HERPETOLOGICAL FACTS JOURNAL
Transcription
HERPETOLOGICAL FACTS JOURNAL
Daugavpils University Institute of Ecology nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” HERPETOLOGICAL FACTS JOURNAL ISSN 2256-0327 Issue 1 Supplement 1 Proceedings of the 2nd International Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca”. 14th - 15th August 2014, Daugavpils, Latvia Daugavpils 2014 1 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” LIFE Project LIFE-HerpetoLatvia „Conservation of Rare Reptiles and Amphibians in Latvia” (LIFE09NAT/LV/000239) is co-financed by European Commission. Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327 Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2nd international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca”. 14th - 15th August 2014. Daugavpils, Latvia Edited and reviewed by: Dr. Victor Bakharev, Mozyr Pedagogical University, BELARUS Dr. Sergey Drobenkov, National Academy of Sciences, BELARUS Dr. Anne-Claire Martina Meeske, NABU Niedersachsen, GERMANY Dr. Oksana Nekrasova, National Academy of Sciences, UKRAINE Dr. Dario Ottonello, Genoa University, ITALY Dr. Sebastiano Salvidio, Genoa University, ITALY Dr. Arturs Skute, Daugavpils University, LATVIA Dr. Natalia Skute, Daugavpils University, LATVIA Responsible Editors: Dr. Aija Pupina, Daugavpils University, Latgales Zoo, LATVIA Dr. Mihails Pupins, Daugavpils University, Latgales Zoo, LATVIA Dr. Andris Čeirāns, University of Latvia, LATVIA Published by: „Herpetological Facts Journal”. Institute of Ecology, Daugavpils University. Parades 1, Daugavpils, Latvia. ISSN 2256-0327. www.herpba.com, [email protected] Herpetological Facts Journal is an open access journal. Contacts: web-site: www.ecology.lv; www.herpba.com; e-mail: [email protected] 2 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” CONTENTS CONTENTS THE CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS 3 5 6 Ayres C. NIFS: THE DEFINITIVE THREAT TO ISOLATED POPULATIONS OF EMYS ORBICULARIS? Bonte C., Van Hecke A. THE SMOOTH SNAKE (CORONELLA AUSTRIACA) IN THE CROSS-BORDER NATURE PARK DE ZOOMKALMTHOUTSE HEIDE 12 Under reviewing 17 Čeirāns A., Nikolajeva L. STUDY OF SMOOTH SNAKE (CORONELLA AUSTRIACA) POPULATION IN THE SLOKAS BOG, LATVIA 22 Idrisova L. PECULIARITY OF EXTERNAL MORPHOLOGY OF COLUBRID SNAKES (COLUBRIDAE) FOUND ON SARALINSKY DISTRICT OF THE VOLGA-KAMA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 33 Lesnichy D.Y. ECOLOGICAL FEATURES AND LANDSCAPE BIOTOPICAL DISTRIBUTION EMYS ORBICULARIS (L., 1758) IN NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS OF PRIPAYT POLESYE OF BELARUS 42 Meeske A.-C. M., Poggenburg C. REINTRODUCTION OF THE EUROPEAN POND TURTLE (EMYS ORBICULARIS L.) IN NORTHWEST-GERMANY – FIRST RESULTS AFTER FIRST RELEASE 46 Nekrasova O. DISTRIBUTIONS OF CORONELLA AUSTRIACA LAURENTI, 1768 IN UKRAINE: MODELING AND PREDICTION 61 Ottonello D., Salvidio S., Oneto F., Jesu R., Gili C., Gnone G., Lamagni L., Ortale S., CONSERVATION OF EMYS ORBICULARIS IN LIGURIA (NW ITALY) 67 7 3 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Genta P. Pupina A., Pupins M. PROJECT LIFE-HERPETOLATVIA: FIRST RESULTS ON CONSERVATION OF BOMBINA BOMBINA IN LATVIA 76 Pupins M., Pupina A. PROJECT LIFE-HERPETOLATVIA: FIRST RESULTS ON CONSERVATION OF EMYS ORBICULARIS IN LATVIA 85 Salvidio S., Oneto F., Ottonello D., Braida L., Ferravante C., Grasselli E., Vecchione G., Canessa S., Arillo A., Cardelli M. CONSERVATION OF THE APENNINE YELLOW-BELLIED TOAD BOMBINA VARIEGATA PACHYPUS IN LIGURIA (NW ITALY) 97 Bakharev V.A. HYSTORY OF FORMING OF AREA AND MODERN SITUATION OF ITS BORDERS FOR EMYS ORBICULARIS L., 1758 IN BELARUS AND NEIGHBORING TERRITORIES NEW FINDINGS OF RARE AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE SPECIES IN MOZYR AND PRIPAT POLESYE 105 Lukashevich V. THE POLESIA STATE RADIOECOLOGICAL RESERVE AS A RESERVATE FOR SMOOTH SNAKE (CORONELLA AUSTRIACA LAURENTI, 1768) IN REPUBLIC OF BELARUS 125 Smirnov N. DISTRIBUTION OF BOMBINA BOMBINA AND BOMBINA VARIEGATA (ANURA: BOMBINATORIDAE) IN CHERNIVTSI REGION, UKRAINE 141 Surydnaya N., Mikitinets G., Busel V. NEW FINDINGS BOMBINA BOMBINA (LINNAEUS, 1761) AT THE PERIPHERY OF THE AREA 148 Under reviewing 159 Bakharev V.A., Lesnichy D.Y. 114 4 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” THE CONFERENCE The Conference is annual. The 2nd International Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” was held in Daugavpils, Latvia in 14th – 15th August 2014, supported by LIFE Project LIFE-HerpetoLatvia LIFE09NAT/LV/000239 "Conservation of rare reptiles and amphibians in Latvia. The main topics of the conference covered different aspects of research, management of populations, and conservation in-situ and ex-situ of three species of herpetofauna: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca: Practical results of LIFE, European, national, local and other projects connected with conservation or research on target species; Genetic analyses and its role in management of populations; Management practices for sustainability of populations; Zooculture and aquaculture of main species ex-situ and in-situ, technologies of keeping, domestication’s problems, modernization; General biology and ecology of target species; Other species connected with main species (plants forming biotope; animals species as a food, predators, sympatric species, competitors etc.) Connections between human impact, water and terrestrial ecosystems and target species; Experimental and theoretical approaches to surveys and data processing; Distribution, new findings, natural area, climate and habitats; Health conditions, diseases and veterinary; Re-introduction programs, population enforcements by releasing in wild and their results or problems. Diets and feeding of these species; Aquatic and terrestrial invasive species as threats; Role of education and public awareness in conservation programs Practical part of the conference was in a form of work visits to: sites and territories of Project LIFE-HerpetoLatvia (near to borders with Belarus and Lithuania); facilities for Emys orbicularis breeding in Rare Amphibian and Reptile Breeding Centre; new Laboratory of Aquaculture of Institute of Ecology of Daugavpils university; future Natura 2000 territory for Bombina bombina; sites of Emys orbicularis findings in wild near to Daugavpils; territory where largest B.bombina population in Latvia. 5 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” PARTICIPANTS Photo: Visit to the Latvian Rare Reptiles and Amphibians Centre. Countries: Belarus, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Russia, Spain, Ukraine Participants: Arillo A., Cesar Ayres, Victor Bakharev, Vladimir Bobrov, Christoffel Bonte, Braida L., Lars Briggs, Stanisław Bury, Viktor Busel, Canessa S., Cardelli M., Andris Čeirāns, Adrian Deas, Derunkov A.V., Sergey Drobenkov, Ferravante C., Genta P., Jean-Yves Georges, Gili C., Gnone G., Grzegorz Górecki, Grasselli E., André Van Hecke, Lija Idrisova, Jesu R., Philippe Kniebly, Korzun E.V., Kulikova E.A., Lamagni L., Dmitry Lesnichy, Fabrice Levresse, Zanda Lisovska, Valery Lukashevich, Noémie Martin, Sławomir Mitrus, Uwe Meissner, Galina Mikitinets, Bartłomiej Najbar, Oksana Nekrasova, Larisa Nikolajeva, Ruslan Novitsky, Oneto F., Ortale S., Dario Ottonello, Alicja Pacholewska, Peskova T. Yu., Pestinis I., Beata Prusak, Aija Pupiņa, Mihails Pupins, Benoît Quintard, Ostap Reshetylo, Sebastiano Salvidio, Nazar Smirnov, Natalja Škute, Nataliya Suryadnaya, Vecchione G., Olga Yanchurevich, Zhukova T.I., Jelena Zukova. 6 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” NIFS: THE DEFINITIVE THREAT TO ISOLATED POPULATIONS OF EMYS ORBICULARIS? Cesar Ayres Asociación Herpetológica Española (AHE). Apdo. 191, 28911, Leganes (Madrid), Spain [email protected] ABSTRACT Non-indigenous freshwater species (NIFS) are one of the biggest problems to local biodiversity, especially in freshwater habitats. Some of these species have changed the composition of the original communities of their new habitats. The impact of some of the most common NIFS, as the red eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), are well known. Usually the impact is based on direct competence for food, basking areas or nesting areas. Other NIFS as the racoon (Procyon lotor) can predate over European pond turtles, being able to mutilate or even eradicate small isolated populations. But the last threat, and maybe the most important, could be the spill-over of parasites from NIFS to Emys orbicularis. This is the case of the event detected in a small population from NW Spain, where transmission of trematodes from red-eared sliders resulted in a mortality outbreak. Key words: NIFS, Procyon, Trachemys, Emys, parasites, Spain. Non-indigenous freshwater species (NIFS) can be introduced deliberately or unintentionally (Gherardi et al 2008), but all of them might have detrimental effects on native biodiversity (Cobo et al. 2010). Ecosystem alteration, introduction of alien species that usually became invasive, and globalization that permits movement of merchandises and passengers in a few hours, represent factors that are involved in the dispersal of new pathogens. Several cases of negative effects due to pathogen spillover have been reported in Europe, as the parasitic fungus (Aphanomices astaci. Schikora) propagate from American crayfishes (Peeler et al. 2011) to native crayfishes, also Aleutian mink disease virus propagated by American mink to the endangered European mink (Manas et al. 2001). In Galicia region (NW Spain) there are several reports that introduction of alien species produced a severe decline of native species, caused by transmission of pathogens or parasites. The problems in the European eel (Anguilla anguilla. Shaw) populations due to the spread of the swinbladder nematode Anguilicolloides crassus. Kuwahara, Niimi & Hagaki (Gollock et al. 2004) are well known. 7 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” The impact of some of the most common NFIS, as the red eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans.Wied.), are well known. Even though that it was supposed that the species was not able to cope with European winters (Luiselli et al. 1997), later the data supported its tolerance. Usually the impact is based on direct competence for food, basking areas or nesting areas (Cadi and Joly 2003, 2004). In the Iberian Peninsula it have been tested the detrimental effects on native turtles (Mauremys leprosa. Schweiger). T. scripta cues are avoided by M. leprosa (Polo-Cavia et al. 2009a), changing their use of the space available. When M. leprosa share space with T. scripta, its access to food resources is limited by the presence of the alien turtle (PoloCavia et al. 2011). Also, native turtles bask shorter times and avoided use of basking platforms shared with sliders (Polo-Cavia et al. 2010a). T. scripta has a higher termal inertia, that represents an advantage in the competition with native turtles (Polo-Cavia et al. 2009b). The shape of its carapace allows the alien species to turn right-side up faster than M. leprosa (Polo-Cavia et al. 2012a). Experiments comparing bioenergetics of M. leprosa and T. scripta showed that both species differ in thermal requirements (PoloCavia et al. 2012b), being more efficient the alien one. A review of the detrimental effects caused by red-eared sliders on native herpetofauna has been published recently by PoloCavia et al. (2014). A Life project funded by the European Union has been running from 2011 to 2013 in the Iberian Peninsula, most of the actions were developed in the Eastern coast of Spain, but with some actions developed in the South of Portugal. More than 22.000 turtles have been captured during the LIFE Trachemys project (LIFE Trachemys Layman´s report). Other NIFS that have arrived recently to the Iberian Peninsula is the racoon (Procyon lotor. Linnaeus.), with multiple introductions (Alda et al. 2013). This alien species can predate over European pond turtles, being able to mutilate or even eradicate small isolated populations (Schneeweis & Wolf 2009). It was first detected in the Sureste Regional Park, in Madrid region, in 2003. More than 300 ex. have been captured during a culling campaign (Garcia et al. 2012). Later it was detected in the surroundings of Doñana National Park in 2011 (Fernandez-Aguilar et al. 2012), at least 11 raccoons were captured in that area. Last year it was detected the presence of the species in the Miño river in Galicia region (NW Spain). As all European pond turtle populations in Galicia inhabit tributaries of the Miño river, or surrounding areas, the presence of the raccoon could be an important threat that should be controlled as soon as possible. The last threat, and maybe the most important, is the spillover of parasites from NIFS to Emys orbicularis. Linnaeus. Parasite host switching between native and alien turtles have been reported by Verneau et al. (2011), and later host switching between alien and native turtles by Meyer et al. (2014). In those studies no detrimental effects on native turtles are reported, but it´s suggested that spillover of parasites from sliders could occur. 8 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” This is the case of the outbreak event detected in a small population from North Western Spain, where transmission of trematodes from red-eared sliders resulted in mortality of European pond turtles (Iglesias et al. in press). During winter 2012-13 was detected the first case of blood fluke switching between T. scripta and E. orbicularis. Several turtles died due to damage in internal organs caused by the eggs of Spirorchis elegans. Stunkard. To our knowledge, this is the first case detected in Europe of mortality associated with spillover of parasites from alien turtles to autochthonous pond turtles. Mortality caused by this parasite could decimate small isolated populations of European pond turtles, as there is no treatment available. REFERENCES Alda, F., Ruiz-López, M. J., García, F. J., Gompper, M. E., Eggert, L. S., García, J. T. (2013). Genetic evidence for multiple introduction events of raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Spain. Biological invasions, 15(3): 687-698. Cadi, A., Joly, P. (2003). Competition for basking places between the endangered European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis galloitalica) and the introduced red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). Canadian Journal of Zoology, 81: 1392-1398. Cadi A, Joly P (2004). Impact of the introduction of the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) on survival rates of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). Biodiversity & Conservation, 13, 2511-2518. Cobo, F., Vieira-Lanero, R., Rego, E., Servia, M. J. (2010). Temporal trends in nonindigenous freshwater species records during the 20th century: a case study in the Iberian Peninsula. Biodiversity and conservation, 19 (12): 3471-3487. Fernández-Aguilar, X., Molina-Vacas, G., Ramiro, V., Carro, F. A., Barasosa, J. Á., Vicente, J., Gutiérrez, C. (2012). Presence of raccoon (Procyon lotor) in Doñana National Park and its surroundings. Galemys, 24, 76-79. García, J.T., García, F.J., Alda F, González, J.L., Aramburu, M.J., Cortés, Y., Prieto, B., Pliego, B., Pérez, M., Herrera, J., García-Román, L. (2012). Recent invasion and reproduction of the Raccoon (Procyon lotor) in Spain. Biological Invasions, 14:1305– 1310 Gherardi, F., Bertolino, S., Bodon, M., Casellato, S., Cianfanelli, S., Ferraguti, M., Lori, E., Mura, G., Nocita, A., Riccardi, N., Rossetti, G., Rota, E., Scalera, R., Zerunian, S., Tricarico, E. (2008). Animal xenodiversity in Italian inland waters: distribution, modes of arrival, and pathways. Biological Invasions, 10(4):435–454. Gollock, M. J., Kennedy, C. R., Quabius, E. S., Brown, J. A. (2004). The effect of parasitism of European eels with the nematode, Anguillicola crassus on the impact of netting and aerial exposure. Aquaculture, 233 (1): 45-54. 9 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Iglesias, R., García-Estévez, J.M., Ayres C., Acuña A., Cordero-Rivera A. First reported outbreak of severe spirorchiidiasis in Emys orbicularis , probably resulting from a parasite spillover event. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms. doi: 10.3354/dao02812 Manas, S., Cena, J. C., Ruiz-Olmo, J., Palazón, S., Domingo, M., Wolfinbarger, J. B., Bloom, M. E. (2001). Aleutian mink disease parvovirus in wild riparian carnivores in Spain. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 37 (1): 138-144. Meyer, L., Du Preez, L., Bonneau, E., Héritier, L., Quintana, M. F., Valdeón, A., Sadaoui, A., Kechemir-Issad, N., Palacios, C., Verneau, O. (2014). Parasite host-switching from the invasive American red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans, to the native Mediterranean pond turtle, Mauremys leprosa, in natural environments. Aquatic Invasions, 9: In press. Peeler, E. J., Oidtmann, B. C., Midtlyng, P. J., Miossec, L., Gozlan, R. E. (2011). Non-native aquatic animals introductions have driven disease emergence in Europe. Biological Invasions, 13 (6): 1291-1303. Polo-Cavia, N.; López, P., Martín, J. (2008). Interspecific differences in responses to predation risk may confer competitive advantages to invasive freshwater turtle species. Ethology, 114: 115-123. Polo-Cavia, N.; López, P., Martín, J.. (2009a). Interspecific differences in chemosensory responses of freshwater turtles: consequences for competition between native and invasive species. Biological Invasions, 11: 431-440. Polo-Cavia, N.; López, P., Martín, J. (2009b). Interspecific differences in heat exchange rates may affect competition between introduced and native freshwater turtles. Biological Invasions, 11: 1755-1765. Polo-Cavia, N.; López, P., Martín, J. (2010a). Competitive interactions during basking between native and invasive freshwater turtle species. Biological Invasions, 12: 2141-2152. Polo-Cavia, N.; López, P., Martín, J. (2011). Aggressive interactions during feeding between native and invasive freshwater turtles. Biological Invasions, 13: 13871396. Polo-Cavia, N.; López, P., Martín, J. (2012a). Effects of body temperature on righting performance of native and invasive freshwater turtles: consequences for competition. Physiology and Behaviour, 108: 28-33. Polo-Cavia, N.; López, P., Martín, J. (2012b). Feeding status and basking requirements of freshwater turtles in an invasion context. Physiology and Behaviour, 105: 12081213. 