the main deterrent. We found that the mating season in wild populations is in the spring, differing from that reported previously for mating in captivity (winter) or extrapolated from the beginning of sperm storage (autumn). Each of these points is discussed in light of available information on social communication, sexual dimorphism, courtship evolution, and sperm storage.
Observations of birds feeding chicks or fledglings of a different species have already
been repor... more Observations of birds feeding chicks or fledglings of a different species have already been reported in many publications. However, the benefits of the altruistic behaviour are not easy to understand, as benefits and costs of this behaviour have been poorly identified. In May 2013, in a wetland in Central Italy (Piana Fiorentina, Tuscany), some cases of interspecific feeding of an Eurasian Coot Fulica atra chick by an adult non breeding Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida were witnessed. We suggest that the behaviour of the Tern was triggered by the begging of the chick or by its own hormonal status.
The American bullfrog is considered one of the 100 most invasive species, seriously threatening n... more The American bullfrog is considered one of the 100 most invasive species, seriously threatening native species, especially amphibians, all over the world. Italy is the first European country where the species established, but the distribution of the species after the first records in North and Central Italy is unclear. In this paper, we collected the results of several recent surveys conducted in Tuscany (Central Italy), both independent ones and under the auspices of institutional projects (LIFE 07 NAT/IT/422 Water SCIs and Project Atlas of Alien Species of Tuscany). These data were joined with those from the scientific and grey literature at the regional level, depicting an updated distribution of the species in Tuscany. The results show an increasing number of sites where the species is present in the plain of Florence, Prato and Pistoia, occurring in both semi-natural and anthropic environments. Our findings suggest that the species could be present in a wider area than that already known. The presence of chelae and parts of the cephalothorax of the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, from the stomachs of the dissected specimens suggests that bullfrog is able to prey on adult alien invasive crayfish, which are probably its first source of food also in Italian inland waters, at least where the crayfish is particularly abundant, as is the case in Northern Tuscany. Tuscany hosts small and fragmented bullfrog populations in a restricted area, a situation that seems to be promising for a successful eradication campaign, if performing coordinated actions from different municipalities among Florence, Prato and Pistoia.
Allochthonous water frogs (gen. Pelophylax) have been repeatedly introduced in several European c... more Allochthonous water frogs (gen. Pelophylax) have been repeatedly introduced in several European countries , causing dramatic consequences for the conservation of indigenous taxa. In Italy, invasive populations are known for northern regions, where they were introduced mainly for edible and scientific purposes. Here, we report the first detection of an alien population of water frogs in Central Italy, along the Resina valley (Umbria). Genetic analysis of the mitochondrial ND3 gene polymorphism assigned some specimens to two different Pelophylax ridibundus clad-es widespread in Central and Eastern Europe. By contrast, two samples matched the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence of Pelophylax lessonae bergeri, an autochthonous taxon widespread in Central Italy, suggesting possible hybridization between alien and indigenous frogs. Finally, the specific haplotype of Pelophylax shqipericus, the Alba-nian Pool Frog, was also identified according to mtDNA polymorphism. This record, firstly reported for Italy, poses concerns for the conservation of this cryptic taxon, suggesting that international water frog trade may involve also particularly endangered species.
The spread of non-native invasive species is among the factors thought to be responsible for the ... more The spread of non-native invasive species is among the factors thought to be responsible for the recent global declines in amphibian populations. In a Protected Natural Area of Local Interest in Tuscany, Italy, we tested approaches for preserving the local amphibian populations threatened by the presence of the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. The construction of artificial breeding ponds, with suitable vertical barriers, was initially effective in preventing the spread of the red swamp crayfish and created a source site for amphibians, in particular newt species. Unfortunately, five years after construction, the breeding sites were colonized by fish and crayfish, possibly due to the actions of members of the public.
In this paper we evaluated the effects of the metacercariae of C. complanatum on body condition a... more In this paper we evaluated the effects of the metacercariae of C. complanatum on body condition and survival probability of the Italian crested newt. We studied two populations of T. carnifex, with one of the two infected by the trematode, in central Italy, for a year. We found that: i) paedomorphic newts were more likely to be infected; ii) cysts were mostly located on the head and into the mouth; iii) the infection did not affect the body size of newts; iv) survival probabilities of infected and not infected newts from the same population did not differ, and it was similar to the survival of newts from the not-infected population. We conclude that, at least in the short term, the metacercariae of C. complanatum are not damaging for T. carnifex.
On the presence in Tuscany of Deleproctophylla australis (Fabricius, 1787) (Neuroptera: Ascalaphi... more On the presence in Tuscany of Deleproctophylla australis (Fabricius, 1787) (Neuroptera: Ascalaphidae). Deleproctophylla australis (Fabricius, 1787) is recorded for the first time in Tuscany (Italy).
