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Agatino Maurizio Siracusa

  • Biodiversity Journal, 6 (1): 263-270 - MONOGRAPH

    Agatino Maurizio Siracusa, Elisa Musumeci, Vera D’Urso & Giorgio Sabella
    New knowledge on diet and monitoring of a roost of the long-eared owl, Asio otus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Strigiformes Strigidae) on Mount Etna, Sicily
    Proceedings of the 2nd International Congress “Speciation and Taxonomy”, May 16th-18th 2014, Cefalù-Castelbuono (Italy)

    ABSTRACT
    A study during autumn and winter in Monte Serra area (Mount Etna) was performed on the pellets of a roost of long-eared owl, Asio otus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Strigiformes Strigidae). Besides, in order to better understand the feeding habits of this species on Mount Etna, the data from Monte Serra were integrated with those from Linguaglossa Pineta (breeding period). The study was performed through the analysis of 1,724 preys. The species most preyed was the Mammalia Microtidae Microtus savii (de Selys-Longchamps, 1838). The average weight of the preys was 23.48 g, while the average meal was 36.63 g. Besides, the results of the yearly monitoring of the roost studied are given.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 4 (4): 557-564

    Agatino Maurizio Siracusa & Ettore Petralia
    Trend of a population of Wild Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus, 1758) in relation to Domestic Sheep Ovis aries aries (Linnaeus, 1758) grazing within a small insular protected area

    ABSTRACT
    The wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia Leporidae) if present at high density can cause significant damages to crops and natural vegetation. The aim of this study, carried out from 2002 to 2008 in the Natural Reserve “Complesso Immacolatelle e Micio Conti”, in the foothills of Mount Etna, was to investigate the relationship between the wild rabbit and the presence of grazing domestic sheep Ovis aries aries (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia Bovidae), considering also the possible synergistic effect of these two herbivores on the natural vegetation in a small protected area. Precipitation during the month of September correlated statistically significantly with the density of rabbits. A comparison between the density values obtained during the period under study did not show statistically significant differences with the exception of 2006 and 2007 when, within the area, was present a flock of sheep (200–250 individuals), free to graze in the reserve. The abundance of rabbits in 2002–2005 and 2008 is equal to 6.97% more than the expected value; in the absence of the grazing sheep flock (2006–2007) instead the population assumed density values significantly higher than expected. Since grazing of rabbits, especially in summer, is critical for the subsequent composition of herbaceous vegetation, for the purposes of conservation and protection of natural or semi natural environments, especially with a small extension, it is desirable to properly assess and manage the presence of the wild rabbit, especially in areas where it is not original, for the effects it may have on plant communities and populations of arthropods, and to control sheep grazing as well to contain the caused damages.

  • Biodiversity Journal, 3 (4): 493-500

    Agatino M. Siracusa, Veronica Larosa & Ettore Petralia
    Presence of black rat Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia Rodentia) and possible extinction risk for micro insular populations of Podarcis sicula (Rafinesque, 1810) (Reptilia Lacertidae): the example of Lachea islet (Sicily, Italy)

    ABSTRACT
    The black rat Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1758) in insular environments represents a threat for many species of vertebrates, invertebrates and plants, especially in equatorial islands. In the Mediterranean Basin as regards the herpetofauna, and lizards of the genus Podarcis in particular, the information available are still few. Since 2006, a study was initiated to verify the possible impact of the black rat on the micro-insular population of Podarcis sicula (Rafinesque, 1810) living in Lachea island, a natural reserve. During 2011 were collected and analyzed 2873 excrements of rats and in no case were found remains attributable to Podarcis sicula. The density of lizards, observed with the technique of the transept, was 0.3 ind./10 m2. During the period 2006-2011 were analyzed (also by molecular type investigation) a total of 4696 excrements of rat, with no confirmation of predation against Podarcis sicula. However the rat predation on insects may cause an indirect effect like competition and have negative effects on populations of invertebrates and therefore also on Podarcis sicula. Moreover the Lachea island is affected by a moderate tourism. The lizards, in those very frequented areas, show lower values of the body condition index and a decrease of cells responsible for immune response. Although is not documented any form of predation by the black rat, that species is a potential source of threat and a combined action of the factors mentioned with accidental events, makes this small micro-insular population of Podarcis sicula as vulnerable to sudden decreases in numbers.