Fauna of Sardinia

[askra]

Sardinia is home to a wide variety of rare or uncommon animals, such as several species of mammals, many of them belonging to an own subspecies: the Mediterranean Monk Seal, the Sarcidano horse, the Giara horse, the Albino Donkey, the Sardinian Wild Cat (Felis lybica sarda), the Mouflon, the Sardinian Long-eared Bat, the Sardinian Deer, the Fallow Deer, the Sardinian fox (Vulpes vulpes ichnusae), the Sardinian Hare (Lepus capensis mediterraneus), the wild boar (Sus scrofa meridionalis), the Edible dormouse and the European pine marten.

Rare amphibias, found only on the island, are the Sardinian brook salamander, the Brown Cave Salamander, the Imperial Cave Salamander, the Monte Albo Cave Salamander, the Supramonte Cave Salamander and the Sarrabus Cave Salamander (Speleomantes sarrabusensis); the Sardinian Tree Frog instead is found also in Corsica and in Tuscan Archipelago. Among the reptiles worthy of note is the Bedriaga's Rock Lizard, the Tyrrhenian Wall Lizard and the Fitzinger's Algyroides, endemic species of Sardinia and Corsica. The island is inhabited by terrestrial tortoises and sea turtles like the Hermann's tortoise, the Spur-thighed tortoise, the Marginated tortoise (Testudo marginata sarda), the Nabeul tortoise, the Loggerhead sea turtle and the Green sea turtle.

Sardinia has four endemic subspecies of birds found nowhere else in the world: its Great Spotted Woodpecker (ssp harterti), Great Tit (ssp ecki), Common Chaffinch (ssp sarda), and Eurasian Jay (ssp ichnusae). It also shares a further 10 endemic subspecies of bird with Corsica. In some cases Sardinia is a delimited part of the species range. For example, the subspecies of Hooded Crow, Corvus cornix ssp cornix occurs in Sardinia and Corsica, but no further south.

Birds of prey found are the Griffon Vulture, the Common Buzzard, the Golden Eagle, the Long-eared Owl, the Western Marsh Harrier, the Peregrine Falcon, the European Honey Buzzard, the Sardinian Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis arrigonii), the Bonelli's Eagle and the Eleonora's Falcon, whose name comes from Eleonor of Arborea, national heroine of Sardinia, expert in falconry. The hundreds of lagoons and coastal lakes that dot the island are home for many species of wading birds, such as the Greater Flamingo.

Conversely, Sardinia lacks many common species such as the viper, the wolf, the bear and the marmot, which are found on the European continent.
The island has also long been used for grazing flocks of indigenous Sardinian sheep. The Sardinian Anglo-Arab is a horse breed that was established in Sardinia, where it has been selectively bred for more than one hundred years.

Three different breeds of dogs are peculiar to Sardinia: the Pastore Fonnese, the Dogo Sardo and the Levriero Sardo.

[askra]

The Sardinian Fox (Vulpes Vulpes Ichnusae) is the subspecies of the European red fox native of Sardinia. It's smaller in size, it's got a triangular head, a pointed snout, big ears and eyes.

http://www.photosardegna.it/images/phocagallery/Mammiferi/thumbs/phoca_thumb_l_volpenew2sito.jpg

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[askra]

Sardinian Deer


Sardinian Deer (Cervus elaphus corsicanus Erxleben, 1777), is a subspecies of the Red Deer (Cervus elaphus), endemic to the Mediterranean islands of Sardinia, Italy and Corsica, France.


Characteristics

The Corsican Deer is smaller than most of the 16 subspecies of Red Deer; has shorter legs (possibly to better scramble up mountain sides) and a longer tail. The antlers are also simplified and shorter, typically less than 80 cm (31 in) in length. Coat is brownish. Life expectancy is 13-14 years. Males reach a height of 86 to 110 cm (34 to 43 in) and a weight of 100 to 110 kg (220 to 240 lb); while females measure 80 to 90 cm (31 to 35 in) and weight 80 kg (180 lb).


Reproduction

The subspecies reach sexual maturity at 2 years of age. Mating lasts from August to November and can involve mortal battles. The dominant male finally secures most of the mature females, typically a dozen per male. After gestation, in May-July, females hide alone in the maquis (the dense vegetation) to deliver, typically a single birth per female. Males leave the matriarchal group following the reproductive period.


Conservation status

The subspecies gets its name from the island of Corsica, from where it was however extirpated in the early 1970s. At that time, the less than 250 animals that still existed on Sardinia were protected and plans were elaborated for a reintroduction on Corsica. Captive breeding on the latter island began in 1985 and the population increased from 13 founders to 186 captive animals. Reintroduction could finally begin in 1998, and as of 2007, the Corsican population was about 250 individuals with a total of about 1,000 for the subspecies which has therefore been downgraded to Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.



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[michelle]

Terrific animals, indeed, but Madagascar has the most original species on the planet. It's like the Garden of Eden.

[askra]

White Donkey


The Asinara white donkey, is a rare landrace of feral, and consistently albinistic, donkey indigenous to the island of Asinara, which lies off the north-west coast of Sardinia, Italy, in the province of Sassari. It is one of the seven indigenous donkey "breeds of limited distribution" listed by the AIA, the Italian breeders' association, though it is not a breed in the formal sense. Alternative names include white donkey or albino donkey in English (Italian: asinello bianco or asino albino), and ainu, borricu or molenti in Sardinian. It is given the sub-specific name "var. albina" by some sources, thus Equus asinus var. albina, but this is not recognized by taxonomic authorities.

