# European_Red_List_2017_December

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened because this species is probably in significant decline (but probably at a rate of less than 30% over ten years), thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

range:
This species is restricted to southern and eastern Portugal and western and central Spain, from 100-1,300m asl.

population:
It can be locally common in suitable habitat, and is more abundant in the western part of its range. Population declines have been observed in Spain, potentially because of introduced predators.

habitat:
This species is closely associated with meadows and open oak ( Quercus ) forests, most often in sandy areas. Reproduction and larval development generally takes place in temporary waterbodies (most often stream habitats), occasionally in permanent waterbodies; larval development is relatively long in this species and may last more than one season. The species is not very adaptable.

threats:
The main threats are the loss of suitable Mediterranean forest habitat, the introduction of predatory fishes and Louisiana Crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii ), and the loss of suitable aquatic habitats through pollution, canal construction, dams, and urbanization. A potential future threat is chytridiomycosis, which has already affected the related Alytes obstetricans in Spain.

conservationAction:
It is known to occur in Cabañeros and Doñana National Parks, Spain, and is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention, and on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. It is protected by national legislation in Spain, and is recorded in a number of national and sub-national Red Data Books. Given the potential future threat of chytridiomycosis this species should be monitored closely.

redListAssessors:
Pedro Beja, Jaime Bosch, Miguel Tejedo, Miguel Lizana, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Jan Willem Arntzen, Rafael Marquez, Carmen Diaz Paniagua


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Vulnerable, because its Area of Occupancy is less than 2,000 km2, its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is a continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat and in the number of subpopulations.

range:
This species is restricted to the mountains of south-eastern Spain. It occurs at altitudes of 700-2,140m asl (Sierra Nevada, Almería).

population:
Populations of this species are very fragmented, many of them confined to isolated mountains and valleys. It is relatively common in the Alcaraz, Segura, and Cazorla mountains, but it is rare in drier mountains (Filabres, Baza, Gádor), where it is associated with springs. Populations in drier areas can consist of only a few adults.

habitat:
The species is present in pine and oak forests, most often on calciferous substrate, in open, very rocky landscapes. Adults occur in rock fissures and on stones next to water sources. Reproduction and larval development takes place in permanent mountain streams, man-made reservoirs and cattle troughs, and the larvae may take a long time to mature. Almost all known breeding habitats are human-modified water bodies.

threats:
The species is threatened by loss of suitable breeding habitat as a result of excessive water withdrawal, droughts, and modernization of agricultural practices leading to the abandonment of cattle troughs and other man-made water sources. A potential future threat is the fungal disease chytridiomycosis, which has already impacted the related Alytes obstetricans in Spain.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention (as part of obstetricans ). It is listed in regional Red Data Books and is present in the protected areas of Parque Nacional Sierra Morena, Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada, and the Natural Park of Cazorla, Segura y las Villas. Protection measures in Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia, such as restoration and construction of new breeding habitats, are under way.

redListAssessors:
Jaime Bosch, Miguel Tejedo, Miguel Lizana, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Jan Willem Arntzen, Rafael Marquez, Carmen Diaz Paniagua, Richard Podloucky


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Vulnerable because it is known from fewer than five locations, and its Area of Occupancy is less than 20 km2, and population declines are plausible without ongoing intensive conservation efforts. The pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis has been detected in reintroduced captive-bred populations, and it is plausible that severe population declines could take place in the future.

range:
This species is restricted to the Sierra Tramuntana of northern Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain. The present altitudinal range is from 10-850m asl. Its area of occupancy is less than 10km², but slowly increasing as a result of intensive conservation action.

population:
The population is approximately 500-1,500 adult pairs (Gasc et al. 1997; Arnold 2003). There are approximately 25, mostly isolated, populations. The total population is slowly increasing following coordinated recovery efforts, following a long period of decline and near extinction. The current increase, which probably started around the time that the first re-introductions were made in 1989, has been maintained even during years of drought, notably in 1999-2000. The population trend in this species is monitored through annual tadpole counts, the counts for 2004 (over 30,000 tadpoles) being the highest on record. The increase in numbers in established populations is not dependent upon continued re-introductions. However, it is unlikely that new populations would be established without re-introductions.

habitat:
It is currently found only in small streams deeply carved into limestone mountains. The presence of the species is positively associated with steep slopes. Breeding takes place in the small streams that persist as pools in summer. A few populations occur by man-made water sources (cattle troughs, containers, rain tanks etc.) in open mountainous country; these are within the river basins of nearby canyon-living populations. Animals are generally found in rock crevices and under stones. This species does not tolerate serious habitat degradation. The distribution of predators on the species is negatively associated with elevation, and reproductive success is positively associated with elevation.

threats:
The major threats are predation by the introduced Viperine Snake ( Natrix maura ), and competition for space with Perez's Frog ( Rana perezi ). Development of tourism and human settlements, specifically the increased need for water resources (including damming and canalization of streams), is an additional threat. The threats are not likely to decrease, and so the current recovery programme needs to be continued more or less indefinitely. One isolated re-introduced population was impacted by an unidentified non-fungal disease in 2002 which killed some tadpoles. This disease did not recur in 2003 and 2004. Chytridiomycosis has been identified in the wild population, with the source of this chytrid infection traced to reintroduced captive-bred animals from Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, UK (Walker et al . 2008).

conservationAction:
The species is protected by sub-national and national legislation. It is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention, on Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive, and on the national and sub-national Red Data Books. It is present in the protected areas of the Tramuntana mountains. The Balearic Government and Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust have undertaken captive-breeding, re-introduction and other conservation initiatives. At least 10 populations have been successfully reintroduced. Re-introductions of animals from the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust stopped in 2002, but a new captive-breeding facility now exists on Mallorca, and re-introductions are expected to resume. However, as a result of the recent discovery of disease, a recommendation was made in 2004 to the Balearic Government to halt the re-introduction programme. A new recovery programme for the species is now being developed. There is a need to closely monitor populations of this species, especially with regard to the recent detection of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in introduced animals (Walker et al . 2008). A systematic programme is in place to remove Natrix maura from the range of the species.

redListAssessors:
Joan Mayol Serra, Richard Griffiths, Jaime Bosch, Trevor Beebee, Benedikt Schmidt, Miguel Tejedo, Miguel Lizana, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Jan Willem Arntzen


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species ranges from the northern half of Portugal and Spain (where populations are very fragmented, and there is a small Area of Occupancy within its Extent of Occurrence), through most of France, to southern Belgium, extreme southeastern Netherlands, Luxembourg, western and north-central Germany, and western and northern Switzerland. Populations in coastal Portugal west of Lisbon are extinct. It has been introduced to the UK, with several established populations. It occurs at elevations ranging from sea level to 2,400m asl (in the Pyrenees).

population:
it is reported to be declining (including local extinctions) across its range, but it is still widespread and common in many areas (e.g., in much of France).

habitat:
It lives in terrestrial habitats, including temperate forests, semi-arid areas, walls, embankments, and slopes with small stones and sparse vegetation. Aquatic habitats in which the species breeds range from slow moving rivers to stagnant permanent ponds and pools; gravel and clay pits are also used. The larvae of this species frequently hibernate. The species can occur in suitable modified habitat such as traditional agricultural land, and even urban areas (e.g., in Barcelona).

threats:
General habitat loss, largely to agricultural development (including loss of breeding sites), has contributed to the decline of the species in some areas. Fragmentation of populations might be a problem for the species, e.g. in Spain, Portugal and Germany. Certain populations of the subspecies Alytes obstetricans pertinax in protected areas of central Spain have severely declined and disappeared as a result of chytridiomycosis (Bosch et al. , 2001; Bosch et al. , 2000); a few specimens have recently been found again in this area (M. García-París and J.W. Arntzen pers. comm.). Additional mortality of the species through disease (iridovirus) has been recorded in Carris Lake, Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal (Soares et al. , 2003); the disease might be non-native and have been transferred to the lake by an introduced North American predatory fish ( Lepomis gibbosus ). Mortality initially attributed to the bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila "red-leg disease" has also been reported (Márquez et al. 1995). Predation by L. gibbosus and other introduced predatory fish species, such as salmonids, is also a considerable threat to this species.

conservationAction:
The species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. It is listed in a number of national and sub-national Red Data Books and is protected by national legislation in many of its range states. The species is presumed to occur in a number of protected areas. Further research into the current decline is needed especially into the impacts of disease. In Central Spain there is a captive breeding programme for this species, and some reintroductions have been carried out. In the Spanish national Red List is considered Near Threatened, and subspecies pertinax is considered Vulnerable.

redListAssessors:
Jaime Bosch, Trevor Beebee, Benedikt Schmidt, Miguel Tejedo, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Jan Willem Arntzen, Carmen Diaz Paniagua, Rafael Marquez


taxonomicNotes:
This taxon is closely related to D. jeanneae , and some authors consider them to be conspecific.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a degree of habitat modification, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
The species is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal and most of western Spain), where it is found at altitudes ranging from sea level to 1,940m asl (Piedrahita, Spain).

population:
In Spain, it is abundant over much of its range (with the exception of the northeastern populations), while in Portugal the species can be locally abundant in fragmented populations.

habitat:
It is generally found within or in the direct vicinity of water (with surrounding dense vegetation), including still waters, swamps, mountain streams, drinking troughs and sometimes-brackish waters. The terrestrial habitats of the species occur on granite and other metamorphic rocks, and include sandy areas close to the sea, open areas, meadows, thickets, gulley's and woodland edges. The species breeds, and larval development takes place, within shallow permanent or temporary waterbodies. It is often present in slightly modified areas, such as traditional farmland.

threats:
The main threats to this species are both a general intensification of agriculture and the introduction of predatory fishes and crustaceans (especially the Louisiana Crayfish- Procambarus clarkii ) through much of the species range. Desertification is a threat to the species in the more arid parts of its range such as southern Portugal. Additionally, hydroelectric projects are leading to habitat loss in parts of Portugal. However, overall this species is probably not seriously threatened at present.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and is also listed on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. The species is protected by national legislation in Spain and is listed in the Spanish national Red Data Book. It has been recorded from Doñana, Islas Atlánticas de Galicia, and Cabañeros National Parks, Spain. There is a need to further clarify the distribution of this species and the related Discoglossus jeanneae .

redListAssessors:
Jaime Bosch, Pedro Beja, Miguel Tejedo, Miguel Lizana, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Carmen Diaz Paniagua, Valentin Perez-Mellado, Rafael Marquez


taxonomicNotes:
This taxon is closely related to D. galganoi , and some authors consider them to be conspecific.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened because this species is probably in significant decline (but probably at a rate of less than 30% over ten years) because its habitat is being degraded due to drought through most of its range, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

range:
This species is endemic to isolated areas in southern, eastern and north-eastern Spain, from sea level to around 2,050m asl (in Granada).

population:
It is generally more abundant in the south of its range, and is considered to be scarce in the north, although further surveys are required. Its occurrence is very patchy within its overall range, and it is believed to be in decline, principally due to increased aridity within its range. It is likely that isolated populations have recently become extinct along the Mediterranean coast.

habitat:
An inhabitant of open areas, pine groves and shrubland associated with limestone or gypsum soils. This is a very aquatic species found in shallow pools, streams, springs, ponds and artificial water sources, such as drinking troughs and drainage channels. Breeding and larval development takes place within the aquatic habitats. It can be present in traditionally farmed areas.

threats:
The major threat to this species is continued loss of habitat as a result of increased aridity throughout its range. It is also threatened by loss of suitable habitat (including fragmentation) to agricultural and infrastructure development. The species is particularly impacted by the loss, or contamination, of aquatic habitats (such as drinking troughs), and introductions of predatory fish and crustaceans, in particular the Louisiana Crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii ). Its populations are now fragmented in many parts of its range.

conservationAction:
The species has been recorded from Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada. It is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive. It is recorded in the national Red Data Book of Spain and is protected by national legislation. There is a need to further clarify the distribution of this species.

redListAssessors:
Jaime Bosch, Miguel Tejedo, Miguel Lizana, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Carmen Diaz Paniagua, Valentin Perez-Mellado, Rafael Marquez


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened. Its extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 km2, and although the species is declining as a result of predation by introduced fishes, it is not severely fragmented and it occurs at more than 10 locations.

range:
This species is endemic to Corsica (France), where it is found mainly in the central part of the island, from Corte and Cervione in the north to Porto-Vecchio in the south (Noellert and Noellert 1992). It has been recorded from localities between 300m and 1,900m asl, and is absent from coastal lowlands.

population:
There is little information available on the population status of this species, which was only recently identified and differentiated from the more widespread Discoglossus sardus . It is believed to be slowly declining as a result of predation by introduced salmonid fishes.

habitat:
This frog is strongly associated with running waters in high-altitude pristine woods and forests, and is especially found in areas with precipitous streams. The eggs are deposited under rocks and stones in mountain streams, with larvae developing in these streams.

threats:
This species is threatened by introduced predatory salmonid fishes.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive.

redListAssessors:
Claude Miaud, Marc Cheylan, Roberto Sindaco


taxonomicNotes:
Moroccan populations previously considered to belong to this species are now separated as Discoglossus scovazzi (García-París and Jockusch 1999; Fromhage et al. 2004).

redListCategoryRationale:
Europe: LC
EU: LC (on Sicily it is rather common and has no major threats)

Listed as Least Concern in view of its relatively wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species is native to the islands of Sicily (Italy), Malta and Gozo (Malta) (Discoglossus pictus pictus), and to northern Algeria and Tunisia ( Discoglossus pictus auritus ). The western limit of its distribution in Algeria is unclear, and it might extend to the mountains close to the Moroccan border. The North African subspecies, D.p. auritus , has been introduced to southern France and northeastern Spain (Girona Province), where it is expanding its range. It has an altitudinal range of sea level to 1,500m asl (Sicily).

population:
Introduced populations in Spain and France appear to be abundant and expanding their range. It is rather common in Sicily. Further information is needed on the populations of the species over the rest of its distribution, though it is believed to be common in some areas.

habitat:
It is present in a wide variety of Mediterranean habitats including open, sandy coastal areas, pastures, vineyards, woods and forests, often in dense vegetation close to waterbodies. It breeds in most types of still water habitats, and is sometimes present in marshes and brackish water. In Sicily, populations have been associated with irrigation channels, water cisterns, pipes and canals in cultivated areas.

threats:
Sicilian populations appear to be locally threatened (but not especially endangered) by a decline of traditional land-use, including urbanization. Maltese populations are reported to be threatened by groundwater extraction.

conservationAction:
The species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. It is protected by national legislation in France and Italy and is listed in the Regional Catalogue of Cataluña, Spain. The species is present in protected areas in Italy, and probably elsewhere within its range.

redListAssessors:
Jaime Bosch, Franco Andreone, Miguel Tejedo, David Donaire-Barroso, Miguel Lizana, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Tahar Slimani, El Hassan El Mouden, Ulrich Joger, Philippe Geniez, Claudia Corti


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
The species is mainly restricted to the islands of Sardinia, Italy and Corsica, France (where it is absent from the high mountains in the centre of the island), with other populations occurring on a number of smaller Mediterranean islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, and on the Monte Argentario peninsula of the Italian mainland (Tuscany), and also the islands of Port-Cros and Le Levant in the south of France. It has been recorded at elevations from sea level to 1,770m asl (Sardinia).

population:
This species is still relatively common in suitable habitat in both Sardinia and Corsica. Little is known about mainland populations of Tuscany, although it is possible that they are threatened due to their probable small size. Populations on Port-Cros Island (France) have increased following the eradication of introduced fish: Gambusia and Scardinus erythrophalmus .

habitat:
The species inhabits a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial habitats including still and slow-running waters in open or wooded (coniferous and broadleaf) areas and maccia; it may even occur in slightly brackish pools. The eggs are deposited between aquatic vegetation in streams, and the larvae develop in these streams. The species can tolerate some habitat disturbance.

threats:
It is threatened by general loss of suitable woodland and aquatic habitats. Aquatic habitats used by this species on Corsica (and presumably on Sardinia) are being lost through damming of streams and increased water abstraction for tourism. However, overall this species does not appear to be significantly threatened. There were some die-offs of this species in Sardinia in 2004 and 2006, but the cause is unknown (Bovero et a l. 2008).

conservationAction:
The species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and is also listed on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. It is protected by national legislation in Italy. It has been recorded from Parco Regionale Sette Fratelli and Parco Nazionale Gennargentu-Golfo di Orosei in Sardinia. Further investigations into the genetic diversity of this species are needed. It occurs in the Parc National Port-Cros in France.

redListAssessors:
Franco Andreone, Roberta Lecis, Claude Miaud, Claudia Corti, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

Turkey: LC (same as above) Limited range but seems to be doing fairly well in the Turkish Thrace. However the Anatolian subpopulation is likely to be Vulnerable due to its fragmented nature, and numerous threats including highway construction and growing habitat conversion due to agricultural expansion.

range:
This species is found in central and eastern Europe ranging from Denmark, southern Sweden and northern Germany eastwards to the Ural Mountains of Russia, southwards to the Danube floodplain, Turkey (Thrace and the vicinity of Adapazari B. b. arifiyensis in north-western Anatolia), and the northern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. It has been introduced to the United Kingdom (one colony in Surrey). It is a lowland species that occurs from sea level up to a maximum of 730m asl (in western Bohemia).

population:
This species remains fairly abundant over much of its range (for example it is extremely common to the north and west of the Danube floodplain where it has benefited from increased irrigation), although many northern populations have declined (e.g., in Poland and Germany). The populations of this species in both Denmark and Sweden are low. Individual populations of this species can show significant fluctuations in numbers. There are no recent records from Greece, but its range in this country has not been surveyed for many years. The species is common in parts of European Russia, Ukraine and Moldavia, and while it is unlikely to be declining on this territory in general, many local populations are declining.

habitat:
Within Europe this species is associated with lowland areas of marshy or grassy wetlands, often along river valleys, with small, shallow, often-temporary lakes and ponds. In the former Soviet Union it has been reported from steppe, forest steppe, broad-leaved and mixed leafed coniferous forests, but it also inhabits open landscapes, using drainage channels as pathways for dispersal. At the southeastern margin of its distribution, the species lives in permanent freshwater bodies in river valleys surrounded by an arid saline landscape (solonetz-solonchak complex). It is primarily an aquatic animal living in shallow (less than 50-70cm depth) stagnant lakes, ponds, pools, swamps, peat bogs, ditches, flooded rice fields and quarries. It may occasionally be found in semi-flowing waters: springs, irrigation channels, rivers and stream pools and the water must generally be clear (for example in the Carpathian region, B. bombina lives in wetlands with clearer water than the congeneric Bombina variegata); however, near the southern margin of the range (such as southeastern Ukraine and the Krasnodar Region) the species often occurs in waters that have been polluted with industrial and agricultural chemicals such as settling and sedimentation reservoirs, rice fields, polluted ponds in rural and urban areas. The species breeds by larval development in pools with a good growth of sub-aquatic vegetation. Hybrid populations of this species with B. variegata have been recorded.

threats:
In western and northern Europe the species is threatened by the loss of habitat through modernisation of agricultural methods, most significantly the drainage and/or pollution of suitable wetland areas. Recent declines in northwestern Europe might also be related to climate change. In Turkey it is threatened by urban development and agricultural development. Within the former Soviet Union destruction of wetlands is also the most serious threat, although industrial pollution and recreational activities also impact populations. Additional localized threats to this species include mortality on roads, entrapment in open wells with vertical walls, hybridization and replacement by Bombina variegata and collection for the pet trade. However, at a global scale this species is not significantly threatened.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive. It is protected by national legislation in many countries, occurs in many protected areas, and is listed in many national and sub-national Red Data books and lists. This species has been successfully reintroduced to some sites in Sweden (Arnold, 2002), as of 2008 there are 10,000 adults in 3,000 breeding ponds. In other parts of this species range, mitigation measures to reduce road kill have been established.

redListAssessors:
Aram Agasyan, Aziz Avisi, Boris Tuniyev, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya


taxonomicNotes:
A number of authors consider Bombina pachypus to be a subspecies of Bombina variegata (Bologna et al. 2000; Ohler 1997; Hofman et al . 2007). The taxon was elevated to species level by Lanza and Vanni (1991) mainly through the use of preliminary electrophoretic data published in the form of a congress summary (Nascetti et al. 1982) and also on the basis of old morphological evidence (Vaccaneo 1931).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Endangered because of a population decline, estimated to be more than 50% (but presumably lower than 80%) inferred from a decline in the Area Of Occupancy, and significant reduction in mature individuals, in the past 10 years, possibly because of susceptibility of this species to the chytridiomycosis pathogen.

range:
This species is endemic to Italy, where it occurs south of the Po Valley, through the Appenine region, south to the southern tip of the Italian mainland. It ranges from 20m up to almost 1,700m asl (in Latium).

population:
It was formerly common in suitable habitat. However, the species has declined in almost all of its range (with the exception of Calabria, where populations remain stable) over the last 10 years. A survey of representative sites across the species' range showed that the species disappeared from >50% of surveyed sites between 1996 and 2004 (55 occupied sites in 1996 versus 23 occupied sites in 2004: Barbieri et al . 2004). Significant recent declines in the populations of this species have been recorded from the Province of Siena (Piazzini et al . 2005); Abruzzo (Ferri et al. 2007); Ancona (Fiacchini 2003); Lazio (Bologna et al . 2000; Bologna et al . 2007) and Emilia-Romagna (Stagni et al . 2005).

habitat:
The species occurs in shallow, unshaded pools in forests and open areas. Spawning and larval development takes place in these pools. It also occurs in modified habitats, such as low-intensity farmland, pastureland, ditches, irrigations areas, drinking troughs, and ponds.

threats:
Threats to this species are presumed to largely include loss and fragmentation of wetland habitat to drainage for intensive agricultural purposes. However many populations appear to have declined in areas of presumably intact habitat. In some places it may have very small populations (10-12 individuals [Mattoccia et al . 2005]); these small populations are highly subject to stochastic extinctions. This species might also be threatened with chytridiomycosis, which has been associated with the deaths of several captive animals (Stagni et al. , 2002; Stagni et al. 2005), and further research into the possible impacts of this disease on populations of this species is needed. The cause of recent serious population declines remains incompletely known, but it has been speculated that chytridiomycosis is responsible.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention, and on Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive, in both cases under Bombina variegata . It is known to occur in many protected areas including several National Parks. The cause of recent severe declines in this species requires urgent investigation and action.

redListAssessors:
Franco Andreone, Claudia Corti, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano, Filippo Giachi, Stefano Vanni, Giovanni Delfino


range:
This species is distributed over much of central and southern Europe. It is generally present from central France through central Germany and northern and western Switzerland, north-eastern Italy, the Balkan region and the Carpathian Mountains. Isolated populations are present in Hungary and northern Germany, and its range in northwestern France is now severely fragmented. It is probably extinct in Belgium and some populations have been lost in the south of France. There is only one population remaining in Luxembourg, and the same is true in the Netherlands. The presence of isolated populations in southwestern France (Medoc and Landes) requires confirmation. It has been introduced to the United Kingdom, but it is not known if the species is still present and is not mapped here. The species has an altitudinal range of 100-2,100m asl. Its distribution in western and north-western parts of its range is more fragmented than is shown on the distribution map.

population:
The species has experienced local extinctions and population declines in western and north-western parts of its range (e.g., southern Switzerland, northwestern and southern France, Germany). However, over parts of its range such as the Carpathian Mountains, Poland and Slovenia, it is still common in suitable habitat.

habitat:
It can be found in coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests, bushlands and meadows, floodplains and grasslands. At low elevations this species lives in deciduous forests, at higher altitudes it is more often found in coniferous forests and highland glades. The species uses many types of wetland, including lakes, ponds, swamps, rivers, stream pools, springs (including mineral and thermal springs), puddles, reservoirs, gravel and clay pits, ditches and even water filled wheel ruts. The breeding habitats are typically unshaded temporary pools within, or close to, woodland. The species can tolerate slight water pollution, and has been recorded at very high densities in areas of cleared woodland in the Carpathian Mountains. This species regularly hybridizes with B. bombina in many contact areas.

threats:
At a global scale, the species appears not to be significantly threatened. Populations of this species might be locally threatened by the loss of suitable habitat to urbanization, road construction, industry (including oil extraction and transportation) and discharge of pollutants into wetlands. Additionally, it is reported that it is collected as bait by fishermen in certain regions and that it is occasionally collected in large numbers for both the pet trade and scientific use. The impact of collection on this species needs further research. Some artificial habitats where the species occurs (e.g. gravel and clay pits) are threatened by succession. Hybridization with B. bombina might also be considered a threat, at least in some areas. Mosaic hybridization in Transylvania has resulted in the loss of pure populations (Vines 2004).

conservationAction:
The species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annexes II and IV of Natural Habitats Directive. It is protected by national legislation over much of its range and is present in many protected areas. Appropriate habitat management is needed to maintain wetlands and prevent succession to scrub and woodland. Re-introductions of the species might be needed in parts of the range. There is a need to monitor population changes in this species, especially in the hybrid zone between B. variegata and B. bombina.

redListAssessors:
Sergius Kuzmin, Mathieu Denoël, Brandon Anthony, Franco Andreone, Benedikt Schmidt, Agnieszka Ogrodowczyk, Maria Ogielska, Milan Vogrin, Dan Cogalniceanu, Tibor Kovács, István Kiss, Miklós Puky, Judit Vörös, David Tarkhnishvili, Natalia Ananjeva


taxonomicNotes:
Bufo bufo is the central member of the Bufo bufo species complex. The systematics of this complex remain unclear. Until recently Bufo verrucosissimus was considered to be a subspecies of Bufo bufo . The taxonomic status of populations allocated to Bufo bufo in Turkey is unclear and requires further investigation.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

Turkey: LC Further clarification is needed on the distribution of this species in relation to verrucosissimus - after which both species should be reevaluated.

range:
This species is widespread in Europe (excluding Ireland and most Mediterranean islands [though it is present on Sicily]), and northern Eurasia, with populations in parts of West Asia (Turkey, Syrian Arab Republic and Lebanon) and north Africa (Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia). In Europe, it is present in most areas (including the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden and Finland), ranging as far eastwards as northern Kazakhstan and eastern Siberia. In the Middle East, it is found through much of Turkey, northwestern Syrian Arab Republic, and has recently been recorded from two mountainous locations in Lebanon. In Africa it has a very fragmented range in the more mountainous regions. The species has an altitudinal range of sea level to 3,000m asl, however in northern portions of the range the species occurs at much lower elevations.

population:
Although this species is generally common over much of its range, some localized declines have been observed.

habitat:
This is a widespread and adaptable species present in coniferous, mixed and deciduous forests, groves, bushlands, meadows, arid areas, parks and gardens. It is usually in damp areas with dense vegetation, and large open areas are generally avoided. The species spawns and larval development takes place in still waters and slow-moving parts of rivers and streams. It is present in many modified habitats.

threats:
There are generally no major threats to this widespread and common species. Populations might be locally impacted through deforestation, drainage of wetlands, pollution, agricultural intensification, urbanization, desertification, mortality on roads (migrating animals), and persecution. In parts of the former Soviet Union it is collected in small numbers for the pet trade. This species can be affected by the increase of UV-B radiation (Lizana and Pedraza 1998). Relict populations in montane areas in Lebanon might be threatened by the impacts of global warming. Chytridiomycosis is a potential threat to the species and has been reported in some Spanish and UK populations. It has declined extensively in Spain due to habitat loss and aridity. One subspecies in Spain, B.b. gredosicola , is threatened by predation by otters and competition with the frog Rana perezi , both of which appear to have moved into higher altitudes as a result of climatic warming. In the United Kingdom the species is increasingly suffering from habitat fragmentation and some unexplained declines have occurred.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention and is protected by national and sub-national legislation in many countries. It is recorded on many national and sub-national Red Data books and lists. It is considered to be Near Threatened in Spain because of recent declines due to habitat loss, as well as progressive aridity. The species is present in numerous protected areas. In parts of this species range, mitigation measures to reduce road kill have been established.


redListCategoryRationale:
Europe: NA – this species does not naturally occur in Europe (introduced in southern Spain)
EU 27: NA – within the EU, this species only occurs naturally in the Spanish North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla

Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species has a fragmented range (there is a small Area of Occupancy within the wide Extent of Occurrence) in Morocco, northern Algeria, Tunisia and the North African Spanish territories of Melilla and Ceuta. Apparently isolated populations in northern Niger and northern Mali refer to Bufo xeros (U. Joger pers. comm.); an introduced population is present on mainland Spain close to the Parque Natural los Alcornocales. It is not confirmed from the Western Sahara, although it might occur in the extreme north (Geniez et al. 2000). The species range from around sea level up to 2,650m asl in the Atlas Mountains.

habitat:
The species occurs in a wide-variety of habitats including rocky and stony areas, meadows, cork oak groves, Mediterranean scrub, and agricultural land and sometimes in urban areas. It breeds in fresh or brackish still or slow-flowing waterbodies. The females deposit approximately 5,000-10,000 eggs. During the day the adults of this species hide under rocks or in tunnels.

threats:
There are generally no major threats to this widespread and adaptable species. Loss of suitable habitat and pollution resulting from development, and mortality through road kill are localized threats to some populations.

conservationAction:
This species occurs in several protected areas. The species is not protected by national legislation in Morocco.

redListAssessors:
David Donaire-Barroso, Alfredo Salvador, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Tahar Slimani , El Hassan El Mouden, Tahar Slimani, Philippe Geniez, Ulrich Joger


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because the total population is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species is found in southern, western and northern Europe, ranging from Portugal and Spain, north to Denmark, southern Sweden, and as far east as western Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia and Estonia. There are isolated populations in southwestern Ireland and scattered parts of the United Kingdom (north to southwestern Scotland). It occurs from sea level to almost 2,540m asl (in Spain).

population:
The species is locally abundant across much of its range, especially in southern Europe. It is much more localized and is declining in the northern parts of its range (e.g., in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Estonia). While generally declining in Poland, a large breeding population of about 500 individuals was recorded in 2002 in the Slowinski National Park. It is considered generally rare in eastern parts of its range.

habitat:
This species is generally found in open and unshaded light sandy soils of coastal dunes, lowland heaths, semi-desert, high mountains, pine forest glades, gardens, parks, agricultural fields, sand and gravel quarries and meadows. In the daytime these animals hide in heaps of stones, in sandy soil and under debris. Spawning, followed by a short larval development period, takes place in sunny shallow temporary pools and lagoons. This is a pioneering species in much of southern Europe, sometimes temporarily colonizing new ponds; it is very much less adaptable in northern Europe.

threats:
The main threats to this species are loss of specialized habitats (such as heaths and dunes) by natural encroachment of scrub and woodland; afforestation, acidification of breeding pools, agricultural development, infilling of breeding sites (such as temporary pools and sand and gravel quarries); increased mechanization of sand and gravel extraction and infrastructure development for tourism. In some parts of its range (e.g. in UK and Spain) chytridiomycosis is a threat. The species is considered vulnerable to climate change, particularly in southern Europe.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive, and is protected by national and sub national legislation throughout much of its range. The species is listed in many regional, national and sub-national Red Data Books and Lists, and is present in many protected areas. A re-introduction program in the UK has successfully established at least six, and perhaps quite a few more populations (Denton, et al. 1997; Zippel 2005).

redListAssessors:
Pedro Beja, Sergius Kuzmin, Trevor Beebee, Mathieu Denoël, Benedikt Schmidt, David Tarkhnishvili, Natalia Ananjeva, Nikolai Orlov, Per Nyström, Agnieszka Ogrodowczyk, Maria Ogielska, Jaime Bosch, Claude Miaud, Miguel Tejedo, Miguel Lizana, Iñigo Mar


taxonomicNotes:
Formerly included in Bufo viridis . In the Fauna d’Italia (Lanza et al . 2007) this species is listed under the name Bufo lineatus .

range:
This species ranges through much of Italy, including the island of Sardinia and the easternmost parts of Sicily; it also is present on the island of Corsica (France), and the Balearic Islands of Spain (where it was probably introduced in prehistoric times). Found from sea level to 1,330 m asl in central Italy (Romano et al . 2003; Spilinga 2007).

population:
Common with stable populations in suitable habitats in Italy. Within the Balearic Islands it is common except for on Ibiza. It is declining slowly on Majorca and more rapidly on Ibiza as a result of loss of breeding habitat.

habitat:
It is generally a lowland species. It occupies coastal areas (typically but not exclusively sand dunes), cultivated areas, and suburban and urban areas where it is found in gravel and sand pits, ponds and ditches; also in water tanks in the Balearic Islands.

threats:
In the Balearic Islands, loss and degradation of breeding habitat has resulted from excessive water abstraction, urbanization, decline of traditional agricultural practices and pollution with agrochemicals. Fragmentation as a result of road construction is also a problem.

conservationAction:
This species occurs in protected areas. There have been some reintroductions in Ibiza, and some habitat restoration (restoration of water tanks) has been carried out. It is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and Annex IV of the Habitats Directive (as Bufo viridis ).

redListAssessors:
Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano, Iñigo Martinez-Solano


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide global distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

Europe: NA – within Europe, this species only occurs on the island of Lampedusa (Italy). It is of marginal occurrence in the region (<1% of global population).

EU 27: NA – within the EU, this species only occurs in the Spanish North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla and on the island of Lampedusa (Italy). It is of marginal occurrence in the region (<1% of global population).

range:
This largely North Africa species occurs as fragmented populations from Western Sahara and Morocco in the east through Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, to Egypt. It has been recorded from the island of Lampedusa in Italy. The status of fragmented populations recorded from western Arabia, southern Israel and Jordan is unclear and they may be assignable to this species or possibly to Pseudepidalea variabilis .

population:
There is little information available on the abundance of this species.

habitat:
This species is found as often fragmented populations in forested areas, scrubland, dry grassland, semi-deserts and deserts. It inhabits both wetland areas as well as different dry desert types (usually found close to oases). It is presumably able to adapt to some habitat modification, especially where irrigation schemes increase the availability of suitable spawning habitats.

threats:
The main threat over much of the range appears to be the loss of breeding habitats through wetland drainage, desiccation and aquatic pollution (industrial and agricultural).

conservationAction:
In view of the species wide range it is presumably present in some protected areas. Further studies are needed to confirm the identity of green toad populations in Israel and Jordan.

redListAssessors:
Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern since, although this species has a small Extent Of Occurrence (c.20,000 km2), it is not severely fragmented, it occurs at more than 10 locations and there is no evidence of a continuing decline.

range:
This species is endemic to Italy, where it has been recorded from Sicily as well as the islands of Favigana and Ustica. The precise eastern distribution limit on Sicily needs to be clarified. Altitudinal range is from sea level to 1,200 m.

habitat:
It is generally a lowland species. It occupies coastal areas (typically but not exclusively sand dunes), cultivated areas, and suburban and urban areas where it is found in gravel and sand pits, ponds and ditches.

threats:
Habitat fragmentation as a result of road construction is a threat. Loss of breeding habitat as a result of water abstraction may also be a problem. The species is, however, not considered to be seriously threatened at present.

conservationAction:
This species is presumed to occur in protected areas. It is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive.


taxonomicNotes:
Stöck et al . (2006) removed this name from the synonymy of Bufo viridis (now Pseudepidalea viridis ). However, the taxonomic status of variabilis remains controversial and is currently not widely accepted. We provisionally include information here on populations allocated to  Pseudepidalea variabilis by Stöck et al . (2006) pending further revision of the genus Pseudepidalea . The isolated population of Pseudepidalea from the Kavir Desert in Iran was included in the synonymy of Pseudepidalea viridis kermanensis by Stöck, Günther, and Böhme, 2001. However, the species is morphologically (especially the skull) and vocally distinct from populations of Pseudepidalea found surrounding the Kavir Desert (Göran Nilson pers. comm., September 2008).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Data Deficient in view of continuing problems with its taxonomy as well as absence of recent information on its extent of occurrence, status and ecological requirements.

range:
This species is mapped by Stöck et al . (2006) as ranging from Greece, eastwards through Turkey, Cyprus to Syria and Lebanon (and possibly south as fragmented populations through Israel and Jordan through western Saudi Arabia (although these populations are current unassigned to species by Stöck et al . [2006] and might represent Pseudepidalea boulengeri ). It is mapped in Iraq and Iran, and is recorded as being distributed through the Caucasus and Russia to Kazakhstan. Stöck et al . (2006) records a seemingly isolated population in Denmark, southern Sweden and northern Germany. There is a morphologically distinct population in the Kavir Desert known only from the type locality of 'Cheshmeh-ye Sefied Ab, situated about 10 km southwest of Kuh-e Ghal'e-ye Sard mountains and about 30 km south of Siah Kuh mountains in the southern part of the Kavir Protected Region about 200km south of Teheran, Iran' (Andrén and Nilson 1979). The total range of this population consists of a single brackish spring and surrounding grass covered areas of less than 1km2 in total (Andrén and Nilson 1979; Göran Nilson pers. comm., September 2008). The distribution of Pseudepidalea variabilis is considered to be incompletely known with further surveys needed.

population:
There is little information available for populations recognized by Stöck et al . (2006) as Pseudepidalea variabilis . The isolated population indicated by Stöck et al. (2006) from Denmark, Sweden and possibly northern Germany are considered to be rare and declining. Populations in Israel my be expanding their range with increasing irrigation of arid areas. The isolated population in the Kavir Desert is very small, possibly only 100 mature individuals, but certainly less than 1,000 animals (Göran Nilson pers. comm., September 2008).

habitat:
Although additional details of natural history are needed for populations recognized as Pseudepidalea variabilis , it seems plausible that it can be found in similar habitats to those populations indicated by Stöck et al . (2006) as belonging to Pseudepidalea viridis , including grassland, meadows and steppe habitats, forests and shrubland, and a range of wetland areas or waterbodies. The isolated Kavir Desert population is restricted to the area of a single brackish spring and surrounding grassland within this highly arid environment.

threats:
The threats to the species are poorly known, but in view of the widely reported distribution for Pseudepidalea variabilis it is probable that there are no overall major threats. The key threats to this species in parts of its range are likely to be similar to that of Pseudepidalea viridis , namely the loss (for instance through agricultural expansion) or degradation (pollution) of wetland breeding habitats. The Kavir Desert population is found in an extremely remote area, although there are buildings of the Game Guard Post surrounding the single spring. Although there are no current threats to this population, it is plausible that any alteration of the stream flow (for example through the creation of watering troughs for game animals) could lead to the rapid decline of this morphologically distinct population.

conservationAction:
Additional taxonomic studies are needed for populations currently indicated as belonging to Pseudepidalea variabilis by Stöck et a l. (2006), as are studies into the natural history of these populations. Further details of the distribution are desirable. It seems probable that if Pseudepidalea variabilis is widespread that it will also be present in some protected areas, although this requires confirmation. Further studies are needed to confirm the identity of green toad populations in Israel and Jordan. The entire range of the morphologically distinct Kavir Desert population is within the very well-protected Kavir National Park. There is a need to ensure that no development of the limited habitat of this locality is undertaken.

redListAssessors:
Aziz Avisi, Boris Tuniyev, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya, Göran Nilson, Mozafar Sharifi, Theodore Papenfuss, Soheila Shafti


taxonomicNotes:
Further revision of taxonomy of the Pseudepidalea viridis complex with the use of genetic and biochemical data is needed. There is continuing disagreement over the use of the generic name Pseudepidalea over the use of Bufo .

