Nikola Tvrtković

Phylogeography of the Italian wall lizard, Podarcis sicula , as revealed by mitochondrial DNA sequences

In a phylogeographical survey of the Italian wall lizard, Podarcis sicula, DNA sequence variation along an 887‐bp segment of the cytochrome b gene was examined in 96 specimens from 86 localities covering the distribution range of the species. In addition, parts of the 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes from 12 selected specimens as representatives of more divergent cytochrome b haploclades were sequenced (together about 950 bp). Six phylogeographical main groups were found, three representing samples of the nominate subspecies Podarcis sicula sicula and closely related subspecies and the other three comprising Podarcis sicula campestris as well as all subspecies described from northern and eastern Adriatic islands. In southern Italy a population group with morphological characters of P. s. sicula but with the mitochondrial DNA features of P. s. campestris was detected indicating a probably recent hybridization zone. The present distribution patterns were interpreted as the consequence of natural events like retreats to glacial refuges and postglacial area expansions, but also as the results of multiple introductions by man.

Corine land cover changes during the period 1990–2000 in the most important areas for birds in Croatia

The authors researched changes in specific habitat types in areas considered to be the most important in Croatia for protection of endangered bird fauna during the period 1990–2000. The analysis focused on four areas in the continental part of Croatia (Danube and Drava River alluvium, Pokupsko depression, Sava River basin, Upper Drava River basin) and four areas in the Mediterranean part (Neretva River estuary, NW part of North Dalmatia, Paško field, Lake Vrana). For the classified habitat types, changes in Corine land cover databases in 1990 and 2000 were analysed. The greatest changes in habitat were detected along the Danube and Drava River alluvium, where more than 8% of the total area changed habitat type, as well along the Sava River basin, where approximately 5% of the total area and the greatest absolute area changed habitat type. The most pronounced changes were detected in forest habitats, where forest degradation prevents the maturation of forest stands. The authors discuss which bird species listed in the Red Data Book of Birds of Croatia may be most impacted by the detected changes in habitat. Special attention was given to a comparison of habitat changes in the Nature Park Lonjsko polje between two raptor species, Aquila pomarina and Haliaeetus albicilla, according to the suitability of habitats where changes occurred.

Molecular data do not confirm the Grecian anomalous blue Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) aroaniensis (Brown, 1976) as a member of the Croatian fauna

The presence of the Grecian anomalous blue, Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) aroaniensis (Brown, 1976) in Croatia has been recently published based on external morphology of collected specimens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the credibility of these findings by using DNA barcoding approach as the species exhibit phenotypic variability and can easily be misidentified with morphologically similar species Polyommatus (Agrodiaetus) ripartii. Therefore, we performed a molecular analysis of the mitochondrial gene for cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) of the samples previously published as P. aroaniensis from different localities in Croatia. The results showed that all analysed samples belong to P. ripartii. Additionally, all analysed samples from different Croatian localities (Mt. Mala Kapela, Mt. Lička Plješivica, Mt. Poštak, Mt. Troglav and Mt. Kamešnica) together with previously published population of P. ripartii from Mt. Mosor belong to the same Eurasian clade of P. ripartii.

Preliminary data on genetics and morphometrics of Myotis alcathoe (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in Croatia

Abstract Data on genetics and morphometrics of Myotis alcathoe from Croatia is presented.

Vertebrate Visitors—Birds and Mammals

Different birds and mammals visit caves around the world but only some are cave-dwellers or cavernicoles. Except for those species that do not avoid caves but use them only sometimes, we recognize regional and regular cavernicoles restricted only to areas with caves. Caves are shelters for resting and mating, wintering and den sites, and roosting or nesting sites. In some cases caves are important habitat for some rare species. Several predators visit caves to find bats as prey. All cave visitors have an important impact on cave ecology. Some fruit bats and birds in caves are harvested by humans, and bat roosting sites are usually disturbed. In the past ancient man had to compete with some other mammals for den caves. “Artificial caves” created by humans are new shelters for some formerly cave-dwelling animals. Most of the cavernicolous bats and their droppings (guano) in caves are of direct economic importance, but some roosting sites and cave dens are problematic for public health.