SITES

	Greatham, Teesside, UK
	West Site, Billingham, UK
	Grimsby, Humberside, UK
	Calais, France
	Huelva, Spain
	Scarlino, Italy
Habitats on the Scarlino Site Insects Reptiles and Amphibians Birds Mammals Montioni Landfill Biodiversity Management
	Teluk Kalung, Malaysia
	Umbogintwini, South Africa
	Lake Charles, USA
	Burnie, Tasmania

Index by Category

Appendices

References

Scarlino, Italy

Reptiles and Amphibians

Two species of lizards have been recorded on the main site and a third, the Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis) from the Montioni Landfill. On the main site the Italian Wall Lizard (Podarcis sicula) is common, occurring virtually throughout the property, but being especially common along the southern edge of Areas “C” and “D”. The pattern on these reptiles was variable but most specimens had large patches of green across their backs. Green Lizards (Lacerta viridis) have also been seen but are generally uncommon and appear to be restricted to the southern part of Area “D”

No snakes were recorded during the survey in May 1998 or July 2000, but employees have reported at least two species for the site. A “water snake” is said to occur in the wetlands that is probably either the Grass Snake (Natrix natrix) a species that prefers damp habitats and swims well, or the similar, and even more aquatic, Dice Snake (N. tessellata). Both species are widely distributed in Italy (Arnold & Burton 1978) and both of them could occur at Scarlino.

The Asp Viper (Vipera aspis) has also been reported from the site. This snake prefers dry, open habitats. Up to six other species of snake are found in Italy and it is possible that some of these could be present on the Tioxide site (Arnold & Burton 1978). The European Pond Terrapin (Emys orbicularis) occurs in the Padule di Scarlino
(G. Best pers. comm.) and possibly other wetlands on the site. No Hermann’s Tortoises (Testudo hermanni) have yet been recorded on the Tioxide property. This is a strictly European species that formerly occupied a wide range from eastern Spain to Thrace in European Turkey. Whilst still present in the eastern and western edges of its range Hermann’s Tortoise is now considered to be rare or vulnerable in Spain, France and Italy (Gasc 1997). In Italy the sub-species T. h. hermanni is found in the extreme south, Sicily and the coastal areas of Tuscany. In the Scarlino area it is known to occur in the Bolgheri Wildlife Reserve to the south of the works site and the Maremma Natural Park to the north (Jepson 1994). It is possible that this tortoise occurs on the Montioni Landfill Site.

In view of its increasing rarity it would be of considerable conservation value if suitable habitats for this species could be created on the Tioxide property.

No amphibians have yet been specifically identified for the site. Consequently a survey of these animals should be carried out as soon as possible since all of the local species of herons depend to varying degrees on amphibians as food items. Large numbers of frogs were heard calling in May, and although none was specifically identified some were almost certainly Pool Frogs (Rana lessonae) or Edible Frogs (R. esculenata). Both species could easily occur since both are widespread in Italy but are often difficult to tell apart (Arnold & Burton 1978).