Ecological Impact of Economic Development on Sardinian Herpetofauna

The link between ecology and economies is manifest over the world as a result of long‐term processes. But because these processes are long term, it is hard to prove the link. On Sardinia serious economic development was late to arrive, having occurred only over the last few decades. As a case study, research was carried out for 10 years on the state of nature as well as the economic growth in one of the least developed areas abutting the Gulf of Orosei on the east coast. Based on research and lasting attention to political affairs concerning the project, we formulate general recommendations for the area. In 1995, the Italian Government will be asked by the European Government to undertake serious steps to save endemics (especially herpetofauna) of Europe's last pristine areas.