"Counts of Mont'Alto 2." Remainder: Dr Bernardo Piscopo-Macedonia LLD, the 1st Count being without issue petitioned for permission to nominate one of his grand-nephews as his successor to the title, the further descent being in the male issue of his successor according to primogeniture. He also asked for permission
to found a primogenitura based on the fief. The Duke of Parma gave his assent on 1724 and in 1725. Bernardo nominated his eldest grand-nephew Felice Manduca-Piscopo. Also note that this web site may be viewed with, other then Netscape
Felice, the 2nd Count died in 1775 leaving no male issues, where-upon his brother, Salvatore Manduca-Piscopo petitioned Ferdinand I, Duke of Parma for permission to inherit the title.
This request was granted in 1776. Since then, the title has descended through the male line according to primogeniture.
Now, all Titles created in Italy, since 1926 must go to male descent only from male to male only. Its considered that if there are no male descendants, the title is considered EXTINCT. "
One can only gain permission by the last Monarchs of Italy (Savoie) to extend such titles to female issues, though I doubt such permission would be granted unless there were no male heirs. From my last recollection, there are many MANDUCA's left in Malta.
Reference: 'The Genealogy and Heraldry of the Noble Families of Malta, by C.A.Gauci, 1981, Gulf Publishing Ltd., Pages 98, 116.