Abstract
Species-based conservation legislation must be based on sound scientific data and updated taxonomic knowledge. European Union environmental legislation is among the most advanced in the world, yet there is not a clear and regular mechanism to update species’ lists of Habitats Directive Annexes according the latest available scientific data. Here we review the specific situation of the endemic Aeolian lizard Podarcis raffonei as a case-study of possible species extinction into the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot as the result of failure to update lists of EU protected species. We suggest to implement a mechanism of periodical revision of the Annexes of the Habitats Directive with particular attention to endemic EU species included in the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered.
Highlights
Islands are well-known in shaping the perception and understanding of evolutionary processes (Lomolino, 2005)
We review the peculiar case of the Critically Endangered Aeolian wall lizard (Podarcis raffonei) that highlights the limits of legislative mechanisms’ ability to integrate conservation policy in Europe in light of scientific advancements in taxonomy
Podarcis raffonei (Figure 1) is endemic to the Aeolian Archipelago (Sicily, Italy). This lizard was first considered to be conspecific with congeneric P. waglerianus or P. siculus, but it has been recognized as a distinct species on the basis of genetical aspects and morphological comparisons (Capula, 1994, 2004)
Summary
Islands are well-known in shaping the perception and understanding of evolutionary processes (Lomolino, 2005). Speciation and endemism of insular species are often linked to conservation priorities and are limited to well-known and celebrated tropical islands or archipelagos, but are relevant in temperate environments In such a context, lizards of the genus Podarcis show a remarkable pattern of diversity in the Mediterranean Region. Six endemic island species are currently recognized in the Western sector of the Mediterranean Region, while tens of endemic subspecies were described during the last century (Corti et al, 2011) Apart from their biological and ecological importance, Podarcis species are witnessing a relevant historical, cultural, and scientific value, since their study provided key insights to our understanding of evolutionary theory (Wallace, 1878) and for the identification of phylogenetic lineages (Arnold, 1989). This could lead to deleterious effects in terms of conservation, for narrow-range species
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