Claudia Corti - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Claudia Corti
Animals, Aug 29, 2022
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
numerous regional and national organisations have collected new chorological data from large part... more numerous regional and national organisations have collected new chorological data from large parts of Europe. Furthermore, the taxonomic progress have contributed to multiple changes and new species descriptions. The Mapping Committee of the SEH presents here the New Atlas of Amphibians and Reptiles in Europe (NA2RE), a system of distributed databases. Each distributed database has a national focus and is implemented in an online network, accessible through standard interfaces, thus sharing spatial-temporal data. A Web interface facilitates the access to distributed data as if it was one virtual integrated database. Upon user request, the Web interface searches all distributed databases for the requested data, integrating the answers in an interactive map. This methodology can easily actualise the records, as well as the taxonomy and systematics. Under this approach, data duplication is avoided and national databases are maintained in its own country. This system is implemented usin...
Acta Herpetologica, 2018
Factors driving the spatial patterns of communities of sedentary organisms are still poorly under... more Factors driving the spatial patterns of communities of sedentary organisms are still poorly understood. In this context parthenogenetic animals are useful to test the contribution of sexual and interspecific interactions on spatial patterns. As such, mixed communities of asexual and sexual species are expected to be spatially organized as a single sexual species, with sexes randomly distributed and mutually independent. During the reproductive period, we determined the instantaneous spatial structure in a community of Darevskia rock lizards from Armenia composed of one sexual species ( D. valentini ), two asexual species ( D. armeniaca , D. unisexualis ), and their hybrids. We also analysed the specific composition of clusters and the species segregation by habitat. We used the Ripley’s K distance function to measure clustering spatial patterns, and the Delaunay’s triangulation to identify the clusters and their specific composition. We estimated the spatial segregation among specie...
Basic and Applied Herpetology, 2020
Chelonians are among the animal groups with the poorest conservation status. Since tortoises are ... more Chelonians are among the animal groups with the poorest conservation status. Since tortoises are long-lived species that need very long time to reach sexual maturity, they are extremely vulnerable to human pressure. Despite their endangered status, there are no common strategies for the development of conservation actions. At the “Mediterranean workshop to develop tortoise conservation strategies”, scientists, conservation associations, environmental managers, IUCN advisers and CITES inspectors met in October 2019 in Alicante (Spain). The aims were to update the diagnosis of the conservation status of the Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) and the spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) and to suggest strategies that guarantee their preservation at the Mediterranean Region. The main conclusions are summarized by: i) Mediterranean tortoises are wild endangered species that must be protected in, and together with, their natural habitat. Their main threats are habitat loss and fragme...
Ecology and Evolution, 2020
The worldwide biodiversity crisis with the resulting need to increase species protection has led ... more The worldwide biodiversity crisis with the resulting need to increase species protection has led researchers to pursue and select survey methods that guarantee the best quality of data and produce the least negative effects on wild animals. Plethodontids are the most diverse family of salamanders; all species are very sensitive to human handling and noninvasive, but accurate, measurement methods are needed to reduce researchers’ impact. Here, we tested the reliability of a noninvasive post hoc method in estimating the snout–vent length (SVL) from photographs showing salamanders’ dorsal view. The correlation between the estimated snout–vent length (SVLe) and the conventional SVL was high (R2m = .81), and no significant difference occurred between operators with different experience. Finally, we list the numerous advantages for the use of SVLe in terms of data quality and in reducing the stress caused to wild animals.
ARPHA Conference Abstracts, 2018
Species can show a strong variation of local abundance across their ranges. Recent analyses sugge... more Species can show a strong variation of local abundance across their ranges. Recent analyses suggested that variation in abundance can be related to environmental suitability, as the highest abundances are often observed in populations living in the most suitable areas. However, there is limited information on the mechanisms through which variation in environmental suitability determines abundance. We analyzed populations of the microendemic Monte Albo cave salamander Hydromantes (Speleomantes) flavus Stefani, 1969 (Plethodontidae), and tested several hypotheses on potential relationships linking environmental suitability to population parameters. For multiple populations across the whole species range, we assessed suitability using species distribution models and measured density, activity level, food intake, and body condition index. In high-suitability sites, the density of salamanders was up to 30 times higher than in the least suitable ones. Variation in activity levels and popu...