10 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Schneeweis, N., Wolf, M. (2009). Neozoen–eine neue Gefahr für die Reliktpopulationen der Europäischen Sumpfschildkröte in Nordostdeutschland. Zeitschrift für Feldherpetologie, 16, 163-182. Verneau, O., Palacios, C., Platt, T., Alday, M., Billard, E., Allienne, J. F., Basso, C., Du Preez, L. H. (2011). Invasive species threat: parasite phylogenetics reveals patterns and processes of host-switching between non-native and native captive freshwater turtles. Parasitology, 138 (13): 1778-1792. 11 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” THE SMOOTH SNAKE (CORONELLA AUSTRIACA) IN THE CROSS-BORDER NATURE PARK DE ZOOM-KALMTHOUTSE HEIDE Christoffel Bonte 1, André Van Hecke 2 www.freanonherping.be, [email protected], www.grensparkzk.be 1 [email protected], 2 [email protected] INTRODUCTION The Cross-border park De Zoom – Kalmthoutse Heide is a 6000 ha large nature reserve, extending over the Belgian-Dutch border. The center zone of the park (about 1500 ha) consist of continental dunes, dry and wet heathland and ponds and fens. The Smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) was sparsely found across the open area. METHOD Figure 1. Map of cross-border nature park De Zoom – Kalmthoutse Heide. Since 2011 a group of 9 volunteers have been conducting research into the ecology of this population with the goal of contributing to the overall knowledge and conservation of the species. A capture-mark-recapture study was initiated by dividing the Smooth snake habitat into 5 research zones, based on former observations. Researchers where assigned 12 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” a zone to monitor and where trained in catching, measuring, weighing and photographing the snakes. To facilitate in the monitoring, artificial refuges where lain out. RESULTS In 2014 a report was compiled by A. Van Hecke and C. Bonte with the results of our 3 year research including data of two inventary projects spanning 1998 to 2008: Research into the Ecology of the Smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) in the Cross-border Park De Zoom Kalmthoutse Heide with Conservation Advice (2011-2013) (in Dutch). From 2011 to 2013, 204 different individual Smooth snakes where caught (Graf 1). Of all these individuals, 105 recatches where done. With these catches a population estimation was made (formula of Schnabel) which resulted in 2288 ± 1133 individuals. The collected data also provided us with the means to estimate the age of measured snakes. The oldest individuals we caught seem to be around 25 years old (Graf 2). Figure 2. Individual snakes are recognizable by their colour pattern. Note that newly born snakes already exhibit their unique pattern (2nd photo from the right) and that even occasional photos from visitors can be used for identification (1st photo from the right). In the field, some of our snakes remained of unsure sex, so our own observations where used to delineate the ranges of morphologidal characters (Graf 3). In contrast to literature, a large part of the females in our population exhibit a yearly breeding cycle. Based on the weight loss of pregnant females and the weight of newly borns, we are now able to roughly calculate the amount of young per female (Graf 4). 13 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Graf 1. Sex and age distribution of caught Smooth snakes from 2011 until 2013. Graf 2. Age calculation of caught Smooth snakes, based on recatches of >1year apart. CONCLUSION In the cross-border park De Zoom – Kalmthoutse Heide, the Smooth snake population seems to be several thousands individuals large and occupies nearly all the open, dry habitat available. The morphological values of our snakes accord good to those found in the literature. The snakes appear to be active from late March until the end of October, 14 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” with an activity peak during summer. Despite the secretive nature of the Smooth snake, pregnant females, whilst clustering together during the brooding period, are easily seen. -In contrast to notes in literature, ours seem to be able to reproduce yearly. As true inhabitants of the dry heath, they do not seem to show the need for communal hibernation grounds, known from the other northern-European snakes. Graf 3. Sexing criteria of Smooth snakes based on clearly visible and definitely sexed. Graf 4. Reproductive output calculation based on recorded weight loss in pregnant females. 15 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Smooth snakes show a high preference for dry open duneland habitat mostly covered by old heath. A dense vegetation layer, combined with small open areas seems locally to be the optimum habitat. They do not mind some sparse shrub cover, but where never found traversing closed forests. Within wet areas they are almost always found on dry ridges (even very small), which can be created as effective conservation means. A big fire in 2011 destroyed a big part of the habitat and seemed to have killed a big part of the resident population through direct (burning) and indirect (lack of food, habitat, increased predation) effects. Also a road through the nature reserve is a current threat and shows that Smooth snakes are very vulnerable to traffic. Despite these threats, the population seems big and robust enough to be able to recover from them. They even seem to be able to (re)colonise (re)created habitat in only a few years time. ACKNOWLEGEMENTS This research had not been possible without the support of Grenspark De Zoom – Kalmthoutse Heide, especially by Ignace Ledegen in person. All the participating researchers were (and are) of course vital for this project: Steven De Saeger, Johan Devolder, Bert Hoeyberghs, Dan & Marc Slootmaekers, Wim Demey and Peter Lania. Thank you to everyone. Also the reserve owners and management deserve mention here: Natuurpunt and Agency for Nature and Forestry (BE), Natuurmonumenten and Staatsbosbeheer (NL) and various private owners. 16 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Under reviewing 17 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” 18 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” 19 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” 20 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” 21 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” STUDY OF SMOOTH SNAKE (CORONELLA AUSTRIACA) POPULATION IN THE SLOKAS BOG, LATVIA Andris Čeirāns 1, Larisa Nikolajeva 2 1 Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia & Project LIFE HerpetoLatvia 2 Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia 1 [email protected] ABSTRACT Four year long artificial refugee study was carried out in the Slokas bog, in one of largest smooth snake population in Latvia. Snakes were marked using PIT-tags, observed densities were 10-15 individuals per ha in good, but 1-2 individuals per ha – in poor populations. Typical habitats are dominated by heather Calluna vulgaris, characteristic is also Eriphorum vaginatum, in many cases with admixture of Ledum palustre and Rubus chamaemorus. Tree storey was relatively sparse, 20-30 %, dominated by pine from birch admixture. Factors determinig population density varied in different parts of the bogs, in some cases it was vegetation characteristics, in others – densities of food items – other reptiles. Key words: artificial refugee study, habitats, vegetation, population density INTRODUCTION The Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca) is extreemely rare reptile species in Latvia, whose verified records are located in a narrow zone along west coast of the Gulf of Riga (Čeirāns 2012). Coronella austriaca in Latvia have experienced shrinking of the species range in the middle of 20th century, when populations around Riga City, known from the first half of the 20th century (Siliņš & Lamsters 1934), disappeared. Presently species range is divided by the city of Riga and River Daugava into two parts. Smaller one is recently discovered population in Ādaži military area northeast from Riga, but larger one is a chain of isolated or semi-isolated populations from Ķemeri National Park in southeast to Slītere National Park in northwest. Ķemeri National Park have several populations, with presumably largest being population in north-east – in Slokas Bog (Čeirāns 2000). This is the territory where Coronella austriaca records are being made most often, and it is also most often visited site by herpetologists. However, more detailed studies necessary for species conservation planning here were lacking. 22 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” The aim of the present paper is to report about Coronella austriaca population size and distribution pattern in the Slokas Bog, and to identify possible population limiting factors for this important Coronella austriaca population. The other task of this study is being a reference point for further monitoring of species here, because it is a site where habitats have beeing gradually changed during last decades due to water regime alteration in the bog. This is a first detailed Coronella austriaca study in Latvia, and to our knowledge, first study in eastern part of the range, where artificial cover method have been used. Coronella austriaca is a secretive species, most of the time it spends hiding in dense vegetation, and seldom exposing itself to observer (Kerry 2002, Hartel et al. 2009). This ectotermic species, however, often can be found under various large and flat objects, especially if they warm up in the sun, offering for snake secure and warm hiding place. Artificial refugees used in studies, usually are dark coloured profiled metal plates which are placed on ground, and used by snakes as hiding places. Observer chek these plates for the presence of snakes once aday, several times aweek. Coronella austriaca is a reptile species where such method have had best results (Mutz & Glandt 2004), but the plates are often used by other reptile species as well. Coronella austriaca is a herpetophagous species with main food objects being lizards (Drobenkov 2000). In the Slokas bog there are two lizard species present – viviparous lizard (Zootoca vivipara) and Slow Worm (Anguis frgilis). Hence artifical refugee survey here is a good method to study snake distribution and food object availability. MATERIALS AND METHODS Slokas bog (in Latvian - Slokas un Vecais purvs) is located in the Coastal Lowland in central part of Latvia, some 2.5 km from the sea coast and 1.5 km west from Jūrmala Town, in Ķemeri National Park. The area of the bog is more than 6 km2, in about 1/3rd of the territory have peat pits left after peat extraction in 1950ties, and presently filled with water. Peat extraction have altered water regime in wast areas. Main habitat is raised bog with various degree of degradation, from tall forest on drained grounds, to intact bog in some central areas. Most of the territory have rather uniform bog or degraded bog vegetation with low sparse pine stands. A total of 18 sites were studied, they were selected mainly in open habitats (Figure 1), because closed forest stands typical for bog periphery are generally avoided by Coronella austriaca. Snakes and their food objects – lizards, were surveyed using artificial refugee (ATR) method. ATR was a profiled metal tinplate with dark brown color with size 1.1x0.5 m, which was placed on ground. ATRs were placed in spring and removed in autumn, after the end of vegetation season. A total of 380 ATRs were used in four consecutive seasons of 2011-2014. ATR checkings started two weaks after their setting up, and were done 1-3 times a week. ATRs generally were not placed in same place next season, and number of 23 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” chekings varied from 14 to 27 (Table 1). All the reptiles found under ATRs were counted, adult Coronella austriaca marked with PIT tags for individual identifications, but smaller individuals were identified by photographing. For each site, adult and subadult Coronella austriaca population size was determined from database of marked individuals. To evaluate relative densities for site comparisions, average number of snake and lizard individuals under one ATR per one checking was calculated. Vegetation herb and moss layers compositions were described for each ATR, using taxon percentage cover visual evaluations in sampling plots with 3 m diameter and ATR as a center of a plot. Tree storey was described similarly for larger area with 15 m diameter, their average height was measured for randomly selected 3-5 trees. Percentages of samples with given vegetation taxon and median values of vegetation descriptions for ATR with Coronella records were used to establish reference Coronella austriaca habitat. Similarly were characterized typical vegetation of sites for comparisons. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to ordinate sites around reference Coronella habitat. To transform vegetation percentage and cover data into one number, percentage of samples with given taxon were multiplied by their median coverages for plots where it was present. No further data transformations were used in analysis. RESULTS With few exceptions marked individuals were observed only in one study site. Total number of identified adult snakes was 34. Population core area was in north-central part of Slokas bog, where 23 adult snakes lived in three neighboring sites separated by a narrow forest belt and a dirt road (Table 1, Figure 1). Calculated densities were 10-15 individuals (adults and subadults) per ha in best populations, and 1-2 individuals per ha in sites with poor populations. Only 1-3 different individuals were found under one ATR during the season, which may indicate absence of snake aggregations and they relatively even spread across each site. Typical Coronella austriaca habitats are dominated by heather Calluna vulgaris, characteristic is also presence of a bog cottongrass Eriphorum vaginatum, in many cases with admixture of Marsh Labrador tea (Ledum palustre; = Rhododendron tomentosum) and cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus ) (Table 2). Tree storey was relatively sparse, 20-30 %, dominated by pine from birch admixture. Medan height was 3 m for pine and 2 m for birch, which was considerably lower than average for study areas (7 m and 6 m respectively). 24 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Table 1. Site characteristics and survey results for Sloka bog sites indicated in Figure 1. Site Plot size (ha) Number of ATR/ chekings Occupied by Coronella (%) Coronella population (adults/ subadults) Coronella observatio n frequency * Anguis/ Zootoca observation frequency* Northwest-a Northwest-a1 Northwest-b Slokas lake Center N Center E Center W Center i Center ii Center iii Akacis NW East-Nf East-Nh Center S East-S Southeast Southwest-k Southwest-g 2.13 0.24 1.27 0.13 0.85 2.03 3.38 0.12 0.38 0.24 0.37 0.81 0.42 4.48 0.90 1.51 0.46 0.21 23/21 4/16 15/27 4/19 70/19 73/16 45/20 6/16 10/20 12/20 12/20 8/20 23/17 36/18 12/20 12/20 10/19 5/14 9 0 0 25 36 38 18 0 0 17 17 0 44 19 0 8 30 20 2/0 0 0 0/1 7/3 12/10 4/4 0 0 1/1 1/1 0 4/2 3/2 0 2/0 0/2 0/1 0.4 0 0 1.3 5.3 6.2 1.9 0 0 1.6 2.5 0 7.1 1.8 0 0.8 6.5 2.9 16.5/0.7 2.9/2.5 12.7/0.7 1.3/0 12.7/1.8 7.3/1.0 6.7/1.5 33.4/3.5 1.8/0.4 12.3/1.2 9.2/1.3 19.7/1.3 11.5/0 4.7/0.4 7.5/1.3 0.4/0.4 7.0/0 32.6/1.4 *calculated as average number of individuals found under one ATR during one checking multiplied by 100 In PCA for vegetation, 1st axis explained 70%, but 1st+2nd -91% of variation. First axis can be interpreted as drained-wet bog gradient, while second was gradient in prostrate shrub composition from Vaccinium myrtillus and Ledum palustre to Calluna vulgaris (Figure 2). Second gradient was more important since sites with good Coronella austriaca populations were close to Coronella reference value at second PCA axis, but had large dispersion against PCA 1st axis. Abundance of food objects had poor relationship with snake population size (Table 1, Figures 1 and 3, 4 ). Thus, best populations located in north, had variable food resource availability, from good to average or lowered lizard population. However, there were some cases when low snake population corresponded to low lizard population. 