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Systematic assessments of species extinction risk at regular intervals are necessary for informing conservation action1,2. Ongoing developments in taxonomy, threatening processes and research further underscore the need for reassessment3,4. Here we report the findings of the second Global Amphibian Assessment, evaluating 8,011 species for the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. We find that amphibians are the most threatened vertebrate class (40.7% of species are globally threatened). The updated Red List Index shows that the status of amphibians is deteriorating globally, particularly for salamanders and in the Neotropics. Disease and habitat loss drove 91% of status deteriorations between 1980 and 2004. Ongoing and projected climate change effects are now of increasing concern, driving 39% of status deteriorations since 2004, followed by habitat loss (37%). Although signs of species recoveries incentivize immediate conservation action, scaled-up investment is urgently needed to reverse the current trends.

AbstractAmphibians are threatened globally by the chytridiomycete fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd), which is still expanding in range. Madagascar, rich in amphibian diversity, remains one of the few places that the fungus has not invaded. Herein, we present results from a pilot survey for Bd in conjunction with a rapid amphibian survey conducted at Ivoloina Park, a forestry station near Toamasina, eastern Madagascar. This park is located on the south-western side of the Ivoloina River in a former lowland rainforest now predominantly covered by plantations of exotic trees. Our amphibian survey confirmed the presence of 12 anuran species identified by both morphology and molecular barcoding and revealed the presence of four candidate species. Real-time polymerase chain reaction screening for the presence of Bd showed that all 59 samples tested negative, thus confirming the absence of the pathogen in this area. Our survey of Ivoloina provides the first species list for a suburban park in Madagascar complemented with chytridiomycosis screening.

We conducted a phylogenetic study through karyological data, by standard staining and Ag-NOR banding, and molecular analysis (by 12S and 16S mitochondrial rRNA genes and nuclear gene C-mos) on 11 species of Malagasy geckos, genus Paroedura, and two relatives (Ebenavia inunguisand Uroplatus phantasticus). Ebenavia inunguisand U. phantasticushad 2n = 36 telocentric elements, NORs on the first chromosome pair in E. inunguis, and on the third chromosome pair in U. phantasticus. All examined Paroedurashowed NORs on the smallest chromosome pair; moreover, six of the eleven examined species show a 2n = 36 karyotype, with a pair of metacentrics and 17 telocentric pair. The remaining species exhibited karyotypes with a diploid chromosome number ranging from 2n = 31 to 2n = 38. We assume that these karyotype assemblages derived from the 2n=36 karyotype by cryptic and/or simple rearrangements, such as inversions, fissions and fusions. Furthermore, molecular and/or chromosomal data indicate that Paroedurais a monophyletic genus, in which chromosome rearrangements occurred repeatedly and independently during the specific diversification. Moreover both P. bastardiand P. gracilisin current definitions are paraphyletic assemblages of several related species, since their population proves more closely related to P. ibityensisor P. ovicepsthan co-specific populations.

The false tomato frog, Dyscophus guineti, is an endemic species of eastern Madagascar, typically found in open and swampy areas of mid-elevation forests. We measured 62 females and 70 males from a population from Marovato, next to Brickaville. Snout-vent length of the individuals ranged from 37.7-112.4 mm in females and 37.7-90.7 mm in males, while the mass varied within the range 25.0-80.2 g in males and 25.8-145.6 g in females. Skeletochronological analysis was conducted on clipped phalanges of 20 males and 20 females. The results of these analyses indicated that the age range was 3-7 years in females and 3-6 years in males, and that sexual maturity was attained between 2 and 4 years, comparatively earlier in males than in females. There was a significant correlation between age and size in females. This species appears larger in size but less long-lived than the sister-species D. antongilii.

