Artificial and natural water bodies in the Monti Affilani and nearby areas
This dataset derives from a census of small standing water bodies in the Monti Affilani massif and nearby areas (eastern Lazio, Central Italy). Conducted between March 2019 and December 2020, the study identified and georeferenced 31 sites—livestock troughs, ponds, and small artificial basins—distributed between 537 and 1117 m a.s.l. Each water point was described through structural and functional parameters and surveyed for associated aquatic fauna. Thirteen species of Odonata, one of Reptilia and five of Amphibia were recorded, including the Italian Crested Newt (Triturus carnifex) and the Common Toad (Bufo bufo), both indicators of good habitat quality. The results confirm the ecological significance of these minor lentic systems as biodiversity refuges in a karstic landscape with scarce surface waters. The dataset provides a geospatial and ecological baseline for conservation actions and future inventories of small aquatic habitats in the Lazio region.
Default
IdentificationAbout this resource
- Alternate Identifier
-
a81e1b7f-f632-464c-afac-6a416d9016b5
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-27
- Title
-
Artificial and natural water bodies in the Monti Affilani and nearby areas
- Abstract
-
This dataset derives from a census of small standing water bodies in the Monti Affilani massif and nearby areas (eastern Lazio, Central Italy). Conducted between March 2019 and December 2020, the study identified and georeferenced 31 sites—livestock troughs, ponds, and small artificial basins—distributed between 537 and 1117 m a.s.l. Each water point was described through structural and functional parameters and surveyed for associated aquatic fauna. Thirteen species of Odonata, one of Reptilia and five of Amphibia were recorded, including the Italian Crested Newt (Triturus carnifex) and the Common Toad (Bufo bufo), both indicators of good habitat quality. The results confirm the ecological significance of these minor lentic systems as biodiversity refuges in a karstic landscape with scarce surface waters. The dataset provides a geospatial and ecological baseline for conservation actions and future inventories of small aquatic habitats in the Lazio region.
- Dataset Language
-
English
- Dataset Creator
- Dataset Creator
- Metadata Provider
- Associated Party
- Associated Party
- Associated Party
- Dataset Contact
- Keywords (AGROVOC)
-
-
Odonata
-
Amphibia
-
- Keywords (YSO - General Finnish ontology)
-
-
aquatic fauna
-
- Keywords (Biodiversity (thesaurus))
-
-
artificial habitat
-
- Keywords (NAL Thesaurus)
-
-
lentic systems
-
- Keywords (Environmental Thesaurus)
-
-
water body
-
Geographic Coverage
- Geographic Description
-
he Monti Affilani are a small calcareous mountain range in the sub-Apennine sector of Lazio, Central Italy. The area extends in a northwest–southeast direction between the Simbruini Mountains to the northeast, the Arcinazzo Plateau to the south, and the Ruffi Mountains to the west. It includes the municipalities of Arcinazzo Romano, Trevi nel Lazio and Affile.
Bounding Box
- West Bounding Coordinate
-
13.089139
- East Bounding Coordinate
-
13.277778
- North Bounding Coordinate
-
41.891083
- South Bounding Coordinate
-
41.814389
Bounding Altitudes
- Minimum
-
537
- Maximum
-
1117
- Unit
-
meter
Temporal Coverage
Range of Dates
- Begin Date
-
2019-03-03
- End Date
-
2020-12-20
Taxonomic Coverage
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Aeshna cyanea
- Taxon ID
-
65BN5
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Anax imperator
- Taxon ID
-
DJX8
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Bufo bufo
- Taxon ID
-
NP2D
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Coenagrion puella
- Taxon ID
-
WTXY
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Crocothemis erythraea
- Taxon ID
-
ZKQD
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Enallagma cyathigerum
- Taxon ID
-
39M5B
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Hyla intermedia
- Taxon ID
-
3NCXB
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Ischnura elegans
- Taxon ID
-
6N9HG
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Lestes barbarus
- Taxon ID
-
6Q33Z
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Libellula depressa
- Taxon ID
-
6PWQF
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Natrix helvetica
- Taxon ID
-
89JGM
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Order
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Odonata
- Taxon ID
-
B6LCL
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Orthetrum brunneum
- Taxon ID
-
6SXLC
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Orthetrum coerulescens
- Taxon ID
-
759LG
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Pelophylax esculentus
- Taxon ID
-
76CHG
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Rana italica
- Taxon ID
-
6X364
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Sympetrum fonscolombii
- Taxon ID
-
53P7C
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Sympetrum sanguineum
- Taxon ID
-
53P9J
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Genus
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Sympetrum sp.