The habitat of this rare variant of E. a. asinus is restricted to the island of Asinara (declared Asinara National Park in 1997, where the total donkey population is estimated around 90 individuals), to the natural reserve of Porto Conte in Alghero and to Foresta Burgos.

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[askra]

The Sardinian Wildcat is a species of wildcat that inhabits of the island of Sardinia. Sardinian wildcat is smaller than the European
(Felis silvestris silvestris) and the African (Felis silvestris libyca) wildcat. Cranial index
and morphological aspect are more similar to domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus).

characteristics:

tufted ears (like lynx);
long tail (more than half of the body) with rings blacks, missing the median line;
smaller head than european wildcat;
absence of white spots on the fur.


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[askra]

Eleonora's Falcon (Falco eleonorae) is a medium-sized falcon. It belongs to the hobby group, a rather close-knit number of similar falcons often considered a subgenus Hypotriorchis. The Sooty Falcon is sometimes considered its closest relative, but while they certainly belong to the same lineage, they do not seem to be close sister species.

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Eleonora's Falcon is named after Eleonor of Arborea, ruler and national heroine of Sardinia.

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Eleanor of Arborea

[askra]

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The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is a pinniped belonging to the Phocidae family. At some 450–510 (fewer than 600 remaining individuals, it is believed to be the world's second-rarest pinniped (second only to the Saimaa ringed seal), and one of the most endangered mammals in the world.

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Mediterranean monk seal range

It is present in parts of the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean waters around the Tropic of Cancer, as well.

The species status is virtually moribund in the western Mediterranean, which still holds tiny Moroccan and Algerian populations, associated with rare sightings of vagrants in the Balearic Islands, Sardinia, and other western Mediterranean locations, including Gibraltar.

However the increasing of the sightings in Sardinia in the last years, suggest that the seal has repopulated the Central eastern Sardinian coasts, preserved since 1998 by the National Park of Golfo of Orosei.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzFWxNvgRi4
Mediterranean Monk Seals in the Bue Marino's Grottos (Sea Ox Grotto) in Sardinia in the 70's

[askra]

The Pastore Fonnese is an old Sardinian breed of livestock guardian dog. In 1912 it was used by the Italian Army during a campaign in Libya. The Pastore Fonnese has not been officially recognized by ENCI, the Italian Kennel club, but is very well known locally. It is an excellent guardian of property and livestock. The dog possesses a rough coat, which can be grey, black, brindle, brown or white. Height at the withers is about 55 to 60 cms for males, while females are a couple of centimeters shorter. One characteristic of the breed is the fiery expression of the eyes.

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[askra]

A clip about the Fonnese Dog by a National Geographic documentary


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nprAyK8q-k

[askra]

The Levriero Sardo (in italian) or Cani de lèpori (in sardinian language means hare hunting dog) is one of the rarest breeds of dogs in Italy, with only 100 specimens existing with a few breeders dedicated to the breed. The breed is very old; it is believed that these dogs were taken to the island of Sardinia by phoenician traders. There are two bloodlines: one characterized by a light brown coat, and the other by a black coat. It is a sighthound used to hunt hares, which stands 58 to 62 cms to the withers and weighs 18 to 22 kg.


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[askra]

Dogo Sardesco or Dogo Sardo is a breed of dog used as a guard dog, livestock guardian dog, working dog.

Rare and fairly unknown outside Italy, the Dogo Sardesco was developed in the villages of Sardinia as an all-around working Molosser. Equally adept as an aggressive watchdog, protective cattle herder and a dedicated farmdog, the breed is so valued by the Sardinian people that they routinely refuse to sell their puppies to strangers. Because of this attitude, it is also hard to determine the breed's heritage. It is almost certain that its ancestry lies in the same root stock as the rest of the old Cane E Presa population of Italy, from which the Neapolitan Mastiff, Cane Corso, Bucciriscu Calabrese and others come from. The Dogo Sardesco is rarely seen outside its native region and no written standards are known to exist. Added confusion is created by reports of two separate Sardinian breeds under this name, one being the Pastore Fonnese, a typical bearded sheepdog, while the real Dogo Sardo is known locally as the Cani Pertiatzu and is a shorthaired bully breed, similar to the Cane Corso. This confusion comes from this name wrongly being used for the Mastino Fonnese, which is the smooth-coated variety of the Pastore Fonnese, achieved by crossing the Fonnese Sheepdog with the Dogo Sardo.

The Dogo Sardo is a very muscular and athletic working dog, differing from the Cane Corso in some facial features, having a longer muzzle and tighter skin. Some rural dogs have fairly lupoid muzzles, but their purity is questionable. The body is lean and strong, with a powerful neck and sturdy legs. The ears were usually cropped, sometimes completely removed, while the tail could be both docked or left in its natural state. The coat of the Canis Pertiatzus is short and smooth, usually red, grey, black or brindle in colour, but some working specimens are also common in other shades, as well as having slightly rougher coats. This rugged dogge rarely exceeds 24 inches in height, but since there are no set size limits, a variety of heights can be encountered.


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[askra]

The Sardinian Meadow Brown (Maniola nurag) is a butterfly belonging to the Nymphalidae family. It is a small butterfly with orange and brown colouring. The butterfly is only found in Sardinia.