Abstract: We describe a new mantelline frog of the genus Blommersia found in rainforest in North East Madagascar, from the protected areas of Ambatovaky, Betampona, Masoala, and Zahamena. Blommersia angolafa n.sp. is a small frog, with a body size of 17–21 mm, expanded finger and toe tips, and colouration ranging from yellow to dark brown, with pale-bluish spots on the flanks and light tips of fingers and toes. A peculiar aspect characterising this new species is its novel life history and reproductive mode. Both sexes live and breed in a phytotelmic habitat of water accumulated within fallen prophylls and fallen leaf sheaths of at least three species of Dypsis palms. Within these phytotelmata, egg laying and complete larval development occur. Thus, B. angolafa n.sp. represents a new evolutionary lineage of Malagasy frogs in which phytotelmy is known. Up to now, reproduction in phytotelmata in Malagasy frogs has been reported for many cophyline microhylids, most species of Guibemantis, Mantella laevigata, and possibly in a still-undescribed species belonging to the genus Spinomantis. We consider the reproductive mode of B. angolafa as a derived character, having evolved from the more typical reproduction in lentic water bodies. The general scarcity of lentic habitats in Malagasy rainforests may have provided the conditions that favoured the evolution of this phytotelmic breeding strategy. The new species, being specialised to a habitat represented by a few selected Dypsis species, potentially suffers the selective exploitation of these palms.

A comparison of chromosome morphology of seventeen species of Boophis (Mantellidae, Boophinae) was carried out applying Giemsa, C-, DAPI-, CMA3and AgNOR- banding methods. All of the species studied showed a karyotype of 2n = 26 biarmed chromosomes. The nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) were interstitially located in a secondary constriction on the long arm of the 6th chromosome pair in all species, except B. cf. rufioculis and B. cf. madagascariensis in which the NORs were dislocated on the short arms of the 6th pair. Heterochromatin distribution and composition was very variable among the species, displaying C-bands positive or negative both to DAPI and CMAj, or positive only at one of the two fluorochromes. Taxonomic and phylogenetic implications of these results are discussed.

Results of herpetological inventories carried out in the northern portion of Madagascar are outlined, with the aim of depicting the faunai composition of some sites between the forests of the Marojejy-njanaharibe-Sud massifs and the Masoala Peninsula, and the NW (Nosy Be, Sahamalaza Peninsula). Biogeographical affinities of this region were discussed on the basis of original and bibliographical information. In particular, the NE is peculiar in terms of biogeo-graphic characterisation, taking into account the relationships with the eastern rainforest belt, and the distinction with the Sambirano forests. Moreover, for some groups (such as cophyline microhylids, chameleons and skinks) this area proves to be a diversity centre. The main conservation issues are presented, stressing the increase of the existing network of protected areas and the relationships between biodiversity patterns and the needs of local populations in terms of sustainable development.

Conservation plans of European amphibians usually take into account: (1) species in dramatic decline due to a series of humaninduced factors, and (2) species with a narrow distribution area and/or particular ecological requirements. Salamandra lanzai belongs to the second group, being limited to the SW Alps. Furthermore, it is a high altitude amphibian, living in sites above 1200 m, and it is also a unique endemic vertebrate of the Alps. We here summarise information regarding its distribution and ecology to be interpreted for conservation. In this sense, we also provide new data regarding the age structure of a recently studied low altitude population in the Germanasca Valley. We then compare this population (exemplified as “low altitude population”) to a population living at 2200 m in the Guil Valley (example of a “high altitude population”). The knowledge obtained on these different life-history traits has allowed us to devise an age-structured model useful in identifying the main demographic parameters which influence population growth. Some simulations are conducted with parameters obtained in populations exposed to contrasting environments. The results are then used to propose guidelines for conservation.

