1. Reptiles and Amphibians
Loggerhead Turtle
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Pond turtle
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Bufo balearicus
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In humid areas it is possible to see different species of Reptiles as pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), the grass snake (Natrix natrix) and the tessellated grass snake (Natrix tessellata). During the day the pond turtle likes to stand on the banks of water with the body hidden among the vegetation, or exposed to the sun for thermoregulation, while in the night it actively looks for preys by probing the silt and the shores of bogs. In riparian areas with herbaceous vegetation it is also possible to meet a chestnut-looking snake, the three-toed skink (Chalcides chalcides). Cause his appearance of snake, the popular imagination developed some beliefs, according to which this would be poisonous lizard. Such beliefs totally unfounded - the three-toed skink is not a poisonous species - have generated unjustified fears and consequent persecution by man even against this species. Finally, in the Apulian coastal water level is possible to meet the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), species of high conservation interest that nests at the level of the sandy beaches of Puglia, especially in the Salento.
The wetlands are home to a number of species of amphibians. Among these the green toad (Bufo balearicus) is capable of replication in moderately salty environments, as can tolerate moderate salt concentration. The common name of this species derives from the intense color of the spots that cover the back, standing out against the brown background. If excessively annoied may secrete an irritating secretion strong garlic-like smell. It lays eggs cordons that can touch the 11000 units.
2. Birds
Cavaliere d'Italia
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Codone
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Falco di Palude
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Falco di Palude
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Cormorano
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Mestolone
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Germano reale
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Sgarza ciuffetto
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Chiurlo maggiore
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Tarabuso
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Gallinella d'acqua
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Gufo di Palude
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Pavoncella
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Piro-piro piccolo
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The wetlands play a key role for many species of birds, especially as parking areas during periods of migration and wintering. In deeper waters are observed swimmers, such as black-necked grebe (Podiceps nigricollis), the cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), the moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) and several species of Anatidae, such as the pintail (Anas acuta), the shoveler (Anas clypeata) and the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). Often you can observe the cormorant perches well exposed (cliffs, piers, etc.) while it dries after diving to hunt for prey.
The shallow waters and muddy soils are home to a great diversity of shorebirds, including knight of Italy (Himantopus himantopus), Curlew (Numenius arquata), glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) and lapwing (Vanellus vanellus). Also different species of herons, like the gray heron (Ardea cinerea), the purple heron (Ardea purpurea), little egret (Egretta garzetta), the bittern (Botaurus stellaris) and the Squacco heron (Ardeola ralloides). Finally, among the raptors wintering in the wetlands, the short-eared owl (Asio flammeus), the osprey (Pandion haliaetus) and the marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus).
3. Fish and Invertebrates
Among the typical insects of wetlands are observed numerous adaptations to the aquatic environment for life. In different orders there is an aquatic juvenile stage, as in Odonata and Trichoptera, and in many Diptera and Coleoptera, while in other cases even adults living in water. Some details beetles (eg. Dityscidae, Gyrinidae, Hygrobiidae) and Heteroptera (notonectidae, Nepidae) swim immersed in water, while others (like gerridae, veliidae, hydrometridae) attending the surface layer. There are also a large number of terrestrial species characteristics of moist areas, as related to greater soil moisture and the presence of hygrophilous vegetation.
Several species of major groups of marine invertebrates, such as molluscs, annelids and porifera, are also adapted to these special environments. Among other arthropods, crustaceans dominate the aquatic environment. Among these, the river crab (Potamon fluviatile) finds himself in different freshwater and brackish water systems in the region. The river crab is active from spring to autumn, and can also be observed a few dozen meters from the water, because even tolerate low humidity. The contact between coastal wetlands and salt water gives rise to unique and fragile ecosystems of transition. In these environments, the freshwater organisms are associated typical animals of the marine environment or better adapted to changing salinity conditions. Here they observe different fish, such as the Mediterranean killifish (or South European toothcarp, Aphanius fasciatus) and mullet (Mugil cephalus).