Nature Ecology & Evolution, 2019
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), 2021
The reliability of the post hoc measurement, a non-invasive method for measuring wild animals, wa... more The reliability of the post hoc measurement, a non-invasive method for measuring wild animals, was tested on Salamandra salamandra. Our results show that SVL measured in the field was lower than SVL estimated from images by three operators and that the estimates were highly consistent. In addition to the potential greater accuracy of this method in estimating SVL compared to the measurements obtained in the field, it allows to significantly reduce the handling times of the animals, thus reducing the stress caused to the salamanders.
Acta Herpetologica, 2019
The Sardinian grass snake (Natrix natrix cetti) is a Critically Endangered snake endemic to Sardi... more The Sardinian grass snake (Natrix natrix cetti) is a Critically Endangered snake endemic to Sardinia (Italy), for which information is still scarce. In the present work, we report information obtained from 36 observations of N. n. cetti performed in different areas of the Island. Three different colorations were mainly observed and darker snakes were in general males and big adults; the only juvenile found showed a complete different dorsal colouration. Snakes were observed active during day-time and often far from the aquatic habitats.
Acta Herpetologica, 2018
The Common toad Bufo bufo (Linneaus, 1758) was found for the first time in Sardinia in 2016 durin... more The Common toad Bufo bufo (Linneaus, 1758) was found for the first time in Sardinia in 2016 during herpetological surveys. The species appears to be well established in the finding area. Many adults and juveniles, tadpoles at different developmental stages, and eggs have been found during repeated monitoring. In order to infer the geographic origin of the Sardinian population, we amplified two mitochondrial markers ( 16S , cytb ) and compared sequences with those available for the species across its natural range. We also screened samples for the presence of Bd pathogen to assess the risk of infection mediated by the species in the area. Results suggest that Sardinian individuals are genetically close to the Central Italian populations, although they show a unique distinct haplotype. Though the species should be considered allochthonous to the Island, further molecular and ecological data are urgently needed to assess the genetic structure and the possible impact on the local fauna,...
Scientific Data, 2021
European plethodontid salamanders (genus Speleomantes; formerly Hydromantes) are a group of eight... more European plethodontid salamanders (genus Speleomantes; formerly Hydromantes) are a group of eight strictly protected amphibian species which are sensitive to human-induced environmental changes. Long-term monitoring is highly recommended to evaluate their status and to assess potential threats. Here we used two low-impact methodologies to build up a large dataset on two mainland Speleomantes species (S. strinatii and S. ambrosii), which represents an update to two previously published datasets, but also includes several new populations. Specifically, we provide a set of 851 high quality images and a table gathering stomach contents recognized from 560 salamanders. This dataset offers the opportunity to analyse phenotypic traits and stomach contents of eight populations belonging to two Speleomantes species. Furthermore, the data collection performed over different periods allows to expand the potential analyses through a wide temporal scale, allowing long-term studies.
Acta Herpetologica, 2011
graphical regions, and 15% in the Continental one. However, there were no statistical significant... more graphical regions, and 15% in the Continental one. However, there were no statistical significant differences among the regions, suggesting that the rate of amphibian site loss was similar in different parts of Italy. This nation-wide monitoring project demonstrated that in Italy, during the last thirty years, a relevant proportion of amphibian breeding habitats has been destroyed or altered. The main cause of site alteration were land reclamation and water extraction.
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 2021
The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.
Israel Journal of Ecology and Evolution, 2020
The present paper focuses on the ability of the European Leaf-toed gecko, Euleptes europaea, an e... more The present paper focuses on the ability of the European Leaf-toed gecko, Euleptes europaea, an endemic species of the western Mediterranean, to live in low-nutrient habitats. Its distribution is mainly insular and particularly noteworthy is its ability to live on islets and rocks. This work includes data originating from surveys carried out on 111 islands surrounding the island of Corsica (France) in search of herpetofauna. E. europaea is able to survive on the smallest islets, with low habitat complexity, suggesting a pre-adaptation of this species to island life. Moreover, high population densities associated with a low biomass seem to facilitate survival on island.
Journal of Natural History, 2018
ABSTRACTIllegal trade is threatening tortoise populations worldwide since decades. Nowadays, howe... more ABSTRACTIllegal trade is threatening tortoise populations worldwide since decades. Nowadays, however, DNA typing and forensic genetic approaches allow to investigate geographic origin of confiscated animals and to relocate them into the wild, provided that suitable molecular tools and reference data are available. Here we assess the suitability of a small panel of microsatellite markers to investigate patterns of illegal translocations and to assist forensic genetic applications in the endangered Mediterranean land tortoise Testudo hermanni hermanni. We used the microsatellite panel to (i) increase the understanding of the population genetic structure in wild populations with new data from previously unsampled geographic areas (overall 461 wild individuals from 28 sampling sites); (ii) detect the presence of non-native individuals in wild populations; and (iii) identify the most likely geographic area of origin of 458 confiscated individuals hosted in Italian seizure and recovery ce...