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

Turkey: LC

range:
Following the recent revision of the ‘Bufo viridis’ complex by Stöck et al . (2006), populations of green toads now allocated to Pseudepidalea viridis are distributed through much of Europe (excluding much of Fenno-Skandia, the British Isles, almost the whole of Italy, the Iberian Peninsula and almost all of Europe west of the Rhine River) eastwards to Kazakhstan. Populations of green toads from the southern tip of Sweden, Denmark and northern Germany were provisionally identified as Pseudepidalea variabilis by Stöck et al . (2006), however it is possible that populations of Pseudepidalea viridis are also within these areas. The species of green toad on the island of Malta is unclear, and is retained here in Pseudepidalea viridis pending further research. Populations of green toad from the Eastern Mediterranean countries, and much of Central and Middle Asia are now largely allocated to Pseudepidalea variabilis by Stöck et al . (2006). Populations from North Africa are now included within Pseudepidalea boulengeri . Populations of green toads from the Balearic Islands (Spain), Corsica (France), Sardinia (Italy) and much of mainland Italy are now recognized as Pseudepidalea balearica . Green toad populations from Sicily, Italy, now mostly comprise the endemic Pseudepidalea sicula , with some populations of Pseudepidalea balearica in the northeast of this island. The status of green toads in Israel, Jordan, Sinai (Egypt) and of the isolated, relict population in the southern Hadramaut in southwestern Saudi Arabia is currently unclear, and it is possible that these populations should be included within either Pseudepidalea variabilis or Pseudepidalea boulengeri pending further review.

population:
This species is still considered a relatively abundant to common species over large parts of its range, although populations formerly recognized as Pseudepidalea viridis are rare or declining on the fringes of its range in Europe (e.g., Denmark and Sweden). It is extinct in Switzerland despite re-introduction efforts.

habitat:
This species lives in a wide range of forests, forest steppe, scrubland, grassland and alpine habitats. Animals may be present in modified areas including urban centres (e.g. Bucharest), city parks and gardens - and often benefits from disturbed habitats. Spawning and larval development occurs in a diverse range of temporary and permanent waterbodies including swamps, ponds, lakes, pools in streams and rivers, reservoirs, ditches and puddles.

threats:
The main threat over much of the range (most especially in the north) appears to be the loss of breeding habitats through wetland drainage, desiccation and aquatic pollution (industrial and agricultural). Populations might be locally declining mortality on roads.

conservationAction:
The species is listed on Appendix II of the Berne Convention and is listed on Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive. It is protected by national legislation in many countries; it is recorded on many national and sub-national Red Data books and lists and is present in many protected areas. In parts of this species range, mitigation measures to reduce road kill have been established.

redListAssessors:
Aram Agasyan, Aziz Avisi, Boris Tuniyev, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya, Matthias Stöck, Muhammad Sharif Khan, Sergius Kuzmin, David Tarkhnishvili, Vladimir Ishchenko, Theodore Papenfuss, Gad Degani, Ismail Ugurtas, Nasrullah Rastegar-Pouyani, Ahmad Disi, Steven Anderson, Trevor Beebee, Franco Andreone


taxonomicNotes:
Hyla arborea is the central member of the Hyla arborea complex, which includes several species of European and Asiatic tree frogs.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

Turkey: LC

range:
This is a widespread Palearctic species occurring from Iberia (where there are scattered populations within its range) and France, eastwards to western Russia and the Caucasian region, and southwards to the Balkans and Turkey (except extreme eastern, southeastern parts). It is mostly absent from Scandinavia (except southern and eastern Denmark and extreme southern Sweden), and has been introduced to the UK (New Forest) but is now thought to be extinct there and is not mapped. This is a lowland species that has been recorded at a maximum altitude (in Europe) of 2,300m asl. (Bulgaria), although this requires reconfirmation.

population:
While the species is common in suitable habitats in parts of its range, it is reported to be fragmented and in significant decline over much of its Western European distribution (e.g., Gasc et al. , 1997; Baker, 1997; Fog, 1995).

habitat:
This species is generally associated with open, well-illuminated broad-leaved and mixed forests, bush and shrublands, meadows, gardens, vineyards, orchards, parks, lake shores and low riparian vegetation. Dark and dense forests are avoided. Populations can tolerate periods of dryness and can be encountered in dry habitats (Dan Cogălniceanu pers. comm., October 2008). Spawning and larval development takes place in stagnant waters such as lakes, ponds, swamps and reservoirs, and sometimes in ditches and puddles. The species has been reported from anthropogenic landscapes, including large cities (e.g., Kiev). It sometimes occurs in sympatry with Hyla meridionalis (and produces infertile hybrids).

threats:
The species is quite sensitive to changes in habitat, including loss and fragmentation of forests, bush groves and meadows (with the isolation of populations), and the drainage and pollution of wetlands (industrial and agricultural) and predatory fish species. These impacts on metapopulations have led to declines in parts of Europe, and possible local declines in Turkey. The species is collected for the pet trade, and in some parts of its range (western Europe) this might be leading to local population declines.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix II of the Berne Convention and is listed on Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive. The species is protected by national legislation in many countries, it is recorded on many national and sub-national Red Data books and lists and it is present in many protected areas. It has been reintroduced to Latvia (Gaua National Park, Riga District) in 1987-1992 from Belarus and from captive bred individuals raised at Riga Zoo. Further research into the distribution limits of this species in southern Turkey is needed. In parts of this species range, mitigation measures to reduce road kill have been established.

In Sweden, a "restocking program" has successfully has increased the population from 2,000 (1980) to 50,000 (2008) in about 900 breeding ponds and the species has been repopulated to its historic range. The species benefits from pond creation programs in several areas of Central Europe. This is often a flagship species for numerous restoration programs.

redListAssessors:
Ugur Kaya, Aram Agasyan, Aziz Avisi, Boris Tuniyev, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya


range:
This species is largely restricted to mainland Italy and the island of Sicily (Italy); smaller populations are present on the edge of its range in southern Switzerland and western Slovenia (a single site on the Italian border). The species has an altitudinal range of sea level to at least 1,855m asl.

population:
It is still quite abundant in Italy, although populations have declined in some alpine valleys.

habitat:
It is usually associated with lowland woodland and forest; also found in some wetland habitats (e.g. reedbeds). It breeds in standing waters (lakes, small stagnant ponds, water tanks). The species is sometimes found in modified habitats (e.g. rice fields).

threats:
The species is potentially threatened by local habitat loss to urbanization and water pollution (presumably by agrochemicals). But overall, it is not seriously threatened.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention and is protected by national legislation in Italy and Switzerland. It is present in a number of protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Franco Andreone, Benedikt Schmidt, Milan Vogrin, Claudia Corti, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano


range:
The natural distribution of this species is in the western Mediterranean. It is present in southern France, Monaco, coastal northwestern Italy (Ligury and southern Piedmont), Spain, Portugal, and in northern Africa (Morocco, northern Algeria, and northern Tunisia). In the drier parts of its range (for example in parts of north Africa and Iberia) its distribution is fragmented due to limited available habitat, and it has a small Area of Occupancy within its wider Extent of Occurrence. The species is also present on the Canary Islands (Spain) and Madeira (Portugal) (it was introduced in antiquity on these islands). It is introduced on Menorca (Spain). The distribution in Algeria and Tunisia is poorly known but several authors have mentioned that the species ranges south of the Tell Atlas (D. Donaire-Barroso pers. comm.). It is generally found at low to mid elevations from sea level, rarely up to 2,650m asl (Morocco).

population:
Generally, it is common across its range. Populations in southeastern Spain and isolated populations in the Basque country, Spain, are declining mostly through loss of breeding habitats. It is locally threatened in Italy.

habitat:
This species may be found in trees, shrubs, orchards, vineyards, and grasses generally near to freshwater habitats; the species can occur at high densities within suitable vegetation. Breeding and larval development take place in ponds, springs, irrigation ditches, temporary pools, flooded meadows, lagoons, cattle pools, wells and even swimming pools. It is sympatric in some areas with Hyla arborea (and produces infertile hybrids).

threats:
The species is locally threatened by terrestrial habitat loss (intensification of agriculture; infrastructure development), aquatic pollution (agriculture; mosquito control), and loss of breeding sites (e.g.. drinking troughs). The introduction of predatory Louisiana Crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii ), and fishes (such as Gambusia holbrooki ) to breeding sites is a serious threat to this species. The species appears to show a greater resilience to eutrophication than many other species, possibly as the eutrophic waters promote the growth of reed mace and other favorable vegetation.

conservationAction:
The species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. It is recorded in a number of national and sub-national Red Data Books and Lists and is protected in parts of its range by national and sub-national legislation. The species occurs in many European and North African protected areas.

redListAssessors:
David Donaire-Barroso, Trevor Beebee, Pedro Beja, Franco Andreone, Jaime Bosch, Miguel Tejedo, Miguel Lizana, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Tahar Slimani , El Hassan El Mouden, Rafael Marquez


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its relatively wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species is restricted to the Mediterranean Islands of Corsica (France) and Elba, Cavallo, Monte Cristo, Sardinia, Maddalena, Caprera and San Pietro (Italy). It has an altitudinal range of sea level to 1,750m asl (Corsica).

population:
It is still quite widespread and common, especially in Corsica and Sardinia. The populations on the smaller islets are subject to fluctuations in size related to the temporary character of the breeding sites.

habitat:
This species is found within the vicinity of pools, ponds and streams, usually in woody areas. In residential areas they can be found in gardens, as long as there is nearby water. It reproduces in springs, cisterns and other suitable waterbodies.

threats:
There are no significant threats to this species at present.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and is listed on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. This species is protected by national legislation and is present in some protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Franco Andreone, Claude Miaud, Marc Cheylan, Claudia Corti, Philippe Geniez, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano


taxonomicNotes:
Hyla savignyi is a member of the Hyla arborea complex. It was previously considered to be a subspecies of H. arborea . A new species, Hyla heinzsteinitzi , from Israel, that is related to Hyla savignyi , has recently been described (Grach et al 2007)

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.                                                                                                                        Turkish: LC

range:
This species is widespread in western Asia and southern Transcaucasia, including Cyprus, southeastern Turkey, the Levant, the Arabian Peninsula (the Asir region of southern Saudi Arabia and northern Yemen), Iran (Zagros region, and an isolated population in Golestan National Park [Max Kasparek pers. comm. November 2008]), northern Iraq, Talysh (Azerbaijan), Armenia, and northwestwards to Tbilisi, (Georgia). It has also been reported from the northeastern region of Sinai, Egypt (first recorded in the early 1990's). It is present from 400m below sea level (Jordan) to above 1,800m.

population:
This species is relatively common in suitable habitat. It is the most abundant amphibian species in Israel; it is very common in Lebanon and is considered to be rare in Jordan.

habitat:
The species lives in much drier landscapes than Hyla arborea , including steppes, deserts and semi-deserts. It is also present in gardens, bush lands, montane forest edges, open oak and juniper forests, and areas with permanent or semi permanent water sources (including oasis) with good surrounding vegetation (e.g.. Phragmites , Oleander). The species may be found at considerable distances from waterbodies in xeric environments, such as rocky slopes and on the xerophytic bush Alhagi pseudoalhagi . Spawning and larval development takes place in small stagnant waterbodies, drainage canals and slow flowing brooks with dense herbaceous and shrub vegetation. The species is able to adapt to light habitat modification, and may be found in rural, or semi-urban, areas where suitable wetland habitat exists.

threats:
Severe drought, drying from water extraction, overgrazing and habitat loss might lead to localized declines. In Syrian Arab Republic and the Arabian Peninsula it might be threatened by water pollution and anthropogenic changes of habitat. In Israel, available breeding sites have declined by up to 30% in recent years.

conservationAction:
It is protected by national legislation in Israel. Present in protected areas in Georgia (Hoseov and Skibahoa Reserves), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Jordan (Dana and Al Mujib Wildlife Reserves) and Lebanon (Arz El-Shouf, Horj Ehden, Ammiq marshes and Sandy Beach of Sour). It is present in several protected areas in Turkey. The contact zone between H. savignyi and H. arborea in Georgia requires special attention (S. Kuzmin pers. comm.)

redListAssessors:
Sergius Kuzmin, Ahmad Disi, Gad Degani, David Tarkhnishvili, Boris Tuniyev, Max Sparreboom, Ismail Ugurtas, Nasrullah Rastegar-Pouyani, Steven Anderson, Riyad Sadek, Souad Hraoui-Bloquet, Avital Gasith, Eldad Elron, Sarig Gafny, Uğur Kaya


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened because this species is probably in significant decline (but probably at a rate of less than 30% over ten years) because of widespread habitat loss through much of its range and the impacts of invasive predators, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

range:
This species is present in most of the Iberian Peninsula (except the northern area of the Peninsula and parts of central and northern Portugal), and southern France. There are also isolated populations in western France. It occurs from sea level (France and Spain) up to 1,770m asl (Spain). Its Area Of Occupancy is much smaller than its Extent Of Occurrence, as it is restricted to a specific type of habitat.

population:
This species is generally common in suitable habitat. However, population declines have been observed in most of its range.

habitat:
The burrowing habits of this species generally restrict its distribution to areas with sandy or soft soils. It occurs in dunes, oak forest, scrub, cultivated land, and open areas, sometimes close to human habitation. In France it is largely restricted to coastal regions. It breeds in temporary pools and livestock ponds with thick vegetation that occasionally may be brackish. This species has a long larval development period, which makes it vulnerable to introduced predators and desiccation of ponds.

threats:
In Iberia threats include the isolation of populations by agricultural intensification, destruction of wetland habitats (by urban development) and their pollution (with agrochemicals), and introduction of predatory Louisiana crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii ) and fish (such as Gambusia holbrooki ) to breeding areas. Mortality on roads, and tourism development, are causing localized declines in some populations. In France, tourism and wetland drainage are the principal threats to this species. Overall, the severity of the threats to this species appears to be increasing.

conservationAction:
It occurs in a number of protected areas, including several NATURA 2000 sites, and is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. It is protected by national legislation in Spain, and is listed in a number of national and subnational Red Data Books.

redListAssessors:
Pedro Beja, Jaime Bosch, Miguel Tejedo, Miguel Lizana, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Valentin Perez-Mellado, Carmen Diaz Paniagua, Marc Cheylan, Rafael Marquez, Philippe Geniez


taxonomicNotes:
Further systematic work is currently under way on this taxon. It seems possible that it might be a complex of more than one species.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

EU27: Least Concern, however the species is currently in a serious decline and may soon quality for NT.
Europe: LC, however the species is currently in a serious decline and may soon quality for NT.

range:
This is a lowland species found throughout much of the plains and hilly regions of Europe, including from eastern Netherlands, eastern Belgium and eastern France, east through Germany, Denmark, Sweden (northern limits) and Central Europe and Eastern Europe to western Siberia (Russia) and northwestern Kazakhstan. It ranges from sea level up to 675m asl. There is a very isolated population in Argenton-sur-Creuse in central France, and another isolated population (the endemic subspecies, Pelobates fuscus insubricus ) in the Po Valley of northern Italy.

population:
Populations are reported to be declining or rare in some European countries (e.g.. Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Slovenia, Hungary). It is generally common in Poland. The species is common and widespread in the European part of the former Soviet Union. It is extinct in Switzerland.

habitat:
It is mostly present in open areas, generally avoiding moist soils. It inhabits clear spaces in coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests (and their edges), groves, steppes, fields, meadows, sand dunes, heath land, gravel pits, parks and gardens. Spawning sites are mostly permanent, small still waterbodies including ditches, ponds and lakes. It may occur in modified habitats such as rice fields (in Italy). Nocturnal and habitat specific.

threats:
The species seems to be may be sensitive to water quality and soil structure. Pollution of wetlands by industry, domestic sewage and agriculture (including eutrophication), drainage of breeding pools and introduction of predatory fishes and crayfish are major threats to the species. The species is also threatened by loss of terrestrial habitats (such as meadows) by factors such as intensive agriculture (e.g., over-stocking of cattle) and mortality on roads (and off-road driving). The species is collected in small numbers for the pet trade.

 Pelobates fuscus insubricus is a highly threatened subspecies. There are now 12 populations and in recent years it has declined strongly. In some areas it is threatened by the introduced crayfish. chytrid may be a problem (and may be now) in the near future. There is an Action Plan for this species in the Bern Convention.

conservationAction:
It is protected by national legislation in most European range states. Listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention. It is listed on Annex IV and Pelobates fuscus insubricus is listed on Annex II of the EU Natural Habitats Directive as a priority species. The species is recorded in a number of national and sub-national Red Data Books and Lists. It is present in many protected areas. In parts of this species' range, mitigation measures to reduce road kill have been established. A conservation programme is in place for the isolated population in central France. Populations benefit from pond creation and respond well to habitat restoration. In Sweden 99% of the population was lost between 1959-1989, however the species is now recovering due to reintroduction and population augmentation.


taxonomicNotes:
Further investigations into differences between populations in Turkish Thrace ( Pelobates syriacus balcanicus ) and those of Seydişhir vilayet are needed (İ.H. Ugurtas pers. comm.).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

EU27: NT - Close to qualifying for Vulnerable due to loss of wetland habitats, but at a rate of less than 30% over the past 10 years.

Europe: LC
Turkey: LC

range:
This species occurs in the south-east Balkans, east to south-eastern Transcaucasia and northern Iran, and south to the Levant. In the Balkans it occurs in Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, southern Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. It occurs widely, but in scattered populations in Turkey. In Caucasian region it is found in southeastern Armenia, Georgia north to Tbilisi and Azerbaijan, north to southern Dagestan in Russia, and east to the Caspian coastal area of Iran. In the Levant it occurs in northern Syrian Arab Republic and in the southern Coastal Plain [Ashdod] of Israel (the southernmost limit of its range), but it is probably extinct in Jordan where it has not been observed since 1984. It has been recorded from two sites in Lebanon in 2005; in the Hasbani Valley and in the Bekaa Valley near the Aammiq marsh. The species is also expected to occur in Albania, Ukraine and Moldova, but there appear not to be confirmed records from these countries, and records from northern Iraq require confirmation. It occurs from sea level to 2,000m asl.

population:
It appears not to be a common species; although a number of populations are often highly fragmented and subject to significant population fluctuations especially in the south of its range. The species is uncommon in Serbia (Kalezic and Dzukic 2001). It is relatively common in Iran. In Lebanon there are very localized but small populations. It is a threatened species in Israel. The species is possibly extinct in Jordan. This species is very rare in the Caucasus Region.

habitat:
It is a largely fossorial species. Terrestrial habitats occupied are generally open uncultivated lands such as light forests, steppe (and steppe-like habitats), semi-desert and rocky areas. It is generally less selective than Pelobates fuscus in terms of soil preference, inhabiting not only soft soils suitable for a fossorial life (although they are preferred), but also solid, rocky soils, particularly friable clay with pebbles. Spawning sites include stagnant temporary waterbodies; river or lakeside temporary waterbodies and large permanent pools. It can occur in slightly modified areas, including intensively grazed areas.

threats:
It is generally threatened by habitat loss through drainage or loss of breeding wetlands and conversion of land to agricultural and industrial use. Threatened by habitat destruction (especially of breeding sites) in Jordan and Israel. In Iran it is threatened by Caspian Sea coastal development, including holiday homes and agriculture (rice). Fragmented populations are susceptible to extinction through population fluctuations, most especially within arid landscapes.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix II of the Berne Convention; listed on Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive. It is protected by legislation in Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia (Yugoslavia) and Israel. It is recorded in a number of national and subnational Red Data Books and Lists. The species occurs in a number of protected areas. It is protected in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran. There have been successful captive breeding and re-introductions of this species in Armenia. Conservation measures, such as habitat construction, are taking place in Israel. Further status surveys are needed in parts of its range or potential range (e.g., Albania, Moldova, Ukraine, Syrian Arab Republic, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq).

redListAssessors:
Aram Agasyan, Boris Tuniyev, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya


taxonomicNotes:
This species was previously included within Pelodytes punctatus . Further systematic studies are required to more clearly determine the distribution of P. ibericus .

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its relatively wide distribution, tolerance of a degree of habitat modification, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species is endemic to southeastern Portugal and southern Spain. Further investigations into the range of this recently described species are needed in Portugal . It is present from sea level to approximately 1,450m asl in Granada province, Spain.

population:
It is locally abundant in suitable habitat in Spain, and it is increasing in Donana. It is considered to be scarce in Portugal.

habitat:
It can be found in dry or slightly damp open habitats including open woods, shrubland, salt marshes and cultivated areas. It can survive in intensively farmed areas. It breeds after rain in shallow sunny ponds (up to 1.5m deep), lagoons, stream backwaters, drains, roadside ditches and possibly in salt marshes. It is present in some modified habitats (such as non-intensively farmed fields).

threats:
Loss of suitable freshwater breeding habitats (including stream channelization) is a threat as is habitat fragmentation. Predation of larvae and adults by exotic fish and Louisiana Crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii ) introductions is also a threat.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix III of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Berne Convention). It is listed in the Regional Catalogue of Andalucía, Spain. It is not yet protected by national legislation. It is present in Doñana and Sierra Nevada National Parks, Spain.

redListAssessors:
Jaime Bosch, Miguel Tejedo, Miguel Lizana, Pedro Beja, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Rafael Marquez, Carmen Diaz Paniagua, Valentin Perez-Mellado


taxonomicNotes:
Populations in northern Portugal might belong to an undescribed species (Tejedo et al. 2004). Further systematic studies are required to more clearly determine the distribution of this species in Iberia.

range:
This species is found in western Portugal, northern, central and eastern Spain, most of France, and in coastal northwestern Italy (only in Liguria and southern Piedmont). In Portugal there is limited information on the distribution of this species in relation to Pelodytes ibericus . It occurs from sea level up to 1,630m asl.

population:
It is generally locally abundant over much of its range. The species is generally scarce in Portugal, and it is threatened in Italy due to loss of breeding sites on the edge of its range. Populations in southern Spain and northern Portugal are highly threatened and fragmented.

habitat:
Its preferred habitats are dry or damp stony areas (including drystone walls). It is also observed in dunes, flooded quarries and cultivated areas. It is often present in calcareous or sandy areas. Aquatic habitats, where it breeds, include shallow, sunny, open (often ephemeral or temporary) waters, small pools, ditches and slow, small streams with a sandy substrate. It can occur in traditionally farmed areas.

threats:
Threats include drainage of marshland and canalization of rivers (Gasc et al. , 1997). Loss of suitable freshwater breeding habitats and habitat fragmentation are also threats. Intensification of agriculture is threatening the species in Iberia. Desertification is a threat in parts of its range (southern Portugal). Predation of larvae and adults by exotic fish and Louisiana Crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii ) introductions (especially in Iberia) is also a threat. Hydroelectric projects are leading to habitat loss in parts of Portugal.

conservationAction:
This species is protected by national legislation throughout its range states (Gasc et al. , 1997) and it is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention. The species is recorded several national and subnational Red Data Books and lists and it is present in a number of protected areas (including several NATURA 2000 sites). In some areas protection of temporary ponds is a conservation priority for the species.

redListAssessors:
Mathieu Denoël, Pedro Beja, Franco Andreone, Jaime Bosch, Claude Miaud, Miguel Tejedo, Miguel Lizana, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Rafael Marquez, Marc Cheylan, Carmen Diaz Paniagua, Valentin Perez


taxonomicNotes:
Channing and Howell (2006) and Pickersgill (2007) treated the East African X.l. victorianus as a species in its own right, and we follow that arrangement. However, this leaves the odd situation of X. laevis being a southern African species, but with an isolated subspecies, X.l. sudanensis , in north-central Africa (which probably also needs to be recognized as a full species).

redListCategoryRationale:
Europe and EU: NA (introduced alien species)

Listed as Least Concern in view of its very wide distribution, its tolerance of a broad range of habitats, its presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
The range of this species is unclear following the removal from Xenopus victorianus from X. laevis . For the purposes of this assessment we have assumed that all animals from southern Angola, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique southwards (including in almost all of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland) belong to Xenopus laevis . In addition we treat all animals in Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo west of 28ºE as belonging to X. laevis sudanensis . Records from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo east of 28ºE refer to this X. victorianus . This species ranges from sea-level up to 3,000m asl.

It is introduced in several places outside its native range, including the USA where it was first introduced in the 1930s and 1940s for laboratory use and later as an aquarium pet. It was introduced and established locally in California (San Diego, Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, Ventura, and Imperial counties) and Arizona (Tucson area) (Stebbins 1985, Lafferty ad Page 1997). It has been recorded from, but it is not established in Colorado. It has also been introduced to Chile (introduced in the 1970s to central Chile, Valparaiso to Concepción Provinces), parts of the United Kingdom (extant in south Wales and presumed extirpated from the Isle of Wight [not mapped here], and a number of occasional records from other locations [not mapped], the Departments of Deux-Sèvres and Maine et Loire in France and Java (Indonesia) [not mapped here]. It is introduced also in the Lage stream, about 20 km W of Lisbon, Portugal (Rebelo et al ., 2007) and there is a large invasive population in Sicily (Lillo et al . 2005; Faraone et al . 2008) [not mapped here]. It is presumed to occur in southwestern Sudan, but there do not appear to be confirmed records from this country. Records from Congo refer to Xenopus petersii . Its range is also extending in parts of Africa, often by introduction because it is used for live bait, and it has spread extensively in South Africa. It occurs up to 3,000m asl.

population:
It is an extremely abundant, and often increasing, species.

habitat:
It is a water-dependent species occurring in a very wide range of habitats, including heavily modified anthropogenic habitats. It lives in all sorts of waterbodies, including streams, but tends to avoid large rivers, and waterbodies with predatory fish. It reaches its highest densities in eutrophic water. It breeds in water; there are no records of it breeding in flowing water. It has very high reproductive potential. It is a highly opportunistic species, and colonizes newly recreated, apparently isolated, waterbodies with ease. It can migrate in large numbers when breeding ponds start to dry up, and the weather is wet.

threats:
It is very successful and adaptable, and is an invasive species in many areas. Recent studies show that it is not impacted by the herbicide atrazine. Chytridiomycosis was detected in museum specimens of this species dating back to 1938, and it is hypothesized that the international trade in this species might have introduced this fungal disease to other regions of the world. The disease does not appear to have any detrimental affect on populations of this species.

redListAssessors:
Richard Tinsley, Leslie Minter, John Measey, Kim Howell, Alberto Veloso, Herman Núñez, Antonio Romano


redListCategoryRationale:
Europe and EU: NA (introduced alien species)

Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This is a very wide-ranging species. Its native range is from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, southern Quebec, Canada, south to eastern North America, except southern Florida, USA, then southward through Veracruz, Mexico. It is probably also found in other areas in Mexico (these are not shown on the map). This species was introduced to Mexico at the beginning of last century. It was introduced to 'La Garita' in Costa Rica, but now appears to be extinct in this country (Gerardo Chaves pers. comm.). It is also introduced in Cuba, Puerto Rico (introduced 1935), Hawaii (introduced mid- to late 1800s, now on all main islands), Isla de la Juventud, Hispaniola (only confirmed in northern and eastern Dominican Republic, not in Haiti) and Jamaica. Its range is increasing in some areas. It is introduced to South America, in Venezuela, there is an expanding population near La Azulita, in Mérida state, at the Andean versants facing Lake Maracaibo basin. In Colombia it is known from the Middle Magalena Valley, north to the lowlands on the Caribbean coast. In Peru it has become established around Iquitos in central Loreto Department in the Amazon Basin, and also around Lima on the Pacific coast. There are also a number of populations established in Ecuador and Brazil. In Europe, where it is introduced, the largest population occurs within the Po River Valley (Italy) where formal introductions continued at least until 1937. Other populations have been reported from Belgium (recorded from several sites in Wallonia and at least one population is known in Flanders), the Netherlands, central and southwestern France, Germany (in the vicinity of Bonn and also in Baden-Wuttemburg), Greece (Crete), Spain (Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands [only a few individuals observed and not mapped here], Villasbuenas de Gata in Cacerés [not recently observed and not mapped here] and Sierra de Collserola, Cataluña Province [only a few individuals observed and not mapped here]), northern and southern Italy (where it is naturalized in few localities in Piedmont, Lombardy, Emilia-
Romagna and Basilicata) and the United Kingdom (possibly now eradicated). It has possibly been introduced to Switzerland, although this requires further confirmation. In Asia, where it is also introduced, it is found in several localities in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand [not mapped here] and Singapore [not mapped here]. It has been introduced to mainland China and Taiwan, Province of China, for raising in farms for human consumption. Feral populations have become established in Taiwan, Province of China, Kunming in Yunnan province, Sichuan, Xinjiang and possibly other places in China as a result of escape or deliberate release. Individuals have been found in the wild in Hong Kong probably from releases of market animals. However, there is no evidence to suggest that this species is now established in Hong Kong. It is found widely from southern Hokkaido to Ishigakijima in Japan.

population:
There are thousands of occurrences of this species. It is highly abundant and its global population is increasing. Although some of the populations in Europe of this species are increasing, other introductions not have become fully established. In Asia, it is only present in isolated pockets. Animals have been deliberately introduced to northern Thailand in the hope of augmenting native frog production. Farmed animals are exported alive to East Asia (Pariyanonth and Daorerk, 1995; Lim and Lim, 1992) and can escape or be released to become established. A growing population is now established in the Venezuelan Andes (C. Gottberg and A. Diaz pers. comm.), near the town of Jají, in Mérida State.

habitat:
This species inhabits ponds, swamps, lakes, reservoirs, marshes, brackish ponds (in Hawaii), stream margins and irrigation ditches. It is sometimes found in temporary waters hundreds of metres from permanent water. It winters at the bottom of pools. It may disperse from water in wet weather. Eggs and larvae develop in permanent slow or non-flowing bodies of water.

threats:
There are no threats to this species. Outside its native range, this species is considered a pest. It has been observed predating on native species in Puerto Rico, including on Leptodactylus albilabris, and is a potential predator of other native species throughout its introduced range. It is a possible vector of pathogens.

conservationAction:
There are no measures required to conserve this species. Instead, eradication of this species from its introduced range is a conservation priority. In Asia, this species is believed to have a negative impact on the native amphibian fauna. It should be monitored and controlled. Farming activities should concentrate on native Rana rugulosa. Farming of Rana catesbeiana should at least be strictly contained, including water discharges from farms that should be carefully controlled or prevented. Ideally, the farming of the species outside its range should be prohibited. Studies of actual and potential ecological impacts should be conducted, perhaps leading to an elimination programme. Awareness of the potential threat posed by this species to native biodiversity must be raised. The Venezuelan government has taken actions to avoid the spread of this species. There has been an eradication program, with participants from the University of Los Andes at Mérida, the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC) and the Ministry of Environment, started at the beginning of 2002.

redListAssessors:
Georgina Santos-Barrera, Geoffrey Hammerson, Blair Hedges, Rafael Joglar, Sixto Inchaustegui, Lue Kuangyang, Chou Wenhao, Gu Huiqing, Shi Haitao, Arvin Diesmos, Djoko Iskandar, Peter Paul van Dijk, Masafumi Matsui, Benedikt Schmidt, Claude Miaud


taxonomicNotes:
This species was previously considered to be a subspecies of Pelophylax ridibundus . The taxonomy and distribution of this species and other West Asian water frogs needs further research. The taxonomic status of populations on Cyprus should also be reviewed as these animals might represent a species endemic to that island (Wolfgang Böhme pers. comm.).

redListCategoryRationale:
Global: LC
Turkish: LC
Europe: LC
EU 27: LC

Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, its tolerance of a broad range of habitats, its presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

In Turkey, this species is listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, its tolerance of a broad range of habitats, its presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. Trade of the species if continued at unsustainable levels could endanger the species.

In Europe and EU27, this species is listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, its tolerance of a broad range of habitats, its presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. The species could be threatened by competition with humans for limited water resources on small islands.

range:
This species ranges widely in the eastern Mediterranean. In Turkey this species is widespread along the Aegean coast and the southern part of the Anatolian highlands. It is also found on the Greek islands close to the coast of Turkey including the island of Rhodes (Arnold, 2002), and ranges through much of Cyprus. It is present in eastern Syrian Arab Republic (with isolated populations in the north and east), most of Lebanon (where it is a common species), northeastern Jordan (with an isolated population known from the Azraq Oasis), Lebanon (a common species), much of Israel (except the extreme south), and Egypt (Nile Delta and northeastern Sinai (Disi et al. , 2001; S. Baha El Din pers. comm.). It might range more widely, and records from Iraq (not mapped) require confirmation; this will be determined by ongoing taxonomic work. In Jordan the species has been collected from sea level to 1,500m asl.

population:
It is generally common to abundant in humid areas. In Lebanon it is very abundant in the lowlands and is also common at higher elevations. It is common, but localized in Egypt (S. Baha El Din pers. comm.).

habitat:
This is a largely aquatic species of permanent wetlands with rich aquatic vegetation. The species' habitats include permanent ponds, rain pools, streams, rivers, irrigation channels, reservoirs, marshes, springs and fishponds, being sometimes found in surrounding terrestrial habitats. It is able to survive in areas with organic pollution and tributaries from hot mineral springs. It is a seasonal breeder, with breeding taking place in permanent waterbodies. This species can occur in modified habitats where suitable wetlands exist.

threats:
It is threatened by a localized loss of habitat through the drainage of wetlands, pollution, excessive drought and the development of coastal areas. It is caught and exported from Turkey to western Europe for food which represents a significant threat. It is exported in large numbers from Egypt (S. Baha El Din pers. comm.). There are no threats to the species in Lebanon. On the smaller islands in Greece where this species is present, it is sometimes threatened by water abstraction by local people.

conservationAction:
Further surveys are needed to accurately determine this species range. It is protected by national legislation in Israel, and it is present in the Azraq Wetland Reserve, Dana Wildlife Reserve and Al Maujib Wildlife Reserves of Jordan and the Arz El-Shouf, Horj Ehden, Ammiq marshes and Sandy Beach of Sour protected areas in Lebanon. It is found several protected areas in Turkey.

redListAssessors:
Theodore Papenfuss, Sergius Kuzmin, Ahmad Disi, Gad Degani, Ismail Ugurtas, Max Sparreboom, Steven Anderson, Riyad Sadek, Souad Hraoui-Bloquet, Avital Gasith, Eldad Elron, Sarig Gafny, Petros Lymberakis, Wolfgang Böhme, Sherif Baha El Din,


taxonomicNotes:
P.-A. Crochet (pers. comm.) suggests that this is probably a subspecies of Pelophylax lessonae (Crochet and Dubois in press).

range:
This species is present in peninsular Italy (south of Genoa and Rimini), the islands of Elba and Sicily (Italy) and on the island of Corsica (France). There is probably at least one introduced population in the UK (it is not known if it persists) (not mapped here). It has also been introduced to Sardinia, Italy. It has an altitudinal range of at least up to 1,800m asl.

habitat:
It is associated with still and slow moving waters, where it breeds, and the surrounding terrestrial habitats. It may occasionally be found in modified habitats

threats:
This species is threatened by the localized loss of suitable wetland habitat (presumably through drainage for agriculture and urbanization). Pelophylax species have been widely translocated (they are eaten by people), and different species within the genus hybridize readily; consequently hybridization presents a threat to the genetic integrity of the species.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention and is protected by national legislation in Italy. It is listed on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive (as part of Rana (= Pelophylax ) lessonae ). It is present in some protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Franco Andreone, Claudia Corti, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano


taxonomicNotes:
This species is now regarded as being endemic to the island of Karpathos; populations on Rhodes that were previously assigned to this species are now allocated to P. bedriagae (Lymberakis et al. 2007). The taxonomy of Pelophylax is complex and further studies are ongoing.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Critically Endangered, because its extent of occurrence is less than 100 km2 and area of occupancy is less than 10 km2, it is known from a single location, and there is a continuing decline in the quality of its habitat. Current population trend has not been quantified but it is likely to be declining in response to habitat loss; the species was more abundant in the 1960s than it is today.

range:
This species is known only from Karpathos Island, Greece. It is currently only known with certainty from a single river, near Olimbos in the mountains on the north side of the island, and it does not appear to range more widely.

population:
The known population on Karpathos is reported to be 'modest' (Beerli et al. 1994). Earlier literature sources from the 1960s have indicated that water frogs were abundant on the island, but around 1992 they were difficult to find (with very few adults being observed, but several juveniles) (P. Beerli pers. comm.). Recent reports indicate that it is quite common in its single site on Karpathos. Current population trend has not been quantified, but there certainly was a decline from the 1960s to the present.

habitat:
It is a mostly aquatic species, largely restricted to permanent still or slow-running waters and apparently sensitive to habitat change. Breeding and larval development presumably take place in these waterbodies.

threats:
The major threat is habitat loss and degradation of suitable aquatic habitats. Although the site from which the species is known is fairly remote, freshwater habitats are subject to a number of threats such as excessive water abstraction and climate change. Fires are an additional potential threat, and the species may be vulnerable to climate change.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention. It probably occurs in a protected area on Karpathos, but there is a need for further research into the range and low population of this species. Monitoring and effective protection and appropriate management of the single site at which it is known to occur is needed.

redListAssessors:
Peter Beerli, Thomas Uzzell, Petros Lymberakis


taxonomicNotes:
The species status of Pelophylax cretensis is "confirmed" by short mtDNA sequences and a large number of private allozyme alleles not found in any other water frog (P. Beerli pers. comm.).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Endangered, because its extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 km2 and area of occupancy is less than 500 km2, its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is a continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat.

range:
This species is endemic to the island of Crete, Greece, where it is patchily distributed in the lowlands over a wide area generally below 100m asl.

population:
It does not appear to be particularly abundant, and is especially difficult to find in dry years.

habitat:
It is associated with wetlands including slow-moving rivers and streams, lakes and marshes. Breeding and larval development presumably take place in these waterbodies.

threats:
The loss of aquatic habitats is the principal threat to this species. Extraction of stream water in the uplands for agricultural irrigation (for bananas) leaves many lowland reaches dry during the summer months. Additional habitat loss may be occurring through infrastructure and tourism development. It might be impacted by the introduction of Lithobates catesbeiana .

conservationAction:
The species is listed on Appendix III of the Berne Convention. Although it occurs in many protected areas, several are not well protected or managed for biodiversity conservation. Further research into the population status and distribution of this species is urgently needed.


taxonomicNotes:
This species does not produce hybridogenetic hybrids (Guerrini et al. 1997).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Vulnerable because its Extent of Occurrence is less than 20,000 km2, its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its wetland habitat.

range:
This species is restricted to western Greece (including the island of Kerkyra), and southern Albania. It seems likely that populations of this species are fragmented because there are extensive areas of unsuitable habitat within its range. It occurs from sea level to around 500m asl.

population:
This species has been described as quite abundant throughout much of its range (Gasc et al. 1997), although some populations are believed to be in decline.

habitat:
This species is mostly aquatic and is commonly associated with still waters, slow-moving rivers, canals, and marshes, often with rich vegetation at their edges. Breeding and larval development takes place in these waterbodies. It is not known if the species can adapt to changes in habitat.

threats:
The main threats to this species are general loss of wetland habitat (through drainage for urbanization, tourism and agricultural intensification), water pollution, and large-scale commercial collection for food (it is harvested in enormous numbers in Albania).

conservationAction:
It is not known if the species occurs in any protected areas, though it might occur in Amvrakikos Gulf. There is a need to ensure that the offtake of this species from the wild for human consumption is managed sustainably. This species is listed on Appendix III of the Berne Convention.

redListAssessors:
Thomas Uzzell, Petros Lymberakis, Idriz Haxhiu


taxonomicNotes:
Previously, Pelophylax esculentus was considered to be a full species or a subspecies. It has since been found to be a hybrid form between the parental species, P. lessonae and P. ridibundus . According to the generally accepted view, this is a kleptospecies, i.e. a new category of taxa at the species level, the character of which does not coincide with the biological species concept. A large majority of past records of " Rana esculenta " (except for the designation of P. ridibundus under the same name) refer to P. lessonae or the latter and the hybrid form together. Further studies on the ecology and distribution of the hybrid P. esculentus are needed.

range:
This species ranges throughout most of western, central and eastern Europe; populations are largely sympatric with populations of the parental species. It is absent from much of Scandinavia (although present in Denmark and southern most Sweden [it is unclear as to whether or not the Swedish populations are relicts or introductions]). In Italy it is present only with certainty in the River Po plain. The species has been introduced to the United Kingdom [not mapped here] and to Spain at Villasbuenas de Gata, Cáceres and unspecified localities in Galicia, Cataluña and Comunidad Valenciana. It is generally a lowland taxon which might occur up to approximately 1,550m asl.

population:
It is generally stable with large populations in Eastern Europe. There have been population declines reported in parts of Western Europe.

habitat:
It is a largely aquatic species associated with wetlands such as ponds, channels, ditches and slow moving rivers and streams. It is generally absent from forests, very large pools and strongly flowing waterbodies. The species spawns and larval development takes place within wetland habitats. It can occur in artificial waterbodies, and has spread in parts of its range through the irrigation of formerly unsuitable habitat (e.g.. in parts of Romania).

threats:
It is generally threatened by aquatic pollution (often by agrochemicals) and drainage of wetland habitats. The frog-leg trade and high levels of pollution are leading to significant declines in populations of the former Yugoslavia (Dzukic, 1996; Ljubisavljevic et al. 2003). Declines in the parent species R. lessonae can directly affect dependant populations of R. esculenta .