25 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Figure 1. Location of sampling sites in the Slokas Bog, Latvia. Pale outline – sites without Coronella austriaca records. Orange – sites, where Coronella austriaca was present, transperency degree indicates population density of the species – from fully transparent for sites with lowest density to filled in highest density sites. Site names correspond to their names in text and Tables. DISCUSSION About 65% of observed snake population was located in north-central part of the Slokas Bog, in sites Center N, Center W, Center E. Here, there was threefold difference in snake numbers east and west from a dirt road. This road is seldom visited, part of the season non-drivable, and can not be a significiant barrier for snakes (Figure 5). Both sites had similar food object availability, and difference could be in habitat. PCA showed difference 26 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” in vegetation composition, which east ot the road was closer to Coronella reference, what could indicate better habitat. Table 2. Vegetation characteristics of in plots. Corornella austriaca tinplates % of Median value* samples present Average from all sites % of Median samples value* present Herb layer Calluna vulgaris** 97 60 90 47 Ledum palustre 56 10 51 14 Vaccinium vitis-idaea** 11 5 25 10 Vaccinium myrtillus** 1 10 12 23 Vaccinium uliginosum** 12 5 21 10 Andromeda polyfolia 21 5 23 4 Empetrum nigrum** 0 n.e. 2 10 Rubus chamaemorus 33 5 33 5 Melampyrum pratense** 0 n.e. 3 4 Eriophorum vaginatum 81 10 82 13 Rhynchospora alba 1 10 2 6 Calamagrostis sp. 1 20 1 20 Molinia caerulea** 0 n.e. 2 15 Phragmites australis 3 5.5 1 7 Pteridium aquilinum 1 30 5 30 Equisetum sp. 1 10 <1 10 Ground layer Sphagnum 79 50 66 41 Non-Sphagnum mosses 56 10 63 14 Lichens on ground 32 7.5 29 7 Bare ground 53 10 51 13 Tree storey Pinus sylvestris 100 20 99 20 Picea abies** 0 n.e. 3 3 Betula pubescens, 73 5 71 7 B.pendula *calculated only from samples where given taxon was present; ** taxons with notable difference between Coronella and all sites PCA showed great dispersion of Coronella sites, what can be explained by relatively uniform habitat with small differences in herb layer composition. Only in one case 27 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” vegetation presummably was outside suitable Coronella bog habitat range. This was Northwest-a1, located in a large forest glade on the periphery of Slokas Bog. Site oordination pattern in PCA chart showed that domination of Ledum palustre and Vaccinium myrtillus generally indicate bad Coronella austriaca habitat. There were several cases when snake was absent in sites with good vegetation characteristics. Area Center i in PCA was placed close to Coronella habitat reference value, and also had highest possible lizard densities, but snake was absent here. This is an isolated forest glade probably too small to sustain snakes permanently. Figure 2. PCA ordination. Reference Coronella austriaca habitat indicated with cross. Open circles – sites without Coronella records, filled circles – with Coronella; size of filled circles correspond to the population density. Site names correspond to their names in text. Vegetation components with strongest correlation with axes are given. Large lizard population in fact may indicate absence of a predator – smooth snake. Snake absence was observed in some sites with good lizard populations - Northwest-b and EastNf. High lizard population density probably indicated absence of permanent adult snake population in Southwest-g, where only one juvenile was found in regrowing small forest 28 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” cutting. Lizard densities in Coronella core population in north-central bog varied around average values. However, low lizard population density could be important limiting factor in southern part of the bog. Thus, vegetation of Center S in PCA was placed close to Coronella reference, but had low snake and lizard densities. Patterns of lizard and snake densities indicated that Anguis fragilis could be more important food object than Zootoca vivipara, because there were case when last species was absent in site with high Coronella density. Figure 3. Relative densities of food object – Anguis fragilis on sites. Orange – densities considerably lower than median value, green - higher than median value, pale - ±10% deviation from median. Intensity of filling indicate degree of deviation from median with full sites indicating maximal deviation from median, but transparent – minimal. Populations with highest snake densities were observed in relatively open middle part of the bog. The single exception was East-Nh, where calculated density was highest observed – 14 individuals/ha. This is relatively small territory, where 4 adults and 2 29 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” subadults which form a peripheral sub-population. The habitat is an old forest clearing surrounded by densier tree stand. In 2012 two adults were found here, but in 2014, after illiquid tree and shrub cutting and more open habitat creating in prevoius winter, three adults (one of them found in 2011 as well) and two subadults were recorded here. Most likely population increase is due to newcommers from neighboring sub-optimal habitats. Similarly winter illiquid tree cutting also was carried out in overgrown clearing of an isolated Slokas lake site, where one subadult was observed latter same year. This is also possible newcomer; prevous year this site was evaluated as unsuitable for snake due to dense tree cover of 70-80%. These cases indicate, that inspite of sedentary lifestyle usually attributed to this species (Phelps 1978, Gent & Spellerberg 1993), it is capable of fast colonization of neighboring areas. Figure 4. Relative densities of food object –Zootoca vivipara on sites. Orange – densities considerably lower than median value, green - higher than median value, pale - ±10% deviation from median. Intensity of filling indicate degree of deviation from median with full sites indicating maximal deviation from median, but transparent – minimal. 30 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Figure 5. Habitat of the Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca) near old road in north-central part of the Slokas Bog. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Study was supported by the LIFE project „Conservation of Rare Reptiles and Amphibians in Latvia” (LIFE09NAT/LV/000239). REFERENCES Čeirāns A. 2000. The Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca Laur.) in Latvia: distribution, habitats, and conservation. Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, 54 (2): 85-90. Čeirāns A. 2012. Conservation of Smooth Snake in Latvia: Project LIFE-HerpetoLatvia. Nature Conservation Agency, Sigulda, 56 p. Drobenkov S. 2000. Ecology of Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca LAUR.) in Belarus. Russian Journal of Herpetology, 7 (2): 135-138. Gent A.H., Spellerberg I.F. 1993. Movement rates of the smooth snake Coronella austriaca(Colubridae): a radio-telemetric study. Herpetological Journal, 3: 140-146 31 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Hartel T. et al. 2009. Using species detectability to infer distribution, habitat use and absence of a cryptic species: the smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) in Saxon Transylvania. Acta Scientiarum Transylvanica, Biologia, 17 (1): 61-76. Kery M. 2002. Inferring the absence of a species - a case study of snakes. Journal of Wildlife Management, 66 (2): 330-338. Mutz T., Glandt D. 2004. Artificial refugees as means to field research on reptiles with emphasis on the adder (Vipera berus) and the smooth snake (Coronella austriaca). Mertensiella, 15: 186-196. Phelps T.E. 1978. Seasonal movement of the snakes Coronella austriaca, Vipera berus and Natrix natrix in Southern England. British Journal of Herpetology, 5: 755-761. Siliņš J., Lamsters V. 1934. Latvijas rāpuļi un abinieki [Latvian reptiles and amphibians]. Valters un Rapa, Rīga, 96 p. 32 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” PECULIARITY OF EXTERNAL MORPHOLOGY OF COLUBRID SNAKES (COLUBRIDAE) FOUND ON SARALINSKY DISTRICT OF THE VOLGA-KAMA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Lija Idrisova Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University Kremlevskaya str. 18, Kazan, the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia [email protected] ABSTRACT This research concerns an external morphology of reptiles. Pholidosis, coloration and dimensions which are important in studying phenetic variability, adaptation of organisms, taxonomy, evolution and other aspects are investigated. Problem of subspecies identification is also considered. The morphological features of two colubrid snakes from Saralinsky district of the Volga-Kama Wildlife Sanctuary were investigated: the smooth snake (Coronella austriaca Laurenti, 1768) and the grass snake (Natrix natrix Linnaeus, 1758). Pholidosis and coloration of both species are described. Sex differences in some features were noted. A great diversity of snakes` coloration and high percentage of snakes` melanism was observed in the investigated area, particularly in smooth snakes. Three forms of the grass snake have been identified: the nominative subspecies (N. n. natrix Linnaeus, 1758), the eastern subspecies (N. n. scutata Pallas, 1771) and a hybrid form. A high frequency of the eastern subspecies and the hybrid form is a peculiarity of grass snakes population from Saralinsky region. There are some differences in pholidosis and dimensions between smooth snakes occur in Saralinsky region and those from the Volga-Kama region as a whole. These characteristics are distinguish Saralinsky population of snakes from the other ones. Key words: smooth snake, Coronella austriaca, grass snake, Natrix natrix, pholidosis, coloration, subspecies. INTRODUCTION Investigation of external morphology is an important task of modern ecological and morphological research of reptiles related to the study of variability and adaptation to environment conditions. Coloring of animals allowing to reveal regularities of organisms` adaptation to their environment is important in studying phenetic variability of reptiles (Morozenko 2003). Furthermore differences in coloring are the basis of the subspecies differentiation of reptiles (Bakiev et al. 2004, Pavlov & Petrova 2005). Integration zones 33 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” between subspecies are of considerable interest to evolutionary biology and systematic (Thorpe 1987). The smooth snake is a rare representative of snakes in Tatarstan Republic. She is included to the Tatarstan Republic Red List as a species rapidly declining its abundance (II category) (The Red Book of the Tatarstan Republic 2006). On the territory of Tatarstan Republic is the north bound of smooth snakes` areal therefore of particular interest are ecology and morphology of this species. The grass snake is common and occurs almost everywhere. Territory of republic is an integration zone of two subspecies of the grass snake therefore detection the bounds of subspecies distribution is an important task of our research. MATERIALS AND METHODS The morphological features of two species of colubrid snakes were investigated: the smooth snake and the grass snake. The material for this research was collected from June to August 2010-2013 on Saralinsky district of the Volga-Kama Wildlife Sanctuary (Russia, Tatarstan Republic). Saralinsky district is located in the interfluvial of Volga and Kama rivers. One part of this territory is located on the mainland and the second part lies on demi-island (the Big Island in past). 18 individuals (8 males and 10 females) of smooth snake and 79 individuals (32 males and 47 females) of grass snake were caught during this study. To study morphology the standard technique of reptiles handling was used (Pavlov & Zamaletdinov 2002). To characterize the external morphology of snakes the following features were used: L – the body length, L.c. – the head length, L.cd. – the tail length, Lab. – the number of supralabial scutes, Sublab. – the number of sublabial scutes, S.cd. – the quantity of undernail scutes, Sq. – the number of rows of dorsal scale in the middle of the body, Ventr. – the number of abdominal scutes. Coloring features were also noted. Only adults were examined because of snakes` coloring may change throughout their lives (as they grow older) (Bakiev et al. 2004, Najbar 2006). To study relative abundance and density of snakes` populations the route registration method was used. (Pavlov & Zamaletdinov 2002). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The smooth snake was observed on demi-island part of Saralinsky district. She occurs in different biotopes such as dry forest areas with low herbaceous vegetation and humid reeds coasts of river channel. Relative abundance is about 0.5 individuals per km, the average density is about 0.7 individuals per ha. There is approximately equal ratio of males and females in a sample of smooth snake – 47% and 53% respectively. 34% of all females were pregnant. Females of smooth snake are usually larger than males (dimensions and quantitative features of smooth snake are presented in Table 1). Their body length is on the average 34 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” 558 mm whereas the males` body length is on the average 507 mm (differences are significant, р<0.05). Males are characterized by larger tail length (127 mm in males and 107 mm in females) (р<0.05). On the average head length is 18 mm for males and 17 mm for females. The number of supralabial and sublabial scales is approximately equal in both sexes and is respectively 7 and 9. The quantity of undernail scutes is significantly higher in males (55) as compared with females (51) (р<0.05). The number of rows of dorsal scale in the middle of the body is equal in all individuals (19). The quantity of ventral scutes is significantly higher in females (on the average 190) as compared with males (on the average 170) (р<0.05). The anal scute is divided to two parts in all individuals of smooth snake. Table 1. Dimensions (in mm) and quantitative features of smooth snake from Saralinsky district of the Volga-Kama Wildlife Sanctuary Feature L. L.c. L.cd. Lab.R* Lab.L** Sublab.R Sublab.L S.cd. Sq. Ventr. Males (n=8) M±m 508.3±16.43 18.3±0.33 125.1±5.59 7.0±0.00 7.0±0.00 9.0±0.00 9.0±0.00 55.7±1.76 19.0±0.00 171.5±0.14 Me 507 18 127 7 7 9 9 55 19 170 min 465 17 103 7 7 9 9 52 19 167 max 576 19 140 7 7 9 9 64 19 178 *R – mean on the right side of the body **L – mean on the left side of the body Females (n=10) M±m Me 550.3±18.61 558 17.0±0,43 17 111.0±4.06 107 7.0±0.00 7 7.0±0.00 7 9.1±0.09 9 9.3±0.33 9 52.2±1.04 51 19.0±0.00 19 189.8±2.01 190 min 443 15 100 7 7 9 9 46 19 182 max 634 20 140 7 7 10 10 60 19 197 T p<0.05 6.0 11.0 1.0 0,00 0,00 0,00 0,00 8.0 0,00 2.00 0.030 0.326 0.010 0.021 0.017 It should be noted that the body length of smooth snakes from Saralinsky district is less than those observed for the Volga-Kama region as a whole (Table 2). Our data is similar to noted by other investigators for saralinsky smooth snakes. There were slightly larger means observed for the Volga-Kama region. Some differences in number of undernail scutes are also present: means within the limits of 50-59 were noted for saralinsky smooth snakes whereas means within the limits of 49-70 were noted for smooth snakes from the Volga-Kama region. Of special interest is coloring of smooth snake from Saralinsky region. There are several types of snikes` coloration in this area: light-grey, brownish-gray, olive and dark (Figure 1). Most of smooth snakes are colored in light-gray with two rows of dark-brown spots running down the back towards the tail (50% of individuals). 18% of individuals are colored in brownish-gray and their spots are black. 12% of individuals are colored in olive with slightly-expressed light-brown spots on their backs. The dark-colored (almost black) 35 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” smooth snakes not having any spots on the back are melanistic. They make up a high proportion of population – 20% of individuals that is more than brownish-gray and olive snakes. It is interesting that all melanistic and olive snakes are males. Possible there are some sex differences in coloration of smooth snakes from Saralinsky district however to judge about this is difficult yet because of rather small material. Reddish-brown and copper snakes were noted in other regions of Tatarstan Republic (Bakiev et al. 2004, Pavlov & Zamaletdinov 2002). In Saralinsky region we didn`t find any individuals colored the same. Other researchers weren`t also observe they on this territory (Pavlov & Petrova 2005). Conversely melanistic smooth snakes occur only on Saralinsky district of the VolgaKama Wildlife Sanctuary. Table 2. Some differences between smooth snakes from Saralinsky district of the VolgaKama Wildlife Sanctuary and from и Volga-Kama region. Our data Pavlov & Petrova 2005 Bakiev et al. 2004 Volga-Kama Saralinsky district Saralinsky district Feature region males females males males females (n=8) (n=10) (n=8) 507 mm 558 mm 508,63 mm L. 555 mm 630 mm (465-576) (443-634) (321-625) 55 51 54,5 S.cd. 49-70 28-71 (52-64) (46-60) (50-59) Labial scales of most smooth snakes are light, in some individuals with small dark specks (18% of individuals) and without specks in other specimens (45% of individuals). 