We studied the status of Crested newt (Triturus cristatus superspecies) ponds in the province of Salzburg during the years 2004and 2005. Historical and current distribution data were collected and compared. In the end of 2004, 51 ponds with Crested newtrecords of which 39 still existed were known in Salzburg. In 2005 we carried out a monitoring of these ponds using a combinationof three survey methods. Presence or absence of adult and larval Crested newts and the number of syntopic amphibian specieswere recorded. Detection probabilities and the effects of seven characteristic pond features on pond occupancy were calculatedfor adult and larval newts separately. We observed a strong decline of ponds occupied by Crested newts with presence of adultsin 22 and presence of larvae in 16 surveyed ponds, respectively. Detection probabilities imply that we detected all ponds occupiedby adults and larvae. Key habitat features for Crested newt presence are low degree of shading for adults and larvae as wellas a high density of submerged vegetation for larvae. Pond size and depth are not significant. Furthermore we recorded a significantlyhigher number of amphibian species in ponds occupied by Crested newts. Our results might aid in the implementationof sustainable measures for a conservation of these critically endangered species in the province of Salzburg.

The habitat preferences and activity patterns of Glossina swynnertoni Austen were studied using Siamese traps, electrified screens and vehicle patrols in Aitong, southwestern Kenya in three habitats: large thicket, wooded grassland and an Acacia community. Except in the Acacia community, G. swynnertoni occurred in association with Glossina pallidipes Austen. Apparent density varied significantly among the three habitats, being highest in the Acacia community, intermediate in wooded grassland and lowest in large thickets. Density also varied seasonally, with higher densities occurring in the rainy season than in the dry season in all three areas. Vehicle patrol was a more effective and rapid method for sampling G. swynnertoni than either Siamese traps or electrified screens. However, vehicle patrol catches were strongly biased in favour of males (4:1). Diurnal activity in the Acacia community was unimodal for both sexes, with peaks of activity occurring at 1100–1200 h for males and at 1400–1500 h for females. Both sexes remained active in the afternoon but activity declined rapidly towards dusk (1700–1800 h).