Towards guidelines for monitoring threatened species of Amphibians and Reptiles in Italy

After an extensive review of the ecological literature on the Italian amphibians and reptiles, the authors furnish the guidelines for monitoring the most threatened species, discussing criteria and methods suitable to seven major groups defined in taxonomic and ecological terms: salamanders, newts, frogs, terrapins tortoises, lizards and snakes. Each major group is analysed separately, in order to choose the most adequate techniques for achieving information on: (1) habitat distribution and preference, (2) population size and density, (3) home range size, (4) reproductive biology, (5) use of space and time, (6) feeding habits. The aim of the paper is to provide wildlife managers with tools and knowledge for conserving amphibians and reptiles at regional and national level.