- Taxon ID
-
9WN36
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Sympetrum striolatum
- Taxon ID
-
7B6VS
Taxonomic Classification
- Taxonomic Rank Name
-
Species
- Taxonomic Rank Value
-
Triturus carnifex
- Taxon ID
-
595F2
resourceLicensesLicense Information
- Intellectual Rights
-
Free for use, including sharing and adaptation, by all individuals provided that the owners are acknowledged in any use or publication.
Distribution
Online
- A brief description of the the content of online URL.
-
DOI
Online
- A brief description of the the content of online URL.
-
Info and download page on LifeWatch Italy Data Portal
Project
• Project
- Title
-
Monti Affilani water bodies census
Personnel
Individual Name
- Given Name
-
Edoardo
- Surname
-
Di Russo
- Organization Name
-
National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR)
- Position Name
-
Technician
- Role
-
Content Provider
Personnel
Individual Name
- Given Name
-
Nicolò
- Surname
-
Pellecchia
- Organization Name
-
Società Romana di Scienze Naturali
- Position Name
-
Researcher
- Role
-
Content Provider
- Abstract
- Funding
Study Area Description
- Descriptor
-
The Monti Affilani constitute a small calcareous ridge of the sub-Apennine chain in Lazio (Central Italy), with moderate relief energy and peaks up to 1332 m a.s.l. The area extends northwest–southeast between the Simbruini Mountains, the Arcinazzo Plateau, and the Ruffi Mountains, including the municipalities of Arcinazzo Romano, Trevi nel Lazio, and Affile. The region, rich in karst features and surface water points such as ponds and livestock troughs, represents a heterogeneous hydrogeological system of limestone and marly limestone substrates.
Methods
• Method
Method Step
- Description
-
The dataset was generated through field surveys carried out between March 2019 and December 2020 within the framework of a cooperation protocol between the Carabinieri Forestali and the Società Romana di Scienze Naturali. Thirty-eight field campaigns were conducted across different seasons to identify, map, and characterize small standing water bodies within the Monti Affilani massif and adjacent areas (Lazio, Italy). Each site was located using GPS and verified through topographic maps (IGM) and satellite imagery (Google Maps), complemented by local information. For every water point, structural and functional parameters were recorded, including altitude, morphology, dimensions, depth, and water supply type. Artificial and natural sites were measured using graduated poles and metric tapes (5–50 m). Biological observations targeted Odonata and Amphibia as ecological indicators. Species identification followed national reference guides (Galliani et al., 2015; Razzetti et al., 2025). Data consistency and quality control were ensured by repeated seasonal surveys and cross-validation among team members. Each water point was assigned a unique ID (PA01–PA33) and documented through standardized field forms archived in the digital database.
Data Tables
• Data Table
- Name
-
Water_points_monitoring_Affilani_Mountains_20251125.csv
Physical
- Object Name
-
Water_points_monitoring_Affilani_Mountains_20251125.csv
- Size
-
171541
- Authentication
-
MD5:557b204114f39fddbc735fbd05f0582e
Data Format
- textFormat
-
1
column
;
Attribute List
Attribute
- Name
-
catalogNumber
- Label
-
Catalog Number
- Definition
-
An identifier (preferably unique) for the record within the data set or collection.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
scientificName
- Label
-
Scientific Name
- Definition
-
The full scientific name, with authorship and date information if known. When forming part of a dwc:Identification, this should be the name in lowest level taxonomic rank that can be determined. This term should not contain identification qualifications, which should instead be supplied in the dwc:identificationQualifier term.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
acceptedNameUsage
- Label
-
Accepted Name Usage
- Definition
-
The full name, with authorship and date information if known, of the currently valid (zoological) or accepted (botanical) dwc:Taxon.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
scientificNameAuthorship
- Label
-
Scientific Name Authorship
- Definition
-
The authorship information for the dwc:scientificName formatted according to the conventions of the applicable dwc:nomenclaturalCode.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
acceptedNameUsageID
- Label
-
Accepted Name Usage ID
- Definition
-
An identifier for the name usage (documented meaning of the name according to a source) of the currently valid (zoological) or accepted (botanical) taxon.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
- source
-
Catalogue of Life
Attribute
- Name
-
kingdom
- Label
-
Kingdom
- Definition
-
The full scientific name of the kingdom in which the dwc:Taxon is classified.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
phylum
- Label
-
Phylum
- Definition
-
The full scientific name of the phylum or division in which the dwc:Taxon is classified.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
class
