A population of the Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex) was studied in 1984 at a pond near Druento (Turin, Piedmont, northwestern Italy). Animals entering and leaving the pond fell into paired pit-fall traps during both spring and autumn migrations. A positive correlation found between rainfall and migration, a shortening of migration periods and summer inactivity suggest that, in the Mediterranean region, air moisture may be a limiting factor for newt activity. During their aquatic period adults showed strong individual differences in weight changes that cannot be explained on the basis of initial body weight or length. High variability in crested newt life history traits may be the result of repeated bottlenecks caused by environmental stress and high population isolation.
Breeding dynamics of Triturus carnifex at a pond in Northwestern Italy (Amphibia, Urodela, Salamandridae).
GIACOMA, Cristina
1989-01-01
Abstract
A population of the Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex) was studied in 1984 at a pond near Druento (Turin, Piedmont, northwestern Italy). Animals entering and leaving the pond fell into paired pit-fall traps during both spring and autumn migrations. A positive correlation found between rainfall and migration, a shortening of migration periods and summer inactivity suggest that, in the Mediterranean region, air moisture may be a limiting factor for newt activity. During their aquatic period adults showed strong individual differences in weight changes that cannot be explained on the basis of initial body weight or length. High variability in crested newt life history traits may be the result of repeated bottlenecks caused by environmental stress and high population isolation.
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