Herpetofauna of the Kozubów Landscape Park

Abstract The research was conducted in 2016–2017 in the 6,613-ha Kozubów Landscape Park (KLP). It focused on the occurrence and distribution of amphibians and reptiles, the biology and phenology of selected species and the existing threats. The KLP, established in 1986, is located in the Nida Basin, covering the eastern part of the Wodzisławski Ridge. This area is characterised by diverse landscape features formed on a chalk substrate. A significant part of the KLP (48.8%) is covered by forests growing on the tops and slopes of loess hills intersected by valleys and gorges. Hornbeam forests and fragments of riparian forests have retained a semi-natural character. The steep, non-forested slopes with a southern and south-western exposure are overgrown by thermophilic xerothermic grasslands. Xerothermic plant communities show a relatively low species diversity, because the main type of substrate in this area is loess. Two nature reserves, Polana Polichno and Wroni Dół, are located within the KLP borders. The following amphibian species were found in the KLP: smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris L.), great crested newt (Triturus cristatus Laur.), European fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina L.), common spadefoot toad (Pelobates fuscus Laur.), common toad (Bufo bufo L.), European green toad (Bufotes viridis Laur.), European tree frog (Hyla arborea L.), edible frog (Pelophylax esculentus L.), pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae Cam.), moor frog (Rana arvalis Nilss.) and common frog (Rana temporaria L.). Reptiles are represented by the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis L.), viviparous lizard (Zootoca vivipara Jacquin), slow worm (Anguis fragilis L.), grass snake (Natrix natrix L.), smooth snake (Coronella austriaca Laur.) and common European adder (Vipera berus L.). The study also included the phenology and reproductive biology of common toad and common frog. Major threats to the herpetofauna are posed by grass burning. Unfavourable changes include decreasing water levels and drying out of water bodies.

Download Full-text

Herpetofauna of the Pieprzowe Mountains Nature Reserve and adjacent areas

Ochrona Srodowiska i Zasobów Naturalnych ◽

10.2478/oszn-2019-0007 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

pp. 24-31

Author(s):

Dariusz Wojdan ◽

Ilona Żeber-Dzikowska ◽

Barbara Gworek ◽

Maciej Sadowski ◽

Jarosław Chmielewski

Keyword(s):

Nature Reserve ◽

Rana Temporaria ◽

Bufo Bufo ◽

Rare Plants ◽

Oxbow Lake ◽

Tree Frog ◽

Common Frog ◽

Common Toad ◽

Rana Arvalis ◽

Triturus Cristatus

Abstract The study was focused on determining the sites of amphibian and reptile occurrence in the Pieprzowe Mountains Nature Reserve (area 18.01 ha) and adjacent areas (total area 58.81 ha). The investigations also involved the biology of breeding in the selected species, as well as determining threats and protection measures. Situated in the eastern part of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, the steppe-like Pieprzowe (Pepper) Mountains Nature Reserve was established in 1979. Its aim is to protect xerothermic assemblages inhabited by many species of rare plants including the largest European aggregation of roses growing wild. The area is located on a steep, sometimes rugged escarpment, which is part of the Vistula River erosional margin. The escarpment exposes Cambrian black pepper-like shales. The slope base is overgrown by a narrow belt of willow thickets. Above occur assemblages of xerothermic thickets with a few trees. The highest parts of the nature reserve are overgrown with xerothermic grasslands with the prevalence of feathergrass steppe (Festuco-Stipion class). The reserve is surrounded by riparian forests, waterlogged meadows and reservoirs of the Vistula former riverbed, the largest of which is an oxbow lake (5.16 ha). The following species were documented in 2016-2017: smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris L., great crested newt Triturus cristatus Laur., European fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina L., common toad Bufo bufo L., European green toad Bufotes viridis Laur., European tree frog Hyla arborea L., edible frog Pelophylax esculentus L., pool frog Pelophylax lessonae Cam., marsh frog Pelophylax ridibundus Laur., moor frog Rana arvalis Nilss., common frog Rana temporaria L., sand lizard Lacerta agilis L., grass snake Natrix natrix L. and common European adder Vipera berus L. The studies were focused on biology of breeding and phenology in common toad and common frog. The main threats posed on herpetofauna include: human presence, littering, fire raising and changes of water balance. © IOŚ-PIB