- Label
-
Class
- Definition
-
The full scientific name of the class in which the dwc:Taxon is classified.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
order
- Label
-
Order
- Definition
-
The full scientific name of the order in which the dwc:Taxon is classified.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
suborder
- Label
-
Suborder
- Definition
-
The full scientific name of the suborder in which the dwc:Taxon is classified.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
family
- Label
-
Family
- Definition
-
The full scientific name of the family in which the dwc:Taxon is classified.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
genus
- Label
-
Genus
- Definition
-
The full scientific name of the genus in which the dwc:Taxon is classified.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
specificEpithet
- Label
-
Specific Epithet
- Definition
-
The name of the first or species epithet of the dwc:scientificName.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
taxonRank
- Label
-
Taxon Rank
- Definition
-
The taxonomic rank of the most specific name in the dwc:scientificName.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
eventDate
- Label
-
Event Date
- Definition
-
The date-time or interval during which a dwc:Event occurred. For occurrences, this is the date-time when the dwc:Event was recorded. Not suitable for a time in a geological context.
Measurement Scale
Date time
- Format String
-
YYYY-MM-DD
Attribute
- Name
-
locationID
- Label
-
Location ID
- Definition
-
An identifier for the set of dcterms:Location information. May be a global unique identifier or an identifier specific to the data set.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
recordedByID
- Label
-
Recorded By ID
- Definition
-
A list (concatenated and separated) of the globally unique identifier for the person, people, groups, or organizations responsible for recording the original dwc:Occurrence.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
- source
-
Research Organization Registry
Attribute
- Name
-
country
- Label
-
Country
- Definition
-
The name of the country or major administrative unit in which the dcterms:Location occurs.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
countryCode
- Label
-
Country Code
- Definition
-
The standard code for the country in which the dcterms:Location occurs.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
- source
-
ISO 3166-1-alpha-2
Attribute
- Name
-
stateProvince
- Label
-
State Province
- Definition
-
The name of the next smaller administrative region than country (state, province, canton, department, region, etc.) in which the dcterms:Location occurs.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
county
- Label
-
County
- Definition
-
The full, unabbreviated name of the next smaller administrative region than stateProvince (county, shire, department, etc.) in which the dcterms:Location occurs.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
municipality
- Label
-
Municipality
- Definition
-
The full, unabbreviated name of the next smaller administrative region than county (city, municipality, etc.) in which the dcterms:Location occurs. Do not use this term for a nearby named place that does not contain the actual dcterms:Location.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
locality
- Label
-
Locality
- Definition
-
The specific description of the place.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
locationRemarks
- Label
-
Location Remarks
- Definition
-
Comments or notes about the dcterms:Location.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
verbatimCoordinateSystem
- Label
-
Verbatim Coordinate System
- Definition
-
The coordinate format for the dwc:verbatimLatitude and dwc:verbatimLongitude or the dwc:verbatimCoordinates of the dcterms:Location.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
verbatimCoordinates
- Label
-
Verbatim Coordinates
- Definition
-
The verbatim original spatial coordinates of the dcterms:Location. The coordinate ellipsoid, geodeticDatum, or full Spatial Reference System (SRS) for these coordinates should be stored in dwc:verbatimSRS and the coordinate system should be stored in dwc:verbatimCoordinateSystem.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
decimalLatitudine
- Label
-
Decimal Latitudine
- Definition
-
The geographic latitude (in decimal degrees, using the spatial reference system given in dwc:geodeticDatum) of the geographic center of a dcterms:Location. Positive values are north of the Equator, negative values are south of it. Legal values lie between -90 and 90, inclusive.
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
degree
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
real
Attribute
- Name
-
decimalLongitudine
- Label
-
Decimal Longitudine
- Definition
-
The geographic longitude (in decimal degrees, using the spatial reference system given in dwc:geodeticDatum) of the geographic center of a dcterms:Location. Positive values are east of the Greenwich Meridian, negative values are west of it. Legal values lie between -180 and 180, inclusive.