25% of specimens have grey labial scales and 12% – brown. Coloration of abdomen is greatly diverse. There is a marble pattern formed by randomly scattered small dark and light specks with central black stripe on abdomen of most smooth snakes (57% of individuals). Olive snakes also have a marble pattern (orange-yellow) on their abdomen (12% of individuals). Some specimens have black-colored abdomen with a few light specks on sides (31% of individuals). The grass snake was found both on the demi-island and the mainland part of Saralinsky district. Biotopes he occurred are diverse: coasts of the river, small bodies, swamped lowlands, overgrown and parch river channels. Relative abundance is about 2 individuals per km, the average density is about 4.6 individuals per ha. Females make up the highest part of population – 59% of individuals while only 41% of individuals accounted for by males. 36% of all females were pregnant. 36 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Figure 1. Coloration of the smooth snake from Saralinsky district of the Volga-Kama Wildlife Sanctuary: A – light-grey, B – brownish-gray, C – olive, D – melanistic. The body length of females on the average larger than those in males – respectively 625 mm and 548 mm (differences are significant, р<0.001). The head length is also larger in females (on the average 27 mm) as compared with males (on the average 22 mm) (р<0.001). In males the average tail length is 147 mm, in females – 130 mm. Dimensions and quantitative features of smooth snake are given in Table 3. The number of supralabial scutes is approximately equal in both sexes and makes up 7. Females have higher quantity of sublabial scutes (on the average 10) than males (on the average 9) (differences are significant, р<0.001). The number of undernal scutes is significantly higher in males (on the average 66) than in females (on the average 60) (р<0.001). The number of rows of dorsal scale in the middle of the body varies from 17 to 20 and on the average is equal in all individuals (19). In females the average quantity of ventral scutes is 175, in males – 171 (differences are significant, р<0.01). The anal scute is divided to two parts in all captured grass snakes. 37 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Table 3. Dimensions (in mm) and quantitative features of grass snake from Saralinsky district of the Volga-Kama Wildlife Sanctuary Feature L. L.c. L.cd. Lab.R* Lab.L** Sublab.R Sublab.L S.cd. Sq. Ventr. Males (n=32) M±m 521.9±12.67 21.9±0,47 145.3±3.93 7.0±0.00 7.0±0.00 9.2±0.08 9.1±0.07 66.5±1.08 18.4±0.31 171.4±0.67 Me 548 22 147 7 7 9 9 66 19 171 min 400 17 100 7 7 8 8 50 17 162 max 807 30 190 7 7 10 10 77 20 178 *R – mean on the right side of the body **L – mean on the left side of the body Females (n=47) M±m Me 632.3±16.8 625 27.4±0.57 27 134.9±3.46 141 7.1±0.00 7 7.0±0.00 7 9.5±0.07 10 9.5±0.07 10 60.0±0.86 60 18.7±0.23 19 174.0±0.78 175 min 410 20 99 7 7 9 9 49 17 165 max 852 36 177 8 7 10 10 76 20 183 T p<0.05 154.5 78.0 165.0 0,00 0,00 48.0 22.0 43.5 7.0 53.5 0.0001 0.0001 0.386 0.003 0.0001 0.0001 0.892 0.005 One of the most characteristic features of the grass snake is presence of two spots behind the head (temporal spots). Coloring of temporal spots may greatly diverse from pale-gray to bright-yellow and bright-orange ( Figure 2). The most common type of temporal spots coloring in the investigated area is yellowish-orange (38% of individuals). The grass snakes with yellow temporal spots occur fairly often (20% of specimens). 17% of individuals have yellowish-grey temporal spots and 16% have orange temporal spots. Other types of color are rare: orange-gray temporal spots are observed in 5% of individuals, milky-yellow – in 4% of all captured snakes. Some snakes haven`t temporal spots – their head colored in shadeless black (5% of individuals). Temporal spots of grass snake differ not only in color but also in form ( Figure 2). Most of grass snakes (66% of individuals) have large oval temporal spots divided by narrow stripe. Crescent-shaped temporal spots divided by wide stripe are typical for 20% of individuals (edges of such spots are often fuzzy and blurry). Temporal spots are not full divided (fused along the front edge but divided on the back edge) in 7% of captured snakes. 7% of individuals have full fused temporal spots forming the “collar” behind the head. Coloration of the dorsal side of the grass snake is also characterized by great variety of colors and shades. Four basic types of coloring may be distinguished: black, dark-gray, olive-gray and olive. Most of individuals are colored in olive-gray (77%). Black-colored snakes made up 11% of specimens. 7% of individuals are colored in olive and 5% – in dark-gray. Varying degree of melanisation grass snakes were observed in the investigated area – full black snakes without temporal spots (5% of individuals) and black snakes 38 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” having pale grayish-yellow or grayish-orange temporal spots (6% of individuals). Overall rate of melanistic snakes made up 10% of sample. Figure 2. Coloration and shape of temporal spots of the grass snake: A – oval brightorange temporal spots divided by narrow stripe, B – crescent-shaped yellowish-grey temporal spots divided by wide stripe, C – not full divided yellow temporal spots, D – yellowish-orange temporal spots forming the “collar”, F – milky-yellow temporal spots, G – melanistic snake without temporal spots. Labial scutes of grass snake may be colored in yellowish (69% of individuals), orange (6% of individuals) and white (19% of individuals). The grass snakes with grayish labial scales are sometimes occur (6% of individuals). Ventral side of tail is usually colored in shadeless-black (55% of individuals). Some snakes have light specks on the tail (45% of specimens). Light specks may locate on each scute (13% of individuals) but the most cases they located on several scutes (32% of all captured snakes). 39 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Identification of subspecies of grass snake was carried out by complex of morphological features were noted by different researchers (Al-Zavahra 1997, Bakiev et al. 2004, Pavlov & Petrova 2005): color of the dorsal side of the body, presence of black specks on the dorsal side, color of temporal spots, intensity of temporal spots` coloring and presence of black spots behind temporal spots. Individuals which can be confidently attributed to nominative or eastern subspecies (by all five diagnostic features) are very rare. Most of snakes have features of both subspecies in a varying degree and apparently are a hybrid form between two subspecies. The existence of hybrid form is understandable because of Volga-Kama region is a zone of integration of two subspecies where they are crossing. It is possible that existence of these hybrids obstructs identification of subspecies. Nevertheless three groups of the grass snake have been identified in the investigated area: individuals having more features of the nominative subspecies (more than 80% of features belongs to nominative subspecies), individuals having more features of the eastern subspecies and the hybrid form that equally combines the features of both subspecies. 43% of individuals may be attributed to the first group (N. n. natrix). The second group (N. n. scutata) includes 28% of individuals. Hybrids made up 29% of all captured snakes. A high frequency of the eastern subspecies and the hybrid form is a peculiarity of grass snakes population from Saralinsky region and distinguish her from populations in other regions of the Tatarstan Republic. CONCLUSIONS Generally it should be mentioned that snakes` populations from Saralinsky region are singular. A great diversity of smooth snakes` coloring, a high frequency of the eastern subspecies and the hybrid form of the grass snake, as well as high percentage of snakes` melanism are distinguish them from the other ones. A high percentage of melanistic snakes may be influenced by environment conditions (Pavlov & Petrova 2005). Humid and warm microclimate near the river, particularly isolation of the demi-island population and other factors influence on populations of snakes and it ultimately determines their phenotypes. Melanism is also thought to occur as a result of relations between thermoregulatory and reproductive advantages of snakes (Pernetta & Reading 2009, Zadravek M., Laus B. 2011). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am grateful to Ph.D. in Biological Sciences Khairutdinov I.Z. and to Ph.D. in Biological Sciences Garanin V.I. for support and help on the earliest stages of my research. 40 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” REFERENCES Al-Zavahra H. 1997. On systematic of the grass snake. Materials of conference dedicated to memory of Professor Popov V.A. Kazan State University. Kazan. Pp. 20 – 24. (in Russian) Bakiev A.G., Garanin V.I., Litvinov N.A., Pavlov A.V., Ratnikov V.Ju. 2004. Snakes of the Volzhsko-Kamskij region. Publisher Samara Scientific Centre of Russian Academy of Sciences. Samara. 192 p. (in Russian) Zadravek M., Laus B. 2011. Melanism variation in Natrix natrix (Linnaeus, 1758) and Zamenis longissimus (Laurenti, 1768) in Croatia. In: Hyla. Vol. 2011. No 2. Pp. 39 – 42. Morozenko N.V. 2003. Ecology and morphology structure and phenetic analysis of population of the grass snake (Natrix natrix) from Lower Volga region. Synopsys of the dissertation … Ph.D. in Biological Sciences. Saratov: 18p. (in Russian) Najbar B. 2006. The occurrence and the characteristics of Coronella austriaca austriaca (Laurenti, 1768) (Serpentes: Colubridae) in western Poland. Acta zoologica cracoviensia, 49A(1-2). Pp. 33 – 40. Pavlov A.V., Zamaletdinov R.I. 2002. Wildlife of the Tatarstan Republic. Amphibians & Reptiles. Methods of study. Kazan. 92 p. (in Russian) Pavlov A.V., Petrova I.V. 2005. About two colubrid snakes from Saralinsky district of the Volga-Kama State Wildlife Sanctuary. In: Actual problems of herpetology and toxicology: digest of scientific papers. Vol. 8. Institute of ecology of the Volga region of Russian Academy of Sciences. Tolyatti. Pp. 135 – 142. (in Russian) Pernetta A., Reading C. 2009. Observation of two melanistic smooth snakes (Coronella austriaca) from Dorset, United Kingdom. In: Acta Herpetologica 4(1). Pp. 109 – 112. The Red Book of the Tatarstan Republic (animals, plants, mushrooms). 2006. The 2 nd edition. Publisher “Idel-Press”. Kazan. 832 p. (in Russian) Thorpe R.S. 1987. Geographic variation: a synthesis of cause, data, pattern and congruence in relation to subspecies, multivariate analysis and phylogenesis. Boll. Zool. Vol. 54. Pp. 3 – 11. 41 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” ECOLOGICAL FEATURES AND LANDSCAPE - BIOTOPICAL DISTRIBUTION EMYS ORBICULARIS (L., 1758) IN NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS OF PRIPAYT POLESYE OF BELARUS Dmitry Yurievich Lesnichy Mozyrsky State Pedagogical University name I. P. Shamjakina, Mozyr, Belarus [email protected] ABSTRACT The purpose of the present research was studying of ecological features, spatial distribution Emys orbicularis in various landscapes - biotopic natural ecosystems of Pripjatsky Polesye. Emys orbicularis prefers here shllow reservoirs with quiet water and oxbow, settles in meliorative channels and ponds. During the research in territory of Pripayt Polesye, new habitats of Emys orbicularis were found in villages Otskovanoe and Zabrode of Zhitkovichsky area, Mozyrsky area. Key words: ecology, Emys orbicularis, ecosystem, Belarus. INTRODUCTION Unique finds Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) in Belarus for today studying, as rare kind of special interest. The European marsh turtle Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) is the unique representative of group of turtles (Testudines) living in Belarus. As the rare species, which number has the essential tendency to decrease, is brought in the Red book. The purpose and research problems The purpose of the present research was studying of ecological features, spatial distribution Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) in various landscapes - biotopic natural ecosystems of Pripjatsky Polesye. For object in view achievement it was necessary to solve following problems: 1) to give the ecological description of habitats Emys orbicularis (L., 1758); 2) to define features of spatial distribution Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) in various landscape - biotopic ecosystems; 3) to establish new habitats Emys orbicularis (L., 1758). MATERIALS AND METHODS Researches were spent to the spring-and-summer period of 2013-2014 in territory of Pripjatsky Polesye. As modelling object of research Zhitkovichsky and Mozyrsky areas of 42 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” the Gomel area have been chosen. In Zhitkovichsky area vicinities of twenty villages and settlements (by Dedovka, Lagvoshchi, Ljudenevichi, Berezina, Long Dubrova, Cheretjanka, Rudnja, Red Zorka, Borki, the Country churchyard, Rounds, the Crest, Naut, Ostranka, Zabrode, Mlynok, Podovzh, Dubrova, Otskovanoe, Morohorovo) have been surveyed. Mozyrsky area it is surveyed fourteen vicinities of villages and settlements (Novelties, Krinichnyj, Akulinka, Bibiki, Matrunki, Tvarichevka, Kamenka, Kozenki, Is small. Zimowishchi, Rudnja Gorbovichsky, Starosele, Prudok, Zagoriny, Meleshkovichi). Studying of settlement Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) it was spent by technique M.M.Pikulik [1]. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The European marsh turtle Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) during supervision in territory of Zhitkovichsky area has been registered in vicinities of the left coast of the river of Skripitsa, village Otskovanoe, namely floodplain parts of a terrace of the first level. The landscape organisation of the region represented Subboreal subzone lake - alluvial floodplain of the terrace. Alluvial terraced landscape is poorly drained with pine forests on the sod-podzolic soils. Territory area is not waterlogged. Flat topography, formed by small dunes, characterized by dry places with sandy hillocks and small mounds. The landscape organisation is favorable for fulfilment of migrations to places of reproduction and a laying of eggs. The territory is rather opened, with dense grassy vegetation and rare, both low, and high wood plantings. Biotopic organization expressed the first tier of wood - Pinus sylvestris, the second - Betula pubescens, adolescents presented Alnus incana, undergrowth - Sorbus aucuparia. The grass - shrub layer marked Vaccinium uliginosum, Vaccinium myrtillus, Dactylis glomerata, Bromus inermis, Juníperus communis. Two more individuals Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) have been registered in settlement Zabrode vicinities. Landscape - biotopic organisation of the district is presented by a subband subborealis lake - marsh landscape, with sod - podzolic soil, sometimes partially peat - wetlands. A relief is flat, poorly bent or poorly convex. Places of registration Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) have on biotopic a pine forest mossy (dry). Earlier this territory was ball boggy, and for today is drained. The transformation of territory can be the precondition for settling of these kinds as peatbogs are optimum soil for a laying of eggs, and temperature on 3-5 0C above. The biotopic organisation is expressed by the first wood circle - Pínus sylvestris, the second - Alnus incana, undergrowth presented Betula pubescens, the underbrush - Sorbus aucuparia. In grassy - bush a circle dominants are Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Rubus ulmifoolius, Vaccinium uliginosum. Researches of Mozyrsky area have shown that Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) meets in small lakes in green space territory "Molodezhnyj". Among surveyed in number of 4 reservoirs, it has been met three individuals Emys orbicularis (L., 1758). The district landscape is presented by small ravines, as with abrupt and flat biases that is an optimum habitat of 43 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” population of the given kind. More often Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) met on east and southern gentle slopes where light exposure of territory has more long period of time. In biotopichesky organisation of territory of reservoirs grow plantings Pinus sylvestris, Betula pubescens, Alnus incana. Are numerous bushes Rubus ulmifoolius and Salix alba. Grass shrub layer is formed by the dominant plants Fragaria vesca, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Sagittaria trifolia, Carex pilosa, Typha latifolia, Scirpus sylvaticus and others. Fodder reservoirs which can be used Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) includes such kinds of animals, as Cochlicopa lubrica, Anisus leucostoma, Anisus spirobris, Physella acuta, Triturus vulgaris 6 ekz/ha, Rana ridibunda 18 ekz/ha, Rana lessonae 78 ekz/ha, Rana temporaria 23 ekz/ha. Decrease in number of the European marsh turtle to Polesye is connected with radical transformation and reduction of the area of the natural habitats which have followed anthropogenous changes of natural landscapes, drainage of the boggy earths, collapse and a flattening channel the rivers [2]. Among major factors of decrease in number Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) in natural ecosystems it is possible to allocate influence on populations of direct destruction and change biotopic and ecosystems that is reduction of natural habitats of the given kind. CONCLUSIONS 1. Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) prefers shellow reservoirs with quiet water and oxbow. settles in meliorative channels and ponds. The best places for its dwelling are not broken sites with a dense network of reservoirs and bogs grown wood, bush and grassy vegetation. Chooses open sites of territory with gentle slopes and small heights. A fodder food allowance make (Caudata, Mollusca, Insecta). 