Download Full-text

Amphibians in an urban environment: a case study from a central European city (Wrocław, Poland)

Urban Ecosystems ◽

10.1007/s11252-019-00912-3 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 235-243

Author(s):

Agnieszka Konowalik ◽

Anna Najbar ◽

Kamil Konowalik ◽

Łukasz Dylewski ◽

Marzena Frydlewicz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Species Richness ◽

Rana Temporaria ◽

Bufo Bufo ◽

High Ratio ◽

Rana Arvalis ◽

Amphibian Species ◽

Triturus Cristatus ◽

Lissotriton Vulgaris ◽

Hyla Arborea ◽

The City

AbstractIn 2016, we studied the occurrence of amphibians in 231 selected ponds in the city of Wrocław (Lower Silesia, Poland) and confirmed the occurrence of 10 species: Bombina bombina, Bufo bufo, Bufotes viridis, Hyla arborea, Pelobates fuscus, Pelophylax esculentus complex, Rana arvalis, Rana temporaria, Lissotriton vulgaris and Triturus cristatus. Among all studied sites, the most common were P. esculentus complex (146 occupied sites, 63.2%) and B. bufo (119, 51.5%), while the rarest was P. fuscus (8, 3.5%). The number of species at a single site varied from 0 (28 sites, 12.1%) to 9 (1 site, 0.4%). Frequency and mean amphibian species richness reached 87.9% and 2.7 ± 1.9, respectively. The composition of amphibian species did not change in comparison to previous studies conducted in the years 1997–2009, but declining trends in five species (B. bombina, B. viridis, H. arborea, P. esculentus complex, P. fuscus) were observed (28 compared sites). The results revealed that the permanency of ponds, their occurrence in the vicinity of river valleys, and a high ratio of watercourse length and green area around ponds are positively correlated and have a significant influence on amphibian species richness within the city. Thus, these identified factors should be considered in the course of sustainable urban planning in order to avoid potential conflicts between nature conservation and urban development.

Download Full-text

Herpetofauna of the Podkielecki Landscape Protection Area

Ochrona Srodowiska i Zasobów Naturalnych ◽

10.2478/oszn-2019-0008 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

pp. 32-40

Author(s):

Dariusz Wojdan ◽

Ilona Żeber-Dzikowska ◽

Barbara Gworek ◽

Agnieszka Pastuszko ◽

Jarosław Chmielewski

Keyword(s):

