We censused feral pigeons (Columba livia) living in Milan, Italy (a 181-km2 area), between July 1999 and February 2000 by means of linear transects to examine population densities in different urban habitats and the relationships between population density and structural features of buildings. The pigeon population of Milan was 103 650 birds, with an average density of 570/km2. Population density increased significantly from farmland (434 birds/km2) to the suburbs (604 birds/km2) and from the suburbs to the centre of the city (2083 birds/km2). There was a positive relationship between both bird number and flock number and the abundance of buildings constructed before 1936. There were no significant associations between either bird number or flock number and the abundance of buildings when we did not consider date of construction. This indicated active selection of old buildings by feral pigeons.

The present paper reports data on distribution, demographic parameters, ecological preferences and conservation status of Bombina variegata variegata and B. v. pachypas from the Italian peninsula. Owing to the wide distribution, we selected as a sam ple the following regions as sample regions: Lombardy, Veneto,

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The present paper reports data on distribution, demographic parameters, ecological preferences and conservation status of Bombina variegata variegata and B. v. pacbypus from the Italian peninsula. Owing to the wide distribution, we selected as a sam ple the following regions as sample regions: Lombardy, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Abruzzi, Lalium, Campania, Basilicata, Apu lia and Calabria, and the autonomous province of Trento 3 . For each region, we carried out bibliographic and museum research es, together with field surveys in order to collect updated faunistic data. B. v. variegata showed a general preference for hilly and mountain areas at medium/low elevation, under 1100 m. Our field surveys confirmed 44 sites out of 49 investigated; so the number of populations in northern Italy seems to be substantially stable. However, in several sites, particularly as regards prealpine Lombardy, a numerical decrease of individuals was observed; this fact suggests that this taxon could be threatened. B. v. pacbypus predominantly inhabits areas at altitudes of less than 1400 m. Out of 55 sites where this taxon was found prior to 1996, the present study confirmed only 33. Nevertheless, the status of the B. v. pacbypus populations from southern Italy seemed to be different, being vulnerable with respect to the populations of Abruzzi, Cam pania, Latium and Apulia, and not vulnerable as far as the Calabrian population is concerned.Finally, for both B. v. variegata and B. v. pacbypus, we discuss threats and conservation perspectives.

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