BMC evolutionary biology, Jan 19, 2017
Podarcis tiliguerta is a wall lizard endemic to the Mediterranean islands of Corsica and Sardinia... more Podarcis tiliguerta is a wall lizard endemic to the Mediterranean islands of Corsica and Sardinia. Previous findings of high mtDNA and morphological diversity have led to the suggestion that it may represent a species complex. Here, we analysed mitochondrial and nuclear markers (mtDNA, 3110 bp; 6 nDNA loci, 3961 bp) in P. tiliguerta sampled from thirty-two localities across Corsica and Sardinia. We find much greater intraspecific genetic divergence than between sister species of other Mediterranean island Podarcis, i.e., between P. lilfordi and P. pityusensis. We detected three mtDNA clusters in Corsica (North, South-East and South-West) and either two or three in Sardinia (North vs. South) depending on the clustering method. Only one or two nDNA groups were identified within each main island (again, depending on the method). A Bayesian time-calibrated multispecies coalescent tree was obtained from mtDNA and provided statistical support for a Miocene origin of the species (13.87 Ma,...
Biogeographia – The Journal of Integrative Biogeography, 1994
Italian Journal of Agronomy, 2016
Among the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) 2015-2020 innovations, a mandatory ‘greening’ componen... more Among the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) 2015-2020 innovations, a mandatory ‘greening’ component of direct payment has been included to improve sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices in arable lands. Permanent crops1 are considered as ‘greening’ by definition and therefore exempted from additional agronomic duties. So far, however, an adequate knowledge of the real biological value of permanent crops is still lacking. In the present work, realized in the context of the MO.NA.CO. project, we monitored animal diversity in olive-groves characterized by three different managements (from low to medium intensity). Monitoring was carried out in Sardinia (Italy), using different animal groups as bio-indicators: Arthropods, Reptiles and Birds. Considering Arthropod orders and Coleopteran families we did not found significant differences in the overall abundance and in the biodiversity indexes. However, faunal composition clearly varied among managements: moreover, ...
Animals, Aug 29, 2022
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
numerous regional and national organisations have collected new chorological data from large part... more numerous regional and national organisations have collected new chorological data from large parts of Europe. Furthermore, the taxonomic progress have contributed to multiple changes and new species descriptions. The Mapping Committee of the SEH presents here the New Atlas of Amphibians and Reptiles in Europe (NA2RE), a system of distributed databases. Each distributed database has a national focus and is implemented in an online network, accessible through standard interfaces, thus sharing spatial-temporal data. A Web interface facilitates the access to distributed data as if it was one virtual integrated database. Upon user request, the Web interface searches all distributed databases for the requested data, integrating the answers in an interactive map. This methodology can easily actualise the records, as well as the taxonomy and systematics. Under this approach, data duplication is avoided and national databases are maintained in its own country. This system is implemented usin...
Acta Herpetologica, 2018
Factors driving the spatial patterns of communities of sedentary organisms are still poorly under... more Factors driving the spatial patterns of communities of sedentary organisms are still poorly understood. In this context parthenogenetic animals are useful to test the contribution of sexual and interspecific interactions on spatial patterns. As such, mixed communities of asexual and sexual species are expected to be spatially organized as a single sexual species, with sexes randomly distributed and mutually independent. During the reproductive period, we determined the instantaneous spatial structure in a community of Darevskia rock lizards from Armenia composed of one sexual species ( D. valentini ), two asexual species ( D. armeniaca , D. unisexualis ), and their hybrids. We also analysed the specific composition of clusters and the species segregation by habitat. We used the Ripley’s K distance function to measure clustering spatial patterns, and the Delaunay’s triangulation to identify the clusters and their specific composition. We estimated the spatial segregation among specie...
Basic and Applied Herpetology, 2020
Chelonians are among the animal groups with the poorest conservation status. Since tortoises are ... more Chelonians are among the animal groups with the poorest conservation status. Since tortoises are long-lived species that need very long time to reach sexual maturity, they are extremely vulnerable to human pressure. Despite their endangered status, there are no common strategies for the development of conservation actions. At the “Mediterranean workshop to develop tortoise conservation strategies”, scientists, conservation associations, environmental managers, IUCN advisers and CITES inspectors met in October 2019 in Alicante (Spain). The aims were to update the diagnosis of the conservation status of the Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) and the spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) and to suggest strategies that guarantee their preservation at the Mediterranean Region. The main conclusions are summarized by: i) Mediterranean tortoises are wild endangered species that must be protected in, and together with, their natural habitat. Their main threats are habitat loss and fragme...
