Abstract
Monitoring protocol of yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) was developed as part of the program which aims to evaluate the conservation status of vertebrate fauna in Nature 2000 Network within the Autonomous Province of Trentino (action A5 – Life T.E.N. Project, Pedrini et al. 2014). Available data on the species distribution in Trentino were analyzed to select the most representative sampling areas and reproductive habitats. The monitoring started in 2018 and is carried out during late spring-summer within 79 sampling sites selected in the central area of Trentino. Repeated counts and capture–recapture methods are applied to estimate populations abundance and long-term demographic parameters. Moreover, biometrical data and sex of captured animals are collected to evaluate the structure and the body condition index of the surveyed populations. Environmental characteristics which could influence the animals contactability are also registered. The results of the first three years of monitoring showed locally abundant populations but generally showing a slight negative trend. Furthermore, populations sampled in natural reproductive habitats are characterized by a higher body condition index respect to the semi-natural and artificial sites.