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex V of the EU Natural Habitats Directive and is protected by national legislation in many countries. It is recorded on many national and sub-national Red Data books and lists. It is present in many protected areas. In parts of this species' range, mitigation measures to reduce road kill have been established.

redListAssessors:
Sergius Kuzmin, Trevor Beebee, Franco Andreone, Brandon Anthony, Benedikt Schmidt, Agnieszka Ogrodowczyk, Vladimir Ishchenko, Natalia Ananjeva, Nikolai Orlov, Boris Tuniyev, Maria Ogielska, Claude Miaud, Jon Loman, Dan Cogalniceanu, Tibor Kovács


taxonomicNotes:
Pelophylax grafi is a kleptospecies (hybridogenetic hemilineage) associated with P. perezi and P. ridibundus (Crochet et al. 1995).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened due to an observed decline as a result of competition from the introduced species P. ridibundus . The rate of decline is probably close to 30% over the last 10 years making it close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

range:
This species is present in southern France and north-eastern Spain (Catalonia, Aragon, Navarra and the Basque Country) (Crochet et al. 1995; Dubois and Ohler 1994). It is also present in the southern Rhone Valley (Pagano, Joly and Hotz 1997). It is difficult to determine the distribution limits of this species because of hybridization.

population:
The species' population has been greatly affected by the introduction of P. ridibundus , and in many areas where it was previously found only the invasive species remains.

habitat:
Rana grafi occurs in mixed colonies with R. perezi , and lives in similar habitat, being found in a wide variety of temporary and permanent waterbodies (such as pools, streams, ditches, and irrigation canals), where it breeds. Terrestrial habitats include forests, scrubland, agricultural areas and coastal marshes.

threats:
The major threat to this species is displacement by the invasive species P. ridibundus . It is possibly also threatened by the drainage of suitable wetlands for agricultural, urban and tourism development. Agrochemical pollution of breeding waterbodies is also presumed to be a threat.

conservationAction:
This species occurs in a number of protected areas, and is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention. Monitoring of the population is necessary to determine the degree of decline as a result of invasive species.

redListAssessors:
Miguel Tejedo, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Pierre-André Crochet


taxonomicNotes:
This form is a kleptospecies derived from Pelophylax bergeri and P. ridibundus or P. kl. esculentus .

range:
This species occurs on the island of Sicily (Italy) and on the Italian mainland, south of a line from Genoa to Rimini. It is also present on the Italian islands of Elba and Giglio. It is found at least up to 1,000m asl.

population:
This is a locally abundant species that does not appear to be declining.

habitat:
It is associated with still and slow moving waters and is found in nearby terrestrial habitats. This species is usually found in mixed colonies with Pelophylax bergeri . It can occur in slightly modified habitats.

threats:
This species is threatened by the localized loss of suitable wetland habitat (presumably through drainage for agriculture and urbanization). It might also be threatened through predation by introduced fish. Pelophylax species have been widely translocated (they are eaten by people), and different species within the genus hybridize readily; consequently hybridization presents a threat to the genetic integrity of the species.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Appendix III of the Berne Convention and is protected by national legislation in Italy. It occurs in a number of protected areas.


taxonomicNotes:
The name Rana balcanica is occasionally used, but this is a junior synonym of Pelophylax kurtmuelleri (Dubois and Ohler 1995). P.-A. Crochet (pers. comm.) mentions that there is no genetic divergence between Pelophylax kurtmuelleri and P. ridibundus , and so the status of this species is doubtful (Crochet and Dubois 2004).

range:
This species is distributed throughout much of Greece and Albania. In 1941 the species was also introduced to Imperia province, Liguria, northwestern Italy where it is currently expanding its range (Lanza, 1962; Lanza and Corti, 1993). It has an altitudinal distribution of sea level to a maximum of 1,000m asl.

population:
It was considered by Gasc et al. (1997) to be common throughout its range.

habitat:
It is a largely aquatic species, generally found in areas close to suitable open water wetland habitats. It breeds in various stagnant and slow-moving waterbodies. Introduced populations of this species in Italy do not form hybridogenetic hybrids with native species (T. Uzzell pers. comm.).

threats:
This species is threatened in its native range by drainage of wetland habitats and aquatic pollution of many waterways caused by agrochemical and industrial (including mining) contaminants. In northern parts of its native range (e.g., Lake Skadar) it is significantly threatened by over collection for commercial purposes. The species is additionally threatened by accidental introductions of commercially transported non-native water frogs. However, it remains abundant in many places.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention. The species is present in the Lake Skadar protected area, on the border of Montenegro and Albania, and presumably in several other protected areas. Monitoring of commercial collection of this species is needed.

redListAssessors:
Thomas Uzzell, Franco Andreone, Petros Lymberakis, Milan Vogrin, Idriz Haxhiu, Jelka Crnobrnja-Isailovic, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano


range:
This species is distributed over much of Europe, ranging as far east as the southern Ural Mountains of Russia. It is absent from the Iberian Peninsula (except for introductions to Spain in Cáceres [Villasbuenas de Gata] and unspecified localities in Galicia, Cataluña and Comunidad Valenciana), much of Scandinavia, central and southern Italy (exact distribution not known but thought to be replaced by P. bergeri ) and it is absent from the Balkans. There are two isolated relict populations - one near Oslo (Norway) and Uppland (Sweden) north of Stockholm. It is native (formerly extirpated) to the British Isles and has been recently reintroduced from Sweden. It might occur up to 1,550m asl in southern parts of its range.

population:
Although this species is reported to be declining over much of its European range (Gasc et al. , 1997), it remains widespread and common in Poland, the Baltic Republics, Moldova, Russia and the Ukraine.

habitat:
It is present in deciduous and mixed forests, forest steppe, steppe, bush lands (e.g. riparian alder groves), meadows, fields and fens. It may often be found in shallow stagnant waterbodies (usually without fish) such as lakes, ponds, swamps, large puddles, clay and gravel pits, and ditches, often covered with dense herbaceous vegetation. It breeds in these wetlands, but may be found hibernating away from waterbodies. It is not very adaptable, but can occur in slightly modified habitats.

threats:
It is threatened by habitat loss through agricultural intensification and urbanization, channelization of waterbodies, drainage and pollution of wetlands, and the introduction of predatory fishes to breeding sites. It is additionally threatened by afforestation (in northern parts of the range) and competition with the larger sympatric R. ridibunda. The frog-leg trade (which is increasing) and high levels of pollution are leading to significant declines in populations within Yugoslavia (Dzukic, 1996; Ljubisavljevic et al. 2003).

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix III of the Berne Convention and on Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive. It is protected by national legislation in many countries and is recorded on a number of national and sub-national Red Data books and lists. It is present in many protected areas. In parts of the species' range, mitigation measures to reduce road kill have been established.

redListAssessors:
Sergius Kuzmin, Trevor Beebee, Franco Andreone, Per Nyström, Brandon Anthony, Benedikt Schmidt, Agnieszka Ogrodowczyk, Maria Ogielska, Dan Cogalniceanu, Tibor Kovács, István Kiss, Miklós Puky, Judit Vörös


range:
This species is found in southern France and across the whole of the Iberian Peninsula. It has been introduced to the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands (Spain), two sites in the United Kingdom (Sheppey, Kent and Newdigate, Surrey) and Madeira and the Azores (Portugal) (the distribution in the Azores requires further details and is incompletely mapped here). It occurs from sea level up to 2,380m asl (Sierra Nevada, Spain).

population:
It is generally widespread and common over much of the Iberian Peninsula, while populations in France are reported to be scarce and dispersed (Gasc et al. , 1997). This species appears to be expanding its range to higher elevations, possibly as a result of climate change.

habitat:
It inhabits a wide variety of temporary and permanent waterbodies (pools, streams, ditches, irrigation canals etc.). The terrestrial habitats of the species include forests, Mediterranean-type scrub, agricultural areas, rocky areas, coastal marshes, gardens and urban parks. It breeds in various aquatic habitats, and is able to tolerate some habitat disturbance.

threats:
There are generally no major threats to this widespread species. localized threats include changes in habitat through the loss of traditional agricultural methods, drainage or pollution of wetlands, collection of individuals for human consumption and hybridization with introduced farmed European ranids (R. esculenta complex). Mortality of the species through disease (iridovirus) has been recorded in Carris Lake, Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal. The disease might be non-native and have been transferred to the lake by an introduced predatory North American fish ( Lepomis gibbosus ). Predation by Lepomis gibbosus and other introduced predatory fish species occurs but is probably not a threat, and it is not greatly threatened in Portugal by the expansion of non-native predatory crayfish (Beja pers. comm.). In France, it is being displaced within some of its range by the introduced species Pelophylax ridibunda .

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex III of the Berne Convention and on Annex V of the EU Natural Habitats Directive. It is recorded in the national Red Data Book of Spain, and several regional Red Data Books. It occurs in many protected areas including Doñana and Cabañeros National Parks in Spain. In Portugal it is present in Peneda-Gerês National Park, where the population of Carris Lake has been impacted by disease. Further research into the impacts of disease on this species is needed.

redListAssessors:
Jaime Bosch, Miguel Tejedo, Pedro Beja, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Trevor Beebee


taxonomicNotes:
Pelophylax ridibundus is the central member of the P. ridibundus complex. Investigations of mitochondrial DNA suggest that populations from the southern Caucasus and Central Asia might represent a separate species. The taxonomy of Anatolian water frogs (including P. ridibundus ) is still unclear; some authors suggest that the presence of P. ridibundus in Turkey cannot be established on the basis of morphometric data.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

Turkey: NT due to the overcollecting has been a 20-25% decline over the past 10 years.

range:
This is a widespread species in western, central and eastern Europe and ranges as far eastwards as eastern Kazakhstan. There are introduced populations in the southeast United Kingdom (where the range is spreading), Switzerland, Belgium (Wallonia), Spain (Villasbuenas de Gata, Cáceres and unspecified localities in Galicia, Cataluña and Comunidad Valenciana), Siberia and Kamchatka, Russia and northwestern Xinjiang (Yining, Tacheng, Wenquan, Huocheng and Xinyuan), China. It is present throughout Turkey (although this might represent a separate taxon), possibly Syrian Arab Republic, much of Iran, northeastern Iraq and most of northern Afghanistan (absent from Pakistan). Isolated populations are present in Bahrain (it is not known as to whether or not this is an introduction) and within Saudi Arabia (relict populations in the southern Hadramaut, and an introduction at Al Kharj). Further investigations are needed into the range of the species within Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Numerous introductions have expanded the range in Siberia and Kamchatka. In Central Asia, it is often difficult to distinguish between the periphery of natural range and the areas occupied after dispersal and introductions. Numerous populations in Kazakhstan have originated through deliberate introductions from local laboratories and universities. The species was introduced into Siberia and Kamchatka through the accidental introduction of tadpoles with fish into reservoirs with warm discharge waters from electric power stations. It occurs from sea level to altitudes of around 2,500m asl.

population:
This is generally a common to abundant species where it occurs.

habitat:
It is a highly opportunistic amphibian, living in mixed and deciduous forests, forest steppe, and steppe and other grasslands, semi-desert and desert zones. Arid areas are largely colonized through river valleys and channels. The frog prefers open, well-warmed areas with abundant herbaceous vegetation. It is a semi-aquatic species, inhabiting (and breeding in) a wide variety of flowing and stagnant water habitats, from shallow puddles and ponds to large lakes, reservoirs, rivers and brooks. It may also be found in slightly saline water; on the northern shore of the Apsheron Peninsula (Caspian Sea), reproduction has been observed in marine water at a distance of 0.5-1m from the shore. It is present in many modified habitats.

threats:
There are no major threats to this adaptable species. Loss of breeding habitats may lead to localized declines, but it is very resistant to environmental pollution and animals may be found in highly polluted waters (such as chemical or metallurgic pollution) where other amphibian species cannot survive. Severe, or prolonged, droughts may lead to localized population declines of this frog in arid areas. The harvesting of this species for educational and medical research, or food, appears to have little effect on some populations, although the frog-leg trade and high levels of pollution are leading to significant declines in populations in eastern Asia, in the former Yugoslavia (Dzukic, 1996; Ljubisavljevic et al. 2003) and possibly also in Romania. In Turkey, the harvesting of frog populations allocated to Pelophylax ridibunda for food appears to be a threat, thus the frog-leg trade and very significant levels of pollution due to some industrial areas might be leading to significant declines in populations in Turkey.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex V of the EU Natural Habitats Directive and on Appendix III of the Berne Convention, and is protected by national legislation in a number of countries. It is listed in a number of national and regional Red Data Books and Lists, and is present in many protected areas. There is a need to control or eliminate this species where it has been introduced outside its natural range, as it is a threat to native species. In parts of its range, mitigation measures to reduce road kill have been established.

redListAssessors:
Sergius Kuzmin, David Tarkhnishvili, Vladimir Ishchenko, Tatjana Dujsebayeva, Boris Tuniyev, Theodore Papenfuss, Trevor Beebee, Ismail Ugurtas, Max Sparreboom, Nasrullah Rastegar-Pouyani, Ahmad Disi, Steven Anderson, Mathieu Denoël, Franco Andreone


taxonomicNotes:
Prior to Uzzell (1982) (who provisionally resurrected the name), this species was considered to be a synonym of Pelophylax perezi , or, following Pasteur and Bons (1959), a synonym of P. ridibundus . Although northwest African members of the " P. esculentus " complex are here tentatively regarded as P. saharicus , Hemmer, Konrad and Bachmann (1980), suggested that two species were hybridizing in North Africa. Steinwarz and Schneider (1991), considered it probable that P. saharicus is a junior synonym of P. perezi .

redListCategoryRationale:
Europe: NA – this species is introduced in Europe (Canary islands)
EU 25: NA – within the EU, this species only occurs as a native species in the Spanish North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla

Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, its presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species is widely distributed (but with fragmented populations due to patchy available habitat) from northwestern Western Sahara, through Morocco, Ceuta and Melilla (Spain), Algeria (south to the Hoggar Massif), Tunisia, northern Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and northwestern Egypt (Siwa Oasis only). It has been introduced in Gran Canaria, Spain. The species has an altitudinal range of sea level to 2,670m asl.

population:
It is abundant where suitable wetland habitat exists, and it is the most common amphibian of the Maghreb region. It is localized and uncommon in Egypt (S. Baha El Din pers. comm.).

habitat:
It is mostly confined to montane and wetland areas within its range. The species is largely aquatic, being found in and around streams, oasis pools, irrigation canals, lakes and other waterbodies. Eggs are deposited in water. It is not known whether or not the species can occur in modified habitats.

threats:
The species is presumed to have no major threats, although it might be locally threatened by over-exploitation of water resources, pollution and fragmentation of populations. There has been some loss of habitat around Ceuta and Melilla.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention. It occurs in several protected areas.

redListAssessors:
David Donaire-Barroso, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Tahar Slimani , El Hassan El Mouden, Philippe Geniez, Tahar Slimani, Ulrich Joger, Sherif Baha El Din


taxonomicNotes:
Although Schneider and Haxhiu (1994) had difficulty distinguishing the voice of Pelophylaxa shqipericus from that of P. lessonae , morphology, allozymes, mtDNA sequences, and crossing experiments all indicate that P. shqipericus is very distinct from P. lessonae . Its relationships with other western Palearctic water frogs are less clear (T. Uzzell pers. comm.). This species does not make hybridogenetic hybrids (Guerrini et al. 1997).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Endangered because its Extent of Occurrence is less than 5,000 km2, its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat.

range:
This lowland species is restricted to western Albania and southern Montenegro at elevations below 500m asl.

population:
There is no information on the population status of this species.

habitat:
It has been reported from heavily vegetated aquatic habitats including ditches, swamps, marshes, the edges of slow-flowing rivers and the shoreline of Lake Skadar. Breeding, and larval development, takes place in these wetland habitats. It is not known if the species can successfully adapt to habitat modification.

threats:
The major threat is drainage of wetland habitats and aquatic pollution of many waterways caused by agrochemical and industrial (including mining) contaminants. In the northern parts of its range (e.g. Lake Skadar) it is significantly threatened by over collection for commercial purposes. An additional threat is the accidental introduction of commercially transported non-native water frogs.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix III of the Berne Convention. 'Green frogs', including R. shqiperica , are not protected by law in Yugoslavia (Kalezic and Dzukic 2001; Ljubisavljevic, Dzukic and Kalezic 2003). The species is present in the Lake Skadar protected area, on the border of Montenegro and Albania.


taxonomicNotes:
The intraspecific systematics of this species need further study. Animals from the Altai Mountains have for a long time been considered as a separate subspecies of Rana arvalis or as the species Rana altaica . This has largely been on the basis of their shorter shins and large inner metatarsal tubercle. Similar frogs have since been found in other parts of the range of Rana arvalis (e.g.. In the north of European Russia and in the Urals) and in Siberia some animals display transient characters between Rana arvalis and the Altaic taxon. Until this taxonomic issue is fully resolved we include Rana altaica within Rana arvalis .

range:
This species is found throughout most of the northern, central and eastern parts of Europe, eastwards to Siberia (Yakutia and Baikal Lake), Russia and Xinjiang Province, China. It is no longer believed to be present in Serbia and the original records were probably in error (Kalezic and Dzukic, 2001). It is typically a lowland species, but can occur at altitudes close to 1,500m asl. (Altai Mountains).

population:
It is generally common, and is abundant in central-eastern Europe. It is extinct in Switzerland in the extreme southwestern part of its wide range. It is considered to be rare and declining in China.

habitat:
It occurs in a wide variety of habitats including tundra, forest tundra, forest, forest steppe, steppe, forest edges and glades, semi-desert, swamps, peatlands, moorlands, meadows, fields, bush lands, gardens. It has a breeding season, and spawning and larval development takes place in various stagnant water bodies of low acidity, including lakes, ponds, swamps, puddles and ditches. There is some evidence that the species can occur in agricultural landscapes, and in some areas it appears to be adapting to urban conditions (e.g.. Vershinin, 1997).

threats:
It is threatened by the destruction and pollution of breeding ponds (including acidification) and adjacent wetland and terrestrial habitats, especially through urbanization, recreation, tourism, industry and overstocking of cattle. Additional threats are prolonged drought and predation of spawn by waterfowl. Chytrid fungus was detected in this species in Berlin, Germany - however the extent to which this is a threat is unknown.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix II of the Berne Convention and on Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive. It is protected by national legislation in many countries and has been recorded in a number of national and sub-national Red Data books and lists. It is presumed to be present in a many protected areas. In parts of the species' range, mitigation measures to reduce road kill have been established.

redListAssessors:
Sergius Kuzmin, David Tarkhnishvili, Vladimir Ishchenko, Boris Tuniyev, Trevor Beebee, Brandon Anthony, Benedikt Schmidt, Agnieszka Ogrodowczyk, Maria Ogielska, Wiesiek Babik, Milan Vogrin, Jon Loman, Dan Cogalniceanu, Tibor Kovács, István Kiss


redListCategoryRationale:
Turkish: LC
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species is widely distributed in much of Europe and northern Turkey. Within Europe it is widespread, but it is restricted to Álava, Burgos and Navarra Provinces in Spain, the southeast coastline of Sweden and the islands of Denmark, and it is absent from Portugal, the British Isles (except the island of Jersey, where a small population is present). In addition, there is a need to confirm the presence of this species in Poland, where it is supposed to occur in the southeast. In the former Soviet Union, it is known only from the Transcarpathian Plain (including adjacent foothills and mountain slopes) of the Ukraine. In Turkey this species is found in Turkish Thrace and northern parts of Anatolia; further studies are needed to determine the distributions of Rana dalmatina and Rana macrocnemis along the southern Black Sea coastline. It occurs from sea level to elevations approaching 1,700m asl.

population:
It is a relatively abundant species. The species is common in much of central and eastern Europe (e.g.. Hungary and Romania). In Turkey it is patchily distributed. It is scarce to uncommon in northern Europe (e.g.. Sweden, Denmark). In Spain, it is extremely rare.

habitat:
It is found in glades and open sites within light deciduous woodland (oak, beech, hornbeam etc.), and less frequent in meadows and thickets. It generally it does not occur in pasture, arable areas or coniferous forests. In Spain the species is restricted to Quercus pedunculata oak forest, and is associated with wet meadows. It spawns in small wetlands (pools, fens and marshes, ditches) within forests and at their edges. High levels of larval mortality have been recorded.

threats:
It is generally threatened by the drainage and eutrophication of breeding sites, development (and logging) of suitable habitat, and replacement of deciduous forest habitat with unsuitable coniferous species. It is locally threatened by road mortality during breeding migrations. Grossenbacher (in Krone et al. , 1997) reported skin diseases (possibly associated with viral infection) in populations from Switzerland and northern Italy that are potentially related to declines and may be related to polluted water. It is experiencing localized declines in southwestern Europe.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix II the Bern Convention and on Appendix IV of the EU Habitats Directive. This species is protected by national legislation in many countries and is recorded in several national and sub-national Red Data books and lists. It is present in many protected areas. Further research into the distribution limits of this species in Turkey is needed. Conservation initiatives involving head-starting have been undertaken for the small Jersey population which have been remarkably successful. In parts of its range, mitigation measures to reduce road kill have been established. In Spain, it is an endangered species and there are habitat restoration and population monitoring efforts ongoing. In some parts of its range, there have been successful efforts to restore pond habitats.

redListAssessors:
Uğur Kaya, Sergius Kuzmin, Max Sparreboom, Ismail Ugurtas, David Tarkhnishvili, Steven Anderson, Franco Andreone, Claudia Corti, Per Nyström, Benedikt Schmidt, Brandon Anthony, Agnieszka Ogrodowczyk, Maria Ogielska, Jaime Bosch, Miguel Tejedo


range:
This species is restricted to the Balkans, ranging from southeastern Bosnia Herzegovina in the northwest, through western, central and southern Serbia, Montenegro, FYR Macedonia, Albania, most of Greece and southwestern and southern Bulgaria. It occurs at altitudes of 200-2,000m asl.

population:
It is reported to be generally abundant in medium to high-altitude areas (Gasc et al. , 1997), and remains relatively widespread in the Serbia, Montenegro, FYR Macedonia (Kalezic and Dzukic, 2001).

habitat:
This is a largely aquatic, montane species associated with cold small clear rivers, streams and springs often located in shady deciduous and mixed forest. It may also occur in moors and meadows, and around glacial pools in lakes. Breeding and larval development takes place in these waterbodies. It is presumed that the species can tolerate some slight habitat modification.

threats:
The major threat to this species is the loss of suitable habitat, resulting from forest fires, wetland drainage, construction of dams, etc. It is also affected in some places by pollution.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive and Appendix III of the Bern Convention. It is protected by national legislation in former Yugoslavian countries (Kalezic and Dzukic, 2001). It occurs in a number of protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Petros Lymberakis, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Rastko Ajtic, Milan Vogrin, Idriz Haxhiu


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened because this species is in significant decline (but probably at a rate of less than 30% over ten years), thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

range:
This species is endemic to Portugal and north-western and central Spain. It mostly occurs in montane areas up to 2,425m asl (such as the Sierra de Béjar, central Spain). Isolated populations of this species are present in the Basque Country, Central System Mountains, Extremadura in Spain and Marinha Grande and Serra de Sao Mamede in Portugal.

population:
It is reasonably common in northern Portugal and north-western Spain. Populations in the Central System Mountains and Extremadura of Spain are declining very seriously. There is also evidence of population declines in the Sierra de Guadarrama (Madrid, Spain).

habitat:
This is an aquatic species usually found in shady habitats (with abundant vegetation) close to rivers, streams, lakes and marshes. The species' terrestrial habitats include woods, moors, meadows and areas of low scrub. In the north of its range it can occur down to sea level along slower flowing rivers. Breeding and larval development takes place within various shallow stagnant waterbodies.

threats:
Threats to this species include pressure from tourism development, urbanization of the lowland range, habitat loss through intensification of agriculture and deforestation and re-afforestation with non-native monocultures, introduction of non-native predatory fishes (salmonids) and mammals such as Neovison vison (American mink), desertification in southern Portugal, and habitat loss through hydroelectric projects. Recreational use by people of its habitats may cause disturbance to the species.

conservationAction:
It is present in Parque Natural del Gorbea and Parque Natural de Izki in Spain, where it is also protected by national legislation and listed in the national Red Data Book as vulnerable. This species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. There have been some recent reintroductions of captive-bred individuals in central Spain.

redListAssessors:
Miguel Tejedo, Jaime Bosch, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil


range:
This species is endemic to the Apennine Mountains and other hilly areas of Italy south of the Po Valley. It is generally found at elevations ranging between 30 and 1,400m asl.

habitat:
It is a mostly montane species associated with fast flowing streams that have a rocky substrate. It may also be found in small ponds or mountain peat bogs. It also occurs in some man-made habitats such as water troughs.

threats:
The main threats to this species are the loss of stream habitats and aquatic pollution presumably through agriculture and urbanization, and also predation by introduced salmonid fishes.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive, and on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and it is protected by national legislation. It occurs in several protected areas.


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Vulnerable because its Area of Occupancy is less than 2,000 km2, its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat in northern Italy.

range:
This species occurs from the lowlands of the Padano Venetian plain of northern Italy and southern Switzerland (where it is restricted to a small area in Kanton Ticino), east to the Triestine and Istrian regions of north-eastern Italy, with a few sites in Slovenia and Croatia. It is present from sea level up to around 500m asl, but sites at higher elevations are unusual.

population:
It is relatively abundant along some northern tributaries of the Po River, with a few sites existing along southern tributaries. It is occasional and localized in north-western Italy being more common in north-eastern areas. Some of the breeding sites in Switzerland can contain hundreds of individuals. It is considered rare in Slovenia. Populations of the species are generally larger in the eastern parts of its range and population genetic diversity decreases sharply from east to west by a factor of three (populations located in the western part of the distribution have severely reduced genetic diversity as measured at microsatellite loci, while populations located in the east do not; T. Garner pers. comm.). Most populations are severely fragmented.

habitat:
The original habitat of this species is semi-hygrophilous forest; in secondary habitats it is associated with humid deciduous wooded areas, typically situated alongside small streams, rivers, or lakes, with rich vegetation. It is present in poplar plantations with thick understorey and occasionally meadows (Arnold 2002). It hibernates on land (where it may occur up to a kilometre from water: Arnold 2002), and also under the mud of stream beds. The species breeds in permanent and temporary water in wooded areas, usually including slow-moving rivers. It can occur in anthropogenic habitats such as agricultural irrigation ditches, but only if these are close to forest remnants for over wintering (Garner pers. comm.).

threats:
This species is threatened by the destruction of much of the original humid deciduous forests of the Padano Venetian plain and Istrian region by extensive agricultural development including drainage and deforestation (with population fragmentation). Additional threats to this species are the introduction of predatory fishes and crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii) , lowering of the water table, and aquatic pollution. Crayfish predation has driven one isolated subpopulation to disappear. The reduced genetic diversity in western populations might be leading to greater vulnerability to emergent pathogens (T. Garner pers. comm.).

conservationAction:
It is present in several protected areas across its range. It is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention, and is listed on Annex II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive. It is protected by national legislation in Italy, Switzerland and Slovenia and has been recorded in a number of national and Red Data books and lists.

redListAssessors:
Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano, Franco Andreone, Trent Garner, Benedikt Schmidt, Claudia Corti, Milan Vogrin


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Endangered, because its Extent of Occurrence is less than 5,000 km2 (2,400 km2), its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is a continuing decline in its are of occupancy, the extent and quality of its habitat, and in the number of locations.

range:
This species is largely restricted to the southern slopes of the western central Pyrenees Mountains. In Spain, it occurs from the Roncal Valley (Navarra) eastwards to Parque Nacional de Ordesa (Huesca). It also occurs in the Iraty Forest in the western French Pyrenees. It has an altitudinal range of 800-2,100m asl.

population:
Populations are common in the headwaters of valleys in Huesca Province, while in Navarra populations are scattered in the west.

habitat:
It lives in and close to rocky mountain streams and torrents in which the water is cold, clear and well oxygenated, and is also found in roadside and forest edge ditches, drinking troughs and rain pools. Breeding takes place in these waterbodies.

threats:
Threats include stream eutrophication (through intensification of agricultural practices), drought, potential introduction of trout and other predatory fishes, and habitat loss due to the development of tourism and transport infrastructure. Logging and associated activities may threaten the species' habitat, and it is likely to be vulnerable to climate change.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix III of the Berne Convention and is included in the regional catalogues of Navarra and Aragón. It is present in Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park (Huesca) and Lizardoia Integral Reserve (Navarra).

redListAssessors:
Jaime Bosch, Miguel Tejedo, Claude Miaud, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Rafael Marquez, Carmen Diaz Paniagua, Philippe Geniez


taxonomicNotes:
Rana aragonensis is included as a synonym of R. temporaria following the work of Veith et al. (2002). Rana honnorati is included in R. temporaria following Veith et al. (2003).

range:
It is widespread throughout most of Europe, ranging from northern Spain to the Urals (absent from southern and central Iberia, much of southern Italy [scattered Appenine populations] and the Caucasus), and eastwards to the western part of West Siberia and northern Kazakhstan through northern Greece and Bulgaria. It has a patchy distribution in the mountainous parts of the Balkans. Recorded from sea level to elevations approaching 2,700m asl (Pyrenees).

population:
It is generally very common, although localized declines have recently been noted in a number of western European countries (e.g.. Switzerland, Spain).

habitat:
Many terrestrial (associated with woodland) and aquatic habitat types are used. Present in coniferous, mixed and deciduous forests, forested tundra and steppe, bush and shrublands, glades, grasslands, dry and wet meadows, marshes, fields, rural gardens, parks, and urban areas. Aquatic habitats include both temporary and permanent ponds, lakes and rivers; spawning and larval development occurs in these waterbodies. It does well in many modified habitats such as rural gardens.

threats:
There are no major threats to this species. The main localized threat is the general pollution and drainage of breeding sites and wetlands. Over collection for medical research, food and commercial purposes is a threat in parts of its range. Deforestation might have led to a gradual "northward retreat" of the species over southern parts of its distribution. Overcollection for medical research has been a threat in the past, however the extent to which it is a current threat is unknown.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix III of the Berne Convention and on Annex V of the EU Natural Habitats Directive. It has been recorded in a number of national and sub-national Red Data books and lists, and is protected by national legislation in a number of countries. It is present in many protected areas. In parts of its range, mitigation measures to reduce road kill have been established.

redListAssessors:
Sergius Kuzmin, Vladimir Ishchenko, Boris Tuniyev, Trevor Beebee, Franco Andreone, Per Nyström, Brandon Anthony, Benedikt Schmidt, Agnieszka Ogrodowczyk, Maria Ogielska, Jaime Bosch, Claude Miaud, Jon Loman, Dan Cogalniceanu, Tibor Kovács, István Kis


taxonomicNotes:
There are two well-differentiated clades (a northern one and a southern); their genetic difference is similar to that separating the other species of European cave salamanders (Carranza et al . 2007).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Vulnerable because its Extent of Occurrence is less than 20,000 km2, it is known from fewer than ten locations, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat in Sardinia.

range:
This species is endemic to the region of Sulcis-Iglesiente in south-western Sardinia (Italy). It has been collected between altitudes of 8 and 650m asl.

population:
The species is generally common within its limited range, being only relatively uncommon within the Carbonia-Barbusi-Monte Tasua area (Gasc et al. 1997).

habitat:
It is found in humid rocky outcrops, caves, crevices, and forested areas in the vicinity of streams. The species reproduces through the direct development of a few terrestrial eggs.

threats:
The major threat is general deforestation of suitable habitat, mineral extraction, urbanization, and over-collection of specimens, presumably for scientific purposes.

conservationAction:
The species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and is listed on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. It is present in at least four protected areas. There is a need for close monitoring of the population status of this species given its very limited range.

redListAssessors:
Franco Andreone, Roberta Lecis, Paul Edgar, Claudia Corti, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened since although its Extent of Occurrence is probably less than 5,000 km2 and its habitat might be declining, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable, it probably occurs in more than ten locations, and its range is probably not severely fragmented. If Speleomantes ambrosii bianchii is reassigned to S. italicus rather than S. ambrosii , the extent of occurrence and number of locations for S. ambrosii will be reduced, and reassessment will be necessary.

range:
This species is restricted to scattered localities (at least 12 localities are known) in La Spezia Province, north-west Italy. The populations east of the Fiume River around Massa Carrara belong to a recently discovered subspecies, Speleomantes ambrosii bianchii . Genetic research indicates that this subspecies may actually belong to S. italicus rather than S. ambrosii (Carranza et al . 2007). There is an introduced population in Monteviggioni (Siena, Tuscany). It is found at altitudes ranging from near sea level to around 2,300m asl.

population:
It is generally common within its limited range, with no evidence of any decline.

habitat:
It is known from humid rocky outcrops, caves, crevices, and forested areas in the vicinity of streams. Individuals may occasionally be found climbing in vegetation. The species reproduces through the direct development of a few terrestrial eggs.

threats:
Threats to this species include general localized loss of suitable habitat and illegal collection.

conservationAction:
It is present in Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre and Parco Naturale delle Alpi Apuane. The species has a very restricted range and needs further conservation attention. Prior to being considered a separate species S. ambrosii was listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention under S. italicus . It is also listed on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive.

redListAssessors:
Franco Andreone, Paul Edgar, Claudia Corti, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Vulnerable because it occurs in fewer than five locations, and it is plausible that the species could move into a higher threat category with any increased level of threat.

range:
This species is endemic to the Monte Albo chain of north-eastern Sardinia (Italy). It has been collected between 40m and 1,050m asl.

population:
It is locally common within its limited range; there are no reports of any major declines.

habitat:
The species is found in damp mountain regions, rocky outcrops, caves, crevices, and forested areas in the vicinity of streams. The preferred habitat often has a good covering of damp moss. It reproduces through the direct development of a few terrestrial eggs.

threats:
There are no threats identified other than some localized loss of habitat and illegal collection. However, these threats are limited, and it is not believed to be significantly threatened.

conservationAction:
The species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annex IV of the EU Natural Directive. It has been recorded from the Parco Geominerario, Storico ed Ambientale della Sardegna. There is a need for close monitoring of the population status of this species.

redListAssessors:
Roberta Lecis, Franco Andreone, Paul Edgar, Claudia Corti, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano


taxonomicNotes:
Lanza et al . (2001) described Speleomantes imperialis sarrabusensis , but it was elevated to full species status by Carranza et al . (2007).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened since although its Extent of Occurrence is probably less than 5,000 km2 and its habitat might be declining, thus making the species close to qualifying for Endangered, it probably occurs in more than ten locations, and its range is probably not severely fragmented.

range:
This species is endemic to the provinces of Nuoro, Oristano and Cagliari in central and eastern Sardinia, Italy. The populations in the Sette Fratelli Mountains east of Cagliari are now considered to be a separate species, Speleomantes sarrabusensis . It is found at altitudes between 7 and 1,170m asl.

population:
It is common within its limited range (Gasc et al. (eds.) 1997).

habitat:
This species is found in humid rocky outcrops, caves, crevices, and forested areas in the vicinity of streams. It reproduces through the direct development of a few terrestrial eggs.

threats:
There are no major threats identified other than general localized habitat loss and illegal collection.

conservationAction:
It has been recorded from Parco Nazionale Gennargentu e Golfo di Orosei and Parco Naturale Regionale del Monte Sette Fratelli, and it is likely to occur in Parco Naturale Regionala della Giara di Gesturi. This species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and is also listed on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive.