We present the results of a two year field survey on the herpetofauna of the Poggi di Prata area ... more We present the results of a two year field survey on the herpetofauna of the Poggi di Prata area in Central Italy. A total of 2,653 records were made on nine Amphibian and sixteen Reptile species. Eleven species had not been recorded before. Bombina pachypus has not been observed since 2004 and represents a conservation concern. Among the main threats to the local herpetofauna, we consider the filling-in of the ponds, the abandonment of the traditional agricultural practices, road kills, killings of snakes by lay people, fish introductions and, possibly, climate change.
On the presence in Tuscany of Cordulia aenea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Odonata: Corduliidae). Cordulia ae... more On the presence in Tuscany of Cordulia aenea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Odonata: Corduliidae). Cordulia aenea (Linnaeus, 1758) is recorded for the first time in Tuscany (Italy).
247. Groenlandia densa (L.) Fourr. (Potamogetonaceae) - LRT (A3) Montieri (Grosseto), località «L... more 247. Groenlandia densa (L.) Fourr. (Potamogetonaceae) - LRT (A3) Montieri (Grosseto), località «La Riservetta» (Il Gabellino) (UTM: 32T PN 64.73), 23 Oct 2012, E. Mori (PI). - Nuova stazione di specie rara per la provincia di Grosseto. La specie cresce in uno stagno di circa 30 × 15 m, situato in una depressione venutasi a creare in seguito all’attività mineraria sottostante, in una radura all’interno di un bosco di Quercus cerris L. e Carpinus betulus L. Altre specie presenti nel bacino sono Typha latifolia L. e Lemna minor L. Per quanto riguarda la provincia di Grosseto, Baroni (1897-1908) la segnala anche sul monte Amiata, mentre Selvi (2010) riporta la specie solo in prossimità della giunzione tra il canale Fossa e il fiume Bruna, nei dintorni di Braccagni. Una recente segnalazione riguarda Monterotondo Marittimo (Viciani et al., 2012).
Various marking techniques are available for support population studies, in which they provide a ... more Various marking techniques are available for support population studies, in which they provide a valuable improvement. Visual implant elastomer tag is a marking method largely used to perform studies on many different species. The aim of this paper is to test the reliability and the efficiency of this method on two different amphibian species: the Italian cave salamander Hydromantes italicus and the Italian stream frog Rana italica. We used a marking technique that provides 40320 possible combinations on H. italicus and 192 on R. italica. After more than one year from marking, individuals kept tags providing reliable information on their identification.
We present the results of a two year field survey on the herpetofauna of the Poggi di Prata area ... more We present the results of a two year field survey on the herpetofauna of the Poggi di Prata area in Central Italy. A total of 2,653 records were made on nine Amphibian and sixteen Reptile species. Eleven species had not been recorded before. Bombina pachypus has not been observed since 2004 and represents a conservation concern. Among the main threats to the local herpetofauna, we consider the filling-in of the ponds, the abandonment of the traditional agricultural practices, road kills, killings of snakes by lay people, fish introductions and, possibly, climate change.
Adults of Clinostomum spp. are digenetic trematodes found in fish-eating birds, reptiles and occa... more Adults of Clinostomum spp. are digenetic trematodes found in fish-eating birds, reptiles and occasionally mammals, including humans. Freshwater snails serve as first intermediate hosts and many fish species and amphibians as second intermediate hosts. To date, amphibian hosts of Clinostomum metacercariae include members of urodele and anuran families in North America, but no data are available on infections of European amphibians, including newts. In this study, we characterize infections of Clinostomum complanatum metacercariae in four smooth (Lissotriton vulgaris) and 18 Italian crested newts (Triturus carnifex) from an artificial pond located in a protected area in Tuscany, Italy. Parasites were surgically removed from the infected newts and identified both morphologically and using sequences of a mitochondrial gene, cytochrome c oxidase I, and the ribosomal markers, internal transcribed spacers. This is the first record of C. complanatum in European newts and, more generally, in amphibians in Europe.
Salamandrina perspicillata is an endemic Italian salamander in which morphological sexual dimorph... more Salamandrina perspicillata is an endemic Italian salamander in which morphological sexual dimorphism is weak and sexes are almost indistinguishable in live specimens. We here report on a simple method for sexing these salamanders in the field on the basis of cloacal morphology and we present new data on the sexual dimorphism in this species. Nine morphological characters were used to assess the amount of sexual dimorphism using a multivariate approach (MANCOVA: Wilks' λ = 0.248, P < 0.001). Sexes differed significantly in both size (females are larger than males) and shape (females have proportionally longer distance between extremities, males have longer cloacal slit and wider head). The observed pattern of sexual dimorphism is discussed in an evolutionary context. Difference between sexes in the proportion of the V-shaped patch on the head was also tested. Finally, we also report the first preliminary data on the sex ratio of a S. perspicillata population in the wild.