Ecology and Evolution, 2020
The worldwide biodiversity crisis with the resulting need to increase species protection has led ... more The worldwide biodiversity crisis with the resulting need to increase species protection has led researchers to pursue and select survey methods that guarantee the best quality of data and produce the least negative effects on wild animals. Plethodontids are the most diverse family of salamanders; all species are very sensitive to human handling and noninvasive, but accurate, measurement methods are needed to reduce researchers’ impact. Here, we tested the reliability of a noninvasive post hoc method in estimating the snout–vent length (SVL) from photographs showing salamanders’ dorsal view. The correlation between the estimated snout–vent length (SVLe) and the conventional SVL was high (R2m = .81), and no significant difference occurred between operators with different experience. Finally, we list the numerous advantages for the use of SVLe in terms of data quality and in reducing the stress caused to wild animals.
ARPHA Conference Abstracts, 2018
Species can show a strong variation of local abundance across their ranges. Recent analyses sugge... more Species can show a strong variation of local abundance across their ranges. Recent analyses suggested that variation in abundance can be related to environmental suitability, as the highest abundances are often observed in populations living in the most suitable areas. However, there is limited information on the mechanisms through which variation in environmental suitability determines abundance. We analyzed populations of the microendemic Monte Albo cave salamander Hydromantes (Speleomantes) flavus Stefani, 1969 (Plethodontidae), and tested several hypotheses on potential relationships linking environmental suitability to population parameters. For multiple populations across the whole species range, we assessed suitability using species distribution models and measured density, activity level, food intake, and body condition index. In high-suitability sites, the density of salamanders was up to 30 times higher than in the least suitable ones. Variation in activity levels and popu...
Nature Ecology & Evolution, 2019
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), 2021
The reliability of the post hoc measurement, a non-invasive method for measuring wild animals, wa... more The reliability of the post hoc measurement, a non-invasive method for measuring wild animals, was tested on Salamandra salamandra. Our results show that SVL measured in the field was lower than SVL estimated from images by three operators and that the estimates were highly consistent. In addition to the potential greater accuracy of this method in estimating SVL compared to the measurements obtained in the field, it allows to significantly reduce the handling times of the animals, thus reducing the stress caused to the salamanders.
Acta Herpetologica, 2019
The Sardinian grass snake (Natrix natrix cetti) is a Critically Endangered snake endemic to Sardi... more The Sardinian grass snake (Natrix natrix cetti) is a Critically Endangered snake endemic to Sardinia (Italy), for which information is still scarce. In the present work, we report information obtained from 36 observations of N. n. cetti performed in different areas of the Island. Three different colorations were mainly observed and darker snakes were in general males and big adults; the only juvenile found showed a complete different dorsal colouration. Snakes were observed active during day-time and often far from the aquatic habitats.
Acta Herpetologica, 2018
The Common toad Bufo bufo (Linneaus, 1758) was found for the first time in Sardinia in 2016 durin... more The Common toad Bufo bufo (Linneaus, 1758) was found for the first time in Sardinia in 2016 during herpetological surveys. The species appears to be well established in the finding area. Many adults and juveniles, tadpoles at different developmental stages, and eggs have been found during repeated monitoring. In order to infer the geographic origin of the Sardinian population, we amplified two mitochondrial markers ( 16S , cytb ) and compared sequences with those available for the species across its natural range. We also screened samples for the presence of Bd pathogen to assess the risk of infection mediated by the species in the area. Results suggest that Sardinian individuals are genetically close to the Central Italian populations, although they show a unique distinct haplotype. Though the species should be considered allochthonous to the Island, further molecular and ecological data are urgently needed to assess the genetic structure and the possible impact on the local fauna,...
Scientific Data, 2021
European plethodontid salamanders (genus Speleomantes; formerly Hydromantes) are a group of eight... more European plethodontid salamanders (genus Speleomantes; formerly Hydromantes) are a group of eight strictly protected amphibian species which are sensitive to human-induced environmental changes. Long-term monitoring is highly recommended to evaluate their status and to assess potential threats. Here we used two low-impact methodologies to build up a large dataset on two mainland Speleomantes species (S. strinatii and S. ambrosii), which represents an update to two previously published datasets, but also includes several new populations. Specifically, we provide a set of 851 high quality images and a table gathering stomach contents recognized from 560 salamanders. This dataset offers the opportunity to analyse phenotypic traits and stomach contents of eight populations belonging to two Speleomantes species. Furthermore, the data collection performed over different periods allows to expand the potential analyses through a wide temporal scale, allowing long-term studies.