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened since although its Extent of Occurrence is probably less than 20,000 km2 and its habitat might be declining, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable, it probably occurs in more than ten locations, and its range is probably not severely fragmented.

range:
This species is a northern and central Apennine endemic, ranging from the provinces of Reggio Emilia (Emilia-Romagna) and Lucca (Tuscany) southwards to the province of Pescara (Abruzzi) inclusive (Lanza et al . 2007; Sindaco et al . 2006). It occurs from 80 to 1,600 m asl.

population:
It is common over much of its range, although it is considered to be less abundant in the southernmost part of its range. There is no evidence of any population decline taking place.

habitat:
This species is known from humid rocky outcrops, caves, crevices, and forested areas in the vicinity of streams, often in limestone areas. It reproduces through the direct development of a few terrestrial eggs.

threats:
There are no major threats identified other than some localized habitat loss and illegal collection.

conservationAction:
This species is present in some protected areas (Natura 2000 sites and regional and national parks). It is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive.


taxonomicNotes:
Lanza et al . (2001) described this taxon as a subspecies of Speleomantes imperialis , but it was elevated to species status by Carranza et al . (2007).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Vulnerable because it is known from only a single location, and it is plausible that any changes in the species' environment could result in a listing at a higher threat category.

range:
This species has a tiny range in extreme southeastern Sardinia, Italy. It is only known from the general vicinity of Monte dei Sette Fratelli, between 200 and 850 approximately, in the territory known as Sarrabus, in the province of Cagliari (roughly between 39°15’N and 39°12’N).

habitat:
This species is found in a granitic, almost caveless area, in humid rocky outcrops, crevices, and forested areas.
It possibly reproduces through the direct development of a few terrestrial eggs but there is some evidence that it might be a live-bearing species.

threats:
The only known population is in a protected area, so there are not any obvious direct threats to its habitat. However, the species is intrinsically at risk because of its tiny range, and through illegal collection.

conservationAction:
This species has been recorded from the Parco Naturale Regionale “Sette Fratelli-Monte Genas”.


range:
This species is restricted to south-eastern France and north-western Italy, from 80 to 2,400 m asl.

population:
Although there is little available information on the population status of this species, it is not considered to be declining in Italy. In some parts of its range it is a common species.

habitat:
It is found in the vicinity of streams and seepages, and amongst rocky outcrops and caves in mountainous areas. It reproduces through the direct development of a few terrestrial eggs.

threats:
There are no major threats identified other than localized loss of habitat and illegal collection.

conservationAction:
The species is present in some protected areas. Prior to being considered a separate species Speleomantes strinatii was listed on both Appendix II of the Bern Convention, and on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive, under S. italicus . Although this species is not considered to be declining in Italy, further information is needed on the status of the populations in France.

redListAssessors:
Franco Andreone, Paul Edgar, Claudia Corti, Marc Cheylan, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Endangered because its Extent of Occurrence is less than 5,000 km2, it is known from fewer than five locations, and there is observed continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat and the number of mature individuals.

range:
The species is endemic to central-eastern Sardinia around the Gulf of Orosei, occurring roughly between the valley of the Cedrino River and 40°N (in the province of Nuoro; Gasc 1997). It is found at altitudes between 100 and 1,400m asl.

population:
Although the species has often been considered to be common, and even abundant, within suitable habitat (with recorded densities of as much as 300 animals per ha in some areas; Vosenek, van Rooy and Strijbosch 1987), it recently appears to have undergone a decline and has become more difficult to observe in its limited range (R. Lecis pers. comm.)

habitat:
The species is found in humid rocky outcrops, limestone caves, crevices, and forested areas with a good growth of moss in the vicinity of streams. It reproduces through the direct development of a few terrestrial eggs.

threats:
It is generally threatened by localized habitat loss and illegal collection.

conservationAction:
The species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention, and it is also listed on Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive. The species has been recorded from Parco Nazionale Gennargentu e Golfo di Orosei. Further research into the threats leading to the recent apparent declines in this species is needed.


taxonomicNotes:
Most populations are assigned to the subterranean subspecies Proteus anguinus anguinus . Unlike the nominate form, the genetically similar subspecies P.a. parkelj from Bela Krajina in Slovenia is pigmented and might represent a distinct species, although a recent genetic study suggests that the two subspecies are poorly differentiated at the molecular level and may not even warrant subspecies status (Goricki and Trontelt 2006).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Vulnerable because its Area of Occupancy is less than 2,000 km2, its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat, and presumably also in the number of mature individuals.

range:
The species is restricted to subterranean aquatic habitats within the Dinaric Alps, ranging from southern Slovenia and adjoining north-east Italy through coastal Croatia and karst regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It has yet to be officially recorded in western parts of Montenegro despite considerable anecdotal evidence of its presence (Kalezic and Dzukic, 2001). The species has been introduced to a cave of the subterranean laboratory of the CNRS France in the Pyrenees (C. Miaud pers. comm.), and one of the north-eastern Italian populations (in the Vicenza area) was introduced in the 1800s (P. Edgar pers. comm.).

population:
There is little information available on the abundance of this species, but it is apparently most common in Slovenia and Croatia. A decline has been observed in the populations of Goriza (Italy) and Postojna (Slovenia) (Gasc et al. 1997). The number of individuals of the subspecies P. a. parkelj is very low.

habitat:
The species generally occurs in large subterranean aquatic karst systems formed in limestone and dolomite rocks, and may be found in cave entrances (especially during episodes of high rainfall and flooding) and abandoned mine workings. Many of the caves that the species occurs in are connected to rivers that run above ground for the first 50-100km and then disappear into the ground. Populations may be found close to the surface or as much as 300m underground depending on the thickness of the Karstic formation. The species is found in waters ranging from 5°C to 15°C. Animals feed on detritus and endemic cave invertebrates and hide in crevices or bottom sediment when disturbed. In contrast to the nominate subspecies, P. a. parkelj is found in warmer surface waters. The species is long-lived (they are not sexually mature until they are 12 years of age) and reproduce very slowly. Females lay approximately 70 individual eggs on the undersides of aquatic stones; however, in some cases the eggs are retained within the body and two fully formed young are produced.

threats:
The main threats to this species are changes to the forested and pastoral land above the subterranean systems, largely through tourism, economic changes, and increasing water pollution. These changes have a direct influence on the quality of the habitat available to the species. The species is highly dependent on clean water, and is therefore very susceptible to pollution. Other localized threats to this species might include water abstraction and hydroelectric schemes. There is some illegal collection of this species for the pet trade, but the extent of this is unknown.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention, and on Annexes II* and IV of the EU Habitats Directive. It is recorded in the Slovenian National Red List and is protected by national legislation in many range states, e.g. Slovenia, Croatia and Italy. In Slovenia the species is present in caves, which are protected by national legislation, and much of the distribution of this species is within proposed national or international protected areas (Kocevski and Kraski regional parks; NATURA 2000 sites). In Italy it is found in the Riserva Naturale Regionale dei Laghi di Doberdò e Pietrarossa. The subspecies P. a. parkelj is in need of protection, as its habitat is limited to only a few holes in connection with subterranean networks in a very small geographic area.

redListAssessors:
Jan Willem Arntzen, Mathieu Denoël, Claude Miaud, Franco Andreone, Milan Vogrin, Paul Edgar, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Rastko Ajtic, Claudia Corti


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Critically Endangered because its Area of Occupancy is probably less than 10km2, all individuals are in a single location, and the quality of its habitat and the number of mature individuals are probably declining.

range:
This species is endemic to the El Montseny mountain massif situated in northeastern Spain. It has only been found in seven mountain streams, all within the boundaries of El Montseny Natural Park (Carranza and Amat 2005). It is found between 700 and 1,200m asl.

population:
Its population is thought to number between 1,000 and 1,500 mature individuals, with an estimated rate of decline of 15% over the last 10 years. Preliminary demographic studies have been carried out in two streams. In three streams Calotriton arnoldi occurs at very low densities and in one stream it is extinct above 1,000m asl. Populations are declining in the upper parts of all the streams as the water table is being lowered. The population of C. arnoldi is divided into two sub-populations that occur on each side of a river valley. These two sub-population groups are genetically and morphologically differentiated (Carranza and Amat, 2005).

habitat:
It lives in oligotrophic, cold (below 15°C) fast running waters, preferentially in beech forest ( Fagus sylvatica ) but also in holm oak forest ( Quercus ilex ), with patches of Algnus glutinosa (Carranza and Amat 2005). Neither juvenile nor adult C. arnoldi have been found on land (Carranza and Amat 2005). If this behaviour is confirmed, the only way that contact among populations could occur is by moving down one watercourse and then up other tributaries of the same river system. It therefore seems possible that there is a considerable degree of isolation between the populations.

threats:
The drying out of mountain streams is the most immediate threat to this species. Large amounts of water are being extracted from El Montseny, and this is bottled and sold widely Spain and Europe. As a result, El Montseny is drying out and the distribution of Calotriton arnoldi is being reduced dramatically. The low population size of the species could also be due to past human alteration of its original habitat (Carranza and Amat 2005). The species might also be affected by global warming. For instance, the beech ( Fagus sylvatica ) forest, an excellent habitat for C. arnoldi , has shifted upwards by 70m at the highest altitudes (1,600–1,700m asl) since 1945, and is being replaced by holm oak ( Quecus ilex ) forest at lower altitudes (800–1400 m) (Peñuelas and Boada 2003). In other words, the most favoured woodland habitat of the species is moving up into areas where the streams are drying out.

conservationAction:
It occurs in the El Montseny Natural Park, though this area is not managed to conserve this species. Research is needed to determine the species' ecological requirements, and to determine management options. A captive breeding programme started in 2007 and is being carried out by the Departament de Medi Ambien of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Spain. Measures are urgently needed to protect this species' habitat (e.g. to prevent mountain streams from drying out). This species is protected under Appendix II of the Bern Convention and Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive (as part of C. asper ).


taxonomicNotes:
We follow Carranza and Amat (2005) in transferring this species from Euproctus to the genus Calotriton .

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened because its Extent of Occurrence is probably not much greater than 20,000 km2, and its habitat is in decline, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

range:
This species is found throughout much of the Pyrenean mountain range of France and Spain, where it occurs at a wide range of altitudes from 175m to over 3,000m asl (on the northern slopes of the Pyrenees), although the average range is 700-2,500m asl. It has recently been found in the Corbieres Mountains, 20km south-east of Carcassonne, in south-eastern France, which represents a range extension northwards.

population:
It is abundant or common in parts of its restricted range, although several peripheral populations have disappeared largely through loss of habitat. It is more common in the west of its range.

habitat:
It is a largely aquatic montane species that inhabits cold mountain lakes, torrents, streams, and occasionally cave systems, that are ice-free for at least four months of the year (Griffiths 1996). The eggs are deposited individually under rocks and stones in well-oxygenated, cold streams with rocky bottoms, and the larvae then develop in these streams. This species has a small clutch size of 20-40 eggs (Griffiths 1996).

threats:
The main threats to this species are loss and damage of its aquatic habitats. Infrastructure development and tourism lead to over-exploitation of water resources, including from skiing facilities. The introduction of predatory trout (salmonids) and other fish is also a threat, leading to population extinctions, especially in mountain lakes. Pesticides are readily accumulated in the body tissues of this largely insectivorous species, and several populations demonstrate contamination by these chemicals (Gasc et al. (eds.) 1997). It is considered likely to be vulnerable to climate change.

conservationAction:
It has been recorded from Parque Nacional de Ordesa y Monte Perdido and Parque Nacional de Aigües Tortes y Lago San Mauricio, Spain, and presumably occurs in several other protected areas. It is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive, and it is protected by national legislation in Spain.

redListAssessors:
Jaime Bosch, Miguel Tejedo, Roberta Lecis, Claude Miaud, Miguel Lizana, Paul Edgar, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Rafael Marquez, Philippe Geniez


taxonomicNotes:
Two distinct subspecies are recognized, C. l. lusitanica and C. l. longipes (Arntzen et al . 2007).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Vulnerable because its Area of Occupancy is probably less than 2,000 km2, its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is continuing decline in its Area of Occupancy, in the extent and quality of its habitat, and in the number of locations in Portugal and Spain.

range:
This species is restricted to mountainous and hilly areas in north-western Spain (Galicia and Asturias) and northern and central Portugal with an annual precipitation of over 1,000mm. Its distribution is patchy because its required habitat is fragmented. It has been introduced to the Serra de Sintra, Portugal. It has an altitudinal distribution 100-1,000m asl (records above 1,000m asl require confirmation).

population:
This is a localized species that can be abundant in suitable habitats (4-5 adults per metre of brook habitat). Eastern Spanish populations are found at lower population densities, and there have been reports of declines and extinctions of some populations in Galicia. In Portugal, populations are widespread and abundant (P. Arntzen pers. comm.) and not in any immediate danger, but they are considered to be vulnerable because of their specialized habitat requirements (Paulo 1997).

habitat:
The species is associated with clear, well-oxygenated, small- to medium-sized slightly acidic streams (although in Portugal it has been found in water with pH 7-8), with dense surrounding vegetation in mountainous and hilly areas. The species has also been recorded from caves and abandoned flooded mines. It is associated with broad-leaved oak forest, and occurs in secondary vegetation, but not usually in commercial plantations. Animals have been recorded from eucalypt plantations, pine forests and even shrubland ( Taxus or Erica ) (Iñigo Martínez-Solano pers. comm. December, 2008). The females lay approximately 12-20 eggs in shallow stream water, often attaching the eggs to the bottom substrate. It is often associated with areas of traditional farming practices, and is particularly found in dry stonewalls. Some populations in north-western Spain have disappeared following replacement of broad-leaved forest with other habitats.

threats:
The major threats to the species are pollution of streams with agrochemicals, canalization, and water extraction from streams for agricultural purposes, and the loss of terrestrial habitats associated with the streams through conversion to forestry plantations ( Eucalyptus and Pinus plantations). In Portugal, habitat is at risk from fire.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention, and is also listed on Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive. It is protected by national legislation in both Portugal and Spain. It occurs in several protected areas including Picos de Europa National Park, Spain, and Peneda-Gerêz National Park, Portugal.

redListAssessors:
Jan Willem Arntzen, Jaime Bosch, Mathieu Denoël, Miguel Tejedo, Paul Edgar, Miguel Lizana, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Paulo Sa-Sousa, Rafael Marquez


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern since, although its Extent of Occurrence might be less than 20,000 km2, it is common with a presumed large population, and it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species is endemic to the island of Corsica, France. It ranges from the tip of Capo Corso in the north to Montagne de Cagna in the south, and from San Guillano in the east to Golfe de Girolata in the west. It occurs from near sea level to 2,260m asl.

population:
It is very common in suitable habitat, mostly between 600 and 1,500m asl.

habitat:
The aquatic habitats of this species are exclusively unpolluted small rivers, mountain rivers and lakes; it is most often found in calm sections where there is a high-water level. The terrestrial habitats of the species are generally open riverine macchia or woodland. It breeds in water, with approximately 70 eggs laid in groups under rocks. It is not considered to be very adaptable to changes in habitat.

threats:
Threats to this species include habitat fragmentation, the introduction of predatory fishes (e.g.. trout) to streams, water pollution and the over extraction of water for both agriculture and tourism. However, it is not believed to be significantly threatened at present.

conservationAction:
The species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention, on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive and is also protected by national legislation. It occurs in a number of protected areas (Natura 2000 sites).

redListAssessors:
Claude Miaud, Roberta Lecis, Paul Edgar, Marc Cheylan, Antonio Romano, Roberto Sindaco


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Endangered, because its Area of Occupancy is less than 500 km2, its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is a continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat, and in the number of subpopulations.

range:
This species is endemic to Sardinia, Italy, where it is found only in the eastern part of the island between the Limbara Mountains in the north and the Sette Fratelli Mountains in the south. There are a few very old records from western Sardina (i.e. Linas Mount) (Lecis and Norris 2003), but these are very doubtful (it is believed the location was misreported). Further information is needed on the range of the species in the south-west of the island. It is found at elevations of between 50 and 1,800m asl, although it is most often found at elevations of 400-800m asl.

population:
This is generally a rare species that can be locally common in suitable habitat (e.g. over 400 specimens may be found in a single pool). The largest population of the species is in the Gola di Gorroppu. In one well-studied population the sex ratio is largely male. The number of subpopulations is declining. Between 1999 and 2001 it was found in 14 sites, whereas around 1991 it was present in 30 sites (and even in 1991 it was absent from nine other sites where it had been previously observed). The northern population near Mount Limbara is close to extinction.

habitat:
It is a montane species of permanent and temporary stagnant and running waters, which prefers calm areas of small or large rivers. Its terrestrial habitats are generally restricted to riverine scrub or woodland, and the species may also be found in cave systems. Its breeding sites are permanent pools, water holes, small lakes and streams. The eggs are deposited between stones or are buried in sand; the larvae develop in the streams (Griffiths 1996; Rimpp 1998). The species is quite adaptable and can be found in artificial pools.

threats:
The major threats to the species are pollution of waterbodies, habitat fragmentation, predation by introduced trout, and prolonged drought (often caused by excessive water abstraction). During the 1950s, many populations were lost through the application of DDT to waterbodies. Recently, the Gola di Gorroppu population has become threatened through damage to its habitat caused by tourist activities. At least one population is known to be affected by chytridiomycosis and is declining.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive; it is also protected by regional legislation (Regional Law n. 23/1998 (art. 5, c. 3)). The Gola di Gorroppuu has been designated as a Site of Community Importance under the Habitats Directive. In addition, a number of populations live in established and planned protected areas, including Parco Regionale Sette Fratelli, Parco Nazionale Gennargentu-Golfo di Orosei, and Parco Regionale Monte Limbara. Programmes to remove trout from the species' habitat would assist in the recovery of populations.

redListAssessors:
Antonio Romano, Roberto Sindaco, Franco Andreone, Roberta Lecis, Paul Edgar, Benedikt Schmidt, Claudia Corti


taxonomicNotes:
Populations in south-western Portugal are well-differentiated genetically from other populations, and may represent a distinct species. Studies are underway to clarify this.

range:
This species is restricted to the western part of the Iberian Peninsula. It occurs from sea level to elevations approaching 1,870m asl, but is mostly present between 400 and 1,000m asl.

population:
The species is relatively common in suitable habitat, although populations in a small part of central Spain (especially in the Province of Madrid) are reported to be rapidly decreasing. It is more common towards the west of its range.

habitat:
This is a largely aquatic species, with vegetated shallow ponds and streams being the preferred habitat. It may also be found in cattle troughs, lagoons, streams and deep still waters, and is frequently found in temporary ponds. Animals have also been recorded from irrigation channels and other human-made ephemeral or permanent structures (C. Ayres, pers. comm.). The species occupies a diverse range of terrestrial habitats including eucalyptus plantations, pine groves, open Oak ( Quercus ) woodland, scrub and sandy coastal areas. The species may be found in traditionally farmed areas.

threats:
The species is mostly threatened by the loss of breeding pools caused by drainage for agriculture and urbanization. Some mortality in this species through disease (iridovirus) has been recorded in Carris Lake, Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal. This disease might be non-native and is thought to have been transferred to the lake by an introduced predatory fish ( Lepomis gibbosus ). Predation by introduced fish and other introduced species (such as crayfish [ Procambarus clarkii ] and mink [ Mustela vison ]) is also a threat to L. boscai . However, in much of its range, the species is resistant and its populations are stable.

conservationAction:
The species is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention, and is protected by national legislation in Spain. It is present in Parque Nacional de las Islas Atlánticas de Galicia, Parque Nacional de Doñana and Parque Nacional de Cabañeros in Spain. In Portugal, it has been recorded from Peneda-Gerês National Park.

redListAssessors:
Jan Willem Arntzen, Pedro Beja, Robert Jehle, Jaime Bosch, Miguel Tejedo, Miguel Lizana, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Paulo Sa-Sousa, Rafael Marquez


range:
This species is restricted to western Europe. It occurs in northern Spain and Portugal (where populations are often very fragmented), much of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg, also the extreme western Czech Republic and northern Switzerland. The subspecies L. h. punctillatus is known from a single locality, Pozo Negro, in Burgos province, Spain; the validity of this subspecies is disputed. An isolated population in extreme southeastern France is extinct. This species has an altitudinal range from sea level up to at least 2,400m asl (Pyrenees Mountains).

population:
The species is very common in suitable habitats over much of its range. It is endangered in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg (Gasc et al. 1997), and uncommon (with a fragmented range) in northern Portugal and declining in parts of Spain (especially the southern populations of Aragón and Castilla-León Provinces and the Ebro River populations of Zaragoza and Tarragona Provinces).

habitat:
It is present in a variety of habitats including marshes, heathlands, moorlands, forests (where it may be very common), pastures and agricultural land. Breeding and larval development takes place in a wide variety of small stagnant waters (including very small and acidic ponds, ditches and ruts), or (rarely) slow-moving waters. The species is generally less abundant in cultivated areas, but it can survive in some anthropogenic habitats such as gardens. Its habitat preferences vary in different parts of its range.

threats:
The species is locally threatened by general drainage, pollution and eutrophication of breeding pools, abandonment of traditional farming practices and the introduction of predatory fishes and crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii ) (and possibly non-native vegetation). Desertification is a threat in southern parts of the range. However, through most of its range, populations are stable and abundant.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention and is protected by national legislation in most parts of its range. The species is listed in a number of national and sub-national Red Data Books and Lists, and is present in many protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Jan Willem Arntzen, Trevor Beebee, Robert Jehle, Mathieu Denoël, Benedikt Schmidt, Jaime Bosch, Claude Miaud, Miguel Tejedo, Miguel Lizana, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Paulo Sa-Sousa, Philippe Gen


range:
This species is found through most of central and southern Italy, with higher concentrations at lower altitudes. It has been recorded up to 2,000m asl.

population:
This species is locally abundant. It is more common in southern areas, and it is somewhat rarer at the northern edge of its range in central Italy, especially around the Italian Apennines. Some local declines have been observed in Calabria, and Abruzzo Mountains.

habitat:
This species is often associated with woodland and agricultural habitats. It breeds in a variety of temporary ponds, ditches, slow-moving streams and lakes. It is also found in modified habitats such as wells and water tanks.

threats:
The main threat to the species is localized drainage of wetlands. Pollution and eutrophication of aquatic habitats (especially breeding ponds), and the introduction of predatory fishes, may also be a problem. However, the species is not considered seriously threatened at present.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive, and on Appendix II of the Bern Convention. This species is present in several protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Jan Willem Arntzen, Franco Andreone, Claudia Corti, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano


range:
This species is endemic to the east Carpathian and easternmost Sudetes Mountains. Introduced into the Bayrischen Wald, Bavaria, Germany. It has an altitudinal range from 120 to a maximum of 2,000m asl.

population:
It is generally common and locally abundant in the Carpathian Mountains. However, it is declining throughout its range.

habitat:
It can be found in wet and shaded coniferous, mixed and deciduous forests (consisting of beech, alder, pine, oak etc.), their edges and meadow glades; also sub alpine areas. Reproduction and larval development in almost all temporary and permanent water sources in the Carpathians including lakes, ponds, swamps, springs, puddles, ditches, overgrown stream pools and even wheel ruts in country roads. It may be present in modified habitats, even polluted waters (Arnold 2002).

threats:
Some populations have declined due to habitat destruction (logging and infrastructure development), introduction of predatory fish species and pollution of habitats by domestic sewage. Collection of newts for education, science and the pet trade has negatively impacted some populations. It is affected by hybridization with L. vulgaris , as the range of L. vulgaris is generally spreading in the region with ongoing deforestation.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention. Protected by national legislation in Poland. Listed in the Red Data Books of the USSR and Ukraine. It is present in a number of protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Jan Willem Arntzen, Sergius Kuzmin, Natalia Ananjeva, Nikolai Orlov, Boris Tuniyev, Agnieszka Ogrodowczyk, Maria Ogielska, Wiesiek Babik, Dan Cogalniceanu


taxonomicNotes:
Further taxonomic studies are required on this species. Numerous subspecies exist.

range:
This species is widespread through most of Europe (with the exception of the Iberian Peninsula from which it is absent). It ranges from Ireland and Great Britain, through west and central Europe and Scandinavia, south to Italy, the Balkans and northern and western Turkey, and east through much of the steppes of Ukraine and Russia. There is an isolated population in the Caucasus. The species occurs at elevations from sea level up to 2,150m asl (Austria).

population:
It is very common or numerous over much of its range.

habitat:
It is generally associated with woodland habitats, including deciduous, coniferous, mixed forests and dry forests and woodlands. This is an adaptable species also present in meadows, bushlands, parks, fruit gardens, many damp habitats and rural and urban areas. The species breeds in still and slow moving shallow waters and irrigation ditches; females lay 200-300 eggs. It is often recorded from modified habitats. Several hybrids with L. helveticus have been reported while hybridization with L. montandoni is quite common in syntopic populations

threats:
There are no major threats to this species. localized threats to the species include general drainage, pollution and eutrophication of breeding sites, logging of forest surrounding breeding pools and the introduction of predatory fishes. In the former Soviet Union there is mass commercial collecting of this species for the pet trade. Within Turkey, construction and building along the Black Sea coastline might be impacting northern Turkish populations.

conservationAction:
It is presumed to occur in numerous protected areas. It is listed in a number of Red Data Books and Lists and is both listed on Appendix III of the Berne Convention and protected by national legislation in parts of its range. In parts of this species range mitigation measures to reduce road kill have been established. Several of the recognized subspecies may qualify for a higher threat listing and should be assessed in the future following taxonomic clarification.

redListAssessors:
Jan Willem Arntzen, Sergius Kuzmin, Trevor Beebee, Theodore Papenfuss, Max Sparreboom, Ismail Ugurtas, Steven Anderson, Brandon Anthony, Franco Andreone, David Tarkhnishvili, Vladimir Ishchenko, Natalia Ananjeva, Nikolai Orlov, Boris Tuniyev


taxonomicNotes:
This species was separated from Lyciasalamandra luschani by Veith and Steinfartz (2004).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Vulnerable because it is known from fewer than five locations.

range:
This species is endemic to Greece, where it occurs only on the islands of Karpathos, Kasos and Saria in the south-east Aegean Sea.

population:
It is a fairly common species within its restricted range.

habitat:
It lives in Mediterranean rocky shrubby vegetation. It is viviparous, giving birth to fully developed young on land, and it is not associated with water.

threats:
No major threats are known, though local populations might be impacted by loss of habitat. Harvesting for the international pet trade takes place, but not at a level sufficient to threaten the species.

conservationAction:
It occurs in some protected areas, but currently there is no management or monitoring of these protected areas. There is a need for close monitoring of the population status of this species.

redListAssessors:
Petros Lymberakis, Ismail H. Ugurtas, Theodore Papenfuss, Max Sparreboom, Sergius Kuzmin, Steven Anderson, Mathieu Denoël


taxonomicNotes:
Formerly included in the genus Salamandra , this taxon was assigned to the genus Lyciasalamandra by Veith and Steinfartz (2004).

redListCategoryRationale:
Global: VU
Turkish: VU
Europe: NA (marginal occurrence - less than 1% of the species' distribution is within the region)
EU27: NE (does not occur)

This species is listed as Vulnerable because its Extent of Occurrence is less than 5,000 km2, all individuals are in fewer than ten locations, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat.

range:
This species ranges from Fethiye to Finike, in south-western Anatolia, Turkey, where it apparently has a fragmented distribution. An endemic subspecies ( Lyciasalamandra luschani basoglui ) is found on the nearby Greek island of Kastellorizo (= Megisti). It may have a more continuous range than shown (Avci and Oz, pers. comm. 2008).

habitat:
It is associated with rocky limestone outcrops, and is often found in marquis scrub or pine woodlands (and not in modified habitats). The species is viviparous, producing one or two fully metamorphosed young; the gestation period is about one year.

threats:
Within its naturally restricted range, the species is potentially threatened by habitat loss caused by forest fires, and overcollection for scientific purposes. Currently, there is only limited habitat loss taking place, since the human population in its range is generally low, and there is little tourism in the area where it is found, but with ongoing development in the region habitat loss could become more severe.

conservationAction:
This species is present within a protected area in Greece, and is found in three protected areas in Turkey. More research is needed on the distribution of this species.

redListAssessors:
Petros Lymberakis, Yakup Kaska, Yusuf Kumlutaş, Aziz Avci, Nazan Üzüm, Can Yeniyurt, Ferdi Akarsu, Varol Tok, Ismail H. Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Pierre-André Crochet, Theodore Papenfuss, Max Sparreboom, Sergius Kuzmin, Steven Anderson, Mathieu Denoël


taxonomicNotes:
There are some ecological and behavioural traits that support a certain distinction (perhaps at the species level) between some of the currently recognized subspecies (Arano and Arntzen 1987; Andreone et al. 1993). Populations in the Peloponnese and southeastern continental Greece are undergoing taxonomic revision (P. Lymberakis pers. comm.).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. Some taxa within M. alpestris , including polyphenisms (populations with no observed genetic variation from M. alpestris ) are severely threatened and close to extinction. This is the case for most of the 87 known paedomorphic populations (only a few of these are considered not to be threatened). Subspecies of M. alpestris that probably qualify for listing in a threatened category include M.a. veluchiensis , M.a. inexpectatus , M.a. lacusnigri and M.a. cyreni (M. Denoël pers. comm.). The neotenous subspecies M.a. serdarus , endemic to Zminicko Lake, in Montenegro, is considered to be highly endangered by Kalezic and Dzukic (2001). The subspecies M.a. inexpectatus , restricted to a few sites on the Catena Costiera in Calabria, southern Italy, is threatened through significant alteration of the aquatic habitats (F. Andreone pers. comm.); this subspecies inexpectatus , would qualify as Vulnerable if assessed separately. It is present at fewer than 5 locations and potential threats are habitat loss and the introduction of predatory fish to the lakes where they live. Populations from southern Greece, which might be taxonomically distinct, are probably also threatened.

range:
This species is found throughout much of Europe, ranging from the French Atlantic coastline north to Denmark and eastwards to the Ukrainian Carpathians, Romania, and Bulgaria. It is widely distributed in the Balkans. Isolated populations are present in southern Italy and northern Spain (not present in Portugal). The distribution map is based largely on Denoël et al. (2001). It has been successfully introduced in the United Kingdom [distribution not mapped here], and in the Sierra de Guadarrama (Madrid Province, central Spain). The species occurs from sea level to around 2,500m asl (Switzerland and French Alps).

population:
It is generally common in suitable habitat. The species is considered to be rare in Hungary and Bulgaria; threatened in Austria and Denmark; vulnerable in Spain ( M.a. cyreni ) and endangered in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Greece (Gasc et al. , 1997; Denoël pers. comm.).

habitat:
This is a very aquatic species generally found close to water. It is widespread in both alpine and lowland habitats including wet, shaded coniferous, mixed and deciduous forests, sub alpine meadows and pastureland. The species breeds, and larval development takes place, in all stagnant waters including shallow ponds, temporary pools, lakes, and ditches, drinking troughs, ruts and sometimes slow-moving streams. The generation time is between 2 and 10 years depending on the locality. The species life expectancy might be more than 20 years, but is usually around 7 years. Several dozens to hundreds of eggs are deposited per female each year. Neotenous populations occur in some areas, for example mountain lakes of Slovenia, Bosnia and Montenegro. The species can be found in slightly modified habitats, although it is less common in large cultivated fields.

threats:
This species is vulnerable to fish introduction and breeding habitat destruction (drainage of wetlands and aquatic pollution) throughout its range. Following fish introductions, most populations rapidly become extinct (particularly alternative paedomorphic populations); some taxa (if taxonomy justified) have disappeared following fish introductions (e.g., M.a. lacustris : M. Denoël pers. comm.). In some areas there is over collection of the species for use in education and science (this has led to the extinction of the species from some Ukrainian localities). It is also collected in small numbers for the commercial pet trade (especially M.a. inexpectatus of Calabria). Populations in the Pelopenese and southeastern continental Greece are facing severe habitat loss. At least one of the introduced populations in the UK harbours chytridiomycosis, threatening native amphibian populations in the area.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention. It is present in many protected areas, and protected by national legislation over much of its range. The species is recorded in a number of many national and sub national Red Data Books and Lists. New breeding sites for the species have been created in parts of its range (e.g., Hungary). Conservation measures needed include the removal of predatory fishes in mountain lakes, reduction of overgrazing in mountain pastures, and the restoration of traditional livestock troughs as breeding sites. There is an urgent need to conserve the unique paedomorphic mountain isolates of M. alpestris . In parts of the species range, mitigation measures to reduce road kill have been established.

redListAssessors:
Jan Willem Arntzen, Mathieu Denoël, Sergius Kuzmin, Vladimir Ishchenko, Pedro Beja, Franco Andreone, Robert Jehle, Per Nyström, Claude Miaud, Brandon Anthony, Benedikt Schmidt, Agnieszka Ogrodowczyk, Maria Ogielska, Jaime Bosch, Milan Vogrin, Miguel


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened because this species is probably in significant decline (but probably at a rate of less than 30% over ten years) because of widespread habitat loss through much of its range, and the effects of invasive species, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

range:
This species is distributed in central and southern Iberia, and in the coastal plain of northern Morocco. It is essentially a lowland species becoming rare above 900m asl, although it might be found at 1,565m asl in the Sierra de Loja, Granada, Spain.

population:
It is not abundant over most of its distribution, with populations being more scattered and fragmented in the east and north of the Iberian Peninsula. Some population declines in this species have been observed, especially in eastern Spain. It appears to be in decline in Morocco (although it is common in the north), and the southernmost populations in Morocco might be extinct (T. Slimani and El Hassan El Mouden pers. comm.).

habitat:
This is a highly aquatic species of Mediterranean-type habitats including scrub, open woodland and cultivated land. It is generally found in ponds, dayas, wadis, lakes, ditches and slow-moving streams (often temporary in nature) with plenty of vegetation cover. The adults are mostly found under stones or in mud in their aquatic habitats, or sheltering under cover on land if the wetland dries up. It may be present in slightly modified aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The female deposits around 800-1,500 eggs on plants and stones in ponds.

threats:
This species is generally threatened through loss of aquatic habitats through drainage, agrochemical pollution, the impacts of livestock (in North African dayas), eutrophication, domestic and industrial contamination, and infrastructure development. It has largely disappeared from coastal areas in Iberia and Morocco close to concentrations of tourism and highly populated areas (such as Madrid). Introduced fish and crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii ) are known to prey on the eggs and larvae of this species, and are implicated in its decline. Mortality on roads has been reported to be a serious threat to some populations.

conservationAction:
It occurs in a number of protected areas in Iberia, but there is a need to monitor vulnerable populations in northern and eastern Spain and Portugal. It is listed on Appendix III of the Berne Convention and is protected by national legislation in Spain, where captive breeding of the species and habitat restoration projects are in place in some regions.

redListAssessors:
Pedro Beja, Jaime Bosch, Miguel Tejedo, Paul Edgar, David Donaire-Barroso, Miguel Lizana, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Tahar Slimani , El Hassan El Mouden, Philippe Geniez, Tahar Slimani


taxonomicNotes:
Four subspecies have been described: Salamandra atra atra ; S. a. aurorae ; S.a. prenjensis ; and S. a. pasobiensis . The status of these subspecies remains questionable. S.a. prenjensis is often not considered to be valid. S.a. aurorae has been sometimes considered to be a separate species. Joger (1996), using serum proteins, showed significant differences, and he proposed the elevation of S.a. aurorae to a full species. Veith et al. (1998), analyzing mitDNA of S.a. aurorae did not find any significant difference. Riberon et al. (2001) indicate a complex pattern of divergence for the alpine populations, without reaching or stressing any taxonomic consequences.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a degree of habitat modification, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

The subspecies Salamandra atra aurorae qualifies for listing as Critically Endangered under criterion B1ab(iii) because its Extent of Occurrence is probably less than 100 km2, all individuals may be in a single location, and there is continuing decline in the quality of its habitat in the Bosco del Dosso.

range:
This species is present in the European Alps (including a recently discovered population close to the village of Samoëns in the Département de la Haute-Savoie, France), with isolated populations in the Balkan Dinaric Alps in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia-Montenegro and northern Albania. It occurs at elevations between 400 and 2800m asl (more frequent between 800-2,000m asl). The subspecies Salamandra atra aurorae is largely restricted to the Bosco del Dosso and Val Rensola in north-east Italy (between 1,300 and 1,800m asl); new localities extending to the east were discovered in the early 1990s (with a distance between furthermost sites of 15km2), and it is possible that this subspecies might occur in the entire forested high plateau of the area. Further field surveys are needed to verify the full distribution of Salamandra atra aurorae.

population:
It is still be abundant in Switzerland (although now considered to be extinct in some southern parts of the country), Germany, Austria and parts of Italy. It appears to be more rare and threatened in the Dinaric Alps in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia-Montenegro and northern Albania (e.g., Kalezic and Dzukic, 2001). Gasc et al. (1997) considered Salamandra atra aurorae to be highly endangered.

habitat:
It is found in cool, damp alpine meadows, stony pastures, dwarf heath and mixed, broadleaf and coniferous woodland. Animals are usually hidden below stones and logs, but can be encountered in shady places, or after rain, during the day. The species is unusual in that it has a ovi-viviparous method of reproduction by which it gives birth on land to an average of two fully metamorphosed offspring; the gestation period is between two and four years. It may be found in pastureland and other slightly modified habitats. It is not associated with water.