The knowledge of reproductive behaviour of Salamandrina perspicillata, an endemic Italian salaman... more The knowledge of reproductive behaviour of Salamandrina perspicillata, an endemic Italian salamander, is still fragmented and not exhaustive; and the only detailed observations were made just once in a terrarium. We describe many aspects of the terrestrial courtship behaviour such as male alert posture, substrate marking trail, approach and pursuit, tail undulation and vent swinging, and spermatophore deposition and pick-up. The courting pair follows an ellipsoidal track during this manoeuvre a spermatophore is deposited by the male just in front of the female who will reach the spermatophore as she continues to circle. No body contacts were observed during the courtship. Tail movements play a key role in the communication between sexes as well as between antagonistic males. Male-male combat involves biting as the main deterrent. We found that the mating season in wild populations is in the spring, differing from that reported previously for mating in captivity (winter) or extrapolated from the beginning of sperm storage (autumn). Each of these points is discussed in light of available information on social communication, sexual dimorphism, courtship evolution, and sperm storage.
Observations of birds feeding chicks or fledglings of a different species have already
been repor... more Observations of birds feeding chicks or fledglings of a different species have already been reported in many publications. However, the benefits of the altruistic behaviour are not easy to understand, as benefits and costs of this behaviour have been poorly identified. In May 2013, in a wetland in Central Italy (Piana Fiorentina, Tuscany), some cases of interspecific feeding of an Eurasian Coot Fulica atra chick by an adult non breeding Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida were witnessed. We suggest that the behaviour of the Tern was triggered by the begging of the chick or by its own hormonal status.
The American bullfrog is considered one of the 100 most invasive species, seriously threatening n... more The American bullfrog is considered one of the 100 most invasive species, seriously threatening native species, especially amphibians, all over the world. Italy is the first European country where the species established, but the distribution of the species after the first records in North and Central Italy is unclear. In this paper, we collected the results of several recent surveys conducted in Tuscany (Central Italy), both independent ones and under the auspices of institutional projects (LIFE 07 NAT/IT/422 Water SCIs and Project Atlas of Alien Species of Tuscany). These data were joined with those from the scientific and grey literature at the regional level, depicting an updated distribution of the species in Tuscany. The results show an increasing number of sites where the species is present in the plain of Florence, Prato and Pistoia, occurring in both semi-natural and anthropic environments. Our findings suggest that the species could be present in a wider area than that already known. The presence of chelae and parts of the cephalothorax of the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, from the stomachs of the dissected specimens suggests that bullfrog is able to prey on adult alien invasive crayfish, which are probably its first source of food also in Italian inland waters, at least where the crayfish is particularly abundant, as is the case in Northern Tuscany. Tuscany hosts small and fragmented bullfrog populations in a restricted area, a situation that seems to be promising for a successful eradication campaign, if performing coordinated actions from different municipalities among Florence, Prato and Pistoia.
Uploads
Papers by Giacomo Bruni
global declines in amphibian populations. In a Protected Natural Area of Local Interest in Tuscany, Italy,
we tested approaches for preserving the local amphibian populations threatened by the presence of the
red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. The construction of artificial breeding ponds, with suitable
vertical barriers, was initially effective in preventing the spread of the red swamp crayfish and created a
source site for amphibians, in particular newt species. Unfortunately, five years after construction, the
breeding sites were colonized by fish and crayfish, possibly due to the actions of members of the public.
been reported in many publications. However, the benefits of the altruistic behaviour are not easy to understand,
as benefits and costs of this behaviour have been poorly identified. In May 2013, in a wetland in Central Italy (Piana
Fiorentina, Tuscany), some cases of interspecific feeding of an Eurasian Coot Fulica atra chick by an adult
non breeding Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida were witnessed. We suggest that the behaviour of the Tern was
triggered by the begging of the chick or by its own hormonal status.
global declines in amphibian populations. In a Protected Natural Area of Local Interest in Tuscany, Italy,
we tested approaches for preserving the local amphibian populations threatened by the presence of the
red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. The construction of artificial breeding ponds, with suitable
vertical barriers, was initially effective in preventing the spread of the red swamp crayfish and created a
source site for amphibians, in particular newt species. Unfortunately, five years after construction, the
breeding sites were colonized by fish and crayfish, possibly due to the actions of members of the public.
been reported in many publications. However, the benefits of the altruistic behaviour are not easy to understand,
as benefits and costs of this behaviour have been poorly identified. In May 2013, in a wetland in Central Italy (Piana
Fiorentina, Tuscany), some cases of interspecific feeding of an Eurasian Coot Fulica atra chick by an adult
non breeding Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida were witnessed. We suggest that the behaviour of the Tern was
triggered by the begging of the chick or by its own hormonal status.