The Italian spadefoot toad, Pelobates fuscus insubricus, is said to be in decline throughout its range (Po Plain, N Italy), and for this reason it has been object of conservation campaigns and included in conservation papers and projects. We have reviewed its distribution, and compared historical and current findings. These data support only partly the idea of a decline in numbers over the past century. Most likely, the species has always been quite localised in northern Italy, and also difficult to detect: the inferred rarefaction is likely the consequence of growing anthropisation and rapid habitat destruction in some areas of the Po Plain. In any case, in light of the most recent findings, the species sometimes appears to be locally abundant. The most critical area in terms of presence and biodiversity is the central-eastern part of the Po Plain, as is the case for many other amphibians and reptiles. We also present migration and biometric data regarding a population near Ivrea (Turin Province). Over a period of about 40 days, we captured more than 300 individuals using pitfall devices, which indicated that the population is particularly abundant (500-1000 individuals). The sex-ratio was approximately 2:1 in favour of males, which is in accordance with former literature. A skeletochronological analysis indicated an individual mean age of 3.38 ± 0.77 years in males, and 4.00 ± 0.77 in females. A review of conservation initiatives suggests that the campaigns were useful in terms of educating the general public, but much remains to be done with regards to habitat protection and conservation. Special importance is given to studies regarding several little known aspects of the life history of the Italian populations.

The Italian spadefoot toad, Pelobates fuscus insubricus, is said to be in decline throughout its range (Po Plain, N Italy), and for this reason it has been object of conservation campaigns and included in conservation papers and projects. We have reviewed its distribution, and compared historical and current findings. These data support only partly the idea of a decline in numbers over the past century. Most likely, the species has always been quite localised in northern Italy, and also difficult to detect: the inferred rarefaction is likely the consequence of growing anthropisation and rapid habitat destruction in some areas of the Po Plain. In any case, in light of the most recent findings, the species sometimes appears to be locally abundant. The most critical area in terms of presence and biodiversity is the central-eastern part of the Po Plain, as is the case for many other amphibians and reptiles. We also present migration and biometrie data regarding a population near Ivrea (Turin Province). Over a period of about 40 days, we captured more than 300 individuals using pitfall devices, which indicated that the population is particularly abundant (500-1000 individuals). The sex-ratio was approximately 2:1 in favour of males, which is in accordance with former literature. A skeletochronological analysis indicated an individual mean age of 3 38 ± 0.77 years in males, and 4.00 ± 0.77 in females. A review of conservation initiatives suggests that the campaigns were useful in terms of educating the general public, but much remains to be done with regards to habitat protection and conservation. Special importance is given to studies regarding several little known aspects of the life history of the Italian populations.

Conservation plans of European amphibians usually take into account: (1) species in dramatic decline due to a series of humaninduced factors, and (2) species with a narrow distribution area and/or particular ecological requirements. Salamandra lanzai belongs to the second group, being limited to the SW Alps. Furthermore, it is a high altitude amphibian, living in sites above 1200 m, and it is also a unique endemic vertebrate of the Alps. We here summarise information regarding its distribution and ecology to be interpreted for conservation. In this sense, we also provide new data regarding the age structure of a recently studied low altitude population in the Germanasca Valley. We then compare this population (exemplified as “low altitude population”) to a population living at 2200 m in the Guil Valley (example of a “high altitude population”). The knowledge obtained on these different life-history traits has allowed us to devise an age-structured model useful in identifying the main demographic parameters which influence population growth. Some simulations are conducted with parameters obtained in populations exposed to contrasting environments. The results are then used to propose guidelines for conservation.

We analysed the genetic and bioacoustic variability in Mantidactylus granulatus,a semi arboreal frog species endemic to the northern portion of Madagascar. Advertisement calls had a longer note duration in northeastern as compared to northwestern populations. Specimens from mid altitudes in the Tsaratanana Massif (Northern Central Region) showed distinct call differences. They also had a high sequence differentiation in a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene (pairwise divergence 8.6 %), while all other populations were genetically rather uniform. This Tsaratanana population is described as the new species Mantidactylus zavona; it is also morphologically distinct from the sympatric M. granulatusin that it has a smaller body and a shorter, wider head. The relatively small differences between M. granulatusfrom different sites in northern Madagascar (pairwise 16S divergences up to 1.4 %), including the isolated Montagne d’Ambre, supports a biogeographic scenario in which the lowland rainforests in this area were connected in Pliocene Pleistocene times. By contrast, the presence of endemic species at higher altitudes of the Tsaratanana Massif may be seen as evidence for a longer isolation of the habitats at these elevational levels.

