Factors influencing the breeding habitat use by amphibians in the alpine area of the Retezat National Park (Romania)

2010 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 469-478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodica Plăiaşu ◽  
Raluca Băncilă ◽  
Ciprian Samoilă ◽  
Dan Cogălniceanu
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
National Park ◽  
Rana Temporaria ◽  
Human Impacts ◽  
Bufo Bufo ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Aquatic Habitats ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Alpine Area

Factors influencing the breeding habitat use by amphibians in the alpine area of the Retezat National Park (Romania) We analyzed the distribution of amphibians according to the characteristics of breeding ponds in the alpine areas of the Retezat National Park. We inventoried 50 aquatic habitats between 1920 and 2260 m a.s.l. Three amphibian species are present at high altitudes: Rana temporaria, Bufo bufo and Mesotriton alpestris. They were found in 70% of the aquatic habitats, but only 48% were used as spawning sites. Human impacts and predators were the most influential variables explaining the occurrence of R. temporaria, whereas location and pond adjacent terrain were important for M. alpestris. Moderate grazing had a positive effect by maintaining low vegetation or providing nutrients input in the oligotrophic aquatic habitats.

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

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.

scholarly journals Faunistic review of amphibians in protected areas of Ukrainian Roztochia

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

scholarly journals Herpetofauna of the Kozubów Landscape Park

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 7-14
Author(s):  
Dariusz Wojdan ◽  
Ilona Żeber-Dzikowska ◽  
Barbara Gworek ◽  
Ewa Lisowska-Mieszkowska ◽  
Jarosław Chmielewski
Keyword(s):  
Rana Temporaria ◽  
Bufo Bufo ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Tree Frog ◽  
Common Frog ◽  
Common Toad ◽  
Rana Arvalis ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Triturus Cristatus ◽  
Hyla Arborea

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.

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

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-140 ◽  
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.

Ecological factors influencing habitat use by chimpanzees at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda

2015 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 432-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin B. Potts ◽  
Erica Baken ◽  
Ashley Levang ◽  
David P. Watts
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
National Park ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Kibale National Park ◽  
Factors Influencing

scholarly journals Effects of host species and environmental factors on the prevalence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in northern Europe

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Kärvemo ◽  
Sara Meurling ◽  
David Berger ◽  
Jacob Höglund ◽  
Anssi Laurila
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis ◽  
Rana Temporaria ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Bufo Bufo ◽  
Host Community ◽  
Rana Arvalis ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Landscape Variables ◽  
Mature Forest

AbstractThe fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a major threat to amphibian populations. Here we asked if the prevalence of Bd differs between amphibian species and whether it is related to local environmental factors in breeding habitats as well as landscape variables measured at three scales (500, 2000 and 5000 m radius) in southernmost Sweden. We sampled 947 anurans from six species in 31 ponds. Canopy cover, pond perimeter, pH and temperature were treated as local scale pond characteristics. Number of surrounding ponds, area of arable land, area of mature forest and number of resident people were treated as landscape variables. Bufo bufo and Rana temporaria had a prevalence of 0.5-1.0% which differed strongly from the other four species (Bombina bombina, Bufotes variabilis, Epidalea calamita, Rana arvalis) showing 13-64% prevalence. Bd prevalence in these four species was higher in ponds with higher pH, surrounded by a landscape with less mature forest and few wetlands. Our results show that the infection dynamics of Bd are complex and depend on local pond characteristics, host community composition and the spatial scale under investigation. Information on environmental factors associated with Bd and species differences in susceptibility may mitigate further spread of the disease through public information and guide conservational action plans, especially for the most threatened species.

Herpesvirus-Associated Proliferative Skin Disease in Frogs and Toads: Proposed Pathogenesis

2021 ◽  
pp. 030098582110063
Author(s):  
Francesco C. Origgi ◽  
Patricia Otten ◽  
Petra Lohmann ◽  
Ursula Sattler ◽  
Thomas Wahli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Rana Temporaria ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Bufo Bufo ◽  
Careful Examination ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Cell Remodeling ◽  
Tissue Changes

A comparative study was carried out on common and agile frogs ( Rana temporaria and R. dalmatina) naturally infected with ranid herpesvirus 3 (RaHV3) and common toads ( Bufo bufo) naturally infected with bufonid herpesvirus 1 (BfHV1) to investigate common pathogenetic pathways and molecular mechanisms based on macroscopic, microscopic, and ultrastructural pathology as well as evaluation of gene expression. Careful examination of the tissue changes, supported by in situ hybridization, at different stages of development in 6 frogs and 14 toads revealed that the skin lesions are likely transient, and part of a tissue cycle necessary for viral replication in the infected hosts. Transcriptomic analysis, carried out on 2 naturally infected and 2 naïve common frogs ( Rana temporaria) and 2 naturally infected and 2 naïve common toads ( Bufo bufo), revealed altered expression of genes involved in signaling and cell remodeling in diseased animals. Finally, virus transcriptomics revealed that both RaHV3 and BfHV1 had relatively high expression of a putative immunomodulating gene predicted to encode a decoy receptor for tumor necrosis factor in the skin of the infected hosts. Thus, the comparable lesions in infected frogs and toads appear to reflect a concerted epidermal and viral cycle, with presumptive involvement of signaling and gene remodeling host and immunomodulatory viral genes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document