2. Spatial distribution Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) in territory of Pripayt Polesye it is subboreal subzone lake - alluvial, lake - marsh landscapes, with sod - podzolic soil, sometimes partially peat - wetlands. The relief flat is formed by small dunes, presence of dry places with sandy hillocks and small embankments is characteristic. 3. During the spent researches in territory of Pripayt Polesye, new habitats Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) settlements occupying vicinity of villages Otskovanoe and Zabrode of Zhitkovichsky area, green space " Molodezhnyj" of Mozyrsky area. REFERENCES 1. Pikulik, M.M. Presmykajushchiesja of Belarus / M.M. Pikulik, V.A. Bakharev, S.V. Kosov. – Minsk: the Science and technics, 1988. – 166 p. 44 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” 2. The red book of Byelorussia: Rare and being under the threat of disappearance kinds of wild animals / the Ministry of natural resources and preservation of the environment; the editors: L.I.Horuzhik [etc.]. – Minsk: En Is white. 2004. – 320 p. 45 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” REINTRODUCTION OF THE EUROPEAN POND TURTLE (EMYS ORBICULARIS L.) IN NORTHWEST-GERMANY – FIRST RESULTS AFTER FIRST RELEASE Anne-Claire Martina Meeske 1, Carina Poggenburg 2 1 NABU Niedersachsen, Field office OESSM, Hagenburger Straße 16, 31547 RehburgLoccum, Germany 2 Schulweg 16, 30916 Isernhagen, Germany 1 [email protected], 2 [email protected] ABSTRACT In 2014 14 subadult European pond turtles with a minimum age of 5 years were released in the middle of June in the nature reserve “Meerbruchswiesen” at Steinhuder Meer in Lower Saxony. During the first three months daily controls of the animals were carried out by visual control, radiotracking and captures for analyzing their behavior, activity, movements and activity ranges. Recaptures indicated the development and the health status of the specimens. In 72 % of total pond size individuals could be located. The turtles covered the longest distances in the water body in July. The aquatic activity ranges differed between the radiotracked animals. Altogether, the range sizes increased from June to July and decreased from July to August. Differences in covered distances, aquatic activity ranges and visited places in the pond between sexes were not significant. Two specimens left the releasing pond in the first three months, the remaining animals stayed there until study end. Apart from one found dead male, no more individual losses could be noticed in the first summer. Key words: Reptilia, Testudines, Emydidae, Emys orbicularis, reintroduction, Lower Saxony. INTRODUCTION The European pond turtle is the only turtle species in Europe distributed also in the North of the Alps (Podloucky 1985). The total species range is from north-western Africa, over the Iberian Peninsula and the northern Mediterranean area up to the Aral Sea in Central Asia as well as in East-Europe up to the Caspian Sea and in the north up to Lithuania (Fritz 2000). Single findings of Emys orbicularis are also known from Latvia (Meeske & Pupins 2009). 46 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” During the last centuries a heavy decline of the species with its specific habitat requirements was determined for almost the total distribution range. The destruction of aquatic and terrestrial habitats is one of the main reasons for the dramatic decline of the species. In particular the development and straightening of streams and the large-scale meliorations during the last 200 years led to a serious loss of aquatic habitats in Central Europe. On the other hand the abandonment of historical agricultural usage e.g. wood pastures as well as large-scale afforestations and an increasing intensification and industrialization of agricultural land caused a general disappearance of natural terrestrial habitats with a remarkable decline of open areas. Additionally, the direct (Lenten food, keeping) and indirect pursuit (killing in fish traps and with fishing hooks) over a long period decimated considerably the declining populations. As a result of habitat destructions and intensive pursuits most of the turtle populations collapsed or even became extinct in many German regions already in the end of 18th century (Schneeweiss & Fritz 2000). Today, the species is among the most endangered animal species in Germany, and is considered as extinct in most of the federal states as well as in Lower Saxony. For long time Emys orbicularis was seen as monotypical species in the whole distribution range but with intensive studies on morphology and genetics different subspecies and haplotypes (e.g. Fritz 1989, 2000, Lenk et al. 1998, Ayres Fernandez & Cordero Riviera 1999, Rogner 2009) but also one other species (Emys trinacris) (Fritz et al. 2005) were detected and described. Additionally, a high number of various studies on biology, ecology, etc. in different regions of the species range revealed a big diversity e.g. in habitat requirements, populations status and reproductive strategies. In former times “wild” reintroduction projects were implemented but due to the shortage of knowledge on the origin of introduced animals and their needs the projects finally failed. German reintroduction projects of different quality are described by Podloucky (1981). Since the 1990’s various conservation and reintroduction projects were initiated in different European countries taking more and more into account the genetic and ecological requirements of the species e.g. in Austria (Schindler 2008), Switzerland (Kutzli 2011), France (Cadi & Miquet 2004, Lacoste & Kutzli 2006) as well as in Germany [Brandenburg (Schneeweiss 2003), Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Breu et al. 2012), Hesse (Kuprian & Winkel 2006) and Rhineland Palatinate]. Finally, in 2010 the Ministry for Environment, Climate Protection and Energy of Lower Saxony initiated the reintroduction project for Emys orbicularis in Lower Saxony. In the frame of a feasibility study for the reintroduction at Steinhuder Meer which was carried out by the ÖSSM (Ecological Conservation Centre Steinhuder Meer, registered society) on behalf of the Ministry a reintroduction was consistently evaluated as positive (Brandt 2013).Three years later the NABU Niedersachsen (Nature and biodiversity conservation union of Lower Saxony) 47 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” began officially with reintroduction activities which are foreseen over a period of 20 years. First release of animals took place in 2014 in one pond. The main aims of the first project phase are: Reintroduction with animals having suitable genetic haplotype II in order to establish local populations with long-term viability but without impairing autochthonous relict populations in Germany, Establishment of a breeding group with suitable genetic haplotype II in NABU Species Conservation Centre Leiferde, Development and preservation of habitats at Steinhuder Meer with regard to the all-the-year requirements of the species Implementation of efficiency controls in order to determine success and risks of the reintroduction in cooperation with universities e.g. in the frame of bachelor and master theses, Information and education of public. The haplotype II exists in Germany and was determined by subfossil findings of the species in different regions of Germany (Sommer et al. 2007). While haplotype IIb was found only in Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as well as in WestPoland, haplotype IIa has a wide range from Hungary to West-France. Some experts assume that haplotype IIa existed also in West-Germany (Winkel & Kuprian 2011). Due to this fact it was decided to take the haplotype IIa for the reintroduction program in Lower Saxony. The present study was part of the efficiency controls with the aim to determine the space and habitat use of the first released turtles to the wild, to control their individual development and survival in the first summer after release. This result will help to evaluate the suitability of the reintroduction place. MATERIALS AND METHODS Preparatory work Due to the fact that Emys orbicularis became extinct in Lower Saxony the animals for the reintroduction program came from different origins. Many juveniles are donated from breeders, other animals were found abandoned in the nature. In order to check the genetical suitability and purity with haplotype IIa buccal mucosa or blood samples were taken of found turtles and of the breeder’s individuals respectively and analyzed by two methods [Cytochrom-B-Analyse (Velo-Anton et al. 2011) and microsatellites]. Adult turtles are included to the breeding group and young animals to the releasing groups. 48 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Many juveniles are donated after hatching or with 1 or 2 years. These specimens are reared in the NABU species conservation centre in Leiferde until they reach the suitable size and age for release (minimum size: 8 cm; minimum age: 3 or 4 years). Study site The study area is located in the nature reserve “Meerbruchswiesen” at Steinhuder Meer (biggest inland lake of Lower Saxony/Northwest-Germany) (Figure 1). The area has more continental influenced climate than the western part of Lower Saxony with colder winters, warmer summers, less precipitation (ca. 650 mm) and higher sunshine duration (Buschmann et al. 2006, Brandt 2013). The nature reserve has a size of 1.020 ha and is composed of typical wet vegetation with sedges and red beds, stock of bushes and trees, single trees and willow hedges as well as a dense network of more than 140 permanent, semi-permanent and temporary water bodies of different sizes (500 m2 und 10.000 m2), brooks and drainage channels. Inside the reserve three different core zones (I-III) exist with different obligations. Extensive use of grasslands is allowed. The releasing pond was dug in 2011 in core zone I. The open sunny water body has a water surface of ca. 1879 m2 (180 m long and in average 10 m wide) with a maximum depth of 1.40 m. Neighboring ponds are in smaller distances of 170-330 m as well as brooks and ditches. The shore is dominated by floating sweet-grass (Glyceria fluitans) and two rush species (Juncus spec.). In the pond submerse, floating-leaf-vegetation, cattail and other vegetation occur. Due to the fact that the pond offers almost no structures for basking apart from the shore and few roots 12 pieces of dead wood e.g. smaller tree trunks were put to the pond in end of June. Observations and localizations of individuals All releasing animals were marked with transponder for later identification. In addition, they were measured and weighed as well as photos were taken of plastron and carapace before release. The photos helped for identification during observations. Most data were collected in the first three months after release on 19 th June. Daily controls were carried out by visual control, radiotracking and captures for analyzing turtle’s preferred sites, behavior, activity, movements and activity ranges. The radiotracking equipment of the company Wildlife Materials consisted of a receiver TRX-16s and a 3-element-folding-antenna as well as transmitters (model: SOPR-2190 HWSC, frequency: 150 MHz, weight: 4-4.5 g, life-time duration: 5 months). In total 11 of the biggest animals were fitted with transmitters glued on their carapaces with 2component-glue. Two telemetry methods (triangulation and homing in) were carried out for localizations of individuals. Apart from daily control of all animals (once-per-daycontrol) in addition once a week four animals were radiotracked every hour within a 12 49 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” hour period from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (12-hour-control) in order to get more detailed data on movements and activities. Besides, one up to four traps were installed during daytime in the releasing pond on six days between 3rd and 22th August. The type of trap is originally used for the capture of mitten crabs but for the turtle captures the traps were modified (100 cm x 50 cm x 27 cm) (Figure 2). One opening was closed and the other opening was improved with two guide nets for leading turtles into the trap. The trap was baited with salmon or beef heart and put in the shallow areas of the pond shore. Captured animals were controlled in consideration of their growth, development and health status. The telemetry data and individual observations were used for evaluation of activity ranges, covered distances and use of habitat and pond structures. In order to compare and calculate all data collected by different persons the pond was divided into grid squares each measuring 3 x 3 m, and each localization was related to one grid square. Activity ranges were calculated for the ponds (aquatic activity ranges). They were analyzed by 100%. Minimum Convex Polygon Method after Mohr (1947) with the help of ArcGis (GIS Tool „Minimum Boundig Geometry“) taking into account the unused places outside the pond. Localization data of June are available only for the period 19th – 30th June, for which reason calculations were carried out also only for the last 13 days of other months for a better comparison. For analyzing potential differences between sexes, some statistical analyses were implemented (Excel 2007 two-sample-t-test). RESULTS Individual development of released individuals On 19th June 14 subadult animals with the age of 5-7 years were released. Sex could be recognized for four females and nine males. The females had sizes of 109.2 – 119.6 mm and body masses of 297 – 367 g. The released males had sizes of 92.8 – 114.6 mm and body masses of 142 – 283 g. The smallest turtle equipped with transmitter was the sole animal with unknown sex 14-07 (size: 93.8 mm, body mass: 175 g). Six animals could be caught one up to three times again. All recaptured turtles were in good conditions without indications of weakness or diseases and showed smaller or bigger increases in weight. One female (14-02) had the smallest increase with 9 g in seven weeks (2.45 %), another (14-13) the biggest with 73 g in nine weeks (24.58 %) (Figure 3). Individual losses could be registered one time during summer when the biggest male 1403 was found dead close to the pond on land on 7th July (2.5 weeks after release). The 50 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” reason of its death was unknown but predation can be assumed and not a disease because the male showed unremarkable behaviour and activity before. Pond use and movements In 71.6 % of total pond size individuals could be localized. Turtles were predominantly found in the littoral zone, where mainly floating sweet-grass (Glyceria fluitans), common rush (Juncus effuses) and jointed rush (Juncus articulates) grew. Furthermore, they were also often located in the shallow swampy parts in east and west of the pond. During one telemetry control animals with transmitters were usually distributed in the whole pond. Therefore, two animals were rarely identified together in one place with the exception of basking observations. However, in 30 cases two turtles could be located in one grid or in neighboring grids together. While males were determined often together with a female in one grid or two females in company in one grid, males were never found together with another male in one grid at the same time/localization. Subadult 14-07 was localized only with females in one grid. In the pond the individuals covered the longest distances in July. With regard to the covered distance during a day males swam average longer distances (max. 549 m, male 14-04) than females (max. 450 m, female 14-09). Although males moved longer distances than females in June, July and September and females covered longer distances than males in August (12-h-control) no significant differences could be ascertained. In contrast the longest distances registered between two sites/controls was similar for both sexes (max. 94 m, male 14-04; max. 89.84 m, female 14-09). During the day and during the time the turtles stayed in different grids. The highest number of visited grids of an animal was found out in July. The small noticed difference between the sexes was not significant. Aquatic activity ranges The aquatic activity ranges differed between the radiotracked turtles. Altogether, the range sizes increased from June to July and decreased from July to August (Table 1). The biggest aquatic activity range of the females was determined in July with 1203.42 m2 (female 14-02) and of the males in August with 1244 m2 (male 14-14). The smallest aquatic activity range of the females was registered in June with 224.47 m 2 (female 1402) and of the males in August with 55.86 m2 (male 14-04). While the males had average bigger aquatic activity ranges in June however females had average bigger range sizes in July and August (once-per-day-control). Migrations Two of 11 turtles with transmitters were observed leaving the releasing pond and moving to other water bodies while the residual individuals stayed in the pond determined by 51 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” radiotracking and visual observations. Male 14-11 emigrated already eight days after release in the northwestern direction to a highly structured melioration channel in 158 m distance. In the days before localizations of 14-11 indicated that the male left already the pond during daytime for short periods. In the melioration channel the male moved in two different directions before the transmitter