Updating the range of the narrowly distributed endemites Salamandra atra aurorae and S. atra pasubiensis

Abstract

Within the Alpine-Dinaric range of distribution of the Alpine salamanders (Salamandra atra), the genetically and phenotypically distinct Salamandra atra aurorae and S. atra pasubiensis are isolated in the south-eastern Prealps, but their precise distribution is only known incompletely. During 2012 we searched potentially suitable areas for a total of 155 hours during 48 days, and collected and evaluated occasional reports from people visiting these areas. S. atra aurorae was found on the northern part of the Sette Comuni and Vezzena plateau, at an altitude between 1200-1800 m, from Val Postesina to just north of Gallio and to Monte Fossetta (new site, more than 5 km from those previously known), within an estimated area of occupancy of 26 km2. S. atra pasubiensis was confirmed with a single population on the Pasubio massif, at 1450-1800 m, with an effective range of less than 2 km2. Previous reports of alpine salamanders from the Carega massif have remained unconfirmed.