threats:
There are generally no threats to the Italian populations of S.a. atra. Some local populations in Switzerland are threatened by road mortality and populations of the Dinaric Alps are threatened by localized habitat destruction through intensification of farming methods, tourism (skiing) and infrastructure development. The subspecies S.a. aurorae is threatened by collection for scientific purposes and the pet trade and general habitat alteration through excessive water abstraction from streams, and the removal of ground cover during forestry practices. Populations in Serbia and Montenegro are small, fragmented and threatened by over-collecting for the pet trade and possibly climatic changes.

conservationAction:
Salamandra atra is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and Salamandra atra aurorae is listed on Annex II* of the EU Habitats Directive under the name ' Salamandra salamandra aurorae '; both Salamandra atra and ' Salamandra aurorae '[sic] are also listed on Annex IV of the Directive. The species is protected by national legislation in most range countries (e.g.. Switzerland, Slovenia) and it is present in a number of protected areas. Kalezic and Dzukic (2001) suggest the establishment of a protected area on Prokletije Mount would significantly aid the conservation of S. atra in the Dinaric Alps. The subspecies S. a. aurorae is present in the Natura 2000 sites of Cima Dodici (10,450 ha) and Pasubo e Piccole Dolomiti: Monte Pasubo (1,920 ha).

redListAssessors:
Franco Andreone, Mathieu Denoël, Claude Miaud, Benedikt Schmidt, Paul Edgar, Milan Vogrin, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Rastko Ajtic, Claudia Corti, Idriz Haxhiu


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern since, although its Extent of Occurrence is less than 20,000 km2, it occurs in an area of extensive, suitable habitat which appears not to be under significant threat, it has a presumed large population, and it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species is endemic to the island of Corsica, France, where it is found throughout the island. It is found at altitudes of 50-1,750m, but is commonest from 500-1,300m asl.

habitat:
It is found in a wide variety of habitats particularly mixed and deciduous woodland (Beech, Sweet Chestnut and Pine). This species gives birth to well developed larvae that complete metamorphosis in streams, ponds and other waters; fully metamorphosed young are occasionally produced.

threats:
The main threats to this species are loss of woodland habitat (especially as a result of forest fires). However, it is not believed to be significantly at risk.

redListAssessors:
Claude Miaud, Marc Cheylan, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Vulnerable because it is known from fewer than five locations, and it is considered to be plausible that the species could decline in response to development within its restricted range.

range:
This species occurs only in a very small area of the western Alps on the border of Italy and France. It is distributed in the valleys of Po, Pellice, and Germanasca in Italy, and in the Guil Valley in France. An isolated population was recently discovered in Chisone valley, Italy. It has also been reported to be (or have been) present on the Maritime Alps, in Cuneo Province. This finding is based upon a single specimen housed in Florence Museum, and with a label indicating its provenance as "Antracque", which is a mistake for Entracque, Valdieri (Cuneo), Italy. The species has not been found again at Entracque or nearby sites. Ribéron (2003) concluded that the species' distribution is decreasing, but this assertion is based solely on the Entracque specimen. The altitudinal range is from 1,200m (perhaps less) to around 2,600m asl; the altitude record of 2,800m asl and corresponding locality (Lago delle Forciolline), is most likely erroneous (Andreone and Sindaco 1999; Vences et al. 2003b; Andreone et al. 2004).

population:
The small known populations of this species are considered to be stable. The Germanasca Valley (Torino Province) population was reduced during 2000 because of habitat changes caused by unusually high levels of precipitation.

habitat:
It is associated with rocky alpine meadows and scree slopes, often close to small streams, usually above the tree line. The known sites of this species at lower elevations may have mixed or coniferous forest. It gives birth to one to six fully metamorphosed young on land (Noellert and Noellert 1992), and is not associated with water. This species hides beneath rocks and stones when inactive and may be found in pastureland and other slightly modified habitats.

threats:
While there are no major threats to this species, some localized development for tourism might be disturbing the habitat, and many individuals are killed by cars.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive and on Appendix II of the Bern Convention under Salamandra atra . There is a need to maintain traditional forest and alpine management within the species' range. It is found in protected areas in both Italy and France.

redListAssessors:
Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano, Franco Andreone, Claude Miaud, Marc Cheylan, Claudia Corti, Philippe Geniez


taxonomicNotes:
This account follows the suggested Salamandra monophyletic group distribution presented in Steinfartz, et al. (2000). Old locality records for Turkey need to be reconfirmed, and are not included here.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a degree of habitat modification, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. A number of subspecies of Salamandra salamandra are restricted in range and may be considered to be threatened, in particular: S.s. longirostris in southern Spain (listed as Vulnerable in Spain), and S.s. bejarae-almanzoris in the mountains of north-central Spain (listed as Vulnerable in Spain).

range:
This species is present across much of central, eastern and southern Europe. In the former Soviet Union, it is known only from the mountains and foothills of the Ukrainian Carpathians. The populations of this species in Iberia are very fragmented (there is a small Area of Occupancy within the wider Extent of Occurrence). The populations of Salamandra species reported from western Anatolia, Turkey, require further investigation into the species involved and are not evaluated in this account. It occurs from lowland areas up to 2,500m asl (in central Spain).

population:
A number of large, stable populations of this salamander exist in Central Europe. Some local populations declines have been observed over parts of its range (e.g., through habitat loss, introduced predatory fish, and increased aridity in Spain). A severe decline has been reported in the Netherlands. Some local populations have disappeared, and its population density has also been reduced in parts of Spain.

habitat:
It is associated with wet cool deciduous, mixed, or rarely, coniferous forests with well shaded brooks and small rivers. Within the mountain forest belt, the species can be found in woodlands, glades and forest edges, rocky slopes, dense bush, and herbaceous vegetation. It is possible, that the occurrence of S. salamandra on woodless mountain pastures and within hayfields indicates the past existence of forests. In the Iberian Peninsula the species may be found in upland Mediterranean type forest and associated habitats. The species prefers microhabitats covered with dense leaf-litter and moss. In general, the female gives birth to well-developed larvae, that complete metamorphosis in streams, ponds and still waters. However, the subspecies, S.s. bernardezi and S.s. fastusa may give birth to two to eight fully metamorphosed young on land. The species does tolerate some habitat modification, and has even been found in gardens.

threats:
The principal threats include localized general habitat destruction, unsympathetic forest management, and pollution of breeding sites by agrochemicals, collection for commercial purposes (i.e., the pet trade), introduction of predatory species (salmonids and crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii )) and population fragmentation. The mortality of adults on roads is a localized threat in some parts of its range. The presence of chytridiomycosis has been reported in some Spanish populations.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention and is protected by national legislation over much of its range. It occurs in many protected areas, and is listed in a number of national and sub national Red Data Books and Lists. Some populations of this salamander are being monitored (e.g., central Spain; Zlote Mountains [southwestern Poland, East Sudety Mountains]). Further research into the impacts of chytridiomycosis on this salamander is urgently needed.

redListAssessors:
Sergius Kuzmin, Theodore Papenfuss, Max Sparreboom, Ismail Ugurtas, Steven Anderson, Trevor Beebee, Mathieu Denoël, Franco Andreone, Brandon Anthony, Benedikt Schmidt, Agnieszka Ogrodowczyk, Maria Ogielska, Jaime Bosch, David Tarkhnishvili, Vladimir


taxonomicNotes:
We follow Mattoccia et al. (2005) and Canestrelli et al. (2006) in separating Salamandrina perspicillata from S. terdigitata .

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its relatively wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species is endemic to peninsular Italy, mainly in the Appenine Mountains (where it is widespread), but also in other hilly areas to the west and east of the Appenines, south to the province of Caserta (Campania region) (south of this it is replaced by Salamandrina terdigitata ). It is usually found at elevations between 200 and 900m asl, but can occur between 50 and 1,500m asl.

population:
It is sometimes difficult to find, but it is common in western parts of its range.

habitat:
It is mainly found in forests with dense undergrowth in hilly and mountainous areas, often in north-facing mountain valleys. Only females of this species are aquatic during the short oviposition phase for which well-oxygenated waters, slow running streams (usually with rocky beds), drinking troughs, and residual and vernal ponds (sometime of very small dimensions) are used. It appears to avoid seriously modified habitats. This species shows high site fidelity to breeding sites.

threats:
In parts of the species range there are some localized declines through habitat loss and aquatic pollution. But overall, it is not significantly threatened.

conservationAction:
This species is protected by law in several provinces in Italy, and it is listed in Appendix II of the Bern Convention. It occurs in several protected areas, including the Abruzzo National Park.

redListAssessors:
Antonio Romano, Marco Mattoccia, Valerio Sbordoni, Franco Andreone, Claudia Corti


range:
This species is endemic to southern peninsular Italy in the Apennine Mountains (where it is widespread) and other hilly areas, south of Caserta province (Campania region). North of this it is replaced by Salamandrina perspicillata . It is usually found at elevations between 200 and 900m asl, but can occur between 50m and 1,500m asl.

habitat:
It is mainly found in forests with dense undergrowth in hilly and mountainous areas. Only females of this species are aquatic during the short oviposition phase, for which well-oxygenated waters, slow-running streams (usually with rocky beds), drinking troughs and ponds are used. It appears to avoid seriously modified habitats. Little information is available on the ecology and reproductive biology of this species.

conservationAction:
This species is protected by law in several provinces in Italy, and it is listed in Appendix II of the Bern Convention. It occurs in several protected areas, including the Pollino National Park.

redListAssessors:
Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano, Marco Mattoccia, Valerio Sbordoni, Franco Andreone, Claudia Corti


taxonomicNotes:
Some of the populations north of the Alps, in Austria and Germany, show degrees of hybridisation with Triturus cristatus ; T. carnifex is not included in the German list as all populations are considered hybrids. The exact ranges of members of the Triturus cristatus superspecies are unclear in the central Balkans. Subspecies macedonicus has been recommended as a separate species by Arntzen et al. (2007).

range:
This species occurs through most of Italy, southern Switzerland, Slovenia, northern Croatia, and northern Bosnia-Herzegovina, with an apparently disjunct population on the Adriatic side of the Balkan Peninsula in eastern Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, FYR Macedonia, Albania, south to central Greece. There are populations north of the Alps in Austria, southeast Bavaria (Germany), western Hungary, and southern Czech Republic. There are a number of introduced populations in western Switzerland (Geneva), Germany (not mapped), Portugal (São Miguel Island in the Azores), the Netherlands (not mapped) and the UK (not mapped). Recorded from sea level to elevations approaching 2,000m asl (Greece).

population:
There are large populations in the south of its range, with the species becoming less abundant in the north. It is still locally very abundant in Italy, but several populations on the River Po plain are known to have become extinct. It is known to be dramatically decreasing through habitat loss in Montenegro (Kalezic and Dzukic, 2001), and populations are declining generally in the Balkans.

habitat:
There are a wide variety of terrestrial habitats from beech woodlands to arid Mediterranean climates. Its breeding and larval development take place in various stagnant permanent and temporary aquatic habitats. This species can be found in modified habitats such as quarries and artificial water bodies such as stony wells, tanks and drinking troughs. In central and southern Italy, artificial water bodies can be the commonest breeding sites (e.g. Romano et al . 2007; Corsetti and Romano 2007)

threats:
It is sensitive to changes in water quality. The principal threats to the species are loss of aquatic habitats, especially breeding sites, through agricultural intensification and agrochemical pollution, and introduction of predatory fishes. In the Balkans, there has been loss of breeding habitats in recent years due to decreased spring rains, perhaps as a result of global climate change, and presumed mortality of individuals because of predation by introduced fishes.

conservationAction:
Listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention. Listed on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. Protected by national legislation in several countries. It is present in a number of protected areas over its range.

redListAssessors:
Antonio Romano, Jan Willem Arntzen, Mathieu Denoël, Robert Jehle, Franco Andreone, Brandon Anthony, Benedikt Schmidt, Wiesiek Babik, Robert Schabetsberger, Milan Vogrin, Miklós Puky, Petros Lymberakis, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Rastko Ajtic, Claudia Corti


taxonomicNotes:
Triturus cristatus formerly was considered to include four subspecies: T. cristatus cristatus ; T. cristatus dobrogicus ; T. cristatus karelinii ; and T. cristatus carnifex . These are now recognized as separate species of the Triturus cristatus superspecies, and the specific name Triturus cristatus ( sensu stricto ) is attributed to the former nominative subspecies. The exact ranges of members of the Triturus cristatus superspecies are unclear in the central Balkans because of narrow or extensive areas of hybridization.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a degree of habitat modification, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. Some subpopulations are threatened.

range:
This species is widely distributed from the United Kingdom and northern France, through southern Scandinavia, and central Europe, enters a small part of the Balkans, to the southwestern part of West Siberia (Kurganskaya Province; records in Sverdlovskaya Province need verification). The presence of this species in southern Hungary requires verification and is not mapped here, as earlier records of T. cristatus are now believed to refer to other Triturus species (M. Puky pers. comm.). It has an altitudinal range from sea level to 1,750m asl. (Arnold, 2003).

population:
Although the species is known to be declining or rare in parts of its distribution (e.g., Belgium, where only a few sites are known), it appears to remain relatively common in suitable habitats (although usually occurring in small numbers) over parts of its range.

habitat:
It can be found in coniferous, mixed and deciduous forests (composed of pine, birch, oak, alder etc.), their glades and edges, in forest steppe, bush lands, pastures, meadows, parks and gardens. Reproduction in permanent stagnant and in semi-flowing waters such as ponds, rarely lakes, flooded quarries, irrigation channels and ditches. The usage of small ponds is typical across the range. It can be found in modified habitat types, but this species is not considered to be very adaptable.

threats:
The species is sensitive to changes in water quality. Correspondingly, industrial pollution of water, destruction and drainage of ponds seem to be the most harmful factors for T. cristatus . The impact of natural factors such as ponds overgrowing, shallowing and eutrophication is harmful to urban populations and those near to the range margins. Introduced predatory fishes are leading to declines in some areas. In some parts of the range (of the former Soviet Union) there is substantial commercial collecting of this species for the pet trade. Habitat fragmentation is a threat.

conservationAction:
Listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention, and there is an Action Plan. Listed on Annexes II and IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive. Protected by national legislation in many countries; recorded on many national and sub-national Red Data books and lists. Present in many protected areas. The are local conservation programmes for the species in parts of its range (e.g.. Poland, Germany). In the UK there is a need for monitoring following mitigation work.

redListAssessors:
Jan Willem Arntzen, Sergius Kuzmin, Robert Jehle, Trevor Beebee, David Tarkhnishvili, Vladimir Ishchenko, Natalia Ananjeva, Nikolai Orlov, Boris Tuniyev, Mathieu Denoël, Per Nyström, Brandon Anthony, Benedikt Schmidt, Agnieszka Ogrodowczyk


taxonomicNotes:
The exact ranges of members of the Triturus cristatus superspecies are unclear in the central Balkans because of narrow or extensive areas of hybridization. Two isolated subspecies have been described, occurring to the east and west of the Iron Gates of the Danube.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened because this species is in significant decline (but probably at a rate of less than 30% over ten years) because of widespread habitat loss through much of its range, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

range:
This species is found in the lowlands of the Tisza and Danube River systems from eastern Austria, extreme southern Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, northern Croatia, extreme northern Bosnia-Herzegovina, northern Serbia and western Romania, eastwards to the Transcarpathian Plain in southern Romania, northern Bulgaria, southern Moldova (the lower reaches of the Prut River), and extreme southern Odesskaya Province (Ukraine). Individuals from north-eastern Slovenia (the Mura River) are hybrid forms with Triturus carnifex . It is generally found in lowland areas below 300m asl.

population:
In general, populations of this species are rapidly declining as a result of habitat loss.

habitat:
It is found in open habitats with mixed deciduous forests and groves, bushlands, flooded meadows and swamps, and also in agricultural landscapes and villages, and riparian groves in the steppe regions. It might in some instances be strictly aquatic. This species may coexist with fish in oxbow lakes, river margins and other non-temporary waterbodies, and may also occur in disturbed habitats including those close to human settlement (Griffiths 1996). Reproduction takes place in small ponds with stagnant water, or in channels, ditches and flooded areas. It intergrades with other species of the former Triturus cristatus complex along the contact zones.

threats:
The main threats to this species are rapid anthropogenic habitat destruction (for example, through drainage and damming), and pollution of its wetland habitats (especially floodplains). Hybridization with other crested newt species at the edge of its range is also a threat. In the southern part of its range, there has been loss of breeding habitats in recent years due to decreased spring rains, perhaps as a result of global climate change.

conservationAction:
It is present in a number of protected areas, and in parts of its range mitigation measures to reduce road kill have been established. It is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and is protected by national legislation in some of the areas where it occurs (for example, in Romania).

redListAssessors:
Jan Willem Arntzen, Sergius Kuzmin, Robert Jehle, Mathieu Denoël, Brandon Anthony, Claude Miaud, Wiesiek Babik, Milan Vogrin, David Tarkhnishvili, Vladimir Ishchenko, Natalia Ananjeva, Nikolai Orlov, Boris Tuniyev, Dan Cogalniceanu, Tibor Kovács, István Kiss


taxonomicNotes:
The exact ranges of members of the Triturus cristatus superspecies are unclear in the central Balkans.

range:
This species ranges from the eastern side of the Balkan Peninsula (extreme southeastern Serbia, eastern FYR Macedonia, most of Bulgaria, northeastern Greece, and European Turkey) through western and northern Turkey along the edges of the Black Sea, to the Caucasus (Russia, Georgia and Azerbaijan). There are apparently isolated populations in central Serbia, on the Crimean Peninsula (Ukraine), and in the southern Caspian region of northern Iran. The map for this species largely follows Arntzen, (2003). It can be found from sea level to elevations approaching 2,100m asl (southern Caucasus).

population:
In West Asia it is reasonably common in suitable habitat. Within the former Soviet Union habitat loss has caused the decline of many populations (especially in the Crimea and the Caucasus).

habitat:
It can be found in mountain forests (broad-leaved and coniferous species) and their surroundings; the forest steppe and even true steppe sites within the mountains. The majority of such populations are the relics of a former forest fauna. Within these landscapes, these populations inhabit slopes and plateau covered with meadows or xerophytic vegetation. Such habitats are especially widespread in the parts of the species' range in Crimea and southern Azerbaijan. In general, T. karelinii seems to be more resistant to xeric habitat conditions than other Triturus newts. Breeding takes place in slow moving stream pools, ponds and occasionally drainage ditches. The female deposits approximately 100-250 eggs; these are individually wrapped in aquatic vegetation. The species can withstand some degree of habitat modification.

threats:
Deforestation and pollution of wetlands by agrochemicals appear to be the main threats to this species. In the former Soviet Union there is significant commercial collecting of this species for the pet trade. In Turkey there are no immediate threats to this species, as it is widespread and found in many habitat types. Within Iran it is threatened by urban sprawl along the Caspian coast and foothills, agricultural development (rice cultivation) and logging. In the Balkans, there has been loss of breeding habitats in recent years due to decreased spring rains, perhaps as a result of global climate change. In Greece the loss of aquatic habitats is a serious threat to this species.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive, and on Appendix II of the Bern Convention. It is listed in a number of national and sub-national Red Data Books and Lists. It is recorded from many protected areas. It is present in the largely protected Hyrcanian Forests of Iran. The species was re-introduced near Sochi Town in Sochi National Park (Russia).

redListAssessors:
Jan Willem Arntzen, Theodore Papenfuss, Sergius Kuzmin, David Tarkhnishvili, Vladimir Ishchenko, Boris Tuniyev, Max Sparreboom, Nasrullah Rastegar-Pouyani, Ismail Ugurtas, Steven Anderson, Wiesiek Babik, Claude Miaud, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic


range:
This species can be found in much of northern Iberia, and central, southern and western France. This species was introduced to the area of Turin, Italy but is now presumed to be extinct here (J.W. Arntzen pers. comm.). Present from sea level to elevations approaching 2,100m asl.

population:
It is locally abundant in suitable habitat. It is locally endangered in central France, less threatened in southern France, and not particularly threatened in Spain and Portugal.

habitat:
Aquatic habitats include well-vegetated ponds, pools, ditches and streams generally within dry woodlands, heath land, fields and rough grassland. Breeding and larval development take place in many different types of permanent and temporary water sources, usually with aquatic vegetation for reproduction. It can occur in slightly modified habitats such as traditional farmland.

threats:
Major threats are agricultural intensification, drainage, pollution, and eutrophication of aquatic habitats through intensive agricultural. Mass mortality of the species through disease (iridovirus) has been recorded in Carris Lake, Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal. The disease might be non-native and have been transferred to the lake by an introduced predatory fish ( Lepomis gibbosus ). Predation by L. gibbosus and other introduced predatory fish and crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii ) species is also a threat to T. marmoratus in parts of its range. There is some illegal collection of the species for the pet trade.

conservationAction:
Protected by national legislation throughout its range (Gasc et al. , 1997). Listed on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. Listed on Annex III of the Bern Convention. Present in a number of protected areas. In Portugal it is present in Peneda-Gerês National Park where the population of Carris Lake has been severely impacted by disease. Further research into the impacts of disease on this species is needed. Re-introductions and/or translocations of this species have been made in the area of Madrid, Spain.

redListAssessors:
Jan Willem Arntzen, Robert Jehle, Jaime Bosch, Claude Miaud, Miguel Tejedo, Miguel Lizana, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Paulo Sa-Sousa, Rafael Marquez


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened because this species is in significant decline, but probably at a rate of less than 30% over ten years over its entire range, because of widespread habitat loss through much of its range, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

range:
This species is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula where it is distributed in central and southern Portugal and the southern half of Spain, from sea level to 1,450m asl.

population:
It is common in areas where suitable siliceous substrate habitat exists. There has been a significant decline in the populations of southern and eastern Spain (those found on a calcareous substrate).

habitat:
This species inhabits broadleaf ( Quercus oak) woodland in meso-Mediterranean and thermo-Mediterranean climates. Aquatic habitats used for breeding and larval development include temporary or permanent ponds, lagoons, abandoned quarries and wells, drinking troughs, irrigation ponds, ditches and other areas of stagnant or slow-moving water. It is found in traditional farmland areas and other slightly modified habitats.

threats:
The most significant threat to this species overall is habitat loss, especially the loss of temporary ponds. In the west of Spain and southern Portugal populations are affected by predation by non-native crayfish and predatory fish. Increasing urbanization surrounding Madrid has also led to the elimination of many populations. In southern and eastern Spain, over-exploitation of groundwater resources, agrochemical pollution, loss of traditional breeding sites and the introduction of predatory non-native fish and crayfish ( Procambarus clarkii ) has led to a serious population decline. In Portugal this species is also affected by the drainage of temporary ponds, associated with the intensification of agriculture.

conservationAction:
It is present in Parque Nacional de Cabañeros and Parque Nacional de Doñana, Spain, and is presumed to occur in some Portuguese protected areas. Re-introductions and/or translocations of this species have been made in the area of Madrid, Spain. This species is listed on Annex III of the Bern Convention, and is protected by national and sub-national legislation in Spain. It is considered Vulnerable on the Spanish Red List.

redListAssessors:
Jan Willem Arntzen, Pedro Beja, Jaime Bosch, Miguel Tejedo, Miguel Lizana, Robert Jehle, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París, Ernesto Recuero Gil, Rafael Marquez, Paulo Sa-Sousa, Carmen Diaz Paniagua


taxonomicNotes:
Animals from the southwestern part of the Iberian Peninsula appear to differ genetically from those elsewhere, and may represent a separate species (Albert et al. 2007).

range:
This species is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. It is found throughout Portugal and through most of central and southern Spain. It occurs from sea level up to 1,800m asl (in the Sierra Nevada).

population:
It is difficult to determine the abundance of this species, but it appears to be most common in areas of sandy and moist soil.

habitat:
It is a subterranean species found in a wide variety of Mediterranean habitats. It is often found in moist, sandy soils that are easy to burrow in and have a high level of humus. It occurs in low intensity agricultural land. The females lay a single egg.

threats:
The threats to this species are not well known; it might be locally threatened by urbanization. It is known to be eaten by wild boar Sus scrofa, which are expanding their distribution in Spain and Portugal, but the extent to which this constitutes a threat is unclear.

conservationAction:
This species is protected by national legislation. It occurs in many protected areas. Further studies are needed into the threats, distribution and abundance for this species.

redListAssessors:
Juan Pleguezuelos, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Rafael Marquez, Iñigo Martínez-Solano


range:
This species is present in southern Turkey (much of southern Anatolia), Syria, northern Iraq, Lebanon, and on the islands of Rhodos, Kos, Kalymnos, and other southeastern Aegean islands of Greece. It is possibly present in Israel (it may have occurred there in the past, although further studies are needed to confirm this and it is not mapped here). It is not present on Cyprus.  More research is needed to determine its presence in Syria. Recorded from sea level to 1,400m asl in Turkey.

population:
It is abundant in Turkey. In Greece, it is rather common within its range. It is uncommon in Syria, but more work is needed to verify its status.

habitat:
It is a fossorial species found in a variety of sparsely vegetated Mediterranean habitats. It is often found in moist, sandy soils that are easy to excavate and have a high level of humus. It can presumably occur in low intensity agricultural land. The females lay one or two eggs in a clutch.

threats:
There appear to be no major threats to this species. There is some persecution where it is mistakenly identified as a snake.

conservationAction:
It is present in some protected areas in Turkey and Greece. It is protected by national legislation in Israel.

redListAssessors:
Petros Lymberakis, Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Ahmad Mohammed Mousa Disi, Souad Hraoui-Bloquet, Riyad Sadek, Yehudah Werner, Yakup Kaska, Yusuf Kumlutaş, Aziz Avci, Nazan Üzüm


taxonomicNotes:
The subspecies T. wiegmanni elegans is endemic to western Morocco (Bons and Geniez 1996).

range:
This species ranges from western Morocco (including Ceuta, Melilla and the Chafarinas Islands [Spain]), eastwards through northern Algeria into northwestern Tunisia. It can be found from sea level up to 1,900 m asl.

habitat:
This species is generally, though not always found in moist soil that is covered by stones, rocks and other ground cover. It can be found close to roadsides, in traditionally cultivated areas, grassland, in oak forest and oak-juniper forests, in steppe habitat and in sandy patches without vegetation. This species is ovoviviparous, the female gives birth to between two and five young.

threats:
The threats to this species are not well known, but it is presumed to be impacted in parts of its range by conversion of steppe lands to agricultural land.  It is commonly found under stones, and removal of suitable stones for house construction is thought to be a threat to this species.

conservationAction:
It is known to exist in several national parks throughout its range.

redListAssessors:
Jose Antonio Mateo Miras, Ulrich Joger, Juan Pleguezuelos, Tahar Slimani, Iñigo Martínez-Solano


redListCategoryRationale:
Global: LC
Turkish: LC
Europe: LC
EU 27: LC

Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species ranges from Greece and Turkey (west, southern, southeastern, central, northern central Anatolia to the Black Sea) to Syria, Lebanon, northwestern Iraq, northern Saudi Arabia, northern and western Jordan, Israel and northern Egypt (and introduced west of the Nile). In Greece it is found in northern mainland (mainly in Kentriki Makedonia) where it was possibly introduced, and on the islands of Corfu in the Ionian Islands, the Cyclades (Mykonos, Rhineia, Delos, Paros, Despotiko, Antiparos), Naxos and eastern Aegean islands, and islands close to the Turkish mainland (Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria and Rhodes). It is also present in Cyprus, and it has been introduced to Malta (Arnold 2003). It occurs from sea level up to 1,900m asl.

population:
It is generally a very common species. In Egypt the species is declining. The populations in mainland Greece were probably introduced after 1500.

habitat:
This is a diurnal species that is found in a variety of dry, arid and semi-arid habitats, often in rocky areas. Populations are often present in rocky mountainous and coastal regions. It can be found on rocks, trees, buildings and other habitats that it can climb on. The females lay from three to 12 eggs per clutch (Disi, 2002). In north Sinai it can be found in cultivated areas such as orchards (S. Baha El Din pers. comm.).

threats:
There generally appear to be no major threats to this widespread species. In Egypt it is threatened by overcollection for the pet trade and habitat loss in some areas through coastal development (S. Baha El Din pers. comm.).

conservationAction:
It is present in many protected areas. It is protected by national legislation in Israel. In Egypt, there is a need for further research into the impacts of harvesting on this species. Regulation and monitoring of the trade in this species in Egypt may be needed.

redListAssessors:
Ahmad Mohammed Mousa Disi, Yehudah Werner, Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Souad Hraoui-Bloquet, Riyad Sadek, Petros Lymberakis, Pierre-André Crochet, Sherif Baha El Din, Yakup Kaska, Yusuf Kumlutaş, Aziz Avci, Nazan Üzüm, Can Yeniyurt, Ferdi Akarsu


taxonomicNotes:
The nominate subspecies P. g. guttatus  is found within most European and Asian parts of the range. The subspecies P. g. kuschakewitschi Bedriaga In Nikolsky, 1905 is found to the south of the Balkhash Lake (Kazakhstan), and might represent a distinct species. The validity of the western subspecies P. g. kalmykys Badmamayeva and Szczerbak, 1983, is uncertain and it is often considered to be a junior synonym of P. g. guttatus. The subspecific status of the P. guttatus populations recorded from Jungar Gates and Alakol Hollow (Kazakhstan) is unclear.

range:
This species is widely distributed from western borders of China across the whole northern sub-zone of deserts to the western coast of the Caspian Sea. In the European part of Russia, the species is distributed in Dagestan, Kalmykia, Stavropol Territory, Astrakhan and Volgograd region. The main part of the distribution range is situated in Kazakhstan, but the species also occurs also in Uzbekistan (Kara-Kalpakia) and Turkmenistan. It is found up to 1,000m asl.

population:
It is common species found at relatively high densities. It can be a rare species in the Caucasus.

habitat:
This species is generally associated with areas of sandy soil, sometimes with a sparse vegetation cover. The subspecies P. g. salsatus is closely associated with alkali soils, but occasionally it can be found on the slopes of barkhans (sand ridges). It is territorial species, females are more settled but have a smaller home range than the male. Reproduction begins at the end of April, with the eggs laid from May to June, and the young appearing in the middle of July.

threats:
This species is threatened in lowland parts of its range through the conversion of habitat to intensive agriculture and plantation use.

conservationAction:
In view of its wide range it presumably occurs in some protected areas. The subspecies P. g. salsatus is included into the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan (1999): category 3 - rare, narrow-ranged species.

redListAssessors:
Boris Tuniyev, Natalia Ananjeva, Aram Agasyan, Nikolai Orlov, Sako Tuniyev, and Steven Anderson


taxonomicNotes:
Further taxonomic studies are needed into the relationship between Phrynocephalus helioscopus and P. persicus.

range:
This widespread species is present from Dagestan (Russia) and northeastern Iran (Kopet Dagh mountain range), through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, southern Russia, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to northwestern China and northwestern Mongolia.

habitat:
It is present in clay and stony desert and semi-desert areas, generally with a spare cover of vegetation. Animals can be found in dry stream beds and sandy areas mixed with pebbles (Anderson 1999).

threats:
In parts of its range, this species is threatened by overgrazing and habitat transformation to agriculture.

conservationAction:
Other than general research activities, no direct conservation measures are currently needed for this species as a whole. In view of the species wide range, it seems likely that it is distributed within several protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Natalia Ananjeva, Boris Tuniyev, Aram Agasyan, Nikolai Orlov, Sako Tuniyev, and Steven Anderson


taxonomicNotes:
The nominate subspecies P. m. mystaceus is found in Europe, ranging as far east as the Volga River sands inclusive. The subspecies P. m. galli Krassowsky, 1932 occurs through much of Kazakhstan and Middle Asia. The subspecies P. m. aurantiacocaudatus Senenov et Shenbrot, 1990 is present in eastern Kazakhstan (ranging eastwards from the Ili River).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. However several subpopulations, such as that of Sary Kum in Daghestan, are considered to be threatened by sand mining, dune stabilization and habitat loss.

range:
This species ranges from southern Russia (Dagestan, Kalmykia and the eastern part of Chechnya) in the northwest of its range, through Kazakhstan to northwestern China. In the south of its range it occurs from the Central Plateau of Iran, through Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan to Tajikistan. The species exists as a number of isolated populations. They are found from 45m bsl to around 1,000 m asl.

population:
In Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan this is a common species in sandy deserts (found at densities of 18 animals per 2 km2 in Kara Kum, Turkmenistan; at densities of 64 animals per hectare in Kazahstan).

habitat:
This species is generally associated with open sand dunes. Animals have also been recorded from flat desert areas, where populations are limited to sandy flats with a low shrub cover, on sandy, gravel strewn hammada and on barren salt flats (Anderson, 1999). Animals are often observed in suitable habitat close to roads (Anderson, 1999). The female lays between two and six eggs.

threats:
It is locally threatened by the stabilisation of dunes and the conversion of dune habitats to agricultural land (through irrigation), mining (sand extraction) and urban areas.

conservationAction:
In general no conservation activities are currently needed for this species as a whole. The distinct, isolated population inhabitating the Sary Kum sand dune close to Makhachkala City in Daghestan, needs urgent conservation action, including the development of a protected area, to prevent further loss of its habitat through mining of these dunes.


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened because its Extent of Occurrence is probably not much greater than 20,000 km2, and it is persecuted and subject to other threats such as fires, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

range:
This species is restricted to southern mainland Greece (the Peloponnese) and the Ionian islands of Lefkas, Kefalonia and Zakynthos. It has been recorded from sea level up to 1,200m asl.

population:
It is not a very common species. The species has not been surveyed since the severe Peloponnese fires in 2007, so the impact of this event is not known.

habitat:
It occurs in humid areas within meadows, scrubland, open forests (both deciduous and coniferous), hedgerows and wooded stream sides. It also occurs in rural gardens and traditionally farmed agricultural areas.

threats:
It appears to be a reasonably adaptable species, but is generally killed when it is encountered. Human-caused fires (such as those in the Peloponnese in 2007) may be a threat.

conservationAction:
The species range includes a few protected areas.


taxonomicNotes:
The nominate subspecies A. f. fragilis inhabits Western and Central Europe, while A. f. colchicus Nordmann, 1840 is distributed in Northern Eurasia. It is possible that these two subspecies represent distinct species, with taxonomic work underway to better understand their relationship.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, it occurs in a number of protected areas, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

Turkey: LC

range:
This species is present throughout much of Europe, generally being absent only from Ireland, northern Scandinavia, central and southern Iberia, most Mediterranean Islands, and Greece (excluding the southern Peloponnese). There are isolated populations outside the main range in several places: near Lisbon in western Portugal; on Kaz Dagi (Ida Mountains, Canakkale and Balikesir) in extreme western Turkey (C.V. Tok pers. comm.); and in the Caucasus region of northeastern Turkey, northern Iran (restricted to the Caspian region), Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and southern Russia. In Northern Euraisa, it is very widespread in the forest zone stretching from the Baltic countries, through Belarus, the Ukraine and Moldova in the west to the left-bank valley of the Tobol River of western Siberia in the far east of its range. Records from North Africa (Algeria and Tunisia) might be misidentifications (Schleich et al., 1996). It can be found from sea level up to 2,400m asl.

population:
It can be relatively common, but localized declines are believed to be taking place through the conversion of land to intensive agriculture. Changes in population abundance is difficult to determine as the species spends a considerable time underground (Benedikt Schmidt pers. comm.).

habitat:
Populations of this species can be found in grassy meadows, woodland glades, heathland, at the forest edge, in forest clearings, with alluvial forest, under hedgerows, in parkland and rural gardens. Animals have been found burrowing in loose sand and under rocks.  It is an ovoviviparous species; the female gives birth to between three and 26 young.

threats:
It is threatened in parts of its range by a general loss of habitat due to agricultural intensification and urbanization, fires and reafforestation of clearings. Animals are also killed on roads in parts of its range, and predation by cats is a threat in some areas. Unmediated mitigation projects, such as the translocation of subpopulations, are a threat to some UK populations. It is not collected commercially.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention and occurs in many protected areas throughout its range. Further studies may be needed into the distribution of this species. It is protected by national legislation in some countries of its range (e.g.. Austria, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland). It is categorised as Least Concern in Switzerland (Monney and Meyer 2005).

redListAssessors:
Aram Agasyan, Aziz Avisi, Boris Tuniyev, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya, Hans Konrad Nettmann, Wolfgang Böhme, Bogoljub Sterijovski, Milan Vogrin, Claudia Corti, Valentin Pérez Mellado, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Marc Cheylan, Juan Pleguezuelos, Varol Tok, Roberto Sindaco, Bartosz Borczyk, Benedikt Schmidt


taxonomicNotes:
This species was previously included in the genus Ophisaurus. Glass lizards from the Balkan Peninsula and southern coast of the Crimea are considered as a subspecies P. a. thracius (Obst, 1978). The nominative subspecies, P. a. apodus is distributed Southeastern Europe, Ciscaucasia and Transcaucasia, southern Turkmenistan, eastern Uzbekistan, western Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and southeastern Kazakhstan.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

EU27: LC
EU: LC
Turkey: LC

range:
This widespread species ranges eastwards from the Balkan region of Europe to Turkey, the Caucasus region, Central Asia and the Levant. From the Balkans it has been recorded along the Adriatic regions of Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania (common only in coastal areas), the southern Macedonia (through the Vardar valley to the vicinity of Skopje), most of Greece (including the Ionian Islands and the islands of Limnos, Rhodes, Lesbos, Chios, Ikaria and Samos) and southern and eastern Bulgaria. It also occurs in southern Ukraine, southwestern Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, Turkey (in the west, north and south), western Syria, throughout Lebanon, northern Israel, northwest Jordan, Iraq, Iran (restricted to the Caspian region, northern Zagros, the Alborz and Kopet Dagh), and into Central Asia where it is present in southern Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, southeastern Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, western Tajikistan and Afghanistan. It is found from sea level to around 2,300m asl.

habitat:
This species is found in dry, well vegetated rocky slopes, marquis, traditionally cultivated areas and close to human settlements. In Iran, it has been collected in open grassy areas (Anderson, 1999). It occurs in foothill plains and valleys of river, inhabited sparse deciduous forests, tugay-bushes, shrubs, hollows, woodland edges and foothills. Animals may be found hiding under bushes, among stones or in rodent burrows. It is common in gardens, vineyards and is sometimes found in agricultural land. The female lays between six and ten eggs in a clutch.

threats:
There appear to be no major threats to this species as a whole. It is locally threatened in Jordan and the southern periphery of its range by habitat loss, mainly through conversion to agricultural use. Animals may be occasionally killed through misidentification with snakes.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention. It is protected by national legislation in Israel. It is present in a large number of protected areas (especially in the north of its range). There is a need for the development of education programmes about this harmless species. It is included into the Red Data Books of the Ukraine (1994) - category 1 and Kazakhstan (1996) - category 2.

redListAssessors:
Aram Agasyan, Aziz Avisi, Boris Tuniyev, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya, Ahmad Mohammed Mousa Disi, Souad Hraoui-Bloquet, Riyad Sadek, Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Idriz Haxhiu


taxonomicNotes:
There are three subspecies: the nominative, E. j. jaculus (Linnaeus, 1758), E. e. turcicus (Olivier, 1801) and E. j. familiaris Eichwald, 1831; the latter inhabits territory of Dagestan and the Transcaucasian Region.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its very wide distribution, presumed large population, and although it is declining in parts of its range (e.g. Western Palearctic), overall it is unlikely to be declining fast enough (30% or more) to qualify for listing in a more threatened category at the global level. 