It is not uncommon at higher altitudes on Mt Gennargentu. It starts flying in mid May. It is superficially similar to the Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina) which also flies on this island.


In overall appearance Sardinian Meadow Brown has much more extensive orange on the upperside, slightly warmer than jurtina and the underside coloration is more uniform. As can be seen from the photographs above it is a rather variable species like most of the other Maniola species.


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[askra]

It's a subspecies of the European pine marten, endemic of Sardinia.






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[askra]

The Sardinian Long-eared Bat (Plecotus sardus) is a species of bat endemic to Sardinia.


First identified as recently as 2002, the Sardinian long-eared bat (Plecotus sardus) has brownish fur on the back, relatively large thumbs and thumb claws, and a relatively long and wide tragus.

All Plecotus bats are distinguished by their relatively enormous ears, which measure up to four centimetres long and are joined at the base by a prominent septum. Although very closely related to other European long-eared bats, especially the brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) and the mountain long-eared bat (Plecotus macrobullaris), genetic analysis distinguished this species from other long-eared bats.


http://cdn2.arkive.org/media/D6/D68728E0-4BCA-44B5-BCFE-FB2B2417432D/Presentation.Large/Sardinian-long-eared-bat-.jpg

[askra]

The Monte Albo cave salamander or Stefani's salamander (Speleomantes flavus) is a species of salamander in the Plethodontidae family, endemic to Sardinia.


Its natural habitats are temperate forests, rocky areas, caves, and subterranean habitats (other than caves).
It is threatened by habitat loss.




http://cdn2.arkive.org/media/D7/D797FF88-ADB3-4BB6-88B3-BA48400D6B85/Presentation.Large/Monte-Albo-cave-salamander-on-a-rock.jpg


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Habitat


The Monte Albo Salamander is endemic of Mount Albo, a limestone massif in the central eastern portion of Island of Sardinia.


http://www.ittiofauna.org/webmuseum/anfibi/caudata/pletodontidae/speleomantes/s_flavus/images/ar_s_flavus.jpg



http://www.luvula.it/zassu/images/galleria/art_rosa_e_monte/lula.jpg
Mount Albo

[askra]

The Brown Cave Salamander, Gene's Cave Salamander, Sardinian Cave Salamander, or simply Sardinian Salamander (Atylodes genei) is a species of salamander in the Plethodontidae family.


It is endemic to Sardinia (Italy).


Its natural habitats are temperate forests, rocky areas, caves, and subterranean habitats (other than caves). It is threatened by habitat loss.


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[askra]

sardinian salamander


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F_yTPlUeHU

[askra]

The Sardinian Dormouse (Glis glis melonii) is a very rare dormouse subspecies endemic of Sardinia.


It was considered extinct for 25 years, however from 2006 sightings and catches have established that this rare dormice is alive. It inhabits the Supramonte (sardinian central higlands) and it's findable in the Ollolai's woods.




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Stuffed sardinian dormouses at the Zoologic Museum of Sassari

[askra]

Agelaea fulva is a species of ground beetle from the Platyninae subfamily that is endemic to Sardinia.




Subfamily Platyninae Bonelli, 1810
Tribe Platynini Bonelli, 1810
Subtribe Platynina sensu stricto
Genus Agelaea Gene, 1839: 49


http://carabidae.org/carabidae/Agelaea%20fulva%202807.jpg

[askra]

The Giara horse (Sardinian: Cuaddeddu de sa Jara, Italian: Cavallino della Giara) is a horse breed native to the island of Sardinia. It is one of the fifteen indigenous horse "breeds of limited distribution" recognised by the AIA, the Italian breeders' association.


While of small size due to the hostile environment in which it lives, and sometimes called a "pony," it is considered a true horse.


Etimology

In older literature, the name achetta (for a mare, achettu for a stallion) is also sometimes encountered. It is no longer used because the Sardinian term it is derived from, acheta (variants: achetu, akkètta, akkéttu) describes any small to medium sized horse. The Sardinian term acheta itself is a diminutive based on the root ácha and entered the language via Catalan/Algherese (h)aca "small horse", itself from Spanish haca, jaca. The word jaca again is derived from Old Spanish haca, itself from Old French haque, which in turn is ultimately derived from the English place-name Hackney, a place famous for its horses.[5] The term Giara (Sardinian: Jara, variants: ghiaia, yára, ǧár(r)a) literally means "plateau, tableland",[6] meaning the Giara di Gesturi, so literally "plateau horse".


Origins


The origins of this breed are uncertain, some say that they came from Greek animals in the 5th or 4th century BC.

However fossil records indicate that horses have been domesticated by people on the island since close to 6000 BC.


These animals lived in the wild all over Sardinia until the Middle Ages & for the most part they were completely isolated which protected their bloodlines. The animals are raised semi-feral and live of family groups that keep to their own territory.




Features


The Giara was developed in an area of south-central Sardinia noted for a stony basaltic plateau at about 500 metres (1,600 ft) above sea level with steep terrain. Due to this harsh environment, the horse is small, averaging between 11.1 to 13.1 hands (45 to 53 inches, 114 to 135 cm), but hardy and able to acclimate to unfavorable conditions. It has a horse phenotype rather than that of a pony. Most are bay, chestnut or black. They have an abundant forelock and mane. Their head is relatively large with a wide jaw, the neck is not very long, but described as "strong." The breed tends to be a bit straight in the shoulder with relatively low withers, a somewhat long back and loin, and the croup is sloped with a low-set tail. They have good bone, characterized by an average cannon circumference of 14 centimetres (5.5 in), large joints and hooves that are small but strong. The Giara has surefooted gaits and a temperament that is spirited.