Rana Temporaria ◽

Water Bodies ◽

Tree Frog ◽

Common Frog ◽

Common Toad ◽

Rana Arvalis ◽

Amphibian Species ◽

North East ◽

Protection Area ◽

Landscape Protection

Abstract The study was conducted in 2016-2017 in the Podkielecki Landscape Protection Area (area 26,485 ha). It was focused on the occurrence and distribution of amphibians and reptiles, the biology of the selected species and the existing threats. Established in 1995, the Podkielecki Landscape Protection Area surrounds the city of Kielce from the north, east and south-east, and adjoins several other protected areas. It covers the western part of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains (part of the Klonowskie and Masłowskie ranges) and the southern part of the Suchedniów Plateau. The studied area is mostly covered by forest and thicket communities (48.1%) and farmlands (39.9%), followed by built-up areas (7.8%), industrial areas (0.5%), roads and railways (2.7%), and surface water bodies (1%). The protected area is developed mainly on Palaeozoic rocks, including Cambrian and Ordovician sandstones, Silurian and Carboniferous shales, and Devonian marls. Podzolic soils predominate among soils. The largest rivers include Lubrzanka, Czarna Nida, Bobrza and Belnianka. There are no natural lakes within the PLPA limits, and the largest artificial reservoirs include the Cedzyna Reservoir, Morawica Reservoir, Suków Sandpit and two sedimentation reservoirs of the Kielce Power Plant. The area includes 2 nature reserves: Barcza and Sufraganiec. The following amphibian species were recognised during the investigations within the borders of the studied area: alpine newt Ichthyosaura alpestris Laur., great crested newt Triturus cristatus Laur., smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris L., European fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina L., common spadefoot toad Pelobates fuscus Laur., common toad Bufo bufo L., natterjack toad Epidalea calamita Laur., European green toad Bufotes viridis Laur., European tree frog Hyla arborea L., pool frog Pelophylax lessonae Cam., edible frog Pelophylax esculentus L., marsh frog Pelophylax ridibundus Pall., moor frog Rana arvalis Nilss., and common frog Rana temporaria L. The reptiles were represented by sand lizard Lacerta agilis L., viviparous lizard Zootoca vivipara Jacquin, slow worm Anguis fragilis L., grass snake Natrix natrix L. and common European adder Vipera berus L. The study also included the phenology and breeding biology of the common toad and common frog. The most crucial herpetofauna conservation problems identified here include amphibians killed on roads by vehicles. The study area is intersected by very busy roads, in particular: European route no. E77, national roads nos. 73, 74 and S74, and regional roads nos. 745, 750 and 764. For this reason, future road reconstruction projects should consider the assembly of various crossing roads for wildlife, particularly on the 600 m long section of national road no. 74 near Cedzyna Reservoir. Other threats include illegal waste dumping, pollution of surface waters, fire setting, overgrowing and desiccation of small water bodies. © IOŚ-PIB

Download Full-text

Faunistic review of amphibians in protected areas of Ukrainian Roztochia

Studia Biologica ◽

10.30970/sbi.1404.634 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 49-58

Author(s):

B. O. Andriishyn ◽

Keyword(s):

Protected Areas ◽

National Park ◽

Rana Temporaria ◽

Biosphere Reserve ◽

Zoological Museum ◽

Tree Frog ◽

Common Toad ◽

Rana Arvalis ◽

Amphibian Species ◽

Marsh Frog

Background. Study of amphibian fauna as a necessary component of ecosystems is always relevant and requires a regular renewal of information, especially in protected areas. We conducted a field investigation of amphibians, a literature review and an inventory of the collections of herpetological funds in relation to three protected areas: the Roztochia Biosphere Reserve, the Yavorivskyi National Park, and the Cholgini Ornithological Reserve. Materials and Methods. The field study was performed by classical methods: route method with manual catching and with herpetological nets, vocalization method, sampling of amphibians crushed on the road, and catching individuals with frog fences. We also analyzed the literature and amphibian collections in the Zoological Museum of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. Results. According to the available literature, the amphibian fauna of these three areas under protection is similar and typical of this region. The results of our field research slightly differ from the literature data, thus, there is a need for further studies. On the study areas, we found 12 species of amphibians, which is more than half of the number of amphibian species in Ukraine, in particular: Smooth Newt Lissotriton vulgaris, Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus, Fire-bellied Toad Bombina bombina, Eastern Tree Frog Hyla orientalis, Common Spadefoot Toad Pelobates fuscus, Common Toad Bufo bufo, Green Toad Bufotes viridis, Common Frog Rana temporaria, Moor Frog Rana arvalis, Marsh Frog Pelophylax ridibundus, Edible Frog Pelophylax esculentus and Pool Frog Pelophylax lessonae. We detected 2 species of Caudata and 10 species of Anura. 10 species of amphibians were found in the Roztochia Biosphere Reserve, 5 species – in the Yavorivskyi National Park, and 9 species – in the Cholgini Ornithological Reserve. Conclusions. According to the field results, 4 species inhabit all three protected areas – Common Toad, Eastern Tree Frog, Marsh Frog and Edible Frog. A relatively small variety of amphibians found in the Yavorivskyi National Park can be due to the homogeneity of habitats and a proximity of one of the largest military proving grounds in Europe, which limits amphibians in choice of the reproductive and trophic habitats. These habitats deserve special attention because of their fast degradation for the last 10 years. Keywords: amphibians, fauna, protected areas, Ukrainian Roztochia, the Roztochia Biosphere Reserve, the Yavorivskyi National Park, the Cholgini Ornithological Reserve