Acta Herpetologica, 2011
graphical regions, and 15% in the Continental one. However, there were no statistical significant... more graphical regions, and 15% in the Continental one. However, there were no statistical significant differences among the regions, suggesting that the rate of amphibian site loss was similar in different parts of Italy. This nation-wide monitoring project demonstrated that in Italy, during the last thirty years, a relevant proportion of amphibian breeding habitats has been destroyed or altered. The main cause of site alteration were land reclamation and water extraction.
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 2021
The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.
Israel Journal of Ecology and Evolution, 2020
The present paper focuses on the ability of the European Leaf-toed gecko, Euleptes europaea, an e... more The present paper focuses on the ability of the European Leaf-toed gecko, Euleptes europaea, an endemic species of the western Mediterranean, to live in low-nutrient habitats. Its distribution is mainly insular and particularly noteworthy is its ability to live on islets and rocks. This work includes data originating from surveys carried out on 111 islands surrounding the island of Corsica (France) in search of herpetofauna. E. europaea is able to survive on the smallest islets, with low habitat complexity, suggesting a pre-adaptation of this species to island life. Moreover, high population densities associated with a low biomass seem to facilitate survival on island.
Journal of Natural History, 2018
ABSTRACTIllegal trade is threatening tortoise populations worldwide since decades. Nowadays, howe... more ABSTRACTIllegal trade is threatening tortoise populations worldwide since decades. Nowadays, however, DNA typing and forensic genetic approaches allow to investigate geographic origin of confiscated animals and to relocate them into the wild, provided that suitable molecular tools and reference data are available. Here we assess the suitability of a small panel of microsatellite markers to investigate patterns of illegal translocations and to assist forensic genetic applications in the endangered Mediterranean land tortoise Testudo hermanni hermanni. We used the microsatellite panel to (i) increase the understanding of the population genetic structure in wild populations with new data from previously unsampled geographic areas (overall 461 wild individuals from 28 sampling sites); (ii) detect the presence of non-native individuals in wild populations; and (iii) identify the most likely geographic area of origin of 458 confiscated individuals hosted in Italian seizure and recovery ce...
BMC evolutionary biology, Jan 19, 2017
Podarcis tiliguerta is a wall lizard endemic to the Mediterranean islands of Corsica and Sardinia... more Podarcis tiliguerta is a wall lizard endemic to the Mediterranean islands of Corsica and Sardinia. Previous findings of high mtDNA and morphological diversity have led to the suggestion that it may represent a species complex. Here, we analysed mitochondrial and nuclear markers (mtDNA, 3110 bp; 6 nDNA loci, 3961 bp) in P. tiliguerta sampled from thirty-two localities across Corsica and Sardinia. We find much greater intraspecific genetic divergence than between sister species of other Mediterranean island Podarcis, i.e., between P. lilfordi and P. pityusensis. We detected three mtDNA clusters in Corsica (North, South-East and South-West) and either two or three in Sardinia (North vs. South) depending on the clustering method. Only one or two nDNA groups were identified within each main island (again, depending on the method). A Bayesian time-calibrated multispecies coalescent tree was obtained from mtDNA and provided statistical support for a Miocene origin of the species (13.87 Ma,...
Biogeographia – The Journal of Integrative Biogeography, 1994
Italian Journal of Agronomy, 2016
Among the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) 2015-2020 innovations, a mandatory ‘greening’ componen... more Among the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) 2015-2020 innovations, a mandatory ‘greening’ component of direct payment has been included to improve sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices in arable lands. Permanent crops1 are considered as ‘greening’ by definition and therefore exempted from additional agronomic duties. So far, however, an adequate knowledge of the real biological value of permanent crops is still lacking. In the present work, realized in the context of the MO.NA.CO. project, we monitored animal diversity in olive-groves characterized by three different managements (from low to medium intensity). Monitoring was carried out in Sardinia (Italy), using different animal groups as bio-indicators: Arthropods, Reptiles and Birds. Considering Arthropod orders and Coleopteran families we did not found significant differences in the overall abundance and in the biodiversity indexes. However, faunal composition clearly varied among managements: moreover, ...