Head is square
Eyes are slightly slanted
Neck is thick
Chest is narrow
Tail is bent & low


Temperament


Strong character & tend to be restless


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[askra]

The Sarcidano Horse (Italian: Cavallo del Sarcidano) is a rare breed of semi-feral horse originating from the Altopiano del Sarcidano ("plateau of Sarcidano") in the comune of Laconi in the Oristano province of Sardinia, Italy. It is one of the fifteen indigenous horse "breeds of limited distribution" recognised by the AIA, the Italian breeders' association. Although it should never exceed 148 cm (14.2 hands) at the withers, it is officially termed a cavallo or horse, and not a pony.




Characteristics


According to the breed standard, a Sarcidano Horse may be black, bay, or grey; other coat colours are excluded from registration. The height range for males is 125–145 cm (12.1–14.1 hands), the girth 140–160 cm (55–63 in) and the cannon circumference 14–17 cm (5.5–6.7 in); for females the height measures 115–135 cm (11.1–13.1 hands), the girth 120–150 cm (47–59 in) and the cannon 13–16 cm (5.1–6.3 in). Horses over 148 cm (14.2 hands) at 30 months may not be registered.


The head is rather heavy and roughly set on, the profile straight, the ears mobile and the eyes and nostrils large. The neck is muscular, the mane thick. The shoulder is fairly straight, the withers high and the croup short but muscular. The legs are short, strong and reasonably well conformed, the joints are broad, the hooves are strong but tend to be cylindrical. The action is lively and surefooted.


The Sarcidano Horse has a lively and responsive nature, and adapts well to equestrian uses; it is frugal and resistant.


Supernumerary premolars are frequently present on both sides of the upper jaw.




History


The Sarcidano horse appears to have ancient Spanish ancestry in common with the Andalusian horse. Studies by Valiati (1997) and by Bell (1999) of transferrins are reported to confirm common ancestry with the Iberian horse of 25000 years ago. A 1996 study of protease inhibitor polymorphism concludes that "a genetic correlation could be present between Sarcidano Horses and ancient Spanish horses as reported by historical documents about horse breeding in Sardinia". The "constant" presence of the seventh molar in the upper jaw is cited as evidence of ancient origin by Baccino, who notes that this characteristic is shared by only a few ancient breeds such as the Exmoor Pony and the Caspian horse; Baccino also notes the presence in the Sarcidano horse of an allele otherwise seen only in Przewalski's Horse.


In 1999 a group of 15 Sarcidano horses was acquired by the comune of Laconi from a private owner; this herd lives in the state-owned forest of Funtanamela, on the Sarcidano plateau, and in 2006 numbered approximately 100 horses. A second herd, privately owned, also lives in the same area, while a third group is held by the Istituto di Incremento Ippico della Sardegna (Sardinian horse-breeding institution) of Ozieri, at Foresta Burgos in central northern Sardinia. In 2007, the total Sarcidano horse population was approximately 190, of which 78 were mares.


The Sarcidano horse was recognised as a breed by Ministerial Decree No. 24347, dated 5 November 2003; the breed register was established in 2005, and is held by the Associazione Provinciale Allevatori (regional breeders' association) of Nuoro.









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[askra]

The Sardinian Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis arrigonii, Kleinschmidt 1903) is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae , endemic to Sardinia and Corsica.

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[askra]

Papilio hospiton is a species of butterfly (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfly) in the Papilionidae (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papilionidae) family. It is found only in Corsica (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corsica) and Sardinia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sardinia).


A medium-sized butterfly with wingspan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wingspan) of 72–76 millimetres (2.8–3.0 in),Papilio hospiton is a short black and yellow swallowtail with short tails. The butterfly has blue and red markings. Sexes are alike.


Papilio hospiton is similar to Papilio machaon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papilio_machaon), but the wings are more rounded, and the hindwing is provided with a short tooth instead of a tail. The black colour is more extended and more densely powdered with yellow than in machaon.


The caterpillar is green, striped with black and dotted with small yellowish red punctures, the black colour being more extended than in the larva ofmachaon. Chrysalis green, the abdominal tubercles more prominent than in machaon.


The Corsican swallowtail inhabits mountainous regions at 400–1,500 metres (1,300–4,900 ft) above sea level on the islands of Corsica and Sardinia. The foodplants are from the family Umbelliferae (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umbelliferae), and include Fennel Foeniculum vulgare (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foeniculum_vulgare), Giant Fennel Ferula communis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferula_communis), Corsican Rue Ruta corsica (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ruta_corsica&action=edit&redlink=1) and Peucedanum paniculatum (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Peucedanum_paniculatum&action=edit&redlink=1) though some of these records are disputed. Papilio hospiton is bivoltine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bivoltine) with broods in May and August. Habitat destruction (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitat_destruction) and disappearance of foodplants as well as excessive collecting are the principal threats to the Corsican Swallowtail.