Turkey: LC

range:
This widespread species has been recorded from Romania (where it is possibly extinct), through Bulgaria, Albania, Macedonia, Greece (including the islands of Limnos, Paros, Antiparos, Kalymnos, Corfu, Lesbos, Chios and Samos among many others), Turkey (widespread, except in the Black Sea coastal region), eastwards into Iran, Iraq, northern Saudi Arabia and into the Caucasus Mountains of southern Armenia, Azerbaijan, eastern Georgia and southern Russia. It is also present in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Egypt westwards through Libya, Tunisia and Algeria to Morocco. It can be found from below sea level up to 1,700m asl (Lake Van, Turkey).

population:
It is generally an uncommon or rare species. In Romania it is known from only a few specimens.

habitat:
This species can be found inhabiting open dry steppes and semi-deserts. It appears to prefer clay and stony soils, and is more rarely it is encountered on stabilized sands and in vineyards and gardens. In the Caucasus it is found at altitudes from 1,500 up to 1,700m asl along the river valleys. On the northern border of its distribution range (in southern Russia) it has been recorded from the sheep's fescue-sagebrush steppe. Habitats everywhere are associated with arid landscapes. It can be found burrowing through the soil and often lives in rodent burrows. It is ovoviviparous, the females produce between six and 20 live young in August - September. Pregnancy continues about 5 months. Period of activity lasts from March - April to the beginning of October.

threats:
This species appears to be declining in various parts of its range, especially in the west. It is susceptible to intensification of agricultural methods, pollution, overcollection of animals and persecution by people. In Egypt it has been heavily overcollected for the pet trade and suitable habitats have been destroyed, mostly through quarrying and reclamation of land for agriculture.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Appendix II of CITES, Annex II of the Bern Convention, and on Annex IV of the European Union Habitat and Species Directive. It has been recorded from many protected areas. Further research is needed into the population dynamics and harvest levels for this species.

redListAssessors:
Aram Agasyan, Aziz Avisi, Boris Tuniyev, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya, Roberto Sindaco, Wolfgang Böhme, Philippe Geniez, Jose Antonio Mateo Miras, Yehudah Werner, Ahmad Mohammed Mousa Disi, Riyad Sadek, Ibrahim Baran, Petros Lymberakis, Rastko Ajtic, Bogoljub Sterijovski, Sherif Baha El Din, László Krecsák.


taxonomicNotes:
There are two subspecies; one of them, E. m. miliaris, inhabits the area to the east of the Volga River and Caspian Sea. The second subspecies, E. m. nogaiorum, ranges within the deserts of Kalmykia, Dagestan and the Hagaiskaya steppe of Chechnya.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, it occurs in a number of protected areas, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. The subspecies E. m. nogaiorum does not occur in any protected areas and is declining rapidly, but not yet at a rate sufficient to qualify for Vulnerable, and should be considered Near Threatened.

range:
This species ranges through northern Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, the sandy deserts of Middle Asia and the eastern Ciscaucasia of Russia (Kalmykia, Chechnya, Dagestan). It ranges from sea level to around 1,000m asl.

population:
This is generally a common species, however some subpopulations (and the subspecies E. m. nogaiorum) are declining.

habitat:
This species is widely distributed in sandy deserts, in shifting sand dunes and semi-stabilized sand dunes. It prefers relatively loose soils on different types in deserts and semi-deserts (sagebrush Artemisia-glasswort Salsola desert and glasswort desert). Sometimes, animals can be found in clay and loess deserts, on the takyr with patches of vegetation near the sands, on the slopes of the ravines and on the margins of irrigated lands, as well as in the dry foothills on the valleys with sandy-clayish soil. It may also be encountered in vineyards. Animals often hide within the sand and use burrows of rodents and ruins as refuges. It is nocturnal during the hot part of the year; and is common on the surface in spring. The period of activity lasts for March to October over most of its range; and in the area of eastern Ciscaucasia and Kazakhstan from April to September. The species is viviparous, with the female giving birth for 4 to 15 young in July - August.

threats:
This species is threatened by habitat loss resulting from intensive agricultural expansion, the abandonment traditional agricultural areas, overgrazing of vegetation by livestock, mining and drilling operations (oil, salt, mirabilite, sulphur, natural gas), and industrialization in parts of Middle-Asia (including factories, and chemical plants). The subspecies E.m. nogaiorum is declining rapidly due to habitat loss and conversion of sandy dune habitats through irrigation to intensive agricultural use.

conservationAction:
The subspecies Eryx miliaris nogaijorum is included into the " Annotated list of taxa and population required a special attention to the status in the wildlife" (Appendix to the Red Data Book of Russian Federation, 2001) due to reduction of the area of isolated sand deserts in Kalmykia and Ciscaucasia. It is protected in the "Tschernye Zemli" Reverse in Kalmykia (Russia). This species is listed on Appendix II of CITES.


range:
This African species has been recorded from Egypt (restricted to the Nile delta and lower Nile valley), Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Gabon. In Europe it is restricted to a tiny part of the southwestern Peloponnese in southern Greece, where it is believed to be an introduction from antiquity possibly from Egypt.

[MOST OF THE RANGE NOT YET MAPPED]

population:
In Greece, the single population fluctuates, with estimates of between 150 and 600 individuals over the last decade (Dimaki 2008). It is relatively common in the northern Nile delta, Egypt (Flower, 1933; S. Baha El Din pers. comm.).

habitat:
This species has been recorded from salt marshes, sand dunes and maquis shrubland. Animals are found climbing in vegetation such as reeds and shrubs. It has sometimes been found climbing in large trees. It is sometimes found on the ground in sandy areas. It has been recorded from traditionally cultivated agricultural land and rural gardens. In Greece, the females produce a single clutch of between four and 43 eggs per year.

threats:
In Greece, the main threat to the species is loss of sand dune breeding habitat to developing tourism, and illegal collection (as pets). Mortality on roads is also an importantly threat to the Greek populations, especially during the breeding season. In Egypt, the main threat to this species is overcollection for the pet trade. It is also probably threatened by the reclamation of wetlands in the northern Nile delta (S. Baha El Din pers. comm.).

conservationAction:
In Greece it is present in the Yalova Pilos protected area. In Egypt it is present in the Burullus protected area. In Egypt, there is a need for the development and implementation of national legislation to protect this species. Monitoring of population trends and the impact of harvesting is also needed. Further taxonomic studies are needed for this species.

redListAssessors:
Wolfgang Böhme, Petros Lymberakis, Sherif Baha El Din


redListCategoryRationale:
Global: LC
Turkish: LC
Europe: NA
EU 27: NA

Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a degree of habitat modification, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

In Turkey, this species is listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a degree of habitat modification, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

In Europe, this species is listed as Not Applicable because it is introduced in most of its European range and the remaining range is a marginal part of its total range.

range:
This species is found in southern Europe, northern Africa and southwestern Asia. In Europe it is found in Malta, and on Crete (although this requires confirmation), Samos and Chios (both in Greece), and in southern coastal Spain and Portugal where it is probably introduced before 1500. It was reportedly introduced to the island of Sicily, Italy, but its presence was never confirmed; a small, probably introduced, population is reported to be present in Apulia in southwestern Italy (not mapped here) (Sindaco et al. 2006). There are old reports of an introduced population in Crete, Greece but there are no specimens. In North Africa it occurs along the Atlantic coast of Western Sahara, is widely distributed in Morocco, and is present in northern Algeria, northern and central Tunisia, northern Libya and northern Egypt. In southwestern Asia it occurs on the island of Cyprus, in southern Turkey (and as isolated populations in the Marmaraa region [Sindaco et al. 2000; Sindaco et al. 2006]), through the Levant region of western Syria, Lebanon, Israel and western Jordan, western and southwestern Saudi Arabia and northern Yemen. It can be found from sea level up to 1,850m asl.

population:
It is a common species in most of its native range. In Spain, the species is most commonly found in densities of 10 to 25 animals per hectare, although up to 50 animals per hectare may be found. It is rare in Western Sahara. In Egypt, it is fairly common in coastal areas, but uncommon in more inland arid areas. In Turkey, it is uncommon (Avci and Kumlutaş, pers. comm. 2008).

habitat:
It is a diurnal species found climbing in bushes in dry habitats. It inhabits shrubland, plantations, open pine woodland, orchards (such as almonds and olive groves) and gardens. In Egypt, it also occurs on vegetation in sparsely vegetated open gravel plains. The females produce a single clutch of between five and forty-five eggs per year, these are buried in the soil.

threats:
It is threatened locally by loss of habitat through urbanization and the development of tourist facilities, agricultural intensification, predation by domestic animals, accidental mortality on roads and by illegal collection of animals. It may be used for remedies or as a talisman in North Africa (not in Egypt). Animals are caught, sometimes illegally, for the international pet market and are offered to tourists at local markets. In Turkey, forest fires are also a threat.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention and on Appendix II of CITES. There is a need to protect the coastal habitat of this species. Its range includes many protected areas, for example the following ones in Morocco: Tamga, Saghro, Chekhar, Talassemtane, Trois fourches, Sebkha Bou Areg, Gourougou, Embouchure Moulouya, Béni Snassen, Jbel Moussa, Perdicaris, Bouhachem, Brikcha, Koudiat Tidighine, Lalla Outka, Lalla Chafia, Bou Iblane, Bou Naceur, Jbel Tichoukt, and Jaaba. There is a need to monitor and regulate the collection of animals in Egypt (S. Baha El Din pers. comm.). In Spain, barriers have been created in an attempt to prevent mortality on roads.

redListAssessors:
Milan Vogrin, Claudia Corti, Valentin Pérez Mellado, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Marc Cheylan, Juan Pleguezuelos, Sherif Baha El Din


taxonomicNotes:
There are three subspecies: C. a. austriaca is present over most of the species range; C. a. fitzingeri (Bonaparte, 1840) inhabits the southern part of the Italian Peninsula and the island Sicily; C. a. acutirostris Malkus 1995, has been recently described for the populations of the north-western Iberian Peninsula.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its very wide distribution, presumed large population, and although it is declining in parts of its range, overall it is unlikely to be declining fast enough (30% or more) to qualify for listing in a more threatened category at the global level.

Turkey: LC

range:
This species ranges from southern Scandinavia (Norway and Sweden where it is extremely fragmented and rare) and the Baltic region, southwards as scattered populations through western, central and eastern Europe (excluding most of mainland Denmark, parts of southwestern France, and much of southern Iberia), into northern Turkey (much of Anatolia, with some isolated southern populations), the Caucasus region, northern Iran (Central Province) and Kazakhstan. It is also present in southern England (United Kingdom), on the Italian islands of Elba and Sicily. In Spain the species has been recorded from the Sierra Nevada, and there is an voucher specimen in the EBD collection collected in the Cádiz province (Juan M Pleguezuelos pers. comm. October 2008). It is found from sea level up to 2,750m asl.

population:
It can be generally common in southern parts of its range, but it can also be rare, with fragmented populations in many northern parts of its range. The species can be hard to detect and populations may be overlooked (Benedikt Schmidt pers. comm.). It is always rare in southern Sweden, but it is extremely rare on the Baltic island of Åland (Alexander Westerström pers. comm.). In Switzerland, it is still relatively abundant in the Alps but there is a ongoing decline in the lowlands, mainly due to agricultural intensification (Benedikt Schmidt pers. comm.). It is also extremely rare in the isolated populations of southern Iberian Peninsula (Juan M Pleguezuelos pers. comm., October 2008); on average, in some populations 500 hours of fieldwork are needed to find an individual (Santos et al. in press).

habitat:
It is found in moorland, rocky coastlines, open woodland (deciduous, coniferous and mixed) and scrubland, hedgerows, woodland edges, heathland, sandy coastal sites, rocky areas, screes, subalpine and open areas with sparse vegetation. On the southern Iberian Peninsula and Greece it is largely restricted to upland or montane areas. Between two and 19 fully formed young (3.9 on average) are born at the end of August - October. The period of activity lasts from end of March - April to September - October but this varies largely according to latitude and altitude.

threats:
It is threatened in parts of its range by the intensification of agricultural practices, afforestation of open areas (e.g.. in Belgium) and fires in woodland or scrubland. Many populations are vulnerable because of their fragmented nature, and through  overgrowth of the species preferred open habitats (for instance, in abandoned traditional farmland). Populations from the southern Iberian Peninsula (Sierra Nevada) could be threatened by climate change and displacement by more competitive Mediterranean species (Juan M Pleguezuelos pers. comm., October 2008). Intrinsic threats for southern populations include poor recruitment capacity, extremely low density, isolation of populations, and global climate warming (for mountain populations) (Juan M Pleguezuelos pers. comm., October 2008). While it is not collected, the species is sometimes persecuted through confusion with vipers.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention, and on Annex IV of the European Union Habitat and Species Directive. It is protected by national legislation in parts of its range in most western European states. The species is present in a number of European protected areas. It is included in the national Red Data Books of a number of counties. This species is currently categorized as Vulnerable in Poland (Bartosz Borczyk pers. comm.). This species is categorized as Vulnerable in Switzerland (Monney and Meyer, 2005).

redListAssessors:
Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Rastko Atjic, Milan Vogrin, Claudia Corti, Valentin Pérez Mellado, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Marc Cheylan, Juan Pleguezuelos, Alexander Westerström, Cornelius C. De Haan, Varol Tok, Bartosz Borczyk, Bogoljub Sterijovski, B. Schmidt


range:
In Europe, this species ranges from Portugal and Spain, through southern France (avoiding parts of the southwest), Monaco and parts of western and central Italy (it is considered to be extinct in northeastern Italy, and is not present in Calabria or Sicily; there is in isolated record in Apulia [Gargano]). In North Africa it ranges from the Rif and Atlas Mountains of Morocco, through the northern parts of Algeria to extreme northwestern Tunisia. It can be found from the lowlands close to sea level up to 2,900m asl (High Atlas, Morocco); it is not present in the Pyrenees and the Alps (with the exception of some dry valleys in northwestern Italy).

population:
In Europe and mountains of the Maghreb it can be common in good habitat, but in general it is not abundant. It is a rather crepuscular and mainly nocturnal species so it is often overlooked.

habitat:
This species is found in a variety of scrubland, open woodlands, dry hedgerows, grassland, rocky areas, orchards and plantations. The females lay between one and sixteen eggs (mean of 4.8 eggs). This species is a specialist predator of small lizards.

threats:
In Spain it is locally threatened by habitat loss through fire and perhaps disturbance by wild boars (Sus scrofa). It is also threatened by habitat loss through ongoing agricultural intensification and by accidental mortality of animals on roads. It is considered to be threatened in France and is approaching extinction in Monaco; however in Italy it is not considered to be particularly threatened.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention and is present in many protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Paulo Sá-Sousa, Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Claudia Corti, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano, Iñigo Martínez-Solano


taxonomicNotes:
This species is included in Dolichophis following Nagy et al. (2004), rather than Hierophis.

range:
This species is present from southern Hungary eastwards to Romania, Moldova, southern Ukraine, southwestern Russia and extreme western Kazakhstan. It also ranges southwards through the Balkans from Croatia (Lastavo Island and eastern parts of continental mainland [Ozimec 2005; Trocsanyi and Schafer, 2008]), Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia (where it only occurs below 1,500m asl), Albania (where widespread), Greece (absent from the Peloponnese peninsula, but present on many islands including Andros, Tinos, Syros, Kythos, Kea, Serifos, Ikaria, Samos, Chios, Oinousses, Thasos, Samothraki and Limons), Bulgaria, and Turkey (Thrace and central and western Anatolia). Records from Jordan require confirmation and might refer to another species, since they are far outside the known range. This species ranges from sea level to 2,000m asl (Turkey).

population:
It is generally a common species over most of its range.

habitat:
It is found in dry areas of open scrubland (macchia) and woodland, steppe and other grassland, rocky hillsides, semi-desert, overgrown areas, vineyards, olive groves, rural gardens, stone walls and ruins. In the North Caucasus it has been recorded from sand dune habitats. This species hibernates in large groups (R. Ajtic pers. comm.). In the Crimea, it emerges from hibernation at the end of March - beginning of April; in Kalmykia it emerges in the second part of March. Winter hibernation starts in middle of September - October (sometimes in first part of November). It is active during the day in spring, and in the hot part of summer it has two peaks of activity. Females lay eggs (6 - 18 eggs in the clutch) from middle of June to the beginning of July, with young appearing in the first part of September.

threats:
While there appear to be no major threats to the species, it is often killed by traffic while it is basking on roads. As with many other species it may be particularly vulnerable when it forms aggregations for hibernation. It may be persecuted by people, when they are accidentally revealed during hibernation.

conservationAction:
This species is included into the Red Data Book of Kazakhstan (1996) - category 3, in the Red Data Books of Ukraine (1994) - category 2 and Moldavia (2001) as an Endangered species. It has been included in the "Annotated list of taxa and populations required a special attention to their status in the wildlife" (Appendix to the Red Data Book of Russian Federation, 2001). This species is listed on Annex III of the Bern Convention, Annex IV of the European Union Habitat and Species Directive, and is protected by national legislation in parts of its range. It is present in many protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Aram Agasyan, Aziz Avisi, Boris Tuniyev, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya, Wolfgang Böhme, Petros Lymberakis, Rastko Ajtic, Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Pierre-André Crochet, Idriz Haxhiu, Bogoljub Sterijovski


range:
This species is present in Turkey (widespread in southern and southeastern parts), Greece (the Aegean islands of Rhodos, Symi, Chalki, Tilos, Patmos, Kalymnos, Kos, Leros, Nisyros and Megisti [= Kastelorizo]), Cyprus, much of Syria (except the east), Lebanon  (including Palm ilet), much of Israel (except the southwest), western Jordan, the northeast Sinai Peninsula, Egypt (Gebel El Halal), northern and eastern Iraq, and western Iran. There are possible records of this species from Kuwait (perhaps represent introductions). It is found up to 1,000m asl.

population:
This is a common species over much of its range. There is only a single record from Egypt.

habitat:
This species is found in lowland mountain areas in a wide variety of habitats including arid open areas, meadows, rocky  and stony regions, swampy areas, open woodland, beaches, vineyards, agricultural land and ruins. The females lay between seven and 11 eggs.

threats:
There are no major threats to this widespread species. There is some local persecution of this species as there is for most snakes. In Egypt it is threatened by quarrying, overgrazing and possibly by collection for the pet trade.  This species is collected for use snake charming performances.  It is considered a useful predator of mice and other agricultural pests.

conservationAction:
It is present in several protected areas. It is protected by national legislation in Israel. There is a need to establish a protected area for this species and other relictual species in Sinai, Egypt. In the rest of its range, no further conservation actions are needed.

redListAssessors:
Ahmad Mohammed Mousa Disi, Yehudah Werner, Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Petros Lymberakis, Souad Hraoui-Bloquet, Riyad Sadek, Pierre-André Crochet, Sherif Baha El Din, Uğur Kaya


redListCategoryRationale:
Turkish: LC

Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species is found on the islands of Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Alzonisi, Kalymnos, Leros, Symi and Megisti (= Kastelorizo) of eastern Greece, through most of Turkey (on the mainland and small rocky islands), eastwards into the Caucasus Mountains of south Russia, eastern Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.  Records from Iran (Central Province and Zanjhan Province) and Iraq should be verified.  Records from Israel, Lebanon and Syria are now considered to refer to Eirenis levantinus. It is not present on Cyprus. It ranges up to 2,500m asl (in Anatolia).

population:
It is generally a common species. In Iran, this species is rare. The ecology and status of population has not been investigated widely.

habitat:
This species occurs in a wide variety of dry, rocky areas with sparse vegetation. It can be also be found in woodland, fallow agricultural land and cultivated areas. It spends most of its time under stones. The female lays between three and eight eggs in a clutch. Oviposition for Armenia occurs between the second part of June and July; the young appear in July.

threats:
There appear to be no major threats to this widespread and adaptable species over most of its range. In Dagestan, its habitat is being converted to agricultural use.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention. It is present in many protected areas. It is protected by national legislation in parts of its range. The species is included into the "Annotated list of taxa and populations required a special attention to the status in the wildlife" (Appendix to the Red Data Book of Russian Federation, 2001). It is protected on territory of several reserves: Khosrov, Erebuni, Dilijan (Armenia), Vashlovany (Georgia), Gyrkansky, Shakhbuzsky (Azerbaijan).

redListAssessors:
Petros Lymberakis, Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Pierre-André Crochet, Göran Nilson, Steven Anderson,
Claus Andrén


taxonomicNotes:
The validity of subspecies described from western Siberia and the Altai region, E. d. niger Golubeva, 1923 and E. d. tenebrosa Sobolevsky, 1929, is disputed.

range:
This widespread snake ranges from eastern Ukraine, through southwestern Russia and parts of the Caucasus, to Middle and Central Asia, and from here to eastern Russia, Mongolia and China and possibly Korea. There is an isolated Iranian population in Mazandaran Province and Seman Province (Latifi, 1991). It has been recorded between sea level and 3,580m asl.

population:
This is one of the commonest snakes in parts of Russia, Kazakhstan and Middle Asia.

habitat:
This diurnal species is found in a variety of habitats, including, forests, mountainous areas, fields, rivers and even coastal areas (Latifi 1991). It is an oviparous species, the females lay clutches of 5 to 24 eggs.

threats:
There are no major threats to this species as a whole.

conservationAction:
In view of its wide range, it is likely to occur in many protected areas. No direct conservation measures are currently needed for this species as a whole. Additional research is needed into the taxonomy of this species.


taxonomicNotes:
Elaphe sauromates was separated from E. quatuorlineata on the basis of a large genetic divergence and clear morphological differences (Lenk et al., 2001).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened because this species is probably in significant decline (but probably at a rate of less than 30% over twelve years [generation time 4-5 years]) because of widespread habitat loss through very much of its range, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

range:
This species is present in Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean zones in much of central and southern Italy (excluding Sicily), and in the Balkan region, ranging from Slovenia southwards along the Adriatic coastline (including some Adriatic islands), into much of Albania, Macedonia (mainly in the lowlands), southernmost Serbia, Montenegro and Greece (not in Thrace, but on a number of Ionian and Aegean islands). It is found from sea level up to 2,500m asl.

population:
It is not a common species, and it has a fragmented range. It is thought to be in significant decline.

habitat:
It is found in hedgerows, close to woodland edges, in open woodland, rocky overgrown areas and traditionally cultivated land. Animals may also be found near to waterbodies but also away from them. Animals tend to have very large home ranges. The females lay between four and 16 eggs, and the generation time is 4 to 5 years.

threats:
It is mainly threatened by habitat loss due to intensification of agricultural practices and infrastructure development for tourism and urbanization. It is persecuted by humans in many parts of its range.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention. It occurs in some protected areas throughout its range.

redListAssessors:
Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Rastko Atjic, Milan Vogrin, Claudia Corti, Valentin Pérez Mellado, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Marc Cheylan, Juan Pleguezuelos, Petros Lymberakis, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano, Dušan Jelić


taxonomicNotes:
This taxon was raised to species rank on the basis of a large genetic divergence from Elaphe quatuorlineata and clear morphological differences (Lenk et al., 2001).

range:
This species occurs from eastern Greece (Thrace) northwards through Bulgaria, southern and eastern Romania, Moldova, southern Ukraine and southern Russia to western Kazakhstan, western Turkmenistan, the Caucasus, most of Turkey, northern and western Iran and northern Iraq.  There is also an isolated population in Israel, and Lebanon that may also occur in Syria. It occurs from sea level up to around 2,500m asl (Transcaucasia).

population:
It is usually found at low population densities.

habitat:
This diurnal species is often encountered in rocky slopes in Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation. These open areas have been created over many years by non-intensive agriculture and livestock practices. It is normally found in the arid landscapes, in steppes and semi-deserts, as well as in the forest-steppe zone (both on the plain and in the foothills), on the areas of stony and sandy semi-desert, on the slopes with bush vegetation and with rocky outcrops, on forest edges, in open steppe and tugai forests. To the north of the Kara-Bogaz-Gol depression in northwestern Turkmenistan this snake lives on thick loamy soils with thickets of saxaul, saltwort and other xerophytic vegetation. In the central Ustyurt of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, animals can be found in areas of solid stabilized sands, at locations with saxaul vegetation in the clay desert, and on solonchaks (saline soils). It is an egg-laying species; the females lay a clutch of between 4 and 16 eggs.

threats:
There are no major threats to this species as a whole. It is generally persecuted throughout its range but not at a level that is of a threat to the species. It is declining significantly in Romania, largely through habitat loss (CoE, 2003). The cultivation of steppe and similar habitats is leading to an overall decline in numbers.

conservationAction:
It occurs in several protected areas throughout its range. It is included in the Red Data Books of the Ukraine (1994) - category 3; Kazakhstan (1996) - category 4; and of Turkmenistan (1999) - category 3. Because of declining populations in parts of its range, it is also included in the "Annotated list of taxa and populations required a special attention to their status in the wildlife" (Appendix to the Red Data Book of Russian Federation, 2001).

redListAssessors:
Aram Agasyan, Aziz Avisi, Boris Tuniyev, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya, Wolfgang Böhme, Roberto Sindaco


taxonomicNotes:
This species is included in Hemorrhois, rather than Coluber, following Nagy et al. (2004).

range:
In Europe, this species is present in central and southern Portugal, southern, central and eastern Spain, southern Sardinia (Italy) and on Pantelleria Island (Italy). In North Africa it is found from Morocco, eastwards through northern Algeria to northern Tunisia. It is found from sea level up to 2,660 m asl. The populations of the Italian islands of Sardinia and Pantellaria are probably introduced in historical times, but this requires verification.

population:
It can be common in suitable habitat. In Sardinia this species seems rare.

habitat:
This slender bodies colubrid snake is adapted to vertical substrates, and occurs in a wide variety of arid, dry and rocky habitats. It is very adaptable to modified habitats, commonly found in scrubland, coastal plains, arable land, pastures, vineyards, almond and olive groves, rural gardens, villages and cities in and around buildings. The females lay clutches of up to 11 eggs.

threats:
It is also locally threatened by accidental mortality on roads, occasional persecution, and also by accidental poisoning through the use of agrochemicals. In North Africa, it is increasingly captured for use by snake charmers in local markets.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention, and is presumed to occur in a number of protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Jose Antonio Mateo Miras, Marc Cheylan, M. Saïd Nouira, Ulrich Joger, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano


range:
This species ranges from the Aegean islands of Greece (including Leros, Rhodos, Symi, Kalymnos, Kos, Lipsi and Megisti Kastelorizo), to Cyprus, western and southern Turkey, southwards into Syria, Lebanon, northern and central Israel and western and northwestern Jordan. It also extends eastwards into northeastern Iran, Armenia, northern Iraq, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, eastern Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. There are isolated populations in northern Egypt (close to Cairo and the southern Sinai Peninsula). It is largely a lowland species, but can be found up to around 2,000m asl in Turkey.

population:
It is generally a very common species. In Egypt it is a rare species.

habitat:
This species is found in open areas, including open dry woodland and shrubland, with some rocks and bushy vegetation. It is adaptable and can be found in both rural and urban areas. The females lay clutches of four to 10 eggs.

threats:
This species is frequently killed by people as it resembles a viper. In Egypt it is also threatened by collection for the pet trade and may be threatened by general habitat degradation through overgrazing of its habitat.

conservationAction:
It is found in many protected areas. It is protected by national legislation in Israel. There is a need to develop national legislation to protect this species in Egypt. It is considered to be Vulnerable in Egypt (S. Baha El Din. pers. comm.).

redListAssessors:
Aram Agasyan, Aziz Avisi, Boris Tuniyev, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya, Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Souad Hraoui-Bloquet, Riyad Sadek, Pierre-André Crochet, Ahmad Mohammed Mousa Disi, Yehudah Werner, Sherif Baha El Din


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as globally Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. Southern relictual populations are generally considered to be threatened.

range:
This species has been recorded from central, eastern and southeastern Turkey, east to the southern Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, through Central and South Asia, into western Mongolia and northwestern China. There are isolated populations in northern Jordan, Lebanon (restricted to montane areas) and Mount Hermon, and it has been recorded from Greece (the island of Kos), but this might be a misidentification and requires further confirmation. In the north and east of its range the species has a continuous distribution, in the Near East it has a relictual montane range. It can occur from about 900m to 2,400m asl.

population:
In the north of its range it is quite common in montane areas; in the south it is a rare relictual species.

habitat:
This species is found in sparsely vegetated, rocky or stony areas, in montane regions. It is not present in human modified areas. This species lays eggs.

threats:
There are no major threats to the species in Turkey. Relictual southern populations are possibly threatened by overgrazing of habitat. It is regularly persecuted and this might especially impact relictual populations.

conservationAction:
This species is present in the Mount Hermon protected area. It is protected by Israeli national legislation.

redListAssessors:
Ahmad Mohammed Mousa Disi, Souad Hraoui-Bloquet, Riyad Sadek, Yehudah Werner, Wolfgang Böhme, Petros Lymberakis, Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Pierre-André Crochet


taxonomicNotes:
This species is included in Hierophis following Utiger and Schätti (2004).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Endangered because its Extent of Occurrence is less than 5,000 km2, all individuals are in fewer than five locations, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat.

range:
This species is limited to the Troodos massif and foothills of western Cyprus. There are very few known localities. It ranges from around 500 to 1,400m asl.

habitat:
This snake can be found in humid areas with dense bushes, close to water or within forests. Irregularly feeds on amphibians, and may be found close to dams and similar areas where prey are often more abundant.

threats:
It is generally threatened by persecution by local people and tourists, and through ongoing logging of forest habitat in the Troodos Mountains.

conservationAction:
Much of its range is within a State Forest protected area. There is some public education through a local snake park.

redListAssessors:
Wolfgang Böhme, Petros Lymberakis, Pierre-André Crochet


taxonomicNotes:
This species was formerly included in the genus Coluber, but is included here in Hierophis following Schätti and Utiger (2001) and Nagy et al. (2004).

range:
This species ranges from Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania (mostly lowlands) and western and southern Greece. It is present on a number of islands in the Adriatic Sea, and is present on both the Ionian Islands and the islands of Euboa, Kythera, Crete (and adjacent islets) and Karpathos of Greece. The species may be present in extreme northeastern Italy, although records from this area need to be confirmed (Claudia Corti pers. comm.). This species ranges from sea level to 1,400 m asl.

population:
It can be very common. It is considered to be declining in Albania.

habitat:
This species occurs in dry, stony areas, scrubland, macchia, open woodland, vineyards, olive groves, generally overgrown areas, rural gardens and ruins. The females lay clutches of four to 10 eggs.

threats:
It is locally threatened in parts of it range by habitat loss to agricultural intensification, fire and pollution. However, in general there appear to be no major threats to this species.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex III of the Bern Convention, and is present in many protected areas. No further conservation measures are immediately needed for this species.


taxonomicNotes:
This species was formerly included in the genus Coluber, but is included here in Hierophis following Schätti and Utiger (2001) and Nagy et al. (2004). Nagy et al. (2002) showed that the subspecies H. viridiflavus carbonarius is probably a different evolutionary unit from H.v. viridiflavus. The synonym Hierophis gyarosensis (known only from the island of Gyaros [Greece]) is actually a translocation of H.v. carbonarius (Utiger and Schätti 2004).

range:
This species ranges from northeastern Spain; western, southern, eastern and northeastern France; and southern Switzerland, through most of Italy, to southwestern Slovenia and northern Croatia. It is present on the Mediterranean islands of Corsica (France), Sardinia, Sicily and most other Italian islands, Krk (Croatia), and Malta. The species may occur in Luxembourg, but this requires verification. The species is absent from Austria. It has also been translocated to the island of Gyaros (Greece) in the Aegean Sea where it was previously recognized as a distinct species Hierophis gyarosensis. It ranges from sea level up to 2,000m asl.

habitat:
It is found in dry, open, well vegetated habitats. It occurs in scrubland, macchia, open woodland (deciduous and mixed), heathland, cultivated areas, dry river beds, rural gardens, road verges, stone walls and ruins. The species lays four to 15 eggs.

threats:
It is locally threatened by high accidental mortality on roads, especially close to urban or tourist areas, but this is not considered to be a major threat to the species overall.  It is also persecuted throughout its range because people mistakenly believe it to be venomous.  It is not known to be collected in significant numbers. It is threatened by habitat loss through conversion of land to intensive agricultural use in Switzerland (Andreas Meyer pers. comm.).

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention, and on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. It is present in a number of protected areas throughout its range. This species is categorized as Endangered in Switzerland (Monney and Meyer, 2005) and is protected by national legislation.

redListAssessors:
Milan Vogrin, Claudia Corti, Valentin Pérez Mellado, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Marc Cheylan, Juan Pleguezuelos, Andreas Meyer, Benedikt Schmidt, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano, Iñigo Martínez-Solano


taxonomicNotes:
Morphological data (Wade, 2001) and genetic data (Carranza et al. 2004) show that this species is distinct from Macroprotodon cucullatus.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened because this species is probably in significant decline (but probably at a rate of less than 30% over ten years) because of widespread habitat loss through much of its range, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

range:
Change the text as follows: This species is present in northern and eastern Morocco, southern and central Portugal and Spain, with very isolated populations in the northern half of these two countries. It occurs from sea level to 2080 msm.

population:
The species is only common in some localities of the western and rainy parts of its distribution, both in the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco, however it is a semifosorial, cryptic species that is sometimes difficult to find (Juan M Pleguezuelos pers. comm., October 2008).

habitat:
It is founds only found in relatively undisturbed habitats such as evergreen temperate forests and scrublands. It lays 3-5 eggs every two years. This species is a specialist predator of amphisbaenians (Blanus sp.) and skinks.

threats:
It is threatened by habitat loss, largely through the intensification of agricultural methods, afforestation with pine plantations and abandonment of traditional pastures, throughout much of its range. It is additionally threatened in Iberia by the ongoing spread of the predatory Wild Boar (Sus scrofa).

conservationAction:
It occurs in a number of protected areas. It is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention.

redListAssessors:
Ulrich Joger, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Iñigo Martínez-Solano


taxonomicNotes:
This may be a species complex (see Carranza et al. (2004), Wade (2001) and Crochet and Dubois (2004) for more details).  For some authors the populations of northern Algeria and Tunisia (and the introduced populations of Mallorca and Menorca) are considered to be Macroprotodon mauritanicus (V. Pérez Mellado, pers. comm.). However, recent genetic data indicates that M. mauritanicus may belong to the same species as M. cucullatus. Accordingly, we here consider that the populations of the genus that do not pertain to M. brevis and M. abubakeri, are included in a single species, M. cucullatus.

range:
This species ranges through northern Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt to southern Israel, with quite isolated populations in southern Algeria (Hoggar mountains) [not mapped here] and Western Sahara. In Europe, it is present only on the island of Lampedusa (possibly introduced), Italy, although it also occurs in Menorca and Majorca where the species has been introduced (probably around 200 B.C.). It is mainly a lowland species.

population:
It can be a common species in suitable habitat. In Egypt it is a rare and declining species. The Lampedusa population seems to be in decline.

habitat:
It is found in open, sandy deciduous and evergreen woodland, scrubland, sandy areas, oasis, meadows, plantations, cultivated land and on stone walls and ruins. The females lay two to six eggs and breed every two years.

threats:
Although the species does not appear to be globally threatened, it is locally threatened by habitat degradation, including changes in agricultural practices (general intensification). Habitat degradation on the island of Lampedusa is a major threat, as is the expansion of tourism and accidental mortality on roads, and the same seems to occur in the Balearic Islands (Juan M Pleguezuelos pers. comm., October 2008). In Egypt it is threatened by commercial collection for the international pet trade, urbanization and development of tourism, overgrazing, collection of firewood and quarrying.

conservationAction:
It is present in a few protected areas. On Lampedusa, populations of this species require some protection. In Egypt, there is a need to develop national legislation to protect this species and to create new protected areas; this species is significantly threatened and is considered to be Vulnerable (S. Baha El Din pers. comm.). The isolated populations of the Hoggar (Algeria) and Western Sahara, are probably threatened (Juan M Pleguezuelos pers. comm., October 2008). Further studies to resolve the taxonomy of this species are needed.

redListAssessors:
Claudia Corti, Valentin Pérez Mellado, Philippe Geniez, Sherif Baha El Din, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano


taxonomicNotes:
Eastern populations of Malpolon formerly allocated to M. monspessulanus are now included within M. insignatus following Carranza et al. (2006).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, it occurs in a number of protected areas, has a tolerance of a degree of habitat modification, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

EU27: LC
EU: LC
Turkey: LC

range:
This widespread species is present in North Africa, southern Europe, West Asia and the Caucasus. In North Africa it ranges from Tunisia in the west, through northern Libya to northern Egypt (with an apparently isolated population at Siwa). In southern Europe, it is largely found in the Balkans being distributed along the Adriatic coastal area from Slovenia and Croatia (including some Adriatic islands) to Albania, eastern Macedonia, most of Greece (including some Aegean islands) and southern Bulgaria. There is an isolated population on Lampedusa island (Italy). The species is present on Cyprus, in much of Turkey, in the Caucasus region (and adjacent Kalmykia in southern Russia), western Iran, Iraq and western Saudi Arabia. The species also ranges south from Turkey into Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Jordan.

population:
This is generally a common species. In Egypt it is still reasonably common, but declining.

habitat:
This species is found in arid open woodlands, scrubland with low cover, dry steppe, open spaces, stabilized sand dunes coastal dunes, grassland, meadows, flood plains and cultivated land. In the Transcaucasian region it is found in dry rocky semi-desert, preferring places with rough rocky terrain. It is often found near wetlands in the Nile Delta. The females lay between four and 20 eggs.

threats:
There are overall no major threats to this species. On Lampedusa Island (Italy) populations are heavily impacted by mortality on roads. In Egypt it is collected in large numbers for the international pet trade, and is also threatened by land reclamation for agriculture, overgrazing, collection of firewood, quarrying and urbanization. The species is used by snake charmers and as a souvenir for tourists in Tunisia (Juan M. Pleguezuelos, pers. comm. October 2008).

conservationAction:
In view of its wide range it is presumably present in many protected areas. Research into commercial harvest levels in Egypt is needed. As a species with a reducing number it is included into the "Annotated list of taxa and populations required a special attention to their status in the wildlife" (Appendix to the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation, 2001).

redListAssessors:
Aram Agasyan, Aziz Avisi, Boris Tuniyev, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya, Milan Vogrin, Sherif Baha El Din


range:
This species ranges widely in Portugal, Spain (generally absent from the Cantabrian Mountains), southeastern France, and northwestern Italy (Liguria); in North Africa it distributes along northern Algeria, Morocco and coastal areas of Western Sahara. It ranges from sea level up to 2,160m asl.

population:
It is generally a common species. In human altered landscapes, populations are frequently stable or even increasing, whilst the populations of other snakes are declining (Juan M. Pleguezuelos pers. comm., October 2008).

habitat:
A venomous snake, it is found in scrubland with low cover, open spaces, coastal dunes, grassland, meadows and cultivated land. In hot time of summer it has crepuscular-nocturnal activity. The annual activity period seems to be expanding in parallel with the raise of mean annual temperatures (Juan M. Pleguezuelos pers. comm., October 2008).

threats:
There are overall no major threats to this species. Many animals are killed on roads or are persecuted by farmers. The snake is used by snake charmers, and it is also sold dried as a curio but this is not a major threat.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Annex III of the Bern Convention. It occurs in a number of protected areas throughout its range, for example the following ones in Morocco: Saghro, Talassemtane, Jbel Moussa, Beni Snassen, Cap des trois fourches, Gourougou, Perdicaris, Cap Spartel, Tamga, Khnifiss, Chekhar, Trois fourches, Sebkha Bou Areg, Gourougou, Embouchure Moulouya, Beni Snassen, and Koudiat Tidighine.

redListAssessors:
Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Claudia Corti, Valentin Pérez Mellado, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Juan M. Pleguezuelos, Marc Cheylan


taxonomicNotes:
Guicking et al. (2002) and Joger (in press) show three different genetic groups one in Europe, one in Morocco, and one in Tunisia/Sardinia.

range:
In Europe, this species ranges from Portugal and Spain through much of France, to extreme southwestern Switzerland and northwestern Italy. In North Africa it is present in most of Morocco, northern Algeria, northern and central Tunisia and northwestern Libya. This species is also present (probably allochtonous) on the Mediterranean islands of Sardinia (Italy), Corsica (one single record) [not mapped]; natural populations are present on Iles d'Hyéres (France) and La Galite (Tunisia). It has been introduced to the islands of Menorca and Mallorca in the Balearic Islands of Spain. The species can be found from sea level up to 2,600  m asl.

population:
In most of its range it is an extremely common species, but perhaps declining locally in some parts of North Africa.

habitat:
This species is generally found close to, or within, waterbodies such as streams and ponds. Often these habitats are in meadows and open woodlands. It has also been recorded from areas of brackish water. The species lays between three and 20 eggs.

threats:
It is threatened in parts of its range by aquatic pollution, especially through the loss of prey species (e.g.. fishes). It is threatened in Switzerland, and presumably other parts of the species range, by channelization of rivers and other waterbodies. As with many snake species, individual animals are occasionally killed by people, as they are often confused with venomous vipers. In Tunisia, desiccated specimens are sold as souvenirs to tourists (Juan M Pleguezuelos pers. comm., October 2008).

