Changes in the herpetological composition across a decade in Le Matine (Santeramo in Colle, Bari)

摘要: The artificial basin and canal of “Le Matine” are located in Santeramo in Colle area (Province of Bari), in the south-east Murgia (Apulia, Italy). Due to the karst nature of central Apulia and the scarcity of rainfall, areas where permanent water bodies are present are rare; this makes Le Matine a unicum in the countryside of the Murgian Plateau hinterland. Between 2004 and 2011, herpetological surveys were conducted in Le Matine areas and highlighted a very rich specific diversity. In fact, six species of amphibians and 13 of reptiles were reported. Recent surveys carried out between May 2021 and May 2022 confirmed the presence of the six species of amphibians (Lissotriton italicus, Triturus carnifex, Bufo bufo, Bufotes viridis balearicus, Pelophylax kl. esculentus, and Hyla intermedia) and nine species of reptiles