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cf/Papilio.hospiton.mounted.jpg


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/Papilio_hospiton_-_Nature_Conservation-001-073-g009.jpg

http://fransenb.home.xs4all.nl/EuropeanButterflies/0002011A/006BFN2011-05-29-N-096u1.jpg

[askra]

Marmora's Warbler (Sylvia sarda) is a typical warbler, genus Sylvia. It breeds on Mediterranean islands, typically including Corsica and Sardinia.

http://01271bfede0954168758-da1041207dde8e2d0a75af6fbedebedf.r83.cf1.rackcdn.c om/20130329151305526.jpg

http://m5.i.pbase.com/o6/60/469160/1/149382845.Ix1Wg8ng.Magnaninasarda23.jpg

[Mens-Sarda]

NATRIX MAURA

Sardinian name : pìbera (viper)

Natrix maura is a natricine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natricinae) water snake of the genus Natrix (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natrix). Its common name is viperine water snake or viperine snake. Despite its common names, it is not a member of the Subfamily Viperinae (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viperinae). This nonvenomous, semiaquatic, fish-eating snake was given its common names due to behavioural and aesthetic similarities (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batesian_mimicry) with sympatric adder (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viperinae) species. (from Wikipedia)

Sometimes it can be confused with the venomous Viper, who doesn't live in Sardinia, our island totally lacks of venomous snakes.
Lenght : about 1 meter for a full-grown specimen; it has a wide body like a viper, it's not aggressive but if threatened the snake exploits its viper-like appearance and tries to intimidate you by blowing and acting like a viper (but it's only a good recite) ; it's quite slow on the ground, while it's really agile in water


http://www.vertebradosibericos.org/reptiles/natmau.jpg

http://www.euroherp.com/Resources/Trips/up/92-1354533975.jpg

http://www.robybee.it/Natrix%20Maura.jpg

[Mens-Sarda]

HIEROPHIS VIRIDIFLAVUS

Sardinian name : colòra (snake)

The green whip snake or western whip snake (Hierophis viridiflavus) is a species of snake (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snake) in the Colubridae (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colubridae) family. There is a larger, often pure black variant found in Southern Italy and referred to there as 'Il Biacco'.
Commonly regarded as non-venomous, it is described that a subject who endured 'sustained biting' of up to 5 minutes began showing suspect symptoms, including problems with neuromotor skills. It is described that a gland called the Duvernoy's gland (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duvernoy%27s_gland), maybe similar to the venom gland, has some responsibility. (from Wikipedia)

It's a really territorial snake, it could be very aggressive when defending it's territory, when it feels threatened raises its head like a cobra, and attacks trying to bite and pursuing the intruder out of its territory (childhood experience) :leaving:

Lenght : 120-130cm, rarely 2 meters for a full-grown specimen, it's very fast on the ground (11 kmh), and really agile, it's able to climb on dry stone walls, bushes and trees, and it's also a great swimmer

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7096/7190917356_2a826a2c93_z.jpg

http://www.funghiitaliani.it/uploads/post-162-1149317267.jpg

http://www.valgotrabaganza.it/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Albareto-Parma-Val-Gotra-Biacco-20-danza-accoppiamento.jpg

[Mens-Sarda]

CHALCIDES OCELLATUS TILIGUGU (sub species of Chalcides Ocellatus)

Sardinian name : tiligùgu

Chalcides ocellatus, or Ocellated Skink (also known as Eyed Skink or gongilo is a species of skink (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skink) found in Greece (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greece), southern Italy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy), Malta (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malta), and parts of northern Africa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa).
As an adult, it generally reaches about 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in) of length with a 22 to 39 g weight (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weight) and has a small head, cylindrical body, and five toes on each foot. They are very agile and are often found in arid areas. It is strongly related to Chalcides colosii (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalcides_colosii), and C. colosii was formerly considered a subspecies of C. ocellatus.C. ocellatus is notable for the presence of ocelli (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eyespot_(mimicry)) and for its wide variety of coloration patterns. It preys on various insects (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insects), including those with hard exoskeletons (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exoskeleton), arachnids (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arachnids), and small lizards, including its own young. In captivity it also eats sweet fruits (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit), boiled eggs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_(food)) and pieces of meat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meat). Females of the species give birth to live young through vivipary (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivipary).
C. ocellatus is considered to be a generalist species (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generalist_and_specialist_species) and can be found in a wide variety of environments, such as farmland and gravel deserts around the Mediterranean coast. Its main escape tactic from predators is to run behind vegetation, most likely because it is not suited to run very fast. Its limbs are somewhat short, but not adapted for fossorial (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fossorial) movement. (from Wikipedia)

it can be found often in rocky environments, under stones, and inside dry stone walls

http://www.naturamediterraneo.it/Public/data4/macrourus/gongy4o.JPG_200662205633_gongy4o.JPG

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7002/6761337633_70a87f029d_z.jpg

http://www.deschandol-sabine.com/trip2011-2/_MG_5947.jpg

[Mens-Sarda]

