Date: May 8, 2026
Rome, Italy: A recent research published in Biological Diversity provides robust evidence that the mid-domain effect (MDE)—a geometric model predicting peak species richness at intermediate elevations—and wooded habitat structure together determine the composition, abundance, and biomass of reptile communities in Mediterranean protected areas. The study was conducted in 26 protected sites across Tuscany, Central Italy, covering coastal plains, hilly woodlands, and mountain zones up to 1,000 m above sea level.
Between June and September 2020, researchers conducted standardized Visual Encounter Surveys (VES) along random transects, accumulating more than 540 field-hours. They recorded 13,045 individual reptiles, including 8 lizard species, 8 snake species, and 2 chelonian species. Results showed a clear hump-shaped elevational pattern: species richness peaked at approximately 600 m, strongly supporting the mid-domain effect.
Community structure was strongly differentiated by body size and biomass. Although lizards represented 97.05% of individuals, they contributed only 66.17% of total biomass. In contrast, snakes and chelonians accounted for a disproportionately high biomass (25.69% and 8.15%, respectively), revealing a decoupling between numerical abundance and functional ecological importance.
Woodland cover exerted contrasting effects: lizard abundance increased with forest cover, while snakes and chelonians preferred more open, non-wooded habitats. Species-specific responses were equally distinct: Lacerta bilineata and Podarcis muralis favored forested uplands, whereas Hierophis viridiflavus and Testudo hermanni preferred open habitats. Wetland-associated species such as Natrix helvetica and Natrix tessellata were closely linked to riparian zones.
Statistical analyses included species diversity indices (Shannon, Margalef, Pielou Evenness, Dominance), polynomial regression for elevational richness patterns, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for habitat grouping, and Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) to quantify environmental drivers. The combined framework of MDE plus woodland presence/absence outperformed other environmental predictors, offering a reliable model for reptile biodiversity conservation.
These findings highlight the importance of habitat heterogeneity—a mosaic of woodlands, clearings, shrublands, and wetlands—in sustaining diverse reptile communities. The authors emphasize that conservation planning in Mediterranean regions should preserve mid-elevation zones and maintain landscape complexity to support both open-habitat and forest-dependent reptiles.
This study enhances understanding of large-scale biodiversity patterns and provides practical guidance for protected area management, habitat restoration, and long-term reptile conservation.
Original Source
Dendi, Daniele, Lauren De Nardi, Giovanni Amori, and Luca Luiselli. 2026. "Mid-Domain Effect and Wooded Habitat Shape Mediterranean Reptile Communities," Biological Diversity: 1–18.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bod2.70024
Keywords
Biodiversity, conservation, diversity, elevational gradient, management, richness
About the Author
Daniele Dendi (First Author), researcher at the Institute for Development, Ecology, Conservation and Cooperation, focuses on sustainable development, ecological economy, biodiversity and wildlife conservation. Adopting a holistic approach, he explores interactions between natural environments and human activities, including ecological, agroforestry and economic links to Ebola virus correlates. His research focuses on West Africa, covering Togo, Ghana, Nigeria and Ivory Coast, with interests in forest ecosystems and cocoa, oil palm plantations.
Luca Luiselli (Corresponding Author), tropical community ecologist and professor of ecology at the Institute for Development, Ecology, Conservation and Cooperation, focuses on snake and chelonian conservation across West Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, and Vietnam. He adopts an interdisciplinary, holistic approach to study population dynamics, community ecology, species interactions, Ebola ecology, bushmeat trade, and rodent macroecology.
About the Journal
Biological Diversity (ISSN: 2994-4139) is a new open-access, high-impact, English-language journal, devoted to advancing biodiversity conservation, enhancing ecosystem services, and promoting the sustainable use of resources under global change. It features innovative research addressing the global biodiversity crisis.
