The endemic Sardinian newt Euproctus platycephalus: Local threats and population decline

Abstract

In the past decades, declining amphibian populations have been observed in every continent of the world; habitat alteration, fragmentation and destruction being considered the most serious threats to amphibian diversity. Populations seem to be threatened also by other incompletely understood factors even in areas without obviously altered habitats. This is also the case for the Sardinian mountain newt Euproctus platycephalus, endemic to the island of Sardinia (Italy), and classified as critically endangered by IUCN primarily on the basis of its endemism and of threats to its freshwater stream habitat. The main current local threats to this species are described, and implications for its conservation discussed.