The conservation of Madagascan amphibians was assessed using a set of natural history parameters. The more than two hundred species were grouped into 51 operational conservation units to get more reliable results than those afforded by the low level of knowledge available for most of the species. Results in terms of ecological sensitivity were obtained by means of a univariate ranking and cluster analysis. Mantelline mantellids and cophyline microhylids were among the amphibians most sensitive, since they are closely related to a stable rainforest environment. The less sensitive species in terms of ecological preferences appeared to be those breeding in temporary ponds and living in dry-arid and savannah-like areas (e.g., Dyscophinae, Laliostoma labrosum, and Hyperoliidae). Other species, closely linked to the aquatic environment, are less affected by deforestation, and may occur in already degraded areas when a stream network and associated gallery forest still exist. For some genera (e.g., Mantella and Scaphiophryne) the pet trade may constitute a threat (when dealing with already disturbed and restricted populations). In this sense, most Mantella species must be managed in terms of number of specimens exported. This is especially true for M. cowani and M. bernhardi, which have a very narrow distribution area. Mantella cowani is severely endangered, since it is a “plateau”; species, and suffers from a combination of both habitat degradation and capture for commerce. A principal component analysis on Ranidae, Boophinae, Mantellinae, Laliostominae, Dyscophinae, Scaphiophryninae, Cophylinae, and Hyperoliidae showed that the variables ordering the various taxa were activity type, distribution, and habitat breadth.

The taxonomy and/or natural history of 33 species of scincid lizards from Madagascar are reviewed. Most of the material, consisting of 187 specimens now housed in the Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali, Turin, Italy, has been collected recently, but some dates to the 19th century. Nine new species are described in three genera: Amphiglossus mandady, A. nanus, A. spilostichus, A. stylu, A. tanysoma, Paracontias manify, P. hafa, P. tsararano and Pseudoacontias menamainty, increasing the known skink fauna of Madagascar (62 species) by 14.5%. All the new species come from the closed forests of north-eastern Madagascar. Additionally, Amphiglossus praeornatus is resurrected from the synonymy of A. frontoparietalis, and Androngo alluaudi, A. crenni and A. elongatus are transferred to the genus Amphiglossus. There is also a key to the species of Paracontias and a new interspecifically variable character for Mabuya. Information on morphological variation, basic reproductive biology, habits and habitats is provided, as available, for all species. Perhaps most interestingly, Amphiglossus nanus n. sp. represents the eighth skink lineage in which an oviduct has been lost and Amphiglossus melanopleura decreases the number of longitudinal scale rows at mid-body and the number of subdigital lamellae with altitude.

During a zoological survey in north-west Madagascar (Sahamalaza Peninsula) we documented aspects of the natural history of Boophis occidentalis (formerly a subspecies of B. albilabris and here raised to species level). Individual age assessed by skeletochronology ranged from 4 to 11 years. Breeding behaviour was observed at a seasonal stream after heavy rainfalls: five choruses of eight to 90 males aggregated in shallow brook sections. The males emitted low frequency calls and engaged in scramble battles. Only two females were found. A couple laid a large number of eggs, attached as a single layer on submerged stones. Tadpoles reared from these eggs had the typical morphology of brook-breeding Boophis species with a 1:5+5/3 keratodont formula and a relatively flattened body. Adult males had an anteroventrally oriented cloaca, a morphological trait shared with B. albilabris. Advertisement calls were similar in general structure to those of B. albilabris recorded at Anjanaharibe-Sud. They were unharmonious and consisted of pulsed notes emitted at irregular intervals. Much lower pulse rates in B. albilabris (30–38 pulses/s) than in B. occidentalis (90–109 pulses/s) support the specific distinctness of these taxa. The combination of characters related to reproductive biology in B. occidentalis and B. albilabris is unique in Boophis. The acontinuous breeding behaviour and large number of eggs per clutch are traits found in the pond-breeding species of the B. tephraeomystax group, while larval morphology and habitat are characteristic of brook-breeding species. Available morphological and molecular data place B. albilabris and B. occidentalis into the brook-breeding Boophis radiation. The acontinuous timing of reproduction and large egg number may be secondary adaptations that allowed the species to colonize arid regions of western Madagascar.