TARENTOLA MAURITANICA

Sardinian Name : taràntula

Tarentola mauritanica is a species of gecko (Gekkonidae (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gekkonidae)) native to the Western Mediterranean (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean) region of Europe and North Africa and widely introduced to North America and Asia. It is commonly observed on walls in urban environments, mainly in warm coastal areas, though it can spread inland - especially in Spain. A robust species, up to 150 millimetres long, its tubercules (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tubercules) are enlarged and give the species a spiny armoured appearance.The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Linnaeus) in 1758. Its widespread introduction has attracted many common names, including variants on common orMoorish wall gecko and Salamanquesa, crocodile gecko, European common gecko, and Maurita naca gecko.
Adults can measure up to 15 cm, tail included. Robust body and flat head. Back, legs and tail with prominent conic tubercles. Its regenerated tail is smoother and doesn't have tubercles. Obtuse mouth, big eyes with no eyelids and vertical pupil. Fingers with big lateral growths and adherent division less laminae in the bottom face. Only the third and fourth fingers end in union. Brownish grey or brown coloration with darker or lighter spots. These colours change in intensity according to the light. When they are active by day their colour is darker than during the night. It can be found on many construction sites, ruins, rock fields, tree trunks, etc.
Mainly nocturnal or crepuscular (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crepuscular). Also active during the day, on sunny days at the end of the winter especially. They like to receive sunlight near their refuge. They hunt insects (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insect) and in the warmer months of the year it can be found hunting nocturnal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nocturnal) insects near light sources, street lamps, etc. They lay 2 almost-spherical eggs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_(biology)) twice a year around April and June. After 4 months, little salamanquesas of less than 5 cm in length are born. Moorish geckos are slow to mature, taking 4 to 5 years in captivity (from Wikipedia)

http://www.euroherp.com/Resources/Trips/up/1137-1280250249.jpg

http://www.hylawerkgroep.be/jeroen/files/ugent_16_tr/Taremaur2.jpg

[Mens-Sarda]

HEMIDACTYLUS TURCICUS

Sardinian name : taràntula

The Mediterranean house gecko, scientific name Hemidactylus turcicus (not to be confused with the Asian species Hemidactylus frenatus known as Common House Gecko (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_House_Gecko)) is a small gecko (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gecko) common to the Mediterranean (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean) which has spread to many parts of the world. It is also commonly referred to as the Turkish Gecko as represented in its Latin name. They are insectivorous (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insectivorous), rarely exceeding 15 centimetres (5.9 in) in length, have large, lidless eyes with elliptical pupils, and yellow- or tan-colored skin with black spots, often with stripes on the tail. Their bellies or undersides are somewhat translucent. In countries where the species has been introduced, they are not considered invasive due to their habits and small size; they rarely threaten populations of native animals. Voracious predators on moths and small roaches, they are attracted to outside lights in search of them. They emit a distinctive, high-pitched call somewhat like a squeak or the chirp of a bird, possibly expressing a territorial message.
A study in Portugal found H. turcicus to be totally nocturnal, with the highest activity peak around 2am.
In many parts of the world the range of H. turcicus is increasing, and unlike many other reptiles, they appear to be highly resistant to pesticides. The increase may be explained as a consequence of having few predators in places where they have been introduced, and also of their tendency to take shelter in the cracks and unseen areas of human homes, for example inside walls. Reliance on human habitation has thus contributed to their proliferation, similar to rodents (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodents).

http://www.balcanica.info/f/8970.jpg

http://www.naturamediterraneo.com/Public/data4/iromalo/geco.jpg_2006830235758_geco.jpg

[Mens-Sarda]

LATRODECTUS TREDECIMGUTTATUS

Sardinian name : àrza, àlza, àrgia

Mediterranean black widow, European black widow, or steppe spider, (binomial name (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binomial_name) Latrodectus tredecimguttatus), is a species of widow spiders (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Widow_spider) in the genus Latrodectus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latrodectus). It is commonly found throughout the Mediterranean region (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_Sea), ranging from Portugal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal) to southwest and central Asia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia), hence the name. Specimens from central Asia are also known by the binomial name Latrodectus lugubris; that name, however, is considered obsolete, though it is still commonly found in the literature. Many consider this spider a Latrodectus mactans (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latrodectus_mactans) subspecies.

L. tredecimguttatus is black in color, similar to most other widow species, and is identified by the thirteen spots which are found on its dorsal abdomen (the species name is Latin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin) for "with thirteen spots"). These spots are usually red in colour, but may also be yellow or orange. It is otherwise similar to other species in the genus Latrodectus. The Mediterranean widow primarily lives in steppes and other grasslands, and can be a significant problem in areas where grain is harvested by hand. The female of the species has a leg span of about 10–20 mm (0.39–0.79 in), while the male is smaller and reaches 4–7 mm (0.16–0.28 in) at best. Only the female spider's bite is dangerous (either for humans or cattle) as the male cannot penetrate the relatively thick epidermis

Like all Latrodectus species, L. tredecimguttatus has a painful bite that is fatal in rare cases. There are many reports of Ukrainian farm workers receiving bites while working in the fields. The LD-50 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LD-50) of L. tredecimguttatus venom has been measured as 0.59 mg/kg, and separately again as 0.59 mg/kg (with a confidence interval of 0.33–1.06).

http://www.naturamediterraneo.com/Public/data7/elleelle/pascolo%201.JPG_20099160851_pascolo%201.JPG

http://www.naturamediterraneo.com/Public/data7/elleelle/sasso%201.JPG_200991601036_sasso%201.JPG

http://www.naturamediterraneo.com/Public/data7/elleelle/3%20ovisacchi.JPG_200991601329_3%20ovisacchi.JPG

[askra]

I saw that spider once, it's probably the only dangerous arachnid in the island, some few cases of people died due to its venom , that can cause anaphylaxis, occured in the past.