Download Full-text

Mortality of Amphibians on the Roads of Lviv Region (Ukraine): Trend for the Last Decade

Vestnik Zoologii ◽

10.2478/vzoo-2019-0013 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 53 (2) ◽

pp. 131-140 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

O. Reshetylo ◽

V. Stakh ◽

A.-A. Osiyeva ◽

I. Dykyy ◽

B. Andriyishyn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rana Temporaria ◽

Population Decline ◽

Bufo Bufo ◽

Quantitative Composition ◽

Rana Arvalis ◽

Amphibian Species ◽

Triturus Cristatus ◽

The Road ◽

Bombina Bombina ◽

On The Road

Abstract 69 road sections with amphibian mortality known from 2006 in Lviv Region (Western Ukraine) were repeatedly surveyed in 2017. 2078 dead individuals of nine amphibian species were detected and identified on the road surface (Triturus cristatus, Bombina bombina, Pelobates fuscus, Bufo bufo, Hyla orientalis, Rana temporaria, Rana arvalis, Pelophylax ridibundus and Pelophylax esculentus). The most numerous victims appeared to be B. bufo (72.8 %) and R. temporaria (22.6 %) which is almost the same as in 2006 (90.5 % together). However, the qualitative and quantitative composition has decreased in a decade (compare 3555 individuals of 13 amphibian species in 2006). As we suppose, the main reasons for amphibian population decline in the region are contamination, degradation and disappearance of the breeding ponds as well as the increased traffic intensity. According to the estimation of our research four B. bufo populations are under the excessive influence of roads and transportation, and need to be protected. One of these road sections was fenced up by temporary amphibian fences during the breeding migration (April 2018). Amphibian mortality on the fenced road section dropped down instantly: over thousand individuals of B. bufo and R. temporaria were caught alive into the bucket-traps and safely moved across the road.

Download Full-text

Zur Bedeutung der ‚Grünbrücke Kiebitzholm‘ (Schleswig-Holstein) für Amphibien

Faunistisch-Ökologische Mitteilungen ◽

10.38072/2699-7762/p8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

Author(s):

Christian Winkler

Keyword(s):

