We carried out a study on two guilds of waterbirds (waders and waterfowls) occurring in a set of ... more We carried out a study on two guilds of waterbirds (waders and waterfowls) occurring in a set of land reclaimed channels (large, medium and small-sized) in the Litorale Romano natural reserve between January and June 2011. We observed a direct and significant relationship between linear density and water level for waterfowls in large channels and for both guilds in small channels (with a threshold around 40 cm in water depth). Diversity index, evenness and Margalef normalized species richness index showed progressively lower values moving from large to small channels. The three most common species (Anas platyrhynchos, Gallinula chloropus, Fulica atra), did not show significant differences in their density among the three bimonthly periods considered. Nevertheless their density changed significantly among channels of different size.
ABSTRACT The "Florence Plan" is an ex-wetland reclamated during XX century; act... more ABSTRACT The "Florence Plan" is an ex-wetland reclamated during XX century; actually, It's highly urbanized. Inside, however, still persist some outcast wetlands and protected areas (ANPIL "Podere la Querciola", "Stagni di Focognano"). These areas are still home to a considerable biodiversity, and provide many ecosystem services. The expansion project of the Florence airport "Amerigo Vespucci" would jeopardize the survival of this fragment of natural environment. This work was aimed to catalog the species protected by European ("Habitat" and "Birds" Directives) and Regional (56/2000 Tuscan Law) laws, in order to show that the loss of this natural area would result in the loss of important ecosystem services and infringement of Community laws.
ABSTRACT According to a two-years survey (January 2011-December 2012), the avifauna of this Site ... more ABSTRACT According to a two-years survey (January 2011-December 2012), the avifauna of this Site of Communitarian Importance “Poggi di Prata” (Southern Tuscany, Central Italy) includes 99 bird species (14 orders and 37 families). Among those, 53 are surely breeding and just one (Coturnix japonica) allochthonous: an individual of Netta rufina may derive from an accidental release. Although the most common species are also the most synanthropic (Columba livia forma domestica, Corvus cornix, Passer italiae, Apus apus, Streptopelia decaocto), this survey has shown that this site, characterized by a low urbanization level, is suitable for many bird species, 30 of which are of high conservation concern.
ABSTRACT We present the results of a two year field survey on the herpetofauna of the Poggi di Pr... more ABSTRACT 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.
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.
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).
ABSTRACT The American bullfrog is considered one of the 100 most invasive species, seriously thre... more ABSTRACT 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.
SUMMARY The spread of non-native invasive species is among the factors thought to be responsible ... more SUMMARY 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.
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.
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.
According to a two-years survey (January 2011-December 2012), the avifauna of this Site of Commun... more According to a two-years survey (January 2011-December 2012), the avifauna of this Site of Communitarian Importance “Poggi di Prata” (Southern Tuscany, Central Italy) includes 99 bird species (14 orders and 37 families). Among those, 53 are surely breeding and just one (Coturnix japonica) allochthonous: an individual of Netta rufina may derive from an accidental release. Although the most common species are also the most synanthropic (Columba livia forma domestica, Corvus cornix, Passer italiae, Apus apus, Streptopelia decaocto), this survey has shown that this site, characterized by a low urbanization level, is suitable for many bird species, 30 of which are of high conservation concern.
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.
Le zone umide rappresentano uno dei sistemi naturali più produttivi e una importante riserva di a... more Le zone umide rappresentano uno dei sistemi naturali più produttivi e una importante riserva di acqua dolce, svolgendo molteplici servizi ecosistemici. Benché si tratti di ambienti essenziali per il mantenimento della diversità biologica, in molti contesti i bacini naturali sono quasi scomparsi (es. aree di bonifica). Allo stato attuale, in alcuni ambiti territoriali, le uniche raccolte di acqua coincidono con i bacini artificiali dipendenti dalla gestione umana, come i canali di dragaggio delle acque. Simili manufatti consentono comunque la permanenza di molte specie ornitiche legate alle zone umide, incrementando il grado di eterogeneità a scala di paesaggio e, conseguentemente, la diversità biologica. Scopo di questo lavoro è quello di fornire un primo inquadramento della struttura di comunità di alcune specie/gruppi di uccelli acquatici, sottolineando le differenze tra canali artificiali di diverse dimensioni, anche in relazione al livello delle acque.
