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 Herpetofauna of the Podkielecki Landscape Protection Area

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

scholarly journals Herpetofauna of the Pieprzowe Mountains Nature Reserve and adjacent areas

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

scholarly journals A rapid biodiversity assessment of Lesotho’s first proposed Biosphere Reserve: a case study of Bokong Nature Reserve and Tšehlanyane National Park

Bothalia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lerato Seleteng-Kose ◽  
Khotso Kobisi ◽  
Ruida Pool-Stanvliet ◽  
Khotso Mohapi
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
National Park ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Rapid Assessment ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
The Core ◽  
Baseline Information

Background: Two of Lesotho’s protected areas, namely Bokong Nature Reserve and Tšehlanyane National Park, form the core area of the country’s first proposed Biosphere Reserve. Biodiversity is a key aspect needed to justify nomination of a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. Previously documented biodiversity of the two protected areas is limited in terms of coverage and scope as well as being outdated. The aim of the current study was to conduct a rapid assessment of the biodiversity, including endemism, of the proposed Biosphere Reserve to inform the formal nomination process.Methods: A field survey was undertaken over 112 033 ha in the core, buffer and transition zones of the proposed Biosphere Reserve during which species of both flora and fauna were documented. Purposeful recordings were made during different seasons to incorporate various flowering seasons of the plants, as well as faunal species that may hibernate or migrate seasonally.Results: A total of 380 plant species was recorded, 30 of which are legally protected in the country, 60 endemic to the Drakensberg Mountain Centre, and two species (Aloe polyphylla and Glumicalyx lesuticus) are endemic to Lesotho. The former is the national flower of Lesotho and is under threat due to illegal trade. Sixteen mammal species were recorded, seven of which are legally protected in the country, as well as 53 bird species (including the IUCN Red Listed vulture species, Gyps coprotheres and Gypaetus barbatus). Two fish species were also recorded including Pseudobarbus quathlambae, which is Lesotho’s only known endemic vertebrate species, as well as seven reptile and three amphibian species (two of which are near endemic namely Amietia delalandii and A. vertebralis).Conclusion: This survey has provided valuable baseline information on the biodiversity (particularly regarding the flora and avifauna) of the proposed Biosphere Reserve, which includes two protected areas namely Bokong Nature Reserve and Tšehlanyane National Park. The findings reflect the biodiversity value of the area and will contribute towards its nomination as Lesotho’s first Biosphere Reserve.

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 Flowering plants of Rajiv Gandhi (Nagarahole) National Park, Karnataka, India

Check List ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 1052
Author(s):  
Ramasamy Manikandan ◽  
Pakishirajan Lakshminarasimhan
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Western Ghats ◽  
National Park ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Flowering Plants ◽  
Biodiversity Hotspots ◽  
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve ◽  
The Western Ghats

The Rajiv Gandhi National Park encompasses a rich biodiversity of both flora and fauna and is regarded as one of the richest protected areas in Asia. It is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and covers foot-hills of the Brahmagiri hill ranges in the Western Ghats, which is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots and epicenter of Indian endemics harbouring species-rich-habitats and supporting a high biodiversity. This is evident in its flowering plants diversity brought to focus during the present study. The National Park spreads over an area of 643.39 km2, harbours 1337 species, 14 subspecies and 34 varieties of Angiosperms distributed over 754 genera and 152 families. Notably 110 species of these are endemic. A complete inventory of all the recorded species is provided here.

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.

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.

scholarly journals The role of protected areas in destination choice in the European Alps

2014 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrike Pröbstl-Haider ◽  
Wolfgang Haider
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
National Park ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Destination Choice ◽  
German Population ◽  
European Alps ◽  
Nature Park ◽  
Nature Experience

AbstractThis paper investigates the role of protected areas (PA) for destination choice in the European Alps. It is based on the analysis of the most relevant types of PA (national park, nature park, biosphere reserve), constituting part of the supply of tourism development, and a representative survey of the German population interested in holidays in the alpine area, representing the demand. Our analysis of the legal framework showed that all three types of PA facilitate tourism development, albeit in different ways. The survey included a generic choice experiment of alpine destinations with 17 attributes. Its location in or close to a PA was included as one variable. This destination demand study in an area of origin provided a different perspective on the preference for PA compared to other studies, and revealed significant differences between respondents with and without previous experiences in the Alps. The alpine experienced tourist is more likely to distinguish between the various types of PA such as national park and nature park. For the inexperienced alpine tourist, representing latent demand, the branding effect of PA is rather limited. For nearly all tourists, experienced and inexperienced, and across all segments, offers that include a nature experience are important. Nature experience, which is offered by all types of PA, is of high relevance within the destination choice and should therefore be used more intensely in destination marketing based on PA. Overall, this study shows that the role of PA for destination choice is not as strong as is reported by most of the published literature, as most of these studies are based on surveys in the destination and use single item scaling questions, which overvalue the role of PA.

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