Rana Temporaria ◽

Bufo Bufo ◽

Rana Arvalis ◽

Triturus Cristatus ◽

Lissotriton Vulgaris ◽

Epidalea Calamita

In den Jahren 2006 bis 2010 wurde die Amphibienfauna auf der Grünbrücke bei Kiebitzholm (Schleswig-Holstein, Norddeutschland), an den angrenzenden Straßensäumen beidseitig der Bundesautobahn (BAB) A21 sowie an Stillgewässern im 1,5 km Radius um die Grünbrücke untersucht. Im Untersuchungsgebiet konn- ten sieben Amphibienarten festgestellt werden, darunter Knoblauchkröte (Pelo- bates fuscus), Kreuzkröte (Epidalea calamita) und Moorfrosch (Rana arvalis), die landes- oder bundesweit als bestandsgefährdet gelten. Bei Knoblauchkröte und Moorfrosch handelt es sich zudem um bundesweit bedeutsame Zielarten für den Biotopverbund. Teichmolch (Lissotriton vulgaris), Erdkröte (Bufo bufo), Grasfrosch (Rana temporaria) und Moorfrosch wurden im Untersuchungszeitraum auf der Grünbrücke nachgewiesen. Der Kammmolch (Triturus cristatus) konnte nur auf der östlichen Rampe festgestellt werden. Die Grünbrücke diente den er- fassten Individuen offenbar in erster Linie zur Querung der BAB A21 und nur zum Teil auch als Sommerhabitat. Eine auf der östlichen Rampe angelegte Wildtränke wurde im Jahr 2010 erstmals von Teichmolch, Kammmolch und Moorfrosch als Laichgewässer genutzt. Knoblauchkröte und Kreuzkröte waren im Untersuchungsgebiet besonders selten. Sie traten in einem bzw. zwei Untersuchungsgewässern auf. Während die Kreuz- kröte auf beiden Seiten der Autobahn gefunden wurde, wurde die Knoblauchkröte nur westlich der Straße erfasst. Die übrigen festgestellten Amphibienarten traten in teilweise größeren Populationen auf beiden Seiten der BAB A21 auf. Die Funde dieser Arten auf der Grünbrücke zeigen, dass bereits ein Verbund zwischen diesem Que- rungsbauwerk und den Populationen in der Umgebung realisiert war.

Download Full-text

Observations on the Herpetofauna of the Builavânturariţa Massif (Southern Carpathians, Romania )

Travaux du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle “Grigore Antipa” ◽

10.2478/travmu-2013-0007 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 56 (1) ◽

pp. 93-101

Author(s):

Alexandru Iftime ◽

Oana Iftime

Keyword(s):

Rana Temporaria ◽

Bufo Bufo ◽

Ecological Data ◽

Podarcis Muralis ◽

Triturus Cristatus ◽

Lissotriton Vulgaris ◽

Hyla Arborea ◽

Bombina Variegata ◽

Surrounding Areas ◽

Southern Carpathians

Abstract The results of herpetological investigations in the Buila-Vânturariţa massif (Southern Carpathians, Romania) and its surrounding areas are reported here. 19 amphibian and reptile species were identified (Salamandra salamandra, Triturus cristatus, Ichthyosaura alpestris, Lissotriton vulgaris, Bombina variegata, Bufo bufo, B. viridis, Hyla arborea, Rana temporaria, R. dalmatina, Pelophylax ridibundus, P. lessonae, Emys orbicularis, Lacerta agilis, L. viridis, Podarcis muralis, Zootoca vivipara, Zamenis longissimus, Natrix natrix) and are presented together with distribution and ecological data.

Download Full-text

Spring migration distances of some Central European amphibian species

Amphibia-Reptilia ◽

10.1163/156853809788795236 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 30 (3) ◽

pp. 367-378 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

Roman Kovar ◽

Marek Brabec ◽

Radomir Bocek ◽

Radovan Vita

Keyword(s):

Habitat Degradation ◽

Bufo Bufo ◽

Spring Migration ◽

Rana Arvalis ◽

Amphibian Species ◽

Triturus Cristatus ◽

The Czech Republic ◽

Lissotriton Vulgaris ◽

Drift Fence ◽

Bombina Bombina

AbstractMigration distances of eight species of amphibians were studied at 14 sites in the Czech Republic in the course of the 2007 spring migration season. Drift fences with pit-fall traps were installed at varying distances from the reproduction pond. No substitute breeding ponds were available nearby. 4423 m of drift fence was installed and data from a total of 4823 specimens were collected. The estimate 95th percentile migration distances for the newts Lissotriton vulgaris, Mesotriton alpestris and Triturus cristatus were between 105-866 m, and for the frogs Bombina bombina, Bufo bufo, Rana arvalis and R. temporaria estimates were between 170-2214 m. No adult individuals of R. ridibunda were caught out of water. With two exceptions in B. bufo there were no significant among-site differences in migration distances between L. vulgaris, T. cristatus and B. bufo. There were no significant between-sex differences in migration distances of L. vulgaris, M. alpestris, T. cristatus, B. bufo and R. arvalis. Thanks to a great number of various sites processed simultaneously and by the same methodology, presented data provide information on the overall distribution of migration distances in different habitats. The results could be used for the estimation of the extent of the influence on amphibian populations in cases of transection or other habitat degradation in the vicinity of their reproduction ponds.

