Atlante degli anfibi e rettili della provincia di Roma

The knowledge of the ecological and geographical distribution of animal species is a basic requirement for the conservation of biodiversity and territory planning. This volume represents a synthesis of previous and current knowledge on Amphibians and Reptiles of the Province of Rome. A total of 13 species of Amphibians and 18 of Reptiles inhabit this area, some of them being widespread whereas others, such as the Apennine yellow bellied toad and the four-lined snake, having a relictual distribution and a high conservation value. Amphibians, at least during reproduction, are dependent on wetland, so that their conservation passes trough the preservation of ecological functionality of this habitat type. On the other hand, Reptiles, apart from a few semi-aquatic species, are good bioindicators of forest and maquis habitats. Since both groups of vertebrates are predators, they are threatened by the increasing habitat fragmentation.