Factors affecting repatriation success of the endangered Italian agile frog (Rana latastei)

Published source details Pellitteri-Rosa D., Gentilli A., Sacchi R., Scali S., Pupin F., Razzetti E., Bernini F. & Fasola M. (2008) Factors affecting repatriation success of the endangered Italian agile frog (Rana latastei). Amphibia-Reptilia, 29, 235-244.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Release captive-bred frogs Action Link
	Create ponds for frogs Action Link

Release captive-bred frogs

A replicated, before-and-after study in 1999–2006 in 18 ponds in Lombardy, Northern Italy (Pellitteri-Rosa, Gentilli, Sacchi, Scali, Pupin, Razzetti, Bernini & Fasola 2008) found that captive-bred Italian agile frogs Rana latastei released as tadpoles reproduced in six of the ponds. At least one egg mass (1–14) and/or calling males (4–8 in two ponds) were recorded in six of the 18 ponds. Four the ponds with breeding were new ponds and two were unmanaged. Up to four adults were found in three of the ponds. Breeding success was negatively affected by human disturbance and predator presence and positively affected by woodland, shore incline and pond permanence. Human disturbance was noted at 89% of the sites and potential predators, mainly fish, were found in 39% of ponds. New ponds were excavated in six Natural Parks in 1999–2001. In 2000 and 2001, tadpoles were released in 13 new ponds and five existing unmanaged ponds that had not recently been used for breeding. In February–April 2006, ponds were monitored during 45 visual and call surveys (average 2.5/pond).
Create ponds for frogs

A replicated, before-and-after, site comparison study in 1999–2006 of 13 created ponds in woodland, wetlands and agricultural land in Lombardy, Northern Italy (Pellitteri-Rosa et al. 2008) found that translocated Italian agile frog Rana latastei tadpoles reproduced in four of 13 created ponds. At least one egg mass (1–14) and/or more than one adult calling male (4–8 in two ponds) were recorded in four of 13 created and two of five existing unmanaged ponds; the difference was not statistically significant. Up to four adults were found in three of the ponds. Human disturbance and predator presence had a negative effect and woodland, shore incline and pond permanence a positive effect on success. Ponds were excavated in six Natural Parks in 1999–2001. In 2000 and 2001, tadpoles were released in 13 created and five existing unmanaged ponds, which had not recently been used for breeding. Ponds were monitored by visual, torch and call surveys from February to April 2006 during 45 field surveys (average 2.5/pond).