Download Full-text

Scandinavian amphibians: their aquatic habitat and tolerance

Fauna norvegica ◽

10.5324/fn.v26i0.570 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 26 ◽

Author(s):

Dag Dolmen ◽

Jon K. Skei ◽

Inggard Blakar

Keyword(s):

Rana Temporaria ◽

Bufo Bufo ◽

Minor Importance ◽

Font Size ◽

Rana Arvalis ◽

Triturus Cristatus ◽

Highland Region ◽

Species Tolerance ◽

Southern Norway ◽

The Impact

To determine the impact that anthropogenic acidification has had on natural amphibian populations in Scandinavia and to trace the species’ tolerance limits, in 1988-89 four poorly buffered areas in Norway were investigated; three were anthropogenically acidified and the fourth was not. The increasing acidification from the coastal to inland/highland region of Southern and Southeastern Norway (pH 7.2-4.1) was accompanied by a decreasing frequency of amphibian (Rana temporaria, Bufo bufo and Triturus vulgaris) localities. In the (anthropogenically) non-acidified Central Norway region (pH 6.8-4.6), R. temporaria was very common at all pH levels. The data strongly suggest that acidification explains the absence of amphibians locally in the acidified areas, and has caused their extinction in the inland/highland region of Southern Norway. A pH of 4.5-4.6 is the critical minimum for R. temporaria populations in small, poorly buffered, boggy, water-bodies as were investigated here. For B. bufo, the lowest pH recorded was 4.7, and for T. vulgaris 4.8. We did not find any signs of successful reproduction in Rana arvalis and Triturus cristatus below a pH of 5.2 and 5.3, respectively. Increased contents of Ca2+, Na+ (NaCl) or humus (NOM) had an ameliorating effect on the amphibians in acidic water. The presence of Al was of only minor importance for the amphibians in humic waters. In a strategy for the conservation of amphibians in acidified or acidifying areas, liming (CaCO3) and/or NaCl treatment of the localities may work well in order to establish a satisfying aquatic environment for the species. The study may act as a baseline for further surveys in the future when acidic precipitation hopefully has decreased, looking for improvements of the habitats and possible recoveries of amphibian sites.

Download Full-text

Contributions to the Knowledge on the Amphibians and Reptiles of Teleorman County (Southern Romania)

Travaux du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle “Grigore Antipa” ◽

10.1515/travmu-2016-0009 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 58 (1-2) ◽

pp. 63-71

Author(s):

Alexandru Iftime ◽

Oana Iftime

Keyword(s):

Bufo Bufo ◽

Amphibian Species ◽

Triturus Cristatus ◽

Emys Orbicularis ◽

Lissotriton Vulgaris ◽

Hyla Arborea ◽

Reptile Species ◽

Bombina Bombina ◽

Lacerta Agilis ◽

Rana Dalmatina

Abstract The results of faunistical surveys of the amphibians in Teleorman county (Southern Romania) are presented here; we have identified nine amphibian species (Triturus cristatus, Lissotriton vulgaris, Bombina bombina, Pelobates syriacus, P. fuscus, Bufo bufo, B. viridis, Hyla arborea, Rana dalmatina, Pelophylax ridibundus), two amphibian hybrids (Triturus cristatus × T. dobrogicus and Pelophylax kl. esculentus) and six reptile species (Emys orbicularis, Lacerta agilis, L. viridis, Podarcis tauricus, Natrix natrix, Dolichophis caspius), with new records for many of these.

Download Full-text