[askra]

The Sardinian tree frog or Tyrrhenian tree frog (Hyla sarda) is a species of frog in the Hylidae family, found in Corsica, Sardinia, and the Tuscan Archipelago.

Its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate shrubland, rivers, intermittent rivers, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, and urban areas.


http://www.matteopispisa.com/f/FAU-17113711_09.jpg

http://www.actaplantarum.org/floraitaliae/download/file.php?id=63423

http://www.actaplantarum.org/floraitaliae/download/file.php?id=63425

http://www.ittiofauna.org/webmuseum/anfibi/anura/hylidae/hyla/h_sarda/images/ar_h_sarda.jpg

[Mens-Sarda]

I saw that spider once, it's probably the only dangerous arachnid in the island, some few cases of people died due to its venom , that can cause anaphylaxis, occured in the past.

luckily it's not easy to meet this spider, I saw it only 3 or 4 times; people should be very careful when moving wood piles, because the spider loves to hide inside wood piles; it's wise to wear gloves in that case; in the country usually I found it under stones, the spider builds its web at ground level among the vegetation

[askra]

The Discoglossus sardus or Tyrrhenian painted frog is a species of frog (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frog)in the Alytidae (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alytidae) family (formerly Discoglossidae). It is found in Sardinia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sardinia),Corsica (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corsica), Iles d'Hyères (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iles_d%27Hy%C3%A8res) and the Tuscan Archipelago (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuscan_Archipelago).
Its natural habitats (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitat) are temperate forests (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest), rivers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River), intermittent rivers, freshwater marshes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsh), and intermittent freshwater marshes. It is threatened by habitat loss (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitat_loss).


Description

The Tyrrhenian painted frog is very similar in appearance to the Corsican painted frog (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corsican_painted_frog) (Discoglossus montalentii) but has a noticeably less rounded snout and a more rounded back. The fourth finger of its front foot is spatulate rather than tapering and its hind legs are shorter. It grows to about 6.5 centimetres (2.6 in) long. The colour varies and is either plain brown, grey or reddish brown, or one of these colours with dark brown spots that do not have pale edges. The underside is pale.


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/Discoglossus_sardus_dis.png



Biology

Like other members of its family, it eats small invertebrates. It is unclear whether observations of this frog in the past were of D. sardus or D. montalentii. This is because they are so similar in appearance and were only recognised as different species in the late 20th century. Consequently, its reproductive habits are uncertain but it is believed to lay its eggs in small groups or singly on the bottom of watercourses. They are brownish-black and 1 to 1.5 mm (0.04 to 0.06 in) in diameter with a thick, gelatinous casing.


http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/imgs/512x768/1111_1111/1111/4947.jpeg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/BennyTrapp_Discoglossus_sardus.jpg/1280px-BennyTrapp_Discoglossus_sardus.jpg

[askra]

The Imperial cave salamander or scented cave salamander (Speleomantes imperialis) is a species of salamander in the Plethodontidae family, endemic to Central and South-East Sardinia only. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, rocky areas, caves, and subterranean habitats (other than caves). It is threatened by habitat loss.

http://cdn1.arkive.org/media/22/226E3855-87AF-4A3A-A55B-B02CCAE3EA59/Presentation.Large/Imperial-cave-salamander-on-moss.jpg

http://cdn1.arkive.org/media/6A/6A690432-D5AE-43DD-A610-0B5FAD033CE2/Presentation.Large/Imperial-cave-salamander.jpg

http://cdn1.arkive.org/media/4C/4C70ED15-66A0-4143-9F65-6924FAE714FE/Presentation.Large/Imperial-cave-salamander-close-up-of-head.jpg

http://cdn2.arkive.org/media/80/80007512-6C94-4EF2-8FDE-94E8708582B3/Presentation.Large/Imperial-cave-salamander-close-up.jpg

[askra]

The Testudo marginata sarda ( Mayer, 1992) is is a sub-species of the Testudo marginata tortoise endemic to Sardinia.

It reaches a weight of up to 5 kg (11 lb) and a length of 35 cm (14 in).
Its shell is oblong and has a notable thickness around the middle of the body. The posterior end of the shell has a saw-like formation, flanged outward like a bell. The carapaces of adult specimens are almost completely black, with yellow highlights. The front sides of the limbs are covered with large scales. The tail is notable for a lengthwise marking and for an undivided carapace over the tail. The marginated tortoise is herbivorous, and hibernates for the winter.



http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/91/Testudo_marginata.JPG

http://www.sardegnadigitallibrary.it/mmt/1920/242447.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/58/Marginata0005.JPG

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9b/Testudo_marginata_sarda-Jungtier.jpg

[askra]

http://www.uni-mainz.de/presse/Bildergalerie/10_zoology_birds_01.jpg


The griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) is a large Old World vulture in the bird of prey family Accipitridae.

In Italy the species is survived only in Sardinia, but was re-introduced in a few other areas of the peninsula.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-zImo6EFj0
Griffons filmed in the North West Sardinian coast

There are 2 Griffon Vulture colonies in Sardinia, and they are located along the coastal road north of the town of Bosa on the west coast of Sardinia between Oristano and Alghero. This stretch of coastline is relatively untouched by tourism and provides excellent habitat for a range of species. The valley of the river Temo, which runs into the Mediterranean at Bosa also provides excellent habitat for birdwatching, with extensive holm oak forests and rough grazing pasture for livestock.