We carried out a study on two guilds of waterbirds (waders and waterfowls) occurring in a set of ... more We carried out a study on two guilds of waterbirds (waders and waterfowls) occurring in a set of land reclaimed channels (large, medium and small-sized) in the Litorale Romano natural reserve between January and June 2011. We observed a direct and significant relationship between linear density and water level for waterfowls in large channels and for both guilds in small channels (with a threshold around 40 cm in water depth). Diversity index, evenness and Margalef normalized species richness index showed progressively lower values moving from large to small channels. The three most common species (Anas platyrhynchos, Gallinula chloropus, Fulica atra), did not show significant differences in their density among the three bimonthly periods considered. Nevertheless their density changed significantly among channels of different size.
ABSTRACT The "Florence Plan" is an ex-wetland reclamated during XX century; act... more ABSTRACT The "Florence Plan" is an ex-wetland reclamated during XX century; actually, It's highly urbanized. Inside, however, still persist some outcast wetlands and protected areas (ANPIL "Podere la Querciola", "Stagni di Focognano"). These areas are still home to a considerable biodiversity, and provide many ecosystem services. The expansion project of the Florence airport "Amerigo Vespucci" would jeopardize the survival of this fragment of natural environment. This work was aimed to catalog the species protected by European ("Habitat" and "Birds" Directives) and Regional (56/2000 Tuscan Law) laws, in order to show that the loss of this natural area would result in the loss of important ecosystem services and infringement of Community laws.
ABSTRACT According to a two-years survey (January 2011-December 2012), the avifauna of this Site ... more ABSTRACT According to a two-years survey (January 2011-December 2012), the avifauna of this Site of Communitarian Importance “Poggi di Prata” (Southern Tuscany, Central Italy) includes 99 bird species (14 orders and 37 families). Among those, 53 are surely breeding and just one (Coturnix japonica) allochthonous: an individual of Netta rufina may derive from an accidental release. Although the most common species are also the most synanthropic (Columba livia forma domestica, Corvus cornix, Passer italiae, Apus apus, Streptopelia decaocto), this survey has shown that this site, characterized by a low urbanization level, is suitable for many bird species, 30 of which are of high conservation concern.
ABSTRACT We present the results of a two year field survey on the herpetofauna of the Poggi di Pr... more ABSTRACT 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.
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.
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).
ABSTRACT The American bullfrog is considered one of the 100 most invasive species, seriously thre... more ABSTRACT 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.
SUMMARY The spread of non-native invasive species is among the factors thought to be responsible ... more SUMMARY 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.
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.
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.
According to a two-years survey (January 2011-December 2012), the avifauna of this Site of Commun... more According to a two-years survey (January 2011-December 2012), the avifauna of this Site of Communitarian Importance “Poggi di Prata” (Southern Tuscany, Central Italy) includes 99 bird species (14 orders and 37 families). Among those, 53 are surely breeding and just one (Coturnix japonica) allochthonous: an individual of Netta rufina may derive from an accidental release. Although the most common species are also the most synanthropic (Columba livia forma domestica, Corvus cornix, Passer italiae, Apus apus, Streptopelia decaocto), this survey has shown that this site, characterized by a low urbanization level, is suitable for many bird species, 30 of which are of high conservation concern.
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.
Le zone umide rappresentano uno dei sistemi naturali più produttivi e una importante riserva di a... more Le zone umide rappresentano uno dei sistemi naturali più produttivi e una importante riserva di acqua dolce, svolgendo molteplici servizi ecosistemici. Benché si tratti di ambienti essenziali per il mantenimento della diversità biologica, in molti contesti i bacini naturali sono quasi scomparsi (es. aree di bonifica). Allo stato attuale, in alcuni ambiti territoriali, le uniche raccolte di acqua coincidono con i bacini artificiali dipendenti dalla gestione umana, come i canali di dragaggio delle acque. Simili manufatti consentono comunque la permanenza di molte specie ornitiche legate alle zone umide, incrementando il grado di eterogeneità a scala di paesaggio e, conseguentemente, la diversità biologica. Scopo di questo lavoro è quello di fornire un primo inquadramento della struttura di comunità di alcune specie/gruppi di uccelli acquatici, sottolineando le differenze tra canali artificiali di diverse dimensioni, anche in relazione al livello delle acque.
