The project
The project investigates the role of drinking troughs, fountains, agricultural ponds and other small artificial wetlands as surrogate habitats for aquatic biodiversity in human-modified landscapes.
Research by Leonardo Vignoli and collaborators shows that traditional drinking troughs can provide essential permanent water points for amphibians and aquatic invertebrates, especially where natural wetlands are disappearing or dry out during summer. At the Castelporziano Presidential Estate, some troughs supported richer Odonata communities than some natural ponds.
Aims
- assess the contribution of artificial wetlands to amphibian and aquatic-insect conservation;
- compare communities hosted by natural ponds and artificial structures;
- identify management practices compatible with traditional livestock farming and biodiversity;
- preserve networks of small aquatic habitats acting as refuges and stepping stones.
Learn more
- The role of drinking troughs in Odonata conservation
- Can a cow save a newt? The role of cattle drinking troughs in amphibian conservation
Publications
- Buono V., Bissattini A.M. & Vignoli L. (2019). Can a cow save a newt? The role of cattle drinking troughs in amphibian conservation. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems.
- Cerini F., Bologna M.A. & Vignoli L. (2020). Nestedness-patterns of Odonata assemblages in artificial and natural aquatic habitats reveal the potential role of drinking troughs for aquatic insect conservation. Journal of Insect Conservation.
- Vignoli L., Bologna M.A. & Luiselli L. (2007). Seasonal patterns of activity and community structure in an amphibian assemblage at a pond network with variable hydrology. Acta Oecologica.
- Bissattini A.M., D'Ambrosio A., Buono V., Bologna M.A. & Vignoli L. (2025). Home Is Where the Newts Are: Suitability of Artificial Aquatic Sites for the Italian Crested Newt in a Traditional Farming Landscape in Central Italy. Animal Conservation.