Diversity, distribution, habitat preferences and community assemblages of Amphibians and Reptiles in the “Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni” National Park (Campania, Southern Italy)

The Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni (CVDA) National Park in southern Italy serves as an effective protected area for amphibians and reptiles, maintaining good conservation status even for species experiencing population declines nationwide. A comprehensive analysis of 2465 records—sourced from fieldwork, citizen science, and literature—revealed that the park supports diverse herpetofauna with distinct habitat preferences. While findings align largely with known ecological data for Italy, some species exhibited unique, understudied behaviors. Researchers quantified species rarity by assessing geographic range, population abundance, and habitat breadth, while also evaluating how environmental conditions influence species distribution across habitats and elevations. This study significantly advances the understanding of herpetofauna in protected areas, providing critical insights for conservation strategies.

Romano, A., Sansone, L., Cacace, A., & Biancolini, D. (2023). Diversity, distribution, habitat preferences and community assemblages of Amphibians and Reptiles in the “Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni” National Park (Campania, Southern Italy). Acta Herpetologica, 18(2), 115–129. https://doi.org/10.36253/a_h-14562