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Annex III of the Bern Convention, and is protected by national legislation in Switzerland. It is present in many protected areas. This species is categorized as Critically Endangered in Switzerland (Monney and Meyer, 2005).

redListAssessors:
Jose Antonio Mateo Miras, Marc Cheylan, M. Saïd Nouira, Ulrich Joger, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Benedikt Schmidt, Andreas Meyer, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano, Iñigo Martínez-Solano


taxonomicNotes:
The subspecies N.n. cetti in Sardinia (Italy), N.n. corsa in Corsica (France) and N.n. cypriaca (Cyprus) are very differentiated and are often considered as distinct species. These insular subspecies, as well as N.n. schweizeri from Milos (Greece) and the isolated populations in North Africa are very rare. Of the nine known subspecies, three are distributed in Russia and adjacent counties: N. n. natrix (Linnaeus, 1758) on the most part of the European territory of the former USSR, except  for the Trans-Volga territory, the extreme south-eastern regions and eastern Ciscaucasia; N. n. scutata (Pallas, 1771) is found in the Trans-Volga area, in the Urals, in western Siberia, Kazakhstan, in Buryatia and in the south of eastern Siberia. N. n. persa (Pallas, 1814) is known from the eastern Ciscaucasia, Transcaucasia and southwestern Turkmenistan, and by single records from the Crimea. The taxonomic distinction of N. n. gotlandica seems very doubtful (Roberto Sindaco pers. comm., October 2008).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a degree of habitat modification, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify (30% or more) for listing in a more threatened category at a global level.

EU27: LC
EU: LC
Turkey: LC

range:
This species ranges throughout most of Europe, being absent only from Ireland, Scotland, northern Scandinavia, southeastern Spain, the Balearic Islands (Spain) and Crete (Greece). It also ranges from European Russia eastwards into Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, China and Mongolia. It occurs in Cyprus (the Troodos Mountains), in most of Turkey, the Caucasus, and in northwestern Syria (only known from a couple of localities where it is very rare). In Iran it has been recorded from Mazandaran Province, Ghilan Province, East Azerbaijan Province and Central province (Latifi, 1991). It is present in North Africa, where it occurs in isolated localities in northern Morocco, northern Algeria and northern Tunisia. It ranges from sea level up to 3,060m asl.

population:
It is a common species but with fragmented populations through parts of its range, especially in southern areas. In some regions it is very common (up to 120 specimens recorded per hectare in the Donetsky Range, Ukraine). The endemic taxa from Sardinia, Corsica, Cyprus and Milos are all very localized and threatened.

habitat:
It is found in humid as well as dry areas with abundant vegetation. It can mostly be found close to water bodies, and is present in woodland (both deciduous and mixed), meadows, hedgerows, coastal areas, and suburban areas (especially gardens). The species can lay between 10 and 52 eggs. Populations recognized as N.n. gotlandica eat marine fish and may be found at sea.

threats:
It is locally threatened in parts of its range by water pollution impacting prey populations (principally amphibians), drainage of wetland habitats (in Switzerland 90% of wetland habitats have been drained [Andreas Meyer pers. comm.]) and general intensification of agricultural methods. Some subspecies are considered to be threatened. On Milos, the species is threatened also by mining activities (Alexander Westerström pers. comm.). As with many snakes this species is generally persecuted by people. Roadkill is a threat in many areas, and habitat fragmentation through development.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Annex III of the Bern Convention; N.n cetti and N.n. corsa are listed on Annex IV of the European Union Habitat and Species Directive. It is protected by national legislation in some range countries. It is present in many protected areas throughout its range. Restoration of habitat in non-protected areas of the Netherlands since ca. 1985, including creating habitat such as ditches for the prey species of frog Rana temporaria, has resulted in significant increases of Natrix natrix and Rana temporaria populations since ca. 2000 (Cornelius C. De Haan pers. comm.). The construction of corridors underneath roads could aid in significantly reducing mortality on roads for some populations (Juan M Pleguezuelos pers. comm., October 2008). The subspecies N.n. natrix is categorized as Endangered in Switzerland; the subspecies N.n. helvetica is categorized as Vulnerable in Switzerland (Monney and Meyer, 2005).

redListAssessors:
Aram Agasyan, Aziz Avisi, Boris Tuniyev, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya, Rastko Atjic, Milan Vogrin, Claudia Corti, Valentin Pérez Mellado, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Marc Cheylan, Juan Pleguezuelos, Sterijovski Bogoljub, H. K. Nettmann, C. C. De Haan, B. Borczyk, B. Sterijovski, B. Schmidt, A. Meyer


taxonomicNotes:
There may be some genetically distinct populations that may prove to be separate species in the future (Guiking et al. 2004). There are expected taxonomic rearrangements.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough (30% or greater) to qualify for listing in a more threatened category at a global level.

EU27: LC
EU: LC
Turkey: LC

range:
In Europe this species ranges from southern Switzerland (and possibly adjacent France), and Germany (where there are isolated populations in the west), eastwards into eastern Austria, Italy (islands excluded), Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine and southern Russia, southwards into Croatia (including some Adriatic islands), Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania and Greece (including the islands of Lesbos, Crete, Rhodes and Samos). In Asia the species ranges from Turkey into Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan and northern Egypt (Nile Delta and lower Nile Valley). It also ranges from the Caucasus Mountains of southern Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan eastwards into Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and northwest China. It might be present on Cyprus, although this requires confirmation. It occurs from sea level up to 2,800m asl.

population:
It is common in much of its range. If it occurs on Cyprus, it is extremely rare there. In Egypt the potential range has increased since the construction of the Aswan High Dam, although the species is considered to be declining. It has declined in Israel.

habitat:
This is a largely aquatic species associated with rivers, coasts, streams, lakes, ponds and the surrounding terrestrial habitat. The species lays a clutch of between five and 37 eggs.

threats:
It appears not to be globally threatened. It is threatened by loss or modification of wetland habitats in parts of its range, for example through river channelization and lakeshore development. This species is considered to be threatened in a number of western and central European range states. It is often killed by road traffic, particularly in the mating season. In Egypt large numbers of this species are collected for the international pet trade (Sherif Baha El Din pers. comm.). As with many snakes this species is generally persecuted by people. Habitat destruction by invasive plant species are a threat in parts of its range.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention and is protected by national legislation in a number of countries. Appears on Annex IV of the Habitats Directive. It is presumed to occur in many protected areas throughout its range. Habitat restoration work is taking place in parts of Austria (CoE, 2003). Conservation projects for this species are in place in Germany (Benedikt Schmidt pers. comm.). Further research into the range and taxonomic status of this species are needed (e.g.. for Yemen and Cyprus). The species has been reintroduced to part of its former range in eastern Germany. In Germany the species is Critically Endangered. This species is categorized as Endangered in Switzerland (Monney and Meyer, 2005). Eradication of invasive wetland plant species is an important future measure.

redListAssessors:
Aram Agasyan, Aziz Avisi, Boris Tuniyev, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya, Rastko Atjic, Milan Vogrin, Claudia Corti, Valentin Pérez Mellado, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Marc Cheylan, Juan Pleguezuelos, Sherif Baha El Din, Hans Konrad Nettmann, Cornelius C. De Haan, B. Sterijovski, B. Schmidt, A. Meyer.


taxonomicNotes:
This species is included in Platyceps following Nagy et al. (2004). We follow Schätti et al. (2001) in considering Platyceps rubriceps to be a synonym of this species.

redListCategoryRationale:
Global: LC
Turkish: LC

Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a degree of habitat modification, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species ranges from coastal southeastern Bulgaria through parts of Turkey crossing the Bosferous. There are no records from the coast of the Dardanelles, but it is possibly present. It is found in western and southern Anatolia and western Syria to Lebanon, northern Israel, and western Jordan. It occurs from sea level up to 1,500m asl.

population:
In Turkey, this species is uncommon. In other areas, it is generally a common species. It is uncommon in Bulgaria at the edge of its range.

habitat:
This species is found in dry, rocky and bushy places. It is generally restricted to the Mediterranean biotope. It sometimes occurs in gardens and cultivated fields. The female lays between three and five eggs in a clutch.

threats:
There appear to be no major threats to this species. As with many snakes, it is locally persecuted.

conservationAction:
It is present in many protected areas. There are no direct conservation actions currently needed for this species as a whole.

redListAssessors:
Wolfgang Böhme, Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Pierre-André Crochet, Riyad Sadek, Yakup Kaska, Yusuf Kumlutaş, Aziz Avci, Roberto Sindaco


taxonomicNotes:
This species is included in Platycepss following Nagy et al. (2004). 
Animals from Israel and Jordan are Platyceps collaris, not P. najadum. Five distinct subspecies are generally recognized, P. n. dahlii Schinz, 1832 inhabits the Balkans, Cyprus, western Turkey, Syria and Iraq; P. n. kalymnensis Schneider, 1979 is present on the island of Kalimnos in the Aegean Sea; the nominative subspecies, P. n. najadum is found in the Caucasus and in Asia Minor; P. n. albitemporalis Darevsky and Orlov, 1994 has been recorded from south-eastern Azerbaijan; populations from southern Turkmenistan (western and central Kopet Dagh) and northern Iran are allocated to P. n. atayevi Tuniev and Shammakov, 1993.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

EU27: LC
EU: LC
Turkey: LC

range:
This species ranges from coastal Croatia southwards into Bosnia-Herzegovina, southern Serbia and Montenegro, Macedonia, central and southern Bulgaria, Albania, Greece (including the islands of Limnos, Lesbos, Chios, Kalymnos (there is an endemic subspecies on this island) and possibly Samos), Cyprus and Turkey (Thrace and western, southern and eastern Anatolia) southeast to northern and western Syria, Lebanon (above 1,000 m asl), northern and eastern Iraq, western Iran and southern Turkmenistan. It has also been recorded from the Caucasus Mountains of southern Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, although the identity of these animals requires further investigation. This species ranges from sea level up to 2,200 m asl.

population:
In the north of its range it is a common species. It is rare in the south of its range (e.g., in Lebanon). It is reported to be declining in Albania.

habitat:
In general, this species is associated with dry or xerophytic landscapes. It is found on the open parts of stony semi-desert and wermuth steppe, among rocky outcrops and stones. Populations are found at the slopes of foothills and mountain covered with bush vegetation and woods, in thickets of xerophilous bushes, in juniper open woodlands, oak groves, border of forests. It has been recorded from open woodland, garrigue, overgrown areas, gullies, vineyards, gardens, stone walls and old buildings. The females lay between three and 16 eggs in a clutch.

threats:
This species is threatened by direct persecution in parts of its range (e.g., by farmers in Turkey), and loss of habitat to intensive agriculture and fires. Animals are often killed on roads.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention. In Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. It is present in many protected areas. It is protected by national legislation in Serbia and Montenegro. As a species with a limited distribution range and reducing number it is included into the "Annotated list of taxa and populations required a special attention to their status in the wildlife" (Appendix to the Red Data Book of Russian Federation, 2001). It is a considered to be a threatened species in Lebanon.

redListAssessors:
Petros Lymberakis, Rastko Ajtic, Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Pierre-André Crochet, Ahmad Mohammed Mousa Disi, Souad Hraoui-Bloquet, Riyad Sadek, Idriz Haxhiu, Wolfgang Böhme


taxonomicNotes:
This species is included in Rhinechis following Utiger et al. (2002).

range:
This species is found through much of Portugal and Spain (it is absent from much of northernmost Spain) and southern France. There is a record from northwestern Italy, but there is no recent confirmation of its occurrence in this country. It is present on the islands of Ons and Arousa in Galicia (Spain), Minorca (an old introduction) in the Balearic Islands (Spain), and Iles d'Hyères, France. The species ranges from sea level to 2,200 m asl.

habitat:
This mainly crepuscular and nocturnal species can be found in sunny and stony Mediterranean-type habitats with good vegetation cover, including riparian habitats. It can also be found in open woodlands and shrubland, at field edges, hedges, vineyards, olive groves, overgrown areas, stone walls and ruins. The females lay between four and 15 eggs that are deposited under ground cover.

threats:
Although there appear to be no overall major threats to this species, it is locally threatened by accidental mortality on roads and loss of vegetation cover due to intensive agricultural methods. Because of the species nocturnal habits, many individuals uses roads, because of the heat retention of the road surface, and are frequently traffic casualties (Juan M Pleguezuelos pers. comm., October 2008).

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex III of the Bern Convention and it is present in many protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Juan Pleguezuelos, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Rafael Marquez, Marc Cheylan, Claudia Corti, Iñigo Martínez-Solano


taxonomicNotes:
There is a need to revise the taxonomic status of this species in the southeastern corner of its range, especially with regards to its relationship with T. nigriceps. Preliminary data lumps the species together (Petros Lymberakis pers. comm..) Records from Jordan are under investigation and are considered to be T. cf. nigriceps (Ahmad Disi pers. comm.)..

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as globally Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

EU27: LC
EU: LC
Turkey: LC

range:
This species ranges from extreme northeastern Italy southwards along Mediterranean area of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, southern Montenegro, southern Bulgaria, Albania, Macedonia and Greece (including some Aegean islands such as Crete). It is present on the islands of Malta and Cyprus and ranges from Turkey into Syria, Lebanon and Israel in the south. It is also present in the Caucasus Mountains, including in Armenian, Azerbaijan, Georgia and southern Russia, Iran and Iraq. This is found from sea level up to 2,000 m asl.

population:
It is common in the Mediterranean part of the Balkans, but it is rare in Turkey. It appears to be rare on Malta and it is very local in Italy.

habitat:
This species is mostly found amongst rocks in shrubby landscapes. It can also be found in open or degraded woodland, among old walls and ruins, on sandy beaches with plant cover (Turkey and Europe only) and sometimes close to human habitation. Populations have been recorded in the montane-xerophytic steppe, in semi-deserts and, more rarely, at the edges of mountain forest. The females lay between 5 and 9 eggs.

threats:
It is persecuted in parts of its range through confusion with viper species. In parts of its range it is locally threatened by conversion of land to intensive agricultural use, urbanization, and general mortality of animals on roads.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention and on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. It is protected by national legislation in Israel. It is included into the Red Data Books of the Russian Federation (2001) and Armenia (1987). It is present in a number of protected areas. It is protected on the territory Vashlovansky and Lagodekhsky reserves in Georgia and on the territory of Khosrov reserve (Armenia).

redListAssessors:
Aram Agasyan, Aziz Avisi, Boris Tuniyev, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya, Wolfgang Böhme, Rastko Ajtic, Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Pierre-André Crochet, Ahmad Mohammed Mousa Disi, Souad Hraoui-Bloquet, Riyad Sadek, Yehudah Werner, Idriz Haxhiu


taxonomicNotes:
This species is included in Zamenis following Utiger et al. (2002). The nominative subspecies Z. h. hohenackeri (Strauch, 1873) is found in the east of the range. The subspecies, Z. h. taurica Werner, 1898, is found in the Kiliki Tauri within south-central Turkey, northwestern Syria, and the isolated mountain massive of Germon in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.

range:
This species is found over much of Turkey, through Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Caucasus region of southern Russia, to northwestern Iran and far northern Iraq, and south to Lebanon and Mount Hermon (in Israeli-occupied Syria). It is presumed to occur in western Syria in the area mapped. It occurs from 100 up to 3,000m asl.

population:
It is a fairly common species over much of its range. It is moderately rare on Mount Hermon.

habitat:
This diurnal species is largely found in mountainous areas where it occurs on open, rocky slopes, in wooded ravines, wet valleys and at the edges of deciduous woodland. Period of activity lasts from March to October. It can be found among ruins and in traditionally farmed land and rural gardens. The females lay between three and seven eggs in a clutch.

threats:
It is locally threatened in parts of Lebanon and Turkey by intensive habitat loss. In Turkey this species is threatened by forest fires in the south-west and development in the coastal areas where it occurs. It is locally threatened at Mount Hermon, Israel by habitat loss. Intensive anthropogenic destruction of the mountainous-arid territories in the eastern part of the Caucasian Isthmus and associated transformation of the vegetation have led to significant declines. This species is sold in the pet trade, although not in large numbers given the difficulty in finding them.

conservationAction:
This species is present in a number of protected areas. It is protected by national legislation in Israel. It is protected in the Borzhomsky, Liakhvsky and Saguramsky reserve of Georgia, in the Girkansky, Zakatal'sky, Pirkulinsky and Turianchaisky reserve of Azerbaijan, in the Khosrov reserve of Armenia. The species was included into the Red Data Books of the USSR (1984) and Armenia (1987) - an endangered species; of Georgia (1982) - category 2. It is included into the Red Data Book of Russian Federation (2001): category 3.

redListAssessors:
Souad Hraoui-Bloquet, Riyad Sadek, Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Yehudah Werner, Bogoljub Sterijovski, Göran Nilson, Boris Turiyev, Ferdi Akarsu


taxonomicNotes:
This species is included in Zamenis following Utiger et al. (2002). It was separated from Z. longissimus by Lenk and Wüster (1999).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Data Deficient in view of the absence of information on population status and trends.

range:
This species occurs from central Italy (southern Latium [Corsetti and Romano, in press]) to southernmost Italy including Sicily (but excluding southern Apulia). It ranges from sea level up to 1,600 m asl.

population:
There is little recent information on its abundance.

habitat:
It is found in dry, open woodlands and shrubland, field edges, traditionally cultivated land, stone walls and old buildings. It is an oviparous species.

threats:
It is threatened by accidental mortality on roads, especially in areas where the species is relatively common. It is also threatened by fragmentation of habitat through intensification of agricultural practices. As with many snakes, this species is generally persecuted by people.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex III of the Bern Convention, and it is known to occur in some protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Claudia Corti, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano


taxonomicNotes:
This species is included in Zamenis following Utiger et al. (2002). Zamenis lineatus was separated from this species by Lenk and Wuster (1999). According to Montori and Llorente (2005), the correct name should be Zamenis longissimus. Two subspecies are recognized: Z. l. longissimus (Laurenti, 1768) is widely distributed in Western, Central and Southern Europe, except in Southern Italy and Sicily which are inhabited by Z. lineatus. Z. l. rechingeri Werner, 1932 is found in the Larger Cyclades islands, in particular on Amorgos. Elaphe longissima romana (Suckow, 1798) is probably a synonym of both Z. longisimus and Z. lineatus.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, it occurs in a number of protected areas, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough (at at rate of 30% or greater) to qualify for listing in a more threatened category at the global level.

EU27: LC
EU: LC
Turkey: LC

range:
This species ranges from its southern limits in northern Spain and central southern Italy, through much of France (except the north and parts of the southwest), southeastern and western Germany (north to Hessen, where it occurs as very fragmented most of the south), to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Hungary and much of the Balkan region. Populations in the Cantabrian Mountains (Spain), western Germany, western Czech Republic, and southern Ukraine are isolated from the main range, and it is possibly localized in Romania and Moldova. It is also present in northern Turkey, western Georgia, southern Azerbaijan and northwestern Iran. It may occur in southern Poland although this requires confirmation. The species has been extinct in Denmark for around 200 years. It ranges from 60 to 2,000m asl.

population:
It can be common, but many populations are small and isolated.

habitat:
It is found in dry, open woodlands (deciduous, mixed and coniferous), woodland edges, forested ravines, scrubland and thickets, rocky outcrops, road embankments, moist meadows, field edges, traditionally cultivated land, tea plantations, stone walls and old buildings, parks and gardens. The females produce a single clutch of two to 18 eggs in July (Caucasus).

threats:
It is threatened by accidental mortality on roads, especially in areas where the species is relatively common. It is also threatened by fragmentation of habitat through intensification of agricultural practices and afforestation of suitable areas. As with many snakes, this species is generally persecuted by people. Eggs are laid in heaps of grass and other vegetation that are frequently cleared by people.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention and Is included in Annex IV of the EU Habitat Directive. The species is present in a number of protected areas throughout its range. Conservation actions, such as ecological research and protection of important areas, and needed for populations in Germany, and presumably other northern parts of the species range (CoE, 2003). There is a need to develop management strategies and protected areas for this species at a national level; it is protected by national legislation in most range states. An EU Action Plan is in place for this species. The species was included into the Red Data Book of the USSR (1984), and the Red Data Books of the Russian Federation (2001) - category 2, Georgia (1982) - category 2, and the Ukraine - category 3. This species is listed an Endangered in the German National Red List. This species is currently categorized as Critically Endangered in Poland (Bartosz Borczyk pers. comm.). This species is categorized as Endangered in Switzerland (Monney and Meyer 2005).

redListAssessors:
Aram Agasyan, Aziz Avisi, Boris Tuniyev, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya, Wolfgang Böhme, Rastko Atjic, Milan Vogrin, Claudia Corti, Valentin Pérez Mellado, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Marc Cheylan, Juan Pleguezuelos, Bartosz Borczyk, Benedikt Schmidt, Andreas Meyer


taxonomicNotes:
This species is included in Zamenis following Utiger et al. (2002).

redListCategoryRationale:
Global: LC
Turkish: LC
Europe: LC
EU 27: LC

Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species is present in southern Italy (only in Apulia, adjoining Basilicata and Sicily) and Malta, and also ranges from southern Croatia (including the Adriatic islands), through southern Bosnia-Herzegovina, southern Montenegro, Albania (littoral zone), Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean parts of Macedonia, southern Bulgaria and most Greece (including a number of Ionian and Aegean islands), east to Turkey (western Anatolia) and the Crimea of Ukraine. It has been recorded from Cyprus, but the record requires verification. This species is found from sea level up to 1,600 m asl.

population:
This species is generally common. In the Balkans it is a common to uncommon species. In Italy it is usually rare, but locally it can be a common species. It is said to be declining in Albania. In Turkey, it is generally common.

habitat:
This species is often found in scrubland, macchia, karst habitats, field edges, marshes, stream edges, vineyards, olive groves, on stone walls, and in rural gardens and buildings.  It can be very common in small villages or other modified rural areas. The females lay about two to eight eggs in a clutch.

threats:
This species is popular for the pet trade which is a major threat in some areas. It is threatened in some parts of its range (e.g., Albania) by habitat loss through the intensification of agriculture.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention and is listed on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive as a priority species. This species is present in many protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Wolfgang Böhme, Petros Lymberakis, Rastko Ajtic, Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Pierre-André Crochet, Claudia Corti, Idriz Haxhiu, Roberto Sindaco, Aziz Avci, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Yusuf Kumlutaş


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, it occurs in a number of protected areas, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species is present over much of Middle Asia. It has been recorded from southern Russia (in Astrakhan west of the Volga River), central and southern Kazakhstan, northwestern Uzbekistan, northern Turkmenistan, northwestern China and central and southern Mongolia (Szczerbak and Golubev 1996). This species is not believed to be present in Iran (Anderson 1999). It is uncertain if the species is present in Afghanistan. It can occur up to 1,550m asl.

population:
It is very common under tones in northwestern China and Kazakhstan. It is a common species that can reach densities of up to 10 individuals per 1 m2 (Szczerbak and Golubev 1996).

habitat:
It is found in semi-desert habitats and steppe which has semi-desert areas. It is generally found on slopes, which are covered with large and small rocks, also in areas of weathered rock slabs and less often on clay plains. It has also been recorded from loose sand dunes (Natalia Ananjeva and Nikolai Orlov pers. comm., September, 2008). Vegetation cover is mostly scanty grasses and herbs (Szczerbak and Golubev 1996). The female lays clutches of one or two eggs.

threats:
There are no major threats to this widespread species as a whole. The population at the type locality of this species on Mount Bolshoi Bogdo, Astrakhan, Russia, is being lost through quarrying of rock for gravel production (Szczerbak and Golubev 1996).

conservationAction:
The species is present in many protected areas. Szczerbak and Golubev (1996), suggest that the populations on Mount Bolshoi Bogdo and in Turkmenistan are in need of protection.

redListAssessors:
Natalia Ananjeva, Nikolai Orlov, Theodore Papenfuss, Göran Nilson


taxonomicNotes:
The nominative subspecies C. c. caspius (Eichwald, 1831) is distributed throughout the species range with the exception of Wulf Island (Azerbaijan) in the Caspian Sea, 12 km from the Apsheron Peninsula where the endemic subspecies C. c. insularis (Akhmedow and Szczerbak 1978) is found.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, abundance, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because there are no threats impacting this species or its habitat.

range:
This species is present in southern Russia (Kalmykia and Dagestan), Georgia (Tibilisi and Abkhazia, possibly introduced), Armenia and Azerbaijan (from Yerevan to Julfa, Central and Eastern Azerbaijan), Iran, northern Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, southern Tajikistan and southwestern Kazakhstan (Szczerbak and Golubev, 1996; Anderson, 1999). It is also present on islands in the Caspian Sea. It has possibly been recorded from Syria, however the record from Heme, South Haleb, needs to be confirmed (Szczerbak and Golubev, 1996). The species has almost certainly been transported into the European part of its range by human activity (Szczerbak and Golubev, 1996). It has been recorded up to 1,653m asl (Afghanistan).

population:
It seems to be a reasonably common species in suitable habitat, especially on buildings or ruins; it can be numerous in some places.

habitat:
This largely crepuscular and nocturnal species is found in rocky areas, on cliff faces and outcrops, among ruins and in buildings (Anderson, 1999). It has been recorded from open steppe habitat in Azerbaijan and it also occurs in takyr-type habitats (Szczerbak and Golubev, 1996; Anderson, 1999). Sometimes animals are found in the burrows of rodents. The female lays two or three clutches of two eggs in a season (Szczerbak and Golubev, 1996); collective laying of clutches has been recorded.

threats:
There appear to be no current major threats to this adaptable species as a whole.

conservationAction:
Szczerbak and Golubev (1996), report that the wide range and stable numbers of this species indicate that there is no need for any special protection measures. Parts of this species distribution range is likely to coincide with protected areas.


taxonomicNotes:
This may be a species complex. Further studies into the taxonomic status of a number of populations of this species are needed.

range:
This species ranges from southeast Italy (Apulia and Basilicata), Albania (coastal region from Shkoder to Vlore), Serbia (Prizren), Macedonia, most of Greece (including the Ionian and many Aegean islands), southern and eastern Bulgaria, southern Ukraine (southern Crimea only), much of Turkey (Anatolia), Cyprus, northeastern, northern and western Syria, Lebanon, northern and central Israel, northwestern Jordan, ranging westwards and possibly into northern Iraq and western Iran. It has been introduced to Hungary (currently known only from a single house in Budapest and a second site at Balatonszeplak-felso). It is not present in Romania (László Krecsák pers. comm.). The species can be found up to 1,700m asl but is typically found at lower elevations.

population:
It is common over most of its range. In Serbia it is known from only a single town. In Greece, usually it is not found near human populations, but it is very common on small islands.

habitat:
This species is found climbing or on the ground in dry, rocky or stony places. It can be found in scrubland, under the bark of old juniper trees, on cliffs, on stone walls and on the outside and inside of buildings.  In Serbia, it is found in old buildings. Over most of Israel and Jordan it is only recorded on tree trunks. The females lays about two eggs in a clutch.

threats:
There are no major threats to this species over most of its range. Populations in the southern part of the range are threatened by deforestation through urbanization and agricultural development.

conservationAction:
This species occurs in several protected areas. It is protected by national legislation in Israel. It has been included in the Red Data Books of the USSR and Ukrainian SSR (Szczerbak and Golubev, 1996). This may be a species complex containing a number of threatened species. Further taxonomic studies are required to resolve this and to identify any taxa needing conservation measures.

redListAssessors:
Wolfgang Böhme, Petros Lymberakis, Rastko Ajtic, Ahmad Mohammed Mousa Disi, Yehudah Werner, Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Souad Hraoui-Bloquet, Riyad Sadek, Pierre-André Crochet, Idriz Haxhiu, Claudia Corti, Roberto Sindaco, Yakup Kaska, Yusuf Kumlutaş, Aziz Avci, Nazan Üzüm, Can Yeniyurt, Ferdi Akarsu, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic


taxonomicNotes:
This species was placed in the resurrected genus Euleptes, as opposed to Phyllodactylus, by Bauer et al. (1997).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened because its Extent of Occurrence is probably less than 20,000 km2, and although it might not be in overall decline, it occurs in several small, widely separated sub-populations, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

range:
This species is restricted to the Mediterranean islands of Corsica (France) and Sardinia (Italy) and most of the surrounding satellite islets of both Corsica and Sardinia. It is also found on a number of smaller offshore islands of France (Port-Cros and Le Levant in the Iles d'Hyeres, and nine small islands near Marseilles), and Italy (Elba, Gorgona, Capraia, Pianosa, Montecristo, and Giglio). There are also a few coastal mainland colonies in Tuscany and Liguria (Italy) (including at Monte Argentario, Piombino and Genoa), and in extreme southeastern France. It is also present on Cani Island and Galita Island, Tunisia. It can be found up to 1,500m asl, but is less common at high altitudes.

population:
The species can be relatively abundant within suitable habitat. Mainland populations and those on larger islands are more threatened, but the species tends to be more secure on small islands. It might be more common than is expected because it is easily overlooked.

habitat:
This strictly nocturnal species is generally found in rocky areas, such as cliffs, boulders and stone walls in agricultural land. It largely avoids areas of maquis vegetation, woodland and urban environments (although it may be encountered in abandoned houses). The females lay two to three clutches of two eggs annually.

threats:
On Corsica and Sardinia it is locally threatened by habitat loss resulting from fires and urbanization. The threats to populations on the offshore islands of Tunisia are not known. The mainland Italian population at Genoa, and French mainland populations, are probably threatened. On small islands, populations can be threatened by the introduction of predators (e.g. domestic cats).