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
degree
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
real
Attribute
- Name
-
geodeticDatum
- Label
-
Geodetic Datum
- Definition
-
The ellipsoid, geodetic datum, or spatial reference system (SRS) upon which the geographic coordinates given in dwc:decimalLatitude and dwc:decimalLongitude are based.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
elevation
- Label
-
Elevation
- Definition
-
The elevation of a geographic location is its height above a fixed reference point, most commonly a reference geoid, a mathematical model of the Earth's sea level as an equipotential gravitational surface.
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
meter
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
real
Attribute
- Name
-
waterPointType
- Label
-
Water Point Type
- Definition
-
Type of water point.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
waterPointFunction
- Label
-
Water Point Function
- Definition
-
Function of the water point.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
waterSupply
- Label
-
Water Supply
- Definition
-
Type of water supply of the water point.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
outletType
- Label
-
Outlet Type
- Definition
-
Type of outlet of the water point.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
material
- Label
-
Material
- Definition
-
Material of the water point.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
waterTankType
- Label
-
Water Tank Type
- Definition
-
Water tank description of the water point.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
waterTankNumber
- Label
-
Water Tank Number
- Definition
-
Number of water tank(s) in the water point.
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
number
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
natural
Attribute
- Name
-
overflow
- Label
-
Overflow
- Definition
-
Description of the device or structure that conducts excess water from the water tank.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
fieldNotes
- Label
-
Field Notes
- Definition
-
Notes taken in the field during the sampling event.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
surroundingEnvironment
- Label
-
Surrounding Environment
- Definition
-
The external elements and habitats which surround the water points.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
threatFactors
- Label
-
Threat Factors
- Definition
-
Potential habitat threats occurring at the water point.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
favourableConditionsForAmphibians
- Label
-
Favourable Conditions For Amphibians
- Definition
-
Environmental conditions favourable to amphibians at the water point location.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
internalVegetation
- Label
-
Internal Vegetation
- Definition
-
Vegetation observed within the water point.
Measurement Scale
nominal
nonNumericDomain
textDomain
- Definition
-
Any Text
Attribute
- Name
-
minimumDepth
- Label
-
Minimum Depth
- Definition
-
Minimum depth of the water tank(s).
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
centimeter
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
real
Attribute
- Name
-
maximumDepth
- Label
-
Maximum Depth
- Definition
-
Maximum depth of the water tank(s).
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
centimeter
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
real
Attribute
- Name
-
averageDepth
- Label
-
Average Depth
- Definition
-
Average depth of the water tank(s).
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
centimeter
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
real
Attribute
- Name
-
internalLength
- Label
-
Internal Length
- Definition
-
Internal length of the water tank(s).
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
centimeter
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
real
Attribute
- Name
-
externalLength
- Label
-
External Length
- Definition
-
External length of the water tank(s).
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
centimeter
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
real
Attribute
- Name
-
totalLength
- Label
-
Total Length
- Definition
-
Total length of the water tank(s).
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
centimeter
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
real
Attribute
- Name
-
maximumLength
- Label
-
Maximum Length
- Definition
-
Maximum length of the water tank(s).
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
centimeter
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
real
Attribute
- Name
-
minimumLength
- Label
-
Minimum Length
- Definition
-
Minimum length of the water tank(s).
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
centimeter
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
real
Attribute
- Name
-
averageLength
- Label
-
Average Length
- Definition
-
Average length of the water tank(s).
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
centimeter
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
real
Attribute
- Name
-
internalWidth
- Label
-
Internal Width
- Definition
-
Internal width of the water tank(s).
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
centimeter
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
real
Attribute
- Name
-
externalWidth
- Label
-
External Width
- Definition
-
External width of the water tank(s).
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
centimeter
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
real
Attribute
- Name
-
maximumWidth
- Label
-
Maximum Width
- Definition
-
Maximum width of the water tank(s).
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
centimeter
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
real
Attribute
- Name
-
minimumWidth
- Label
-
Minimum Width
- Definition
-
Minimum width of the water tank(s).
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
centimeter
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
real
Attribute
- Name
-
averageWidth
- Label
-
Average Width
- Definition
-
Average width of the water tank(s).
Measurement Scale
Ratio
Unit
- standardUnit
-
centimeter
Numeric domain
- Number type
-
real
- numberOfRecords
-
231