The largest of the two Griffon Vulture colonies is just a few kilometres north of Bosa. The coastal road heads north from the road linking Bosa with Bosa Marina. After a kilometre or two it turns west towards the sea. The first colony can be seen in the distance from the road just after it turns west. Just opposite a small restaurant on the right, called "Il Griffone" (The Griffon), there is a lay-by on the left where you can pull over and park. Look to the north, and you will see a steep cliff. This is where the first colony is located. Throughout the summer at most times of the day there should be several Griffon Vultures circling above the colony. There is more activity later on in the day, especially in the late summer, when the young birds are learning to fly. In the winter the birds are still there, but less active, so they're more difficult to see. The second colony, although smaller, is much closer to the road, about another 5-6 kilometres further north on Monte sa Pittada. The road turns further inland and climbs steeply from the coast. Several rocky outcrops can be seen above the road. Look for the tell-tale signs of white droppings staining the rocks to locate the nest and roosting sites. More patience is required to see the vultures on the wing here, as there are fewer of them and the nests are more dispersed, but it's worth it as some of the birds soar right above the road.



http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/83/Gyps_fulvus_dis.PNG
Griffon's distribution map



http://ibis.atwebpages.com/birdwatching_in_sardinia/bosa_map_small.jpg
Griffon vulture colonies of Sardinia

[askra]

http://www.ebnitalia.it/easyUp/Gallery/img_5100fringuello-sardo.jpg

The Sardinian Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs sarda, Rapine, 1925) is a subspecies of the Fringilla coelebs endemic to Sardinia .

[Maximum Speed]

Podarcis tiliguerta, a endemism of Sardinia and Corsica.

http://www.parks.it/tmpFoto/15313_193_RMTPC.jpeg

[askra]

The Nuragic Spider or Amblyocarenum nuragicus (Decae, Colombo & Manunza, 2014 ) is a tarantula, in the family of the Cyrtaucheniidae, endemic to Sardinia.

After a study begun in 2007, this spider was classified from a taxonomic point of view as a distinct species from the Cyrtauchenius and Amblyocarenum spiders only in 2014.

Dimensions between 13 and 17 mm. Its venom is not dangerous for humans.


http://www.naturamediterraneo.com/Public/data9/euscorpius/Maschio%20con%20nuraghe%20ridottaNM.jpg_2014102213 5939_Maschio%20con%20nuraghe%20ridottaNM.jpg

http://www.sardegnanatura.com/images/sn_contents/schede_specie/Animalia/Aracnida/amblyocarenum_nuragicus/femmina_adulta_amblyocarenum_nuragicus.jpg

[askra]

Pamphagus Sardeus ( Herrich-Schäffer, 1840) is a locust endemic to Sardinia.

It inhabits scrubland, clear dry forests, rocky, dwarf shrub-rich slopes and other sunny and only extensively used places.


https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3823/13482580153_f58a90501c_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5211/13482582703_6b65762de3_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7404/9734470258_242c3219ae_b.jpg

[askra]

The Sardinian donkey, (Sardinian: "bestiolu", "burreccu", "burriccu", "burrincu", "coccineddu", "incherci", "inconchinu", "molenti"), is a breed of donkey from the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, west of Italy.

It is raised throughout the island; there are also some small populations in mainland Italy.

It is one of the eight autochthonous donkey breeds of limited distribution recognised by the Ministero delle Politiche Agricole Alimentari e Forestali, the Italian ministry of agriculture and forestry.

The conservation status of the Sardinian donkey was listed as "endangered" by the FAO in 2007.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7320/8723003631_132e852abe_b.jpg


https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8005/7556902096_ba8393e8fd_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3195/2985276884_c94a2d141a_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4064/4525299637_a0aea78a15_b.jpg

[askra]

The Tyrrhenian wall lizard (Podarcis tiliguerta) is a species of lizard in the Lacertidae family. It is found only in Sardinia and Corsica.

Its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, temperate grassland, rocky areas, sandy shores, arable land, pastureland, and rural gardens. It is not considered a threatened species by the IUCN.

Subspecies:
Podarcis tiliguerta tiliguerta
Podarcis tiliguerta toro

http://lanaturedeguillaume.e-monsite.com/medias/images/l-2.zard

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/43/Podarcis_tiliguerta%2C_Corsica_%28France%29.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/Podarcis_tiliguerta_male.jpg

[askra]

It's the subspecies of the Great tit endemic to Sardinia only.


https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6074/6065529470_656d6d96a0_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6203/6064980601_9128a07001_b.jpg

[askra]

http://blog.libero.it/ValledelCedrino/getmedia.php?%5Breojo%26imJwug%3F%25m91%3D2731%3B-5095k%25laemo%2FlkxcedFiaeedlltCz%2707%25%3F%05kmc nmgjgx%7B%27ek%2Fne%7Col-%3F%23

It's a new species of coleoptera discovered few days ago by a group of entomologists on the Mount Tuttavista in Galtellì (Province of Nuoro).

The Scotonomus deleddanus lives in underground habitats, such as caves and grottos.

Its name comes from the sardinian writer and Nobel Prize laureate Grazia Deledda.


https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fe/Grazia_Deledda_-_Young.jpg/440px-Grazia_Deledda_-_Young.jpg
Grazia Deledda