Karyotypes of three microhylid frog species of the Malagasy relict genus Scaphiophrynewere studied: Scaphiophryne gottlebei, S. madagascariensisand S. spinosa. The latter two showed a plesiomorphic ranoid karyotype of 2n = 26. In contrast, tetraploidy was demonstrated in S. gottlebei, which constitutes an exceptional state among Malagasy amphibians. A combination of different banding techniques and of rDNA-FISH provided evidence for allopolyploidy in the species and for a completed subsequent functional and structural diploidization. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequences revealed a significant deceleration of nucleotide substitution rates in Scaphiophryne. The tetraploidy of S. gottlebeiprobably occurred early in their radiation. Ecological and behavioural patterns of Scaphiophryneprobably favoured intraspecific gene flow and hybridization events, thereby leading to slow molecular substitution rates and to allopolyploid chromosome speciation in S. gottlebei.

The Ankaratra Massif in central Madagascar includes rainforest between ca. 1500 and 2000 m elevation and montane savannah and heathland between ca. 2000 and 2642 m elevation. It is populated by 15 species of amphibians and 12 species of reptiles, all of which were observed in our surveys between 1992-2001. Additionally, the Ankaratra material housed in several herpetological collections was revised. Examination of type material showed that Scaphiophryne madagascariensis is the name to be applied to the scaphiophrynine microhylid frog occurring at Ankaratra; the previously used name S. pustulosa is a junior synonym, while populations from the Andringitra Massif so far considered as S. madagascariensis do not belong to this species. Reproductive behaviour and advertisement calls are described for S. madagascariensis. Two other frog species (Boophis williamsi, Mantidactylus pauliani) were observed for the first time for almost 30 years; their live coloration and morphology are described. The skink Amphiglossus macrocercus is shown to be live-bearing. Breeding in the austral summer could be demonstrated for most species, including the geckos Lygodactylus mirabilis and Phelsuma barbouri which are known to lay eggs also in the cold winter months (July-September). The higher-level taxonomic composition of the Ankaratra herpetofauna recalls that of the rainforests of eastern Madagascar, and also the species show mainly eastern affinities. A number of groups (especially snakes) are under-represented and some (e.g., nocturnal geckos and dwarf chameleons) are totally lacking. Three high-elevation specialists (B. williamsi, M. pau-liani, L. mirabilis) appear to be Ankaratra endemics (11% of the overall community). Pending further surveys and taxonomic revisions, more that one fifth of the herpetofauna (six species or more) may be endemic or semi-endemic to the region, which is not included in the network of Madagascar's protected areas. A monitoring program is therefore proposed to assess the conservation status of these poorly known taxa.

A systematic revision of the Malagasy frogs hitherto attributed to the Boophis difficilisgroup is presented. The difficilisholotype is not conspecific with other specimens hitherto named Boophis difficilisbut belongs to the B. tephraeomystaxgroup based on lack of webbing between fingers and the presence of heterogeneously granular ventral skin. Rhacophorus difficilisBoettger, 1892 is considered as junior synonym of Boophis tephraeomystax.The Boophis difficilisgroup is dissolved and its species are transferred to a new species group named after Boophis majori, the oldest of the included taxa. All species of the B. majorigroup, their type specimens, and their geographical distributions are revised based on new morphological, bioacoustic and ecological data. Five new species of the group from the eastern rainforests of Madagascar are described. Morphological differentiation within the B. majorigroup is low, although some species can be distinguished by characters such as snout‐vent length, relative tympanum size, or coloration. The most reliable character for species identification are advertisement calls which are strikingly different between most species of the group. Species diversity in Boophisis highest in central eastern Madagascar and gets lower at the northern and southern borders of the island. Available data do not allow a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the B. majorigroup, but a northern subgroup of small species without red coloration and a southern subgroup of larger species with distinct red pigments can be distinguished. Osteological data for B. miniatusare provided. Within Boophis, representatives of all species groups except the B. tephraeomystaxgroup are characterized by a synapomorphic reduction of the anterolateral hyoidal process.

A systematic revision of the Malagasy frogs hitherto attributed to the Boophis difficilisgroup is presented. The difficilisholotype is not conspecific with other specimens hitherto named Boophis difficilisbut belongs to the B. tephraeomystaxgroup based on lack of webbing between fingers and the presence of heterogeneously granular ventral skin. Rhacophorus difficilisBoettger, 1892 is considered as junior synonym of Boophis tephraeomystax. The Boophis difficilisgroup is dissolved and its species are transferred to a new species group named after Boophis majori, the oldest of the included taxa. All species of the B. majorigroup, their type specimens, and their geographical distributions are revised based on new morphological, bioacoustic and ecological data. Five new species of the group from the eastern rainforests of Madagascar are described. Morphological differentiation within the B. majorigroup is low, although some species can be distinguished by characters such as snout–vent length, relative tympanum size, or coloration. The most reliable character for species identification are advertisement calls which are strikingly different between most species of the group. Species diversity in Boophisis highest in central eastern Madagascar and gets lower at the northern and southern borders of the island. Available data do not allow a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the B. majorigroup, but a northern subgroup of small species without red coloration and a southern subgroup of larger species with distinct red pigments can be distinguished. Osteological data for B. miniatusare provided. WithinBoophis, representatives of all species groups except the B. tephraeomystaxgroup are characterized by a synapomorphic reduction of the anterolateral hyoidal process.

We describe the age structures of two neighbouring terrestrial salamander populations. The skeletochronological method was also used on larvae in utero and on new-born individuals. The age of adults was 8–24 years in population A, while males reached maturity at 3–5 years old and the youngest females were 6 years old in population B. Males and females from population B were also larger than those in population A. For the first time, lines of arrested growth (LAGs) were also found in the humerus of intra-uterine larvae and new-born individuals, indicating that young can spend up to 3 years in utero (population B) and up to 4 years (population A) before hatching. Growth of adults (fitted by the Bertalanffy model) also exhibited differences in growth coefficient (k) and mean asymptotic length (SVLmax) between sexes and populations. Local climatic conditions differed between the two areas of these populations and we hypothesize that the number of rainy days directly influences foraging during the short period of activity (< 3 months), leading to a delay in age at maturity, smaller length and growth rate, and increased gestation duration in the drier environment. The discussion is focused on proximate environmental influences on the variation of length and associated life-history traits in ectotherms, especially in terrestrial salamanders.

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.

Amphibians and reptiles were surveyed at Berara, a forest on the Sahamalaza Peninsula, NW Madagascar. Visual methods and pitfalls were used, leading to the discovery of 12 amphibian and 30 reptile species. The herpetofaunal community appeared as a mosaic of dry forest species and species from the more humid Sambirano Domain. The comparatively low amphibian diversity may be correlated with the ecological characteristics of Berara, in particular with the scarcity of permanent water bodies and strong seasonality. The survey provided new records of Aglyptodactylus securifer and Heterixalus luteostriatus, further north than hitherto known. The encountered specimens of the treefrog Boophis albi-labris displayed characters typical for the subspecies occidentalis, resulting in a substantial range extension. Boophis jaegeri proved to be abundant at Berara, which is the second known locality for this treefrog. The reptile fauna included taxa of special interest, such as a new Pseudoacontias burrowing skink, a new Amphiglos-sus, the aquatic skink Amphiglossus reticulatus, and many geckos. Presence of several taxa known only from restricted western localities (e.g., Aglyptodactylus securifer, Amphiglossus reticulatus) or from a few protected areas (e.g., B. jaegeri), as well as of several regional endemics emphasises the importance for conservation of the Sahamalaza transitional forest, which should urgently be included in the network of protected areas in Madagascar.

Cytogenetic and molecular data on Alytes muletensis(Amphibia: Discoglossidae) are compared with other representatives of archaeobatrachian frogs: Bombina variegata pachypus, Pelobates cultripes, Pelodytes punctatus, Xenopus laevis, and Discoglossus. A. muletensishas the karyotype typical for the genus Alytes, 38 elements with either one or two arms, some of which can be considered as ‘microchromosomes’. The NORs are located on the telomeres of the tenth chromosome pair which agrees with the state in A. obstetriciansbut differs from A. cisternasiireflecting phylogenetic affinities. C-banding and staining with DAPI and chromomycin A3revealed important blocks of telomeric CMA-positive heterochromatin on the smaller chromosomes of Alytes, similar to the state found in Discoglossus. Phylogenetic analysis of 750 bp of fragments of the mitochondrial 16S and 12S rRNA genes corroborated that Discoglossusand Alytesare sister taxa which together probably form the sister group of the Bombinatorinae. Centromeric heterochromatin in Alytesmay be responsible for the retention of a plesiomorphic asymmetric karyotype which independently has evolved into a symmetric karyotype through centric fusions in Bombinaand Discoglossus. The HindIII satellite DNA family was present in all archaeobatrachians studied but absent in hyloid and ranoid neobatrachians.

Feeding habits in a population of Salamandra lanzai were studied at an Alpine meadow at 2020 m a.s.l. in the Cottian Alps, NW Italy. Adult specimens underwent stomach flushing was applied to in June and September 1992, and in July 1993. Salamandra lanzai proved to be an opportunistic predator, feeding on invertebrates within a broad range of categories and sizes. Ground-dwelling insects (especially carabids) constituted the main part of the diet. Although S. lanzai is commonly believed to be a completely terrestrial species, some individuals were observed to feed on aquatic Trichoptera larvae. The utilization of prey taxa by number of specimens consumed and volume consumed varied seasonally. Mean ingested volume per salamander averaged 173-76 ± 449.31 mm3, i.e., about 1.39% of the average salamander mass (12.56 ± 3.43 g; range 6.0-22.5 g). Prey mass and predator mass were positively correlated in males, which most likely are more active than females. The prey mass to predator mass ratio was not significantly correlated with log predator mass, neither for males nor for females.

At the end of the nineteenth century, about 40 live specimens of the presumably now extinct giant Cape Verde skink, Macroscincus coctei, were imported into Italy by M. G. Peracca. Currently 26 adult specimens (11 males and 15 females) and six eggs, whose provenance is likely Ilheu Branco, have been located in the her-petological collection of Turin University. Other six specimens exchanged by Peracca are currently present at Treviso ('Seminario Vescovile'). This paper provides information about them, together with data on some further specimens preserved in two other Italian museums. At Genoa there are six specimens (four males and two juveniles) from Ilheu Branco and Ilheu Razo; at Florence a single male is preserved and bears, as provenance locality, Sao Vicente. Besides its museological relevance, the Turin and Treviso series can provide some biometrie and meristic information, until now limited to a few specimens. The snout-vent length of the individuals from Turin pooled together with specimens held at Treviso (belonging to the former Peracca's collection) is 285.85 ± 25.12 mm in males and 253-50 ± 17.00 mm in females; sexes differ also in several bio-metric ratios: males have in general a larger and longer head and longer hindlegs. The maximum scale number at midbody is 114 in both adult sexes and 110 in the smallest juvenile. Their colouration can be assigned to three colour morphs (grey, yellow, and intermediate). It is argued that the 11 males still preserved in Turin may be those measured by Peracca. The presence of the species at Sao Vicente is also discussed, but most likely it is due to inaccuracy on the label accompanying the Florence specimen.

Paedogenetic and metamorphosed speciments of Triturus alpestris apuanus exhibit great morpho-functional differences, possibly environmentally induced. In order to evaluate the relative fitness of paedogenetic and metamorphosed males we looked for possible differences at the level of their reproductive behaviour and success. Metamorphosed males showed a higher probability to reach the final phase of spermatophore deposition. The two samples of males differed both in morphology and in reproductive efforts. Therefore the higher reproductive success of metamorphosed males may be the result of either their more striking morphology, or of their more strenuous efforts in courtship activity, or of a combination of both. This negative selective pressure on paedogenetic males in the sexual context may explain why the percentage of gilled breeding males is so low in the natural population that we studied.