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New localities and/or confirmations concerning 73 specific and subspecific plant taxa of Tuscan vascular flora, belonging to 56 genera and 37 families are presented: Conium, Eryngium (Apiaceae), Periploca (Apocynaceae), Mahonia (Aquifoliaceae), Asparagus, Hyacinthus (Asparagaceae), Centaurea, Crepis, Erigeron, Senecio (Asteraceae), Heliotropium, Symphytum (Boraginaceae), Lepidium, Sisymbrium (Brassicaceae), Opuntia (Cactaceae), Solenopsis (Campanulaceae), Valerianella (Caprifoliaceae), Cerastium, Sagina (Caryophyllaceae), Juniperus (Cupressaceae), Carex, Cyperus, Isolepis (Cyperaceae), Dryopteris (Dryopteridaceae), Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae),
Albizia, Dorycnopsis, Trifolium (Fabaceae), Centaurium, Cicendia
(Gentianaceae), Hypericum (Hypericaceae), Gladiolus (Iridaceae), Isoetes (Isoetaceae), Juncus (Juncaceae), Salvia (Lamiaceae), Linum (Linaceae), Lindernia (Linderniaceae), Lythrum (Lythraceae), Broussonetia (Moraceae), Ophioglossum (Ophioglossaceae), Anacamptis, Neotinea, Ophrys, Serapias (Orchidaceae), Orobanche (Orobanchaceae),
Oxalis (Oxalidaceae), Papaver (Papaveraceae), Bromopsis, Cenchrus, Panicum, Poa (Poaceae), Fagopyrum (Polygonaceae), Groenlandia (Potamogetonaceae), Lysimachia (Primulaceae), Solanum (Solanaceae), Verbena (Verbenaceae). In the end, the conservation status of the units and eventual protection of the cited biotopes are discussed.
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.
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.
molti contesti i bacini naturali sono quasi scomparsi (es. aree di bonifica). Allo stato attuale, in alcuni ambiti territoriali, le uniche raccolte di acqua coincidono con i bacini artificiali dipendenti dalla gestione umana, come i canali di dragaggio delle acque. Simili manufatti consentono comunque la permanenza di molte specie ornitiche legate alle zone umide, incrementando il grado di eterogeneità a scala di paesaggio e, conseguentemente, la diversità biologica. Scopo di questo lavoro è quello di fornire un primo inquadramento della struttura di comunità di alcune specie/gruppi di uccelli acquatici, sottolineando le differenze tra canali artificiali di diverse dimensioni, anche in relazione al livello delle acque.
New localities and/or confirmations concerning 73 specific and subspecific plant taxa of Tuscan vascular flora, belonging to 56 genera and 37 families are presented: Conium, Eryngium (Apiaceae), Periploca (Apocynaceae), Mahonia (Aquifoliaceae), Asparagus, Hyacinthus (Asparagaceae), Centaurea, Crepis, Erigeron, Senecio (Asteraceae), Heliotropium, Symphytum (Boraginaceae), Lepidium, Sisymbrium (Brassicaceae), Opuntia (Cactaceae), Solenopsis (Campanulaceae), Valerianella (Caprifoliaceae), Cerastium, Sagina (Caryophyllaceae), Juniperus (Cupressaceae), Carex, Cyperus, Isolepis (Cyperaceae), Dryopteris (Dryopteridaceae), Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae),
Albizia, Dorycnopsis, Trifolium (Fabaceae), Centaurium, Cicendia
(Gentianaceae), Hypericum (Hypericaceae), Gladiolus (Iridaceae), Isoetes (Isoetaceae), Juncus (Juncaceae), Salvia (Lamiaceae), Linum (Linaceae), Lindernia (Linderniaceae), Lythrum (Lythraceae), Broussonetia (Moraceae), Ophioglossum (Ophioglossaceae), Anacamptis, Neotinea, Ophrys, Serapias (Orchidaceae), Orobanche (Orobanchaceae),
Oxalis (Oxalidaceae), Papaver (Papaveraceae), Bromopsis, Cenchrus, Panicum, Poa (Poaceae), Fagopyrum (Polygonaceae), Groenlandia (Potamogetonaceae), Lysimachia (Primulaceae), Solanum (Solanaceae), Verbena (Verbenaceae). In the end, the conservation status of the units and eventual protection of the cited biotopes are discussed.
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.
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.
molti contesti i bacini naturali sono quasi scomparsi (es. aree di bonifica). Allo stato attuale, in alcuni ambiti territoriali, le uniche raccolte di acqua coincidono con i bacini artificiali dipendenti dalla gestione umana, come i canali di dragaggio delle acque. Simili manufatti consentono comunque la permanenza di molte specie ornitiche legate alle zone umide, incrementando il grado di eterogeneità a scala di paesaggio e, conseguentemente, la diversità biologica. Scopo di questo lavoro è quello di fornire un primo inquadramento della struttura di comunità di alcune specie/gruppi di uccelli acquatici, sottolineando le differenze tra canali artificiali di diverse dimensioni, anche in relazione al livello delle acque.