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention and Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. It occurs in Port-Cros National Park, Parc National Corse (Corsica), Reserve Naturelle Scandola (Corsica), RN Lavezzi (Corsica), and RN Iles Marseilles (all in France) and in Parco Naturale dell' Uccelline in Tuscany (Italy). On Pianosa Island (Tuscany), an eradication programme has been carried out against feral cats.

redListAssessors:
Claudia Corti, Marc Cheylan, Philippe Geniez, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano


taxonomicNotes:
Specimens from India, Pakistan, Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Sudan, Somalia and Kenya are now referable to H. robustus (S. Baha El Din 2006; Bauer et al. 2006).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of extensive habitat modification, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

EU27: LC
EU: LC
Turkey: LC

range:
This species is widely distributed around the Mediterranean Basin, east through West Asia as far as India, often in built-up areas. In mainland Europe it is found in southwestern Portugal, southern and eastern Spain, southern France, much of coastal Italy, and coastal Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, southern Montenegro, southeast to western Albania and most of Greece. It is found on numerous islands in the Mediterranean, including the Balearic Islands, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Malta, Crete and Cyprus, and many smaller islands in the Tyrrhenian, Adriatic and Aegean Seas.  In mainland Asia it is found in western and southern Turkey (coastal zones, as far inland as Afyon, with an isolated population at Samsun on the north coast), western Syria, Lebanon, Israel and western Jordan. On mainland Africa it is found from northern Morocco through northern Algeria, much of Tunisia, northern Libya, northern and eastern Egypt (including some offshore islands) and the Nile Valley. It was most likely introduced in antiquity through much of its supposedly native range, but it is no longer clear when and where these introductions took place. In more recent times, it has been widely introduced, with introduced populations known from the Canary Islands (Spain), the southern United States, parts of Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Cuba and possibly Belize [not mapped here]. This is a lowland species that is occasionally found up to 1,100m asl. Arabian populations are now referred to H. robustus.

population:
It is abundant over much of its distribution and its range and population is increasing.

habitat:
It is extremely adaptable species. It is found in shrubland, rocky areas, salt marshes, coastal areas, cliffs, caves, on stone walls in agricultural areas and it is common in urban environments, including inside buildings. The females lay two to three clutches per year of one to two eggs.

threats:
There are no major threats to this very adaptable species. Animals are occasionally persecuted in tourist resorts, and there is some collection of the species for the pet trade, although this does not seem to have a significant impact on the overall population.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex III of the Bern Convention and is present in a number of protected areas. Further taxonomic studies on this species are needed, particularly for populations in the eastern and Arabian parts of its range (S. Baha El Din pers. comm.).

redListAssessors:
Aram Agasyan, Aziz Avisi, Boris Tuniyev, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya, Milan Vogrin, Claudia Corti, Valentin Pérez Mellado, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Marc Cheylan, Juan Pleguezuelos, Sherif Baha El Din, C. Varol Tok


taxonomicNotes:
We follow Bons and Geniez (1996) in treating Saurodactylus brosseti as a species distinct from S. mauritanicus.

range:
This species is found in northeastern Morocco, northwestern Algeria, and the Spanish territories of Melilla, the Isla de Alborán and the Charfarinas Archipelago. It can range from sea level up to 1,200m asl.

population:
It is not a widely distributed species, but is locally abundant.

habitat:
This species is found in semi-arid and arid rocky areas, with a sloping gradient. Animals can be found in piles of stones and sheltering in ground vegetation. The females lay up to eight clutches of a single egg per year in captivity. The egg is deposited in a self-dug tunnel on the ground.

threats:
Although the species is not believed to be globally threatened, it is locally threatened by habitat loss caused by ongoing urbanization and conversion of land to agricultural use,

conservationAction:
It is present in Bades Reserve in Morocco.

redListAssessors:
Ulrich Joger, Tahar Slimani, El Hassan El Mouden, Philippe Geniez, Iñigo Martínez-Solano


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern because, although its Extent of Occurrence is less than 5,000 km2, it is common, occurs in habitats that are not significantly threatened, and does not appear to be in decline.

range:
This species is endemic to the islands of Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Lobos, Graciosa, Montaña Clara, Alegranza and the Roque del Este in the Canary Islands (Spain). It is found up to 800m asl.

habitat:
This species is found in most habitats within its range. It lives in stony and rocky areas, lava fields, stone walls, dunes, salt flats with vegetation, scrubland, cultivated areas and human habitations. The females lay clutches of one or two eggs.

threats:
There appear to be no major threats to this species.

conservationAction:
This species is protected by international legislation and occurs in a number of protected areas. It is listed on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive.

redListAssessors:
Jose Antonio Mateo Miras, Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Iñigo Martínez-Solano


taxonomicNotes:
We treat Tarentola bischoffi as a subspecies of Tarentola boettgeri, following Carranza et al. (2000) and Pleguezuelos et al. (2002).

range:
This species is endemic to the islands of El Hierro and Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands of Spain. It is generally found throughout both islands, but it is rare above 750m asl and absent over 1,000m asl. The subspecies Tarentola boettgeri bischoffi is endemic to the uninhabited Selvages Archipelago where it is present on the islands of Selvagem Grande, Selvagem Pequena and Ilheu de Fora, Madeira, Portugal.

population:
It is a very common species in both the Canary Islands and the Selvages Archipelago.

habitat:
This species is found in rocky areas, often near to the coast. It is also sometimes found in houses. This species is absent from areas of Canary Pine forest. The subspecies Tarentola boettgeri bischoffi is found in rocky and coastal areas, where it uses the burrows of petrels and other seabirds. The females lay a (presumably repeated) clutch of a single egg.

threats:
It is preyed upon by introduced mammal species such as cats and hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus, but this is not considered to be a major threat.

conservationAction:
It is protected by international legislation and occurs in several protected areas, including the Ilhas Selvagens Nature Reserve in the Selvages Archipelago.

redListAssessors:
Paulo Sá-Sousa, Jose Antonio Mateo Miras, Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Iñigo Martínez-Solano


range:
This species is endemic to the islands of Tenerife (including the Roques de Anaga and Roque de Garachico) and La Palma, in the Canary Islands (Spain). It is present from sea level to 2,300m asl, although it is rare above 1,800m asl.

habitat:
This species is found in a wide variety of habitats. It is present in rocky areas, scrubland, stone walls in agricultural areas and it is common in urban environments. The species can be found in forested areas, although it occurs here at lower densities. It is an oviparous species, the eggs have been found deposited under stones.

threats:
There appear to be no major threats to this species. Some habitat loss has occurred through the development of tourism, but the species adapts well to urban environments.

conservationAction:
This species is protected by international legislation. It occurs in a number of protected areas.


range:
This species is endemic to the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands (Spain). It is present from sea level to 850m asl on the northern slope of the island and up to 1,150m asl on the southern slope.

habitat:
This species is found in rocky areas, stone walls, disturbed habitats, plantations and urban areas. It is not found in areas of forest. The females lay repeated clutches of one to two eggs.

conservationAction:
It is protected by international legislation and in some of protected areas. It is listed on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive.


taxonomicNotes:
Genetic analyses suggest that the subspecies Tarentola mauritanica fascicularis is probably a valid species (Harris et al. 2004), but no formal taxonomic proposal has yet been made (Crochet and Dubois 2004). Tarentola mauritanica appears to be a species complex, with animals in northwestern Libya and southern Tunisia possibly representing a separate species (S. Baha El Din pers. comm.).

range:
This species ranges throughout much of the Mediterranean region. Mainland European populations are distributed from Portugal (except the northwest), Spain (absent from most of the north), and southern France, throughout mainly coastal areas of Italy, southern Slovenia, northern coastal Croatia and southwestern parts of Greece. In northern Africa the species ranges from northern Egypt, through northern Libya, northern and central Tunisia, and northern Algeria to most of Morocco and northwestern Western Sahara. There is an isolated introduced population in southern Western Sahara. It is present on many Mediterranean islands including Corsica (France), Sardinia, Sicily, Pantellaria and Lampedusa (all in Italy), the Ionian Islands and Crete (all in Greece). Many of the populations in the northern Mediterranean are likely to have been introduced in ancient times. It has been introduced to a number of areas including the Balearic Islands and Tenerife (Spain), the island of Madeira (Portugal),  Montevideo (Uruguay), Buenos Aires (Argentina) and California (United States). It is found from sea level up to as high as 2,300m asl (in Spain).

population:
It is sometimes a very common species. Populations may be expanding with increasing urbanization.

habitat:
It is found in a variety of habitats, and it has been recorded from rocky areas, cliffs, stone walls, ruins, building walls and inside houses. It is generally not present in forested areas although animals can often be found climbing in trees. The females lay clutches of one to two eggs. These may be laid communally, typically under stones, in cracks and in hollow trees.

threats:
There appear to be no major threats to this species. Populations in Egypt are threatened by overcollection for the pet trade and by habitat degradation.

conservationAction:
It is protected by international legislation over parts of its range, and it occurs in many protected areas. Further studies into the impact of commercial trade on this species in Egypt is needed. Further taxonomic studies are needed for this species.

redListAssessors:
Milan Vogrin, Claudia Corti, Valentin Pérez Mellado, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Marc Cheylan, Juan Pleguezuelos, Sherif Baha El Din, Iñigo Martínez-Solano


taxonomicNotes:
Includes populations formerly assigned to A. lineomaculatus (Harris et al. 2004).

range:
This species ranges from eastern Portugal to central and southern Spain, and from central and northern Morocco through northern Algeria, almost as far as the Tunisian border. There are isolated populations in western and southern Portugal. It may occur up to 1,750m asl in the Sierra Nevada of Spain, and up to 2,800m asl in Morocco, but it is more usually found below 400m asl.

habitat:
It is generally found in open, loose sandy areas, with some sparse vegetation. It can also occur in rockier habitats, open woodland, coastal areas and in traditionally cultivated fields. The females lay one or two clutches of one to eight eggs annually.

threats:
In view of its wide range with large amounts of suitable habitat, there appear to be no major threats to this species. It is locally threatened by habitat loss resulting from intensive agriculture (often by irrigation of formerly dry areas), increased urbanization and habitat fragmentation, particularly in northeastern Spain.

redListAssessors:
Tahar Slimani, Jose Antonio Mateo Miras, Ulrich Joger, El Hassan El Mouden, Philippe Geniez, Iñigo Martínez-Solano


redListCategoryRationale:
****NOTE THAT EUROPE AND EU ASSESSMENTS ARE SAME CATEGORY BUT DIFFERENT CRITERIA TO THE GLOBAL ASSESSMENT***Global: EN
Turkish: CR (B1ab(i,ii,iii)
Europe: EN (B1ab(iii))
EU 27: EN (B1ab(iii))

Listed as Endangered because of a serious population decline, estimated to be more than 50% over the last three generations (12 years), inferred from observed shrinkage in distribution and habitat destruction and/or degradation.  In addition it is listed as Endangered because its area of occupancy is less than 500 km2, and its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is a continuing decline in its extent of occurrence, in its area of occupancy, in the extent and quality of its habitat, and the in the number of subpopulations.

In Turkey, this species is listed as Critically Endangered because this species has an Extent of Occurrence of less than 100 km2, is found in one location, and there is continuing decline in the quality of the habitat.

In Europe and EU 27, this species is listed as Endangered because its Extent of Occurrence is less than 5,000 km2, its habitat is severely fragmented, and continuing decline in habitat quality.

range:
This species is known from certain coastal areas in the Eastern Mediterranean. It is found in the following places: in coastal areas and riverbeds, but not high mountains in Cyprus; southern Turkey (two coastal records from one site in the Hatay Province); is fragmented range in coastal southern Lebanon (near Sidon and Tyrosin) and was also known from Beirut (although it is possibly extirpated from this site); and a narrow, fragmented coastal strip in Israel. The species might also occur in in Egypt, although this requires confirmation.

population:
It can be fairly common in suitable fragments of habitat in Cyprus. In Turkey, it is very rare.

habitat:
It is found on coastal sand dunes (where there are no competing Acanthodactylus) or light soil close to the dunes. It can be found in newly created cultivated areas with sandy soil close to sand dune habitat.  In many areas, it cannot tolerate disturbance.  In Israel it can be found in open orchards with a suitable substrate. The females have a maximum clutch of four eggs.

threats:
This species is threatened by coastal urbanization, including the development of tourism facilities. It is also threatened by the extraction of sand from beaches for building, and human disturbance through the high numbers of tourists visiting sites. The population close to Beirut is believed to have been extirpated through loss of habitat through the construction of refugee camps. In Turkey, there is a major petrol pipeline project and industrial activities in its habitat and pollution from petrol and other industries threatens its restricted range.

conservationAction:
It is present in the Tyr Beach protected area in southern Lebanon (although it is disturbed by tourism at this site), and it is present in a number of protected areas in Cyprus and two protected areas in Israel. It is protected by national legislation in Israel. It is not found in any protected areas in Turkey. There is a need to further research the range of this species and to prevent additional habitat loss. There is also a need to investigate the possibilities of habitat restoration in coastal dune areas.

redListAssessors:
Souad Hraoui-Bloquet, Riyad Sadek, Yehudah Werner, Petros Lymberakis, Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Wolfgang Böhme, Yakup Kaska, Yusuf Kumlutaş, Uğur Kaya, Aziz Avci, Nazan Üzüm, Can Yeniyurt, Ferdi Akarsu


range:
This species is endemic to the Mediterranean islands of Corsica (France) and Sardinia (Italy) and some surrounding islets. It has been recorded from sea level to elevations of 1,800m asl on Corsica.

population:
It is widespread and rather common in Sardinia, localized and less abundant in Corsica. It might be more common than suspected because it can easily be overlooked.

habitat:
It is found in a range of Mediterranean-type habitats. The species can be found in forested areas, places with rich vegetation, scrubland and degraded vegetation, areas of sparse grass and rocky habitats. It may occur in cultivated land, and on dry stone walls. The species generally prefers semi-shaded sites and is often found close to water. Females lay clutches of two to four eggs.

threats:
The main threat to the species is forest and macchia fires. This species may be locally threatened by agricultural intensification (mainly on Sardinia) including the increased use of pesticides and other agrochemicals.

conservationAction:
This species is protected by international legislation and it occurs in several protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Claudia Corti, Marc Cheylan, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Endangered, because its Extent of Occurrence is less than 5,000 km2 and its Area of Occupancy is believed to be less than 500 km2, its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is a continuing decline in the extent and quality of its forest habitat and in the number of locations.

range:
This species is endemic to southeast Spain, where it is largely restricted to the Alcaraz, Cazorla and Segura mountain ranges. It exists in a number of isolated subpopulations. This species occurs from 700 up to 1,700m asl.

population:
It can be locally common in good habitat, but it is in decline. Some populations have been extirpated.

habitat:
It is a generally a species of rocky places, in or close to woodland. It is often found in shady places, and is regularly encountered close to streams. The females lay clutches of one to five eggs.

threats:
The habitat of this species is threatened by deforestation, development of forestry tracks, erosion of stream banks, water abstraction, forest fires and predation by cats and rats.

conservationAction:
This species is protected by national legislation. It occurs in some protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Rafael Marquez, Iñigo Martínez-Solano


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened because its range is not much greater than 20,000km2, and the extent and quality of its habitat is declining, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

range:
This species is endemic to southern mainland Greece (the Peloponnese), the Ionian islands (Cephalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos) and the Strofades islands. It is found from sea level up to 1,200m asl.

population:
It is not a common species. It has not been surveyed since the severe fires in the Peloponnese in 2007; this species inhabits leaf litter and may have been affected.

habitat:
It is generally found in shaded to semi-shaded areas of open woodland, hedges and on the edges of cultivated land. It is generally associated with damp areas. It hides in ground cover such as brushwood and leaf litter. The females have only a few eggs in each clutch.

threats:
It may be threatened in parts of its range by habitat loss resulting from fires, general deforestation, agricultural intensification and the development of tourism facilities. It is also locally persecuted in some places.

conservationAction:
It is protected by international and national legislation. The species range includes a few protected areas.


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it does not appear to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species ranges along the eastern Adriatic coastal region from extreme northeastern Italy and southern Slovenia, southwards into coastal Croatia and a few river valleys in Bosnia-Herzegovina, through southern Serbia, Montenegro, Albania (where it is widespread except in the east), Macedonia (two isolated populations in the north and southwest) to western Greece. It is present on some Croatian Adriatic islands and on the Ionian islands of Greece (except Zakinthos). It occurs from sea level up to 1,500 m asl (in Albania).

habitat:
This species is found in open woodlands, scrubland, hedges, bushes, on walls and in olive groves. In river valleys it can be found close to water on rocks and cliffs. The species can be found in urban areas. It is most often found in shaded or semi-shaded areas, although animals can be observed basking on rocks and tree trunks. It is an egg-laying species.

threats:
The threats to this species are not well known, although it appears to be a somewhat adaptable species. It may be locally threatened by habitat loss through fires, deforestation, agricultural intensification and the development of tourism facilities.

conservationAction:
It is protected by international and national legislation (Appendix II of Bern Convention, Annex IV of EU Habitats Directive, national legislation e.g. in Greece). It is present in many protected areas. No immediate conservation actions are needed.

redListAssessors:
Wolfgang Böhme, Petros Lymberakis, Rastko Ajtic, Idriz Haxhiu, Jelka Crnobrnja-Isailovic, Roberto Sindaco


taxonomicNotes:
Lacerta anatolica was previously described as a subspecies of L. danfordi, but is now considered a full species. Following Arnold et al 2007, Lacerta anatolica is now named Anatololacerta anatolica.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its relatively wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

In Turkey, listed as Least Concern in view of its relatively wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

range:
This species is present in western Anatolia in the region north of the Büyük Menderes River in Turkey and the island of Samos in Greece. It occurs from sea level up to 1,600m asl.

habitat:
It is associated with rocky areas in open woodland and Mediterranean forest. It can also occur in degraded forest that has been grazed by cattle. It lays three to eight eggs.

threats:
It threatened by forest fires in parts of Turkey.

conservationAction:
Its range includes several protected areas in Turkey and probably occurs in protected areas in Greece.

redListAssessors:
Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Wolfgang Böhme, Pierre-André Crochet, Yakup Kaska, Yusuf Kumlutaş, Uğur Kaya, Aziz Avci, Nazan Üzüm, Can Yeniyurt, Ferdi Akarsu, Petros Lymberakis


taxonomicNotes:
Following Arnold et al 2007, Lacerta oertzeni is now named Anatololacerta oertzeni.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.

In Turkey, listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution and presumed large population.

In Europe and EU 27, this species is listed as Least Concern despite its small range; no major threats are known.

range:
This species is present in western and southern Anatolia, Turkey and on the Greek islands of Ikaria, Nisyros, Symi and Rhodes. This species is not present on the island of Nisyros (Petros Lymberakis, pers. comm. 2008).

population:
It is common in Turkey. It is declining on the island of Rhodes, but remains common on the surrounding islets.

habitat:
This species is found in Mediterranean-type habitats, rocky areas (including coastal sites), traditionally cultivated areas and orchards. It is an egg-laying species.

threats:
This species is threatened by forest fires in parts of its range. It is declining on Rhodes, although the reasons for this decline are currently unknown.

conservationAction:
It is present in protected areas in both Turkey and Greece.

redListAssessors:
Wolfgang Böhme, Petros Lymberakis, Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Pierre-André Crochet, Yakup Kaska, Yusuf Kumlutaş, Uğur Kaya, Aziz Avci, Nazan Üzüm, Can Yeniyurt, Ferdi Akarsu, Petros Lymberakis


taxonomicNotes:
This species is traditionally included in the genus Lacerta, but it is not closely related to Lacerta sensu stricto (Arnold 1989; Fu 1998, 2000, Harris et al. 1998, Carranza et al. 2004). As it is the type species of Archaeolacerta, this genus is available for it (following Arribas (1998), Mayer and Arribas (2003) and Crochet and Dubois [2004]). This species is the only representative of Archaeolacerta. There are three recognized subspecies: the nominate in Corsica, A.b. sardoa from central Sardinia, and A.b. paessleri in northern Sardinia (perhaps a synonym of sardoa), but their validity seems not confirmed by genetic studies (M. Bologna in litt.).

redListCategoryRationale:
Archaeolacerta bedragae is listed as Near Threatened. Its Extent of Occurrence is less than 20,000 km2; on Sardinia its distribution is severely fragmented and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its forest habitat, but on Corsica it is not considered to be severely fragmented or declining.

range:
This species occurs in rocky areas on the islands of Corsica (France) and Sardinia (Italy) where it has a very fragmented range. In Sardinia it has a very fragmented range. On these two large islands it occurs mainly from 550 to 2,550 m asl, but there are a few coastal populations, including in northern Sardinia and western and southern Corsica. It occurs on several smaller islands, including Foloca Island (France), the Maddalena Archipelago and the Isola Rossa di Trinita' d'Agulto (Italy). On smaller islands it occurs down to sea-level.

population:
This species can be common at higher altitudes, especially in Corsica. At lower elevations and in Sardinia it occurs in very small areas, although large populations can be found locally.

habitat:
This is typically a rock dwelling lizard, living on cliffs and open rocky areas (e.g. sparsely vegetated islets). It is also found in open woodland and scrubland. It can occur in semi-shaded areas close to streams. The females lay three to six eggs.

threats:
Populations in the lowlands of Corsica are vulnerable because of the genetic isolation of many populations. Populations on both islands are threatened by the development of the tourist industry. Sardinian subspecies are vulnerable because they are severely fragmented and have an extremely small area of occupancy.

conservationAction:
Populations in Sardinia may be more sensitive to the threats and populations are strictly protected. This species is listed on Annex III of the Bern Convention, Annex IV of the EC Habitats Directive, and is protected by national and regional legislation in both countries. It occurs in several protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Claudia Corti, Marc Cheylan, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano, Patrick Haffner


range:
This species is present in Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean habitats in southern Croatia (including some Adriatic islands), southern Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Montenegro. It possibly also occurs in Albania but this requires confirmation. It has an elevational range of sea level to around 1,600m asl.

population:
It can occur at high densities in suitable habitat.

habitat:
It is a sun-loving species generally found in rocky areas, on cliffs and also on buildings in towns and villages. The females lay clutches of two to four eggs. It is quite an adaptable species.

threats:
It might have been traded in the past, but this is not occurring much anymore. A dam might be built that would affect the northern population of the species. Otherwise it is a relatively unthreatened species at present.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex III of the Bern Convention and is protected in some countries by national legislation. Its range includes several protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Rastko Attic, Milan Vogrin


taxonomicNotes:
This species was formerly included in the genus Lacerta, but is now included in Darevskia, following Arribas (1998, 1999), Fu et al. (1997), Fu (1998) and Harris et al. (1998). It is not certain that the eastern and western populations belong to the same species; further taxonomic studies are needed to resolve this issue. Subspecies D. p. praticola inhabits the northeastern part along the Caspian Sea. D. p. pontica (Lantz and Cyren, 1919) inhabits the coast of the Black Sea and north-western Caucasus.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened because this species is probably in significant decline (but probably at a rate of less than 30% over ten years) because of widespread habitat loss through much of its range, most especially in western populations, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

Turkey: NA (Marginal)

range:
This species occurs in very fragmented populations, ranging from eastern and southern Serbia, western and southern Romania, much of Bulgaria (except the southwest), and northeastern Greece (a few records from the margin of its range) to European Turkey (Thrace only). It also occurs as a second disjunct population ranging from northwestern Iran, through Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia into southern Russia. It is found up to 2000m asl in Armenia and Georgia.

population:
It is rather rare in Central and Southern Europe. Good, stable populations of this species remain within the Caucasus.

habitat:
This is a largely terrestrial species often found in clearings with lush vegetation, traditional meadows and glades within open broad-leaf woodland. In the Caucasus, the females lays four to eight eggs in a clutch between the middle of June and the middle of July (two clutches during the summer for Georgia and Armenia). The young hatch from August to September. This species goes to hibernation in October.

threats:
Populations in Central and Southern Europe (including Thrace) are significantly threatened by habitat loss and degradation caused by agricultural intensification (conversion of suitable habitat; overgrazing; agrochemical pollution) (CoE, 2003). Threats to the species in the eastern part of its range are unclear, but are presumed to include habitat loss through agricultural intensification.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Annex III of the Bern Convention. It is present in protected areas in Serbia and Montenegro and in Greece. There is research needed to confirm the relationships between populations in the western and eastern parts of the species range. Habitat protection is especially needed for the isolated populations. Further information is needed into the distribution and conservation status of this species in Central Europe.

redListAssessors:
Aram Agasyan, Aziz Avisi, Boris Tuniyev, Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Petro Lymberakis, Claes Andrén, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nazan Üzüm, Nikolai Orlov, Richard Podloucky, Sako Tuniyev, Uğur Kaya, Wolfgang Böhme, Rastko Ajtic, Varol Tok, Ishmail Ugurtas, Murat Sevinç, Pierre-André Crochet, Hans Konrad Nettmann, László Krecsák


taxonomicNotes:
The isolated eastern subpopulation in Montenegro has been proposed as a separate species (Ljubisavljevic et al. 2007).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Vulnerable because its Area of Occupancy is less than 2,000km2, its distribution is severely fragmented, and the extent and quality of its habitat are declining.

range:
This species is found in the southwestern Dinaric mountain range of southern coastal Croatia, southern Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro. It may be present in northern Albania but further surveys are needed to confirm this. It occurs from 450 to 1,900m asl.

population:
It is not a common species and has a patchy distribution.

habitat:
It is largely found in humid, rocky, montane areas of exposed karst. The species inhabits open woodland and sites with a rich vegetation cover. The females lay a single clutch of four to eight eggs.

threats:
It is threatened by the loss of suitable habitat due to logging, including within protected areas. Collection of animals for the pet-trade was a threat in the past. It is likely that some small-scale illegal trade continues.

conservationAction:
It is listed on Annex III of the Bern Convention and is protected by national legislation in some range countries. It is present in a number of protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Jelka Crnobrnja Isailovic, Rastko Ajtic, Milan Vogrin


taxonomicNotes:
There are six recognized subspecies: E. a. arguta (Pallas, 1773) is distributed in western Kazakhstan; E a deserti (Gmelin, 1789) is found in the west of the species range from the Ural River in the west to the eastern parts of the North Caucasus in the southwest (this subspecies is present in Romania, Moldova and Ukraine); E. a. transcaucasica Darevsky, 1953 inhabits eastern parts of Transcaucasia; E. a. uzbekistanica Chernov, 1934 is present in Uzbekistan and the frontier regions of Turkmenistan, southern Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan; E. a. darevskii Tsaruk, 1986 is restricted to the Issyk Kul hollow in Kyrgyzstan; E. a. potanini Bedrjaga, 1912 is found in the area adjacent to Balkhash Lake and the Zaisan Hollow in Kazakhstan.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population in suitable dune habitats, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. Because this is a habitat specialist it is susceptible to local and regional declines when sand dunes are converted to agriculture or otherwise developed. Romanian subpopulations are considered Vulnerable due to habitat conversion.

EU27: VU (In EU27 only occurs in Romania) Listed as Vulnerable because its Area of Occupancy is less than 2,000 km2 (estimated from occurrence of sand dune habitats), its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat due to habitat conversion and fragmentation.

EU: NT Listed as Near Threatened because its Area of Occupancy (inferred from the occurrence of sand dune habitat) is probably not much greater than 20,000 km2, and it occurs in several small, widely separated sub-populations, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

range:
This widespread species ranges from eastern Romania (Danube Delta), through southern Moldova, Ukraine (including the Crimean Peninsula), southwestern Russia, the Caucasus (including an isolated population at Lake Sevan, Armenia), northern Iran (known only with certainty from the western slopes of Talysh Mountains and a single locality southeast of Tabriz in East Azarbaijan Province [Anderson, 1999]), through much of Central Asia to northwestern China and southwestern Mongolia. The westernmost locality is Hanu Conachi sand dunes (Romania). It is unclear if this species is present in Turkey.

population:
It can be a common species in parts of its range (Arnold, 2003; Melnikov, 2003). The density can be up to 60 animals per hectare.

habitat:
It is a diurnal species that generally occurs in dry, open areas with some sparse herbaceous vegetation. It is also found in steppe habitat, sandy coastal areas, sparsely vegetated river plains, and on stone walls bordering party cultivated land (Anderson, 1999; Arnold, 2003). Animals often shelter under spiny shrubs and in burrows. In the south of its distribution, this species emerges from hibernation between the end of February and the beginning of March, and emerges in April in the montane and northern parts of its range. The female lays two clutches of between one and 12 eggs (usually three or four) (Arnold, 2003). The young hatch between the middle of May and the beginning of July. The species is reproductively mature following its first hibernation period.

threats:
In Romania, the species is threatened by habitat loss and degradation do sand dunes by reforestation, increased tourist, urban, agricultural and industrial development; pesticide pollution; overgrazing and inappropriate afforestation of suitable sandy habitat (CoE, 2003). The threats to populations outside of Europe needs further evaluation.

conservationAction:
In view of the wide range of this species outside of Europe, it occurs in numerous protected areas across its range (most current populations are restricted to protected areas which conserve sand dunes). The steppe-runner E. a. potanini is included into the Red Data Book of Mongolia (1997) as a rare species, it is protected in the Great Gobi reservation. E. a. uzbekistanica is included into the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan (1999) (category 2). E. a. transcaucasica is included into the Red Data Book of Armenia (1987). E. a. deserti is included into the Red Data Book of Moldavia (1999) as a Critically Endangered species. The Armenian subspecies E.a. transcaucasica is an isolated population which occurs surrounding Lake Sevan and is becoming increasingly threatened and needs species conservation attention.

redListAssessors:
Aram Agasyan, Boris Tuniyev, Dan Cogalniceanu, John Wilkinson, Natalia Ananjeva, Nikolai Orlov


range:
This widely distribtued lizard ranges from the Caucasus region in the west (including Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russia), through Iran, Middla Asia and Central Asia, as far east as western China. Within Iran, this species occurs on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, valleys of the Kopet Dagh and scattered localities on the northern and western margins of the Central Plateau (Anderson 1999). In Pakistan, it is found from Waziristan westward through the Quetta region almost to Nushki (Minton 1966). It can occur up to around 2,300m asl (Pakistan).

population:
In general, it is a common, often locally abundant, species (up to 80-200 animals per hectare). It appears to be a common species in Pakistan (Minton, 1966).

habitat:
This diurnal species has been recorded in Iran from silty alluvium flats, among sparse scrub, steppe and grassland vegetation. It is also found in irrigated areas and dry stream beds (Minton, 1966; Anderson, 1999). In Middle Asia and Transcaucasia, populations are often associated with stabilized and semi-stable sandy soils, rocky steppes and foothills with sparse herbaceous and shrub vegetation. It is not found in extremely arid conditions (Minton, 1966). Animals generally live in burrows at the base of shrubs (Minton, 1966). Females lay two or three clutches of between two and six eggs annually.

threats:
In some areas the species is threatened by habitat conversion due to expansion of intensive agriculture and overgrazing of its habitat.

conservationAction:
Other than research activities, no direct conservation measures are needed for this species as a whole. In view of its wide range, it seems likely that the species is found within a number of protected areas.


range:
This species is endemic to the Canary Islands (Spain). It has been recorded from the islands of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Lobos, La Graciosa, Montana Clara and Roque del Este. There is an introduced population (from Lanzarote) in the vicinity of Arinaga in eastern Gran Canaria Island. It is present from sea level to 670m asl on Lanzarote and to 800m asl on Fuerteventura.

habitat:
This species is found in a wide range of dry, open habitats. It has been recorded from coastal sandy areas with sparse vegetation, scrubland, open dry forest, cultivated and urban areas. The species is generally only absent from barren lava fields resulting from relatively recent volcanic activity. The females annually lay two to three clutches of one to five eggs.

threats:
In general there are no major threats to this species as a whole. The introduced population of Gran Canaria is declining due to habitat loss through urbanization.. The population on the Roque del Este is very rare but still survives. Populations of this species on small islands and in fragments of habitat remaining in recent lava fields, are considered to be especially vulnerable to habitat loss and introduced predators.

conservationAction:
It is protected by national legislation, and it is present in a number of protected areas. Subspecies laurae is considered vulnerable in the Spanish national Red List.


taxonomicNotes:
This taxon was originally described as a subspecies of Gallotia simonyi by Mateo et al. (2001), but we follow Afonso and Mateo (2003) in treating it as a full species. There is an urgent need to establish the identity of recently observed animals in northern La Palma (Mínguez et al. 2007) which might represent a remnant population of this species.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Critically Endangered because any remnant population possibly totals fewer than 50 mature individuals. It is also possible that this species will qualify for the C2a(i) criteria, however additional studies are needed into the total population number and current population trend.

range:
This possibly extinct species once ranged from sea-level up to 800m asl in the littoral zone of La Palma in the Canary Islands (Spain). Its decline started 2,000 years ago with the arrival of humans on La Palma. Although it was believed to have become extinct in the last 500 years, there are recent sightings and photographs of giant Gallotia lizards from northern La Palma (Mínguez et al. 2007; (Jose Antonio Mateo Miras pers. comm. 2008). While the identity of these lizards needs to be verified through the capture of an individual, it is probable that there has only ever been a single species of large Gallotia on La Palma (Barahona et al. 2000; Mateo et al. 2003; Jose Antonio Mateo Miras pers. comm. 2008). Recent observations have been between 40 and 200m asl.

population:
While this species is possibly extinct, recent observations suggest that a small remnant population of these lizards is present in northern La Palma (Mínguez et al. 2007; Jose Antonio Mateo Miras pers. comm. 2008).

habitat:
It apparently previously occurred through the littoral zone of La Palma, living in xerophytic vegetation. It is presumably an egg-laying species.

threats:
The causes of extinction over much of this species range appear to have been introduced cats, consumption by people, and conversion of land to agricultural use. The current threats to any remaining populations need further investigation.

conservationAction:
It is not known if the species is present in any protected areas. There is a need to verify the identity of animals recently observed; if these are not individual of Gallotia auaritae, it remains probable that these populations will still be of very high conservation concern. There is an urgent need to secure any remaining populations of giant Gallotia lizards on La Palma, including strict protect of areas of suitable habitat and prevention of collection of animals for non-research purposes.

redListAssessors:
Jose Antonio Mateo Miras, Iñigo Martínez-Solano


taxonomicNotes:
Following the ruling of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature, the name of this species is Gallotia bravoana, not Gallotia gomerana.

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Critically Endangered because its population size is estimated to number fewer than 50 mature individuals, its populations are severely fragmented, and although it is no longer experiencing a continuing population decline, it has only been increasing since 2001.

range:
This species, thought to be long extinct, was rediscovered as a living animal in 1999, and is known only from two separate inaccessible cliffs 2 km apart, close to the Valle Gran Rey, in the west of the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands (Spain). The species is thought to have once ranged throughout much of La Gomera, and the present range is less than one hectare.

population:
The population of this species consists of only 90 wild individuals remaining in the wild. There is a captive population of about 44 animals (in 2004).

habitat:
This species is once widespread in many habitat types on La Gomera. It is now restricted to dry cliffs with sparse vegetation. The species is generally diurnal and mostly herbivorous. The females lay a single clutch annually of three to seven eggs on average.

threats:
The main threats to this species are predation by feral cats, and rock falls within its restricted range. The species historically declined through overgrazing, hunting, and predation by feral cats and rats.

conservationAction:
It is present in the Parque Rural de Valle Gran Rey. The species is protected by international legislation. A captive breeding programme has been established on La Gomera, and a species recovery plan is in place. There is a need to control cat populations in the vicinity of the remaining animals. Further surveys are needed on La Gomera within other isolated areas to determine if any more remnant populations of this species persist. The implementation of education programmes for local people has been recommended.


range:
This species is endemic to the Canary Islands of Spain. It is present on the islands of El Hierro, La Gomera, Roque Grande de Salmor, and Roquillo (a small island north of La Gomera). It has been introduced to Los Cristianos in the south of Tenerife Island and may have been introduced to Funchal Botanic Garden the island of Madeira, Portugal. It is found from sea level to 1,500m asl.

habitat:
The species is present in a wide variety of habitats, including open areas, shrubland, cultivated and urban areas. It is less common in native laurel and canary pine forest habitats. Females may annually lay three clutches of one to five eggs.

conservationAction:
It is protected by international legislation, and occurs in a number of protected areas.

redListAssessors:
Jose Antonio Mateo Miras, Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Iñigo Martínez-Solano


range:
This species is endemic to the Canary Islands (Spain). It is native to Tenerife, La Palma, and the smaller islands of Roque de Anaga de Dentro, Roque de Anaga de Fuera, Roque de Fasnia and Roque de Garachico. The species has recently been introduced to the island of El Hierro (only one individual known) and also at Morro Jable (large population) on Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. Reports of this species from the island of Madeira, Portugal, are believed to be erroneous. It occurs from sea level up to 3,000m asl (Tenerife).

habitat:
This species is common in various open, rocky and shrubland habitats. It is commonly associated with stone walls in cultivated areas. The species is rarer in forested areas, where it may be confined to pathways and other open areas. Females annually lay one or two clutches of two to nine eggs.

threats:
There appear to be no major threats to this species. It is sometimes controlled as a pest in agricultural areas.

conservationAction:
It is protected by international legislation and is present in a number of protected areas. The subspecies insulanagae is considered Near Threatened on the Spanish Red List.


taxonomicNotes:
This species is described by Hernández et al. (2000), but the name first appeared in Barbadillo et al. (1999).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Critically Endangered because its Extent of Occurrence is less than 100 km2 and its Area Of Occupancy is less than 10km2, its distribution is severely fragmented, and although it is no longer experiencing a continuing population decline, it has only been increasing since 2001.

range:
This species was discovered in 1996 in the Macizo de Teno in the extreme northwest of Tenerife island, in the Canary Islands (Spain). It is now know from a small area of coastline in the extreme west of the island, and also from Montana de Guaza in the extreme south. It is believed that the species was once widespread throughout much of Tenerife.

population:
There are 40 isolated populations along 9 km of coastline, totaling 500 animals. The population at Montana de Guaza is around 100 animals. It is increasing as a result of the control of introduced mammals.

habitat:
This species inhabits rugged terrain, with rocks and boulders, often found on small rock ledges with sparse vegetation. The species is presumed to have once occurred in a variety of habitats across Tenerife. The species is largely herbivorous. It is an egg-laying species.

threats:
The main threat to this species is predation by feral cats and, to a lesser degree, by rats. It is presumed that the historical decline in this species was largely due to predation by cats. Several of the smaller populations, consisting of a few individuals, may be threatened by the effects of inbreeding.

conservationAction:
Measures to control access by cats to some of the remaining populations, such as fencing, have been implemented. A recovery action plan has been developed for this species. The species may still exist in other inaccessible parts of Tenerife, more field surveys are urgently needed. It occurs in at least one protected area.


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Critically Endangered because its Extent of Occurrence is less than 100 km2 and its Area Of Occupancy is less than 10km2, its distribution is severely fragmented, and although it is no longer experiencing a continuing population decline, it has only been increasing since 2002 (and declines might have resumed since control of feral cats has stopped).

range:
This species is endemic to the island of El Hierro in the Canary Islands (Spain). The species was once present throughout much of the island and on the small offshore Roque Chico de Salmor. It is currently restricted to the southern end of the Risco de Tibataje, in la Fuga de Gorreta, located between Guinea and the so-called Paso del Pino (an area of about four hectares), with reintroduced populations on the Roque Chico de Salmor, and at Julan and la Dehesa on El Hierro. The species ranges between 350 and 500m asl.

population:
The population of this species is about 300 to 400 animals in the wild (including re-introduced populations)..

habitat:
It is now confined to a small areas of cliff with sparse vegetation. The species is believed to have once occurred throughout much of El Hierro, being only absent from areas of laurel forest. It is a largely herbivorous species. It has two clutches of five to thirteen eggs.

threats:
The major threat to this species is predation by feral cats, and possibly also by dogs and rats. A remnant population was extirpated from the Roque Chico de Salmor in the 1930s through the overcollection of animals for scientific institutions and commercial interests. Control of feral cats stopped in in 2002.

conservationAction:
A recovery plan for this species has been developed, and captive-breeding and reintroduction programmes are in place. The species was successfully reintroduced to the Roque Chico de Salmor in 1999, and subsequent reintroductions have taken place at Julan and at la Dehesa. Continued control of feral cats should be resumed to allow population recovery. This species is protected by national and international legislation. It is listed on Appendix I of CITES. Both la Fuga de Gorreta and the Roque Chico de Salmor are protected areas.


range:
This species is endemic to the island of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands of Spain. There are additional introduced populations of the species on Fuerteventura. There are also records of introduced animals from Gomera and La Palma, but it is not clear that these represent established populations, and so they are not mapped. It is present from sea level to over 1,850m asl.

habitat:
This species is present in a wide variety of habitats. It occurs in open areas, shrubland, rocky humid gorges. The species is absent from forested areas. In Fuerteventura it is found in agricultural areas. It is an egg-laying species.

threats:
Although this species is generally still abundant, it is impacted by predation by feral cats and rats.

conservationAction:
This species is protected by international legislation. It is occurs in a number of protected areas.


redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Near Threatened because its Extent of Occurrence is probably not much greater than 20,000km2, and the extent and quality of its habitat is declining, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable.

range:
This species is endemic to the Peloponnese region of southern Greece. It ranges from sea level up to 1,600m asl.

population:
It can be a locally common species in appropriate high humidity habitats, although the populations are usually small. This species has not been surveyed since the Peloponnese fires in 2007 but it may have been affected.

habitat:
It is generally found close to water sources, or humid areas, in upland and coastal regions.  Animals may be found in shaded parts of rocky areas, scree and light, open woodland. It can also be found on the tree-lined edges of pastureland. The females lay a single clutch of one to six eggs annually.

threats:
Wildfire and human-caused fires can be a threat to the species' habitat. It is not known to be in the pet trade. Planting of eucalyptus trees is affecting the species' habitat.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention. Its range includes a few protected areas.


taxonomicNotes:
This taxon is now considered to be a full species based on evidence from Arribas (1999), Crochet et al. (2004), Mayer and Arribas (1996, 2003) and Odierna et al. (1996). It was formerly included in the genus Lacerta, but is now included in Iberolacerta, following Carranza et al. (2004), and based on evidence from Arribas (1998, 1999), Carranza et al. (2004), Harris et al. (1998) and Mayer and Arribas (2003).

redListCategoryRationale:
Listed as Endangered because its Extent of Occurrence is less than 5,000 km2, its distribution is severely fragmented, and there is continuing decline projected in the extent and quality of its habitat.

range:
This species is found in the Central Pyrenean Mountains of France and Spain. It was previously thought to be restricted to an area of about 25 km2 of the Mauberme massif, between the Arán and Ariége valleys, but in 2006 a new population was discovered in Mont Valier (France). It occurs from 1,640 to 2,668 m asl.

population:
It is common within its restricted range. The species occurs in fragmented populations associated with rocky and stony habitats.

habitat:
This species is found in rocky alpine habitats, such as stony meadows, rock outcrops and gravelly slopes. It is an egg-laying species.

threats:
This species is possibly threatened by overgrazing of habitat by cattle, collection of specimens, and is inferred to be threatened by future habitat loss through the development of ski resorts, lodges and hotels, the construction of roads and tracks, and the use of all-terrain vehicles. It is additionally threatened by the possible development of hydroelectric projects and mining. It is also possible that this species will be significantly impacted by climate change.

conservationAction:
This species is listed on Appendix III of the Bern Convention. It does not occur in any protected areas. A recovery plan is in place in Cataluña for I. aranica.

redListAssessors:
Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Marc Cheylan, Patrick Haffner