became lost in the middle of July. In 2.5 weeks 14-11 covered a total distance of 371.4 m on land and in water (Figure 4). On 9th September subadult 14-07 migrated in southern direction to a nearby brook in 47 m distance and stayed there nearly three weeks moving shorter distances to eastern and western direction. In the end of September 14-07 travelled more than 100 m to southwestern direction to another pond where the animal probably hibernates in the western end. The potential hibernation pond is older and offers more dense vegetation in particular cattail (Typha latifolia) which could have a positive effect in winter e.g. as a kind of frost protection. In total the subadult covered a distance of more than 200 m on land and in water in four weeks. Basking Apart from one observation of a swimming and breathing female, all other turtles could be observed only while basking (n = 60). The first basking observation was possible one week after release on 26th June. The number of basking observations increased from June to August and decreased again in September. During the day basking individuals could be recognized between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.. Frequently, single animals basked in one place. The maximum number of observed turtles basking at the same time was 5. All specimens were observed basking at least one time. The frequency of basking was similar for males and females between June and August, but in September much more females were registered (Table 2). The length of basking could be noticed in 20 cases. In four cases basking lasted several hours (max. 6 h 42 min). Turtles used more often dead wood, roots and tree trunks (n = 55) than the shore for basking observations (n = 5) (see Figure 6). The brought dead wood was more visited by the individuals than the existing wood and roots. DISCUSSION Individual development of released individuals The health status and the growth of the recaptured animals showed that the individuals developed well and found sufficient food. Therefore, the releasing pond was suitable for the number of released turtles. Furthermore, the mortality rate of the released turtles in the first summer was quite low (7 %, n = 14). In the reintroduction project in Germany/Hesse one dead turtle was registered in five years of release (Schweitzer per. obs.). This indicates that bred animals 52 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” are suitable for reintroduction if the genetic suitability is given. Finally, in the northwestern German reintroduction area the current number of predators is not a risk for Emys orbicularis as it is e.g. in East-Germany (Schneeweiss & Wolf 2009). Pond use and movements Although the turtles used almost the whole pond they stayed predominantly in shallower places with dense vegetation structures. This corresponds to general observations of the species because Emys orbicularis prefers ponds rich in vegetation (Fritz 2003, Meeske 2006). Inside the ponds turtles favor highly structured areas (Hampel 1990) and the shallow shore areas (Cadi & Miquet 2004). The shallow zones offer protection, higher water temperatures and a better food supply (Rössler 2000, Meeske 2006). While the turtles in Lower Saxony were localized mainly in floating sweet-grass the turtles in France stayed mostly in pondweed and floating-leaf-vegetation (Cadi et al. 2008). Currently, the pond is young and not so structured but with gradual succession the releasing pond will be more suitable. With the help of the 12-h-control once a week it was found out that the individuals had no specific diurnal cycle and on each control day they covered other distances and visited different sites/grids. Furthermore, no significant differences between sexes were ascertained. Cadi et al. (2008) could also notice no differences of turtle males and females in France. Normally, turtles with transmitters stayed in different places at the same time. Sometimes two females or one female and one male were localized together in one grid or close in neighboring grids. Males were never found in the same place. Although no aggressive behavior was ever observed by the project animals and especially by the males as it was described from males in other countries (Fritz 2003) it seems that the males avoided places already occupied by other males. Aquatic activity ranges and activities During the three months the aquatic activity ranges of the radiotracked individuals were different increasing from June to July and decreasing from July to August. The maximum range sizes in the study were more than 0.12 ha for males and females. Schneeweiss (2003) observed that the activity ranges of northwestern German turtles declined from June and August. In Lithuania (Meeske 2006) and in East-Germany (Schneeweiss 2003) it was found out that the activity ranges are correlated with the pond and habitat sizes. According to these studies the total aquatic activity range of the released turtles would correspond to the pond size of 0.18 ha. Smaller activity ranges in late summer pointed out that the activity of animals decreased. In Lithuania (Meeske 2006) und East-Germany (Schneeweiss 2003) it was documented that the declining activity correlated with reduced food intake. Due to a smaller eaten 53 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” amount of food, the individuals need to look less and only in much smaller ranges for food whereby their activity ranges shrink. Migrations Compared to France where releases turtles stayed in the releasing pond in the first year (Cadi & Miquet 2004) two of 14 turtles in Lower Saxony left the pond in the first three months after release. In a reintroduction project in Germany/Hesse one specimen changed the pond in the first summer after release (Schweitzer pers. obs.). The male 1411 migrated already eight days after release. This male was almost sexual mature and might look for other females in neighboring ponds. In Lithuania males of a local population changed between both non-seasonal ponds during summer and raised their chance to mate with more various females after hibernation over the years. In contrast females could never be observed changing non-seasonal-ponds for hibernation (Meeske 2006). The subadult 14-07 started the migration in the beginning of September so that it possibly looked for another hibernation pond. This could indicate that the conditions in the releasing pond are not suitable for all individuals in winter time. Basking The number of basking observation was quite small. One reason could be the cooler and cloudy weather during the summer in particular in June after release. Another possibility could be the occurrence of wind in the reintroduction area. During the study almost every day was windy. Manning & Grigg (1997) determined in a basking study on Emydura signata that animals were observed only on windless days. Due to wind the body surface cools faster and stronger (Bluestein & Quayle 2002). Therefore, basking is not so effective for turtles on windy days. On the other hand the releasing pond is quite new and situated in an open extensively used wet meadow. The shore was mainly created for amphibians so that it is very open and shallow. Neither the shore nor existent bushes and trees with dead wood provide suitable basking sites for turtles. The introduction of some roots and dead wood and the fast acceptance and use by the turtles revealed the need for such structures in this area and the current suboptimal basking conditions. Reed belts with cattail (Typha spec.) e.g. in older and/or less managed ponds can also have the function as basking site for all age classes (Meeske 2006). The growth of some bushes or trees would offer basking sites but also some windbreak in the open place. Therefore, for the future management in the reintroduction area it is very important to add more suitable basking sites to the (potential) turtle ponds and to let some bushes and trees grow. In Northwest-Germany a bit more males than females were noticed basking in June and July. In contrast the number of females was a little higher in August and much higher in 54 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” September. Gariboldi & Zuffi (1994) determined in a northwestern Italian population basking differences of sexes that more females basked in June and July and more males in August and September. REFERENCES Ayres Fernandez, C. & A. Cordero Rivera (2000): A new subspecies of E. orbicularis in the Iberian peninsula? – In: Buskirk, J., Cheylan, M., Duguy, R., Fritz, U., Jablonski, A., Keller, C., Pieau, C., Podloucky,R., Servan, S. & E. Taskavak (eds.): Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Emys orbicularis. – Chelonii 2: 20–22. Bluestein, M. & R. Quayle (2002): Wind Chill. – In: Holton, J.R., Pyle, J. & J. Curry (eds.): Encyclopedia of Athmospheric Science: 2597 – 2602. Brandt, T. (2013): Wiederansiedlung der Europäischen Sumpfschildkröte (Emys orbicularis) am Steinhuder Meer. – Feasibility study, FFH-preliminary research and final plan, 2nd Version (April 2013): 13 pp Breu, H., Gallandt, G., Lichtner, N. & M. Kliemt (2012): Untersuchungen zur Bestandssituation der Europäischen Sumpfschildkröte (Emys o. orbicularis) in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 2000–2011. – Natur und Naturschutz in Mecklenburg Vorpommern 41: 78–84. Buschmann, H., Scheel, B. & T. Brandt (2006): Amphibien und Reptilien im Schaumburger Land und am Steinhuder Meer. – Natur & Text, Rangsdorf: 183 pp Cadi, A. & A. Miquet (2004): A reintroduction programme for the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in Lake Bourget (Savoie, France): first results after two years. – Biologia 59, Suppl. 14: 155–159. Cadi, A., Nemoz, M., Thienpont, S. & P. Joly (2008): Annual home range and movement in freshwater turtles: management of the endangered European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). – Rev. Esp. Herp. 22: 71 – 86. Fritz, U. (1989): Zur innerlichen Variabilität von Emys orbicularis. 1. Eine neue Unterart der Europäischen Sumpfschildkröte aus Kleinasien Emys orbicularis luteofusca subsp. nov. – Salamandra 25 (3/4): 143–168. Fritz, U. (2000): Verbreitung, Formenvielfalt und Schutz Sumpfschildkröte Emys orbicularis (L.). – Stapfia 69: 13–20. der Europäischen Fritz, U. (2003): Die Europäische Sumpfschildkröte. Laurenti Verlag: 224 pp Fritz, U., T. Fattizzio, D. Guicking, S. Tripepi, M.G. Pennisi, P. Lenk, U. Joger & M. Wink (2005): A new cryptic species of pond turtle from southern Italy, the hottest spot in the range of the genus Emys (Reptilia, Testudines, Emydidae). – Zoologica Scripta 34 (4): 351–371. 55 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Hampel, G. (1990): Untersuchungen zur Biologie der Europäischen Sumpfschildkröte (Emys orbicularis) unter Freilandbedingungen. – Diploma Thesis. Leibnitz-University Hannover. unpubl. Kuprian, M. & S. Winkel (2006): Die Europäische Sumpfschildkröte in Hessen – Statusbericht der AG Sumpfschildkröte 2006. Kutzli, M. (2011): Auswilderung von weiteren Europäischen Sumpfschildkröten aus der Zucht von SwissEmys im Rahmen des Wiederansiedlungsprojekts im Bois de Jussy, Kanton Genf. – Testudo 20 (3): 25–27. Lacoste, V. & M. Kutzli (2006): Wiederansiedlung der Europäischen Sumpfschildkröte Emys orbicularis Linnaeus 1758 in der elsässischen Oberrheineben- ein laufendes Projekt. – Testudo 15 (2): 7–28. Lenk, P., Joger, U., Fritz, U., Heidrich, P. & M. Wink (1998): Phylogeographic patterns in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis): first results. – in: Fritz, U., Joger, U., Podloucky, R. & J. Servan (eds.): Proceedings of the EMYS Symposium Dresden 96. Mertensiella 10: 159–175. Manning, B. & G.C. Grigg (1997): Basking Is Not of Thermoregulatory Significance in the „Basking“ Freshwater Turtle Emydura signata. – Copeia 3: 579 – 584. Meeske, M.A.-C. & M. Pupins (2009): Die Europäische Sumpfschildkröte in Lettland. – in: Rogner, M. (ed.): Europäische Sumpfschildkröte. Emys orbicularis. Schildkrötenbibliothek 4, Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main: 214–216. Mohr, C. (1947): Table of equivalent populations of North American small mammals. – American Midland Naturalist 37: 223–249. Podloucky, R. (1981): Zur Situation der Amphibien und Reptilien in Niedersachsen: Die Europäische Sumpfschildkröte (Emys orbicularis). – Informationsdienst Naturschutz 1,2. Podloucky, R. (1985): Status und Schutzproblematik der Europäischen Sumpfschildkröte (Emys orbicularis). – Natur und Landschaft 60 (9) (offprint): 339–345. Rogner, M. (2009): Europäische Sumpfschildkröte – Emys orbicularis. Schildkrötenbibliothek 4, Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main: 271 pp – Schindler, M. (2008): Die Europäische Sumpfschildkröte in Österreich: Entstehung und aktueller Stand eines Artenschutzprogramms. – Testudo 17 (4): 21–36. Schneeweiss, N. (2003): Demographie und ökologische Situation der Arealrand Populationen der Europäischen Sumpfschildkröte in Brandenburg. – Studien und Tagungsberichte, Schriftenreihe des Landesumweltamtes Brandenburg 46: 105 S. Schneeweiss, N. & U. Fritz (2000): Situation, Gefährdung und Schutz von Emys orbicularis (L.) in Deutschland. – Stapfia 69: 133 – 144. 56 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Schneeweiss, N. & M. Wolf (2009): Neozoen – eine neue Gefahr für die Reliktpopulationen der Europäischen Sumpfschildkröte in Nordostdeutschland. – Zeitschrift für Feldherpetologie 16: 163 – 182. Sommer, R.S., Persson, A., Wieseke, N. & U. Fritz (2007): Holocene recolonization and extinction of the pond turtle Emys orbicularis (L., 1758), in Europe. – QSR26, 25-28: 3099–3107. Velo-Anton, G., Wink, M., Schneeweiss, N. & U. Fritz (2011): Native or not? Tracing the origin of wild-caught and captive freshwater turtles in a threatened and widely distributed species (Emys orbicularis). – Conservation Genetics 12: 583–588. Winkel, S. & M. Kuprian (2011): Artensteckbrief 2011- Europäische Sumpfschildkröte (Emys orbicularis orbicularis). – FENA: 12 pp ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We thank the Bingo-Environmental Foundation of Lower Saxony (Niedersächsische BingoUmweltstiftung) + HIT Environmental + Conservation Foundation (HIT Umwelt- und Naturschutz Stiftungs-GmbH) for financing releasing activities. The project with the study is supported by the Ministry for Environment, Climate Protection and Energy of Lower Saxony and the region Hanover. We also thank Prof. Dr. Uwe Kierdorf of University of Hildesheim for acting as an expert. Many thanks are extended to the team of ÖSSM (Ecological Conservation Centre Steinhuder Meer, registered society) for providing additional help, information and material. The authors thank Bernd Breitfeld for his help in performing many observations and providing photos during this study. Table 1. Aquatic activity ranges of both sexes (once-per-day-control). Males Females June 890.11 m2 (n = 8) 702.89 m2 (n = 4) July 703.8 m2 (n = 7) 1031.58 m2 (n = 4) August 569.17 m2 (n = 7) 875.77 m2 (n = 4) Table 2. Frequency of basking observations of both sexes and all animals in relation to the number of existing males/females/individuals in the pond. Males Females Individuals June 0.33 (n = 3) 0.25 (n = 1) 0.43 (n = 6) July 1.14 (n = 8) 1 (n = 4) 1.33 (n = 16) August 0.85 (n = 6) 1 (n = 4) 1.75 (n = 21) September 0.57 (n = 4) 2.75 (n = 11) 1.55 (n = 17) 57 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Figure 1. Location of reintroduction area. Figure 2. Trap with 2 captured turtles. 58 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Figure 3. Growth of female 14-13 in summer 2014. Figure 4. Migration route of male 14-11 in June and July 2014. 59 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Figure 5. Migration route of subadult 14-07 in September 2014. Figure 6. Basking male 14-14 in September 2014. 60 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” DISTRIBUTIONS OF CORONELLA AUSTRIACA LAURENTI, 1768 IN UKRAINE: MODELING AND PREDICTION Oksana Nekrasova I.I.Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology NAS Ukraine, 01601, Kyiv-30, 15, Bogdana Khmelnitskogo Str., Ukraine. [email protected] ABSTRACT We created and used database (about 190 points) of Coronella austriaca to predict species distributions using the BIOCLIM models - DIVA GIS (ENM). Climatic data consisted of 19 bioclimatic variables. According to the modeling, the best habitat of smooth snake is forest-steppe Central part of Ukraine. The most important habitat parameters are associated with precipitation. Key words: GIS, modeling, ecological niche, home ranges, Coronella austriaca. INTRODUCTION Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are widely used in ecology and zoology, particularly in herpetology (Sillero, Tarroso, 2010). Predictive habitat distribution modeling is an important tool for conservation of biodiversity. For instance, it is used to calculate potential distribution of species (Bombi et al., 2009), evaluate effects of climatic warming on species distribution (Araújo et al., 2006), and the suitability of protected areas (García, 2006; Doko et al., 2011). Ecological niche modeling (hereafter referred to as ENM) uses environmental variables such as climatic, topographical and habitat data (Tytar, 2011). We used GIS modeling to study the distributions of alien species - Harmonia axyridis and other species (Nekrasova, Tytar, 2014). It is most helpful in studying rare species like Coronella austriaca Laurenti, 1768 (Red Data Book of Ukraine (2009), category of conservation status Vulnerable (II)). MATERIALS AND METHODS To study smooth snakes we created a database (2004-2014) based on the inventory (Cadastre of Ukraine; Department for Monitoring and Conservation of Animals Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology NAS) that included information where and in which biotope, when, by whom was found the animal, its total abundance. We established a 61 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” form in Excel for data collection and when working in the field we utilized programs OziExplorer v.3.95.2, Google Earth v.7.1.2.2041 to store locality and information. We used the data published by others (Dotsenko & Radchenko, 2005; Sobolenko & Tarashchuk, 2008; Red Book of Ukraine, 2009 et al.) and our findings (materials). In 2008 we also participated in gathering information for the Red Book “Registration of animals under Red Data Book of Ukraine” (2008), where the following researchers collaborated on articles about Coronella austriaca: Kotenko T., Kotserzhynska I., Kukushkin O., Kuryachii K., Ruzhilenko N., Sobolenko L., Zinenko A., Nekrasova O. We used our database finds (about 190 points, Figure 1) of Coronella austriaca to predict species distributions using the BIOCLIM models - DIVA GIS (http://www.diva-gis.org). Climatic data consisted of 19 bioclimatic variables. The climate information used here was taken from Worldclim (Hijmans et al., 2005) with spatial resolution of 2.5 minutes. Variables were analyzed using Statistica v.8. software. Figure 1. Coronella austriaca: distribution in Ukraine. RESULTS Ecological niche modeling (ENM), also known as bioclimatic modeling or climate envelope modeling, has been applied increasingly to this task. This approach uses georeferenced primary occurrence data for species, in combination with digital maps representing environmental parameters, to build models of the ecological requirements of species— the set of conditions suitable and necessary for long-term survival of the species. Such conditions are then located on landscapes and maps created to indicate the distributional 62 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” potential of the species (Pearson & Dawson 2003; Thuiller, 2003; Martínez-Meyer et al., 2004). BIOCLIM can be used for three tasks (a) describing the environment in which the species has been recorded, (b) identifying other locations where the species may currently reside and (c) identifying where the species may occur under alternate climate scenarios (Beaumont, Hughes, Poulsen, 2005). The result of simulation is a raster file with the values that characterize the suitability of the site for species. Six types of areas are mapped in the BIOCLIM output (Figure 2-3). Areas outside the 0-100 percentile climatic envelope of the species for one or more “bioclimate” variables are considered unsuitable. The better habitat of smooth snake is forest-steppe Central part of Ukraine (“very high” climatic stability is 10-20 percentile in the map). And even higher “excellent” climatic stability of 20-28 percentiles is also registered on other territories of Kiev Province, North of Cherkasy Province, the SouthEast of Vinnytsia Province, North of Odesa, Kharkiv, North of Zaporizhia Province, along the middle part of the Dnieper. This species inhabits ecotone biotopes in brushwood or forest. Numbers of smooth snake amounted maximum to 1-2 specimens per km of the route (for example, at North of Cherkasy Province). Figure 2. Coronella austriaca: the model of species distribution in Ukraine under contemporary climatic conditions (legend Figure 3). Bioclimatic variables are derived from the monthly temperature and rainfall values in order to generate more biologically meaningful variables. These are often used in ecological niche modeling (e.g., BIOCLIM, http://www.worldclim.org/bioclim.htm). The bioclimatic variables represent annual trends (e.g., mean annual temperature, annual precipitation), seasonality (e.g., annual range in temperature and precipitation) and 63 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” extreme or limiting environmental factors (e.g., temperature of the coldest and warmest month and precipitation of the wet and dry periods). We used factor analysis for the classification of 19 bioclimatic variables. The most important variables (with maximal values of factor loadings) were associated with precipitation. This is due to the fact that this species prefers ecotones near (or in) overgrown bushes or forested biotopes. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2001, 2007), the intense transformations of the environment to the atmosphere by humans, causing an increase of the Earth’s temperature, are recognized as global warming (Root et al., 2003). It is expected that the impact of climate change on ecosystems will alter abundance and distribution of species (Parmesan, 2006; Trejo et al., 2011). The home ranges of animals are changing in connection with climate change (warming). Thus we modeled the possible warming of 1◦ C. In the changing conditions most favorable habitats for Coronella austriaca will be located in the Northern and Western parts of Ukraine (Figure 3). Perhaps, populations of the smooth snake will be disappearance in the South of Ukraine. Figure 3. Coronella austriaca: the model of species distribution in Ukraine with climate change (1◦ C warming scenario) Among factors that lead to the decline of the snake there are the destruction of habitats and direct killings. After we found a dead snake, we have created leaflets on the “protection of Coronella austriaca” and spread them to inform the public. CONCLUSION The result of our modeling identified new promising habitats for Coronella austriaca. This helps to predict key areas to target habitat conservation to connect existing populations 64 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” of smooth snakes. Decreases of the areas of the snakes in Ukraine are caused by climatic and anthropogenic change. Possibly the smooth snake will disappear in the South of Ukraine if warming continues. We suggest that smooth snake can be used as an indicator of undisturbed habitats because of its ecological preferences. REFERENCES Araujo M.B., Thuiller W., Pearson R.G. 2006. Climate warming and the decline of amphibians and reptiles in Europe. J. Biogeogr. 33: 1712-1728. Beaumont L.J., Hughes L., Poulsen M. 2005. Predicting species distributions: use of climatic parameters in BIOCLIM and its impact on predictions of species current and future distributions // Ecological modelling. 186 (2): 251-270. Bombi P., Salvi D., Vignoli L., Bologna M.A. 2009. Modelling Bedriaga's rock lizard distribution in Sardinia: an ensemble approach // Amphibia-Reptilia. 30 (3): 413424. Doko T., Fukui H., Kooiman A., Toxopeus A.G., Ichinose T., Chen W., Skidmore A.K. 2011. Identifying habitat patches and potential ecological corridors for remnant Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) populations in Japan // Ecol. Model. 222: 748-761. Dotsenko I.B. & Radchenko V.I. 2005. The herpetofauna of anthropogenous landscapes of Nikolayev and Odessa Regions // Zbirnyk Prats’ Zoologichnogo Muzeyu, Kyiv 37: 109–120 (in Russian). Garcia A. 2006. Using ecological niche modelling to identify diversity hotspots for the herpetofauna of Pacific lowlands and adjacent interior valleys of Mexico // Biol. Conserv. 130: 25-46. Hijmans R.J., Cameron E., Parra J.L., Jones P.G., Jarvis A. 2005. Very high resolution interpolated climate surfaces for global land areas // Int. J. Climatol. 25: 1965-1978. Martínez-Meyer E., Peterson A.T., Hargrove W.W. 2004. Ecological niches as stable distributional constraints on mammal species, with implications for Pleistocene extinctions and climate change projections for biodiversity // Global Ecol. Biogeogr. 13: 305-314. Nekrasova O.D., Tytar V.M. Modeling and computer-aided prediction of the probability of Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) invasion in the Dniester basin // Book of abstracts of the 1nd International conference «The ecosystems conservation management of the Dniester Canyon area» (11-12 September 2014, Zaleszczyki, Ukraine). - Lviv, 2014. – P. 130-134 (in Russian). Parmesan C. 2006. Ecological and evolutionary responses to recent climate change // Ann. Rev. Ecol. Evol. S. 37: 637-669. 65 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Pearson R.G., Dawson T.P. 2003. Predicting the impacts of climate change on the distribution of species: Are bioclimate envelope models useful? // Global Ecology and Biogeography 12: 361-371. Red book of Ukraine. Animals. Кyiv, 2009. 600 p. (in Ukrainian). Registration of animals under Red Data Book of Ukraine. Кyiv, 2008. 418 p. (in Ukrainian). Root T.L., Price J.T., Hall K.R., Schneider S.H., Rosenzweig C. & Pounds J.A. 2003. Fingerprints of global warming on wild animals and plants // Nature. 421: 57-60. Sillero N., Tarroso P. Free GIS for herpetologists: free data sources on Internet and comparison analysis of proprietary and free/open source software // Acta Herpetologica, 2010. 5(1): 63-85. Sobolenko L.Yu. & S.V. Tarashchuk. 2008. Fauna of reptiles of the western Podillya. – Pryrodnychyi Al’manakh, Ser. Biol. nauk, Kherson, Ukraine 11: 130–145 (in Ukrainian). Trejo I., Martínez-Meyer E., Calixto-Pérez E., Sánchez-Colón S., Vázquez De La Torre R., Villers-Ruiz L. 2011. Analysis of the effects of climate change on plant communities and mammals in Mexico // In Atmósfera 24 (1): 1-14. Thuiller W. 2003. Optimizing predictions of species distributions and projecting otential future shifts under global change // Global Change Biology. 9: 1353-1362. Tytar V.M. Analysis of home ranges in species: an approach based on modeling the ecological niche // Vestnik zoologii. 2011. Suppl. N 25: 96 p. (in Ukrainian). 66 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” CONSERVATION OF EMYS ORBICULARIS IN LIGURIA (NW ITALY) Ottonello D. 1,6, Salvidio S.2, Oneto F. 1, Jesu R.3, Gili C.3, Gnone G.3, Lamagni L.4, Ortale S. 4, Genta P. 5 1 CESBIN srl., spin-off dell'Università di Genova, Genova, Italy DISTAV, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy 3 Acquario di Genova, Genova, Italy 4 Pro Natura, Genova, Italy 5 Provincia di Savona, Savona, Italy 6 DAIS, Università Cà Foscari, Venezia, Italy 1 [email protected] 2 ABSTRACT The historical presence of Emys orbicularis in Liguria (NW Italy) is confirmed by museum specimens only in the Province of Savona, where the alteration of freshwater habitats have negatively impacted the species, that was considered locally extinct by the end of the last century. However, recent findings proved the existence of few remnant breeding populations and since 2000 public authorities and private entities are cooperating in preserving the breeding sites and in rearing Emys in controlled conditions. After 14 years from the starting of the project all the natural sites are now included in Natura 2000 sites and since 2008, 153 terrapins, bred in the “Centro Emys” and in the “Acquario di Genova”, have been restocked in the wild. A LIFE+ Nature project was co-financed in the 2013 by the EU Community (LIFE EMYS - LIFE12 NAT/IT/000395) with the objective of conservation of the European pond turtle in two Ligurian wetlands habitats, through the eradication of alien species, the habitat restoration and the restocking. Keywords: Emys orbicularis, Liguria, conservation, breeding INTRODUCTION In Liguria (NW Italy), Emys orbicularis was commonly found along the west coast until 1970, with historical presence confirmed by museum specimens only in the Province of Savona (Salvidio et al., 2006). However, in the last twenty years, this species was considered extinct in the wild. The causes of its disappearance were mainly due to habitat loss and modification (Andreotti, 1994). Furthermore, the presence of invasive species, fishing activities, water table lowering and the water pollution contributed to the decrease of this species. Recently, few small and isolated populations were discovered in the Albenga plain (Jesu et al., 2000, 2004). These native populations are recognized 67 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” deserving priority conservation actions at the Regional level. Therefore since 2000, a restoration and breeding program was implemented by different public Authorities, private entities, NGOs and volunteers (Province of Savona, University of Genova, Corpo Forsetale dello Stato, Genoa Aquarium, WWF Liguria, Pro Natura Genova). A LIFE+ Nature project was co-financed in the 2013 by the EU Community (LIFE EMYS - LIFE12 NAT/IT/000395). This project is developed with many others actions such as the removal and management of allochthonous freshwater chelonians, veterinary protocols, comunications but in this paper we focus mainly on facilities and methods of Emys orbicularis rearing. MATERIALS AND METHODS The concrete actions of the project consisted of four integrated parts: Monitoring. All wild populations were monitored annually since the 2002 by capturerecapture and radiotracking. Habitat management. During the project several freshwater habitats inside Natura 2000 sites in the Province of Savona were created or restorated (Ottonello et al., 2010). Thanks to the LIFE EMYS a sistemic removal of allochthonous freshwater chelonians was started in the 2014. Rearing. A small ex-situ breeding center ( Figure 1 – 2 - 3) was built in the 2000 in the plublic area “Vivaio Isolabella”, Albenga (SV). The outdoor facilities is about 150 m 2 and is divided in four pens: an area for adults (15 females and 7 males) that communicate only during the nesting period with a nesting area. Two areas of acclimatation for different age group terrapins. Thanks to the LIFE EMYS the “Centro Emys” will be implemented with four new units, aimed at keeping the juveniles. The new tank, as the existent, will be equipped with phytodepuration system, basking sites and hibernation area ( Figure 1 – 2 – 3). The LIFE EMYS provide also the creation of new an indoor facility in the Genoa Aquarium composed by a total of 14 tanks that is able to host a maximun of 200 young terrapins at one time, coming from ex-situ breeding center. The animals will kept in a controlled environment for about one year before they are transeffer back to the breeding center for environmental acclimatation. Reinforcement. The last E. orbicularis populations in the Albenga plain have been refonced since 2008 with captive bred individuals (several of them radiotracked during their first season of activity). All specimens released in the wild are firstly checked according the veterinary protocols and the Disease Risk Analysis (DRA). Animals are released when they are between 4 and 6 years old. 68 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Figure 1. Present outdoor facilities composed by 4 different sectors with an aquatic and a terrestrial areas each. Figure 2. Adults sector (Tank Area = 50 m sq - Maximum Depth = 0.9 m). 69 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Figure 3. Nesting sector. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Rearing and reinforcement. Despite the initials difficulties, mainly due to problems with the power grid which led to problems with the artificial incubation of eggs, the ex-situ breeding center is now well equipped with a number of hacthlings comprised between 50 and 70 per year. Since the 2000 more than 400 animals hatched in the facility and 156 specimens were released in Natura 2000 protected areas (Figure 4 - 5). Figure 4. 70 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Figure 5. Figure 6. Blu column (total number of specimens released between 2008 and 2013) and orange column (total number of specimens recaptured in 2014). The annual survival of released E. orbicularis is site-dependent. Based on first recapture data, survival is estimated to be almost 70% in relatively isolated ponds and 30% in stream habitats (Figure 6). These first monitoring results suggest that the populations are demographically increasing but still highly endangered. Concerning reproduction in the wild of the released specimens, we have photo of individuals mating but no data on egglaying or newborns. 71 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Figure 6. Nesting area management. Habitat management. In addition to extraordinary actions cited by Ottonello et al. (2010), 72 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” regularly actions are conducted to manage both the terrestrial and aquatic habitats. In fact the main problem is the natural evolution of vegetation leading to the closure of nesting areas and to the silting up of freshwater habitats. For these reason clearing of nesting area (April) and freshwater habitat (September) is conducted periodically (Figure 7 - 8). Figure 7. Aquatic habitat management, creation of open areas with removal of Typha angustifolia and Sparganium erectum. 73 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” A total of 176 allochthonous specimens (52 in the Emys orbicularis Natura 2000 sites) are removed in the 2014 in the area of LIFE EMYS interest (Ta. 1). Specimens captured belong to three different species: Graptemys pseudogeographica, Pseudemys concinna and Trachemys scripta. T. s. elegans represents the 80% of allochthonous animals found. A first examination of data on the size of the specimens and on the consistency of juveniles makes us think that T. s. elegans is able to reproduce in our region. Table 1. Number of allochthonous terrapins captured in 2014 in Liguria (LIFE - EMYS) Taxon Graptemys pseudogeographica Pseudemys concinna Trachemys scripta elegans Trachemys scripta scripta Trachemys scripta troostii Trachemys scripta TOTAL Number 2 1 141 25 4 3 176 % 1,1 0,6 80,1 14,2 2,3 1,7 100 The attitude of local people towards the project was generally positive, and the integrated experience of Liguria was successfully exported in Sicily. Thanks to the extensive process of dissemination and awareness raising at the local level (more than 200 elementary and middle school students visit the center each year), the European pond turtle is perceived as flagship species characteristic of the last freshwater habitats of the Albenga plain. However to guarantee an efficient conservation action this project should be supported for many years together a proper landscape planning. REFERENCES Andeotti A. (1994). Testuggine palustre Emys orbicularis. (pag. 72-73). In: Doria G. Salvidio S. (eds.). Atlante degli anfibi e rettili della Liguria. Cataloghi dei beni naturali n° 2, Regione Liguria, NuovaLitoeffe, Castelvetro Piacentino, 151 pp. [in Italian] Jesu R., Mamone A., Lamagni L. & Ortale S. (2000). Nuovi dati sulla presenza del pelodite punteggiato (Pelodytes punctatus) e della testuggine palustre europea (Emys orbicularis) in Liguria. In: Giacoma C. – Atti I Congresso Nazionale Societas Herpetologica Italica, Mus. Reg. Sc. Nat. Torino: 611-618. [in Italian] Jesu R., Piombo R., Salvidio S., Lamagni L., Ortale S. & Genta P. (2004). Un nuovo taxon di Testuggine palustre endemico della Liguria occidentale: Emys orbicularis ingauna n. ssp. (Reptilia, Emydidae). In: Annali del Museo Civico di Storia Naturale “G. Doria”, Genova, 96: 133-192. 74 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Ottonello D., Jesu, R., Genta P., Ortale S., Lamagni L., Salvidio S. (2010). Il “progetto Emys”: dieci anni di conservazione di Emys orbicularis in Liguria. In: Atti VIII Congresso della Societas Herpetologica Italica. (Chieti, 2010), Ianeri Edizioni, Pescara: 473-476. [in Italian] Salvidio S., Ottonello D., Jesu R., Ortale S., Genta P. (2006). Piano d’azione per la testuggine palustre ingauna (Emys orbicularis ingauna). Pp. 99. Allegato alla Deliberazione della Giunta Provinciale n. 157- del 01/08/2006. [in Italian] 75 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” PROJECT LIFE-HERPETOLATVIA: FIRST RESULTS ON CONSERVATION OF BOMBINA BOMBINA IN LATVIA Aija Pupina 1, Mihails Pupins 2 Institute of Ecology. Daugavpils University. Parades street 1, Daugavpils, Latvia. LV-5400 Latgales Zoo. Vienibas street 27, Daugavpils, Latvia. LV-5400 1 [email protected]; 2 [email protected] ABSTRACT The project “Conservation of rare reptiles and amphibians in Latvia” (LIFEHerpetoLatvia) was established with co-financing of European Commission and realized in 2010 – 2014. Project target goal on Bombina bombina was to facilitate the enlargement of Bombina bombina largest population Demene and to ensure Bombina bombina long-time persistence in Latvia by combining in-situ, ex-situ methods, and legal protection improvement. As a result of the Project two new microreserves Natura 2000 territories (Katriniski and Strauti) were created for conservation of Bombina bombina. For the B. bombina 27 ponds were created or restored in Demene (14 in Katriniski and 13 in Strauti). More than 4 000 Bombina bombina juveniles were raised in aquaculture and released for population enforcement. Keywords: LIFE, conservation, Bombina bombina, Latvia, Belarus, releasing, biotope resporation, ponds. INTRODUCTION Bombina bombina is a protected species of the Amphibians in the European Union. It is included into Appendix II to the Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats (European Treaty… 1979). Conservation of the area of distribution and reintroduction of the European population of Bombina bombina are among the main nature-conservation priorities of the European Union and its LIFE programm. The extreme northern border of the present-day European Bombina bombina area goes through Latvia. There are several Bombina bombina populations located in South-eastern Latvia and along south-central border of the state (Kuzmin et al. 2008). For several decades only two small Bombina bombina populations (not exceeding 10 vocalizing males) were historically known in Latvia: Islice (Silins, Lamsters 1934) and Ilgas. In 2006 largest Latvian population Demene (~200 vocalizing males) was found outside any protected area, in the Daugavpils District, Demene novads in south-eastern Latvia (Pupina, Pupins 2007). 76 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Due to rarity and vulnerability of Bombina bombina it is included into the document No 396 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia (Ministru kabineta… 2004) as a specially protected species, for which it is allowed to create microreserves. Bombina bombina does have officially approved by Ministry of environment Species Protection Plan in Latvia (Pupins, Pupina 2006) where species records and general information on recommended conservation actions are described. For the realization of the Plan the project “Conservation of rare reptiles and amphibians in Latvia” (LIFE-HerpetoLatvia) was established with co-financing of European Commission and realized in 2010 – 2014. Bombina bombina was one of target species of the Project. Project target goal on Bombina bombina was to facilitate the enlargement of Bombina bombina largest population Demene and to ensure Bombina bombina long-time persistence in Latvia by combining in-situ, ex-situ methods, and legal protection improvement. In 2014 – 2015 the Project of European Structural Funds "Establishment of new scientific group for modernization of aquaculture” is realized in Daugavpils University. The targeting of these projects made it urgent to study the population of Bombina bombina Demene and the state of ecosystems in Demene novads, to optimize Bombina bombina aquaculture and also to realize legislative and practical environmentoriented actions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Preliminary one-year field study was carried out in Project area in Demenes pagasts (Figure 1). The study was consisted of the collection of the most recent information on habitat composition in areas, population and their home range mapping by counting of vocalizing males and other methods. Figure 1. Territory of the research Demenes pagasts bordering with Belarus and Lithuania. 77 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” After the study Population management plan (Pupina, Pupins 2013) was developed. Project target main actions were: 1) creation of a suitable habitat and corridor network for Bombina bombina key population; 2) establishing of two new microreserves and Natura 2000 sites for main population of Bombina bombina in Latvia; 3) captive breeding in aquaculture and enforcement of Bombina bombina populations in key positions. Habitat management measures were ponds digging and restoration for Bombina bombina for two newly established Natura 2000 sites in Demene. Bombina bombina tadpoles were reared in aquaculture and released in key points with suitable habitat and corridors provided, with the aim to enhance connectivity between populations and facilitate their natural enlargement. All the works were realized according to the Species protection plan, Population management plan, land owners agreements, and special permissions of Nature Protection Agency of Latvia. RESULTS As a result of the research the common area of the Latvian biggest B.bombina population Demene was precised with two biggest subpopulations Katriniski and Strauti (Figure 2). Figure 2. Location of key sub-populations Katriniski and Strauti in population Demene. We found that, despite large amount of small ponds in Demene novads (Pupina et al. 2012), a lot of them were subject to drainage and inhabited by fish, including the invasive species Perccottus glenii (Pupins, Pupina 2012). A large number of ponds, which could be available for Bombina bombina habitation, have been overgrown, shaded and do not comply with thermal biological and ecological needs of the species. 78 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” As results of population management plan realization: 1) Two new microreserves for Bombina bombina key populations were established in Demene (Figures 3, 4). Figure 3. Map of microreserve Katriniski (in LKS-92 coordinates system) (in Latvian). 2) Habitats are improved by bush cutting and pond digging for key population of B. bombina in their respective target areas new Natura 2000 sites for two biggest subpopulations (Table 1). Table 1. Conditions of two microreserves target sites for B. bombina. # Name and coordinates 1 Katriniski N55°43'11,78" E26°32'55,45" 2 Strauti N55°43'51,93" E26°29'17,81" Main habitat before restoration 2 drained small ponds, overgrown by bushes drained stream valley, overgrown by bushes Area (ha) 12 18 Connected with other waterbodies no direct contact Distance to Lithuania (km) 4,6 Distance to Belarus (km) no direct contact 3,3 10,3 6,5 79 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Figure 4. Map of microreserve Strauti (in LKS-92 coordinates system) (in Latvian). The new ponds for B. bombina are open, mosaic, shallow, with clay ground; average depth is 0.5 m, small, with shelf zone (Figure 5). In total for B. bombina 27 ponds were created or restored in Demene: 14 in Katriniski and 13 in Strauti (Figure 6). Figure 5. Two restored ponds in target site Katriniski. 80 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” 3) Proposals for two new Natura 2000 sites (Katriniski and Strauti) for Bombina bombina in the Daugavpils District of Latvia were accepted by the Government of Latvia. a b Figure 6. Nets of restored ponds in target sites Katriniski (a) and Strauti (b). 81 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” 4) The Rare Reptile and Amphibian Breeding Centre is equipped for Bombina bombina rearing in aquaculture: 18 basins with recirculation system were created. 5) More than 4 000 (133% from initially planned) Bombina bombina juveniles were raised in aquaculture and released for population enforcement in 2013 – 2014 (Figure 7a, b). The new waterbodies are populated by Bombina bombina in 2013 and 2014 according to monitoring data (Figure 8a, b). a b Figure 7. a) Tadpoles reared in the aquaculture; b) Juveniles before releasing in wild. a b Figure 8. a) Releasing the juveniles in wild; b) Surveyed big juvenile found in monitoring. Additional effect for the Project targeted species Bombina bombina. We have observed Bombina bombina in newly dug ponds in improved Emys orbicularis water bodies in Silene Nature Park as well. They come from other, small peripheral pond from population Ilgas. 82 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” DISCUSSION On both target areas the rehabilitated water biotopes were inhabited by Bombina bombina (particularly, by released juveniles as well as adults in the result of natural migration) in the first active season. This fact shows that the rehabilitated ponds comply with ecological and zoopsychological needs of Bombina bombina. The fact has important additional value for creating corridors for Bombina bombina inter-population dispersal between population Demene, Medumu and Ilgas, and nearest populations in Belarus (R.Novitsky, personal communication). However, the rehabilitated biotopes can continue being overgrown, that is why After-LIFE activities of the Project LIFE-HerpetoLatvia provide Demene population monitoring and, if necessary, further corrections of ecosystems state and enforcement of population by new species raised in aquaculture. CONCLUSIONS The main target of the Project LIFE-HerpetoLatvia was to provide long-term existence of Bombina bombina population on the northern border of the European area of the species in Latvia. This target has been successfully hit. There is no doubt, that relatively small Bombina bombina populations in Latvia demand stable genetic contacts among Latvian populations themselves as well as with stronger southern populations in Belarus and Lithuania. That is why the first step in our work was to provide long-term existence of the biggest Latvian and near-border Bombina bombina population and its biotopes on the South-East of Latvia. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This research has been conducted owing to support of LIFE Project "Conservation of rare reptiles and amphibians in Latvia", ESF Project «Jaunas zinatniskas grupas izveide akvakulturas tehnologiju modernizesanai», Institute of Ecology of Daugavpils University. We thank A.Skute (Latvia) for supervising, R.Novitsky (Belarus) for practical help in investigation of Bombina bombina transborder populations (especially in Augsdaugava Nature Park) and consultations, for many-years cooperation in research and nature conservation. REFERENCES European Treaty Series (1979) Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats. Bern, No. 104. 83 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Kuzmin S.L., Pupina A., Pupins M., Trakimas G. (2008): Northern border of the distribution of the red-bellied toad Bombina bombina. Zeitshrift fur Feldherpetologie 15 (2): 215-228. Ministru kabineta 2000. gada 14. novembra noteikumi Nr.396 "Par ipasi aizsargajamo sugu un ierobezoti izmantojamo ipasi aizsargajamo sugu sarakstu" ar grozijumiem, kas izdariti lidz 27.07.2004. – Vestnesis. – 2000. – Nr. 413/417. (in Latvian) Pupina A., Pupins M. (2007): A new Bombina bombina L. population "Demene" in Latvia, Daugavpils area. -Acta Universitatis Latviensis, vol. 273, Biology: 47-52. Pupina A., Pupins M. (2013): LIFE-HerpetoLatvia: Population management corrected plan for the Fire-bellied Toad (Bombina bombina) population in Demenes pagasts (Daugavpils novads, Latvia). Daugavpils, LIFE-HerpetoLatvia, Latgales Zoo: 44 p. Pupina A., Pupins M., Ivanova T., Kotane L. (2012): LIFE-HerpetoLatvia: Results of preliminary study of the Fire-bellied Toad (Bombina bombina) population Demene (Demenes pagasts, Daugavpils novads, Latvia). Daugavpils, LIFE-HerpetoLatvia, Latgales Zoo: 30 p. Pupins M., Pupina A. (2006): Sarkanvēdera ugunskrupja Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761) sugas aizsardzības plāns Latvijā. [Species protection plan for Fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761) in Latvia]. Dabas aizsardzības pārvalde, Rīga: 182. (In Latvian) Pupins M., Pupina A. (2012): Invasive fish Perccottus glenii in biotopes of Bombina bombina in Latvia on the north edge of the fire-bellied toad’s distribution. -Acta Biologica Universitatis Daugavpiliensis, Suppl. 3, 2012: 82 – 90. ISSN: 1407-8953. Silins J., Lamsters V. (1934): Latvijas rapuli un abinieki [Latvian reptiles and amphibians]. Riga, Valters un Rapa, 96 p. (in Latvian) 84 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” PROJECT LIFE-HERPETOLATVIA: EMYS ORBICULARIS IN LATVIA FIRST RESULTS ON CONSERVATION OF Mihails Pupins 1, Aija Pupina 2 Institute of Ecology. Daugavpils University. Parades street 1, Daugavpils, Latvia. LV-5400 Latgales Zoo. Vienibas street 27, Daugavpils, Latvia. LV-5400 1 [email protected], 2 [email protected] ABSTRACT Project LIFE-HerpetoLatvia LIFE09NAT/LV/000239 "Conservation of rare reptiles and amphibians in Latvia" was implemented in 2010 - 2014 in Latvia. One of three target species of the Projects is Emys orbicularis, and the target territory is Silene Nature Park, Territory Natura 2000. 17 ponds were restored in Silene Nature Park in four key sites (site areas – 6.3 ha; 15.4 ha; 16.4 ha; 0.5 ha) near Belarusian border. 42 Emys orbicularis were raised in aquaculture for 4 – 7 years and were released in restored ponds in 2014 in Silene Nature Park. After-LIFE activities of the Project LIFE-HerpetoLatvia provide Ilgas population monitoring and enforcement. Keywords: LIFE, conservation, Emys orbicularis, Bombina bombina, Latvia, Belarus, habitat restoration, releasing, zooculture. INTRODUCTION European pond turtle Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) is the most prevailing European native turtle species distributed to the North (Uetz, Hallermann 1995). In general, in Europe Emys orbicularis populations are tending to reduce their quantity and area from the South to the North (Fritz 2003). Due to the reduction of Emys orbicularis populations in Europe, this species is included to Appendix II of the Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats (European Treaty… 1979). Therefore, preservation and reintroduction of European population and area of Emys orbicularis is one of the priorities of nature protection policy of the European Union and its LIFE program. Data on Emys orbicularis occurence in the territory of the European Union country – modern Latvia – have been published since 1820 (Silins, Lamsters 1934). In 1949 all South-Western part of Latvia was marked as populated by Emys orbicularis (Terentyev, Chernov 1949). But in 1977 only one place of presence of the species in the territory of Latvia was reported on, and this place was marked as “questionable”. The place where the species found was located in the central part of the country (Bannikov et al. 1977). 85 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Emys orbicularis was so rare for Latvia that it was enlisted in the Red Book of Latvia as the species of «zero» category – «extinct species», despite the fact that one population (Apgulde) was marked there as an existing one (Berzins 2003). In general, such data can indicate both quick decrease in population and area during the abovementioned period, and insufficient exploration of population’s distribution in the Baltic States. The most northerly borderline of Emys orbicularis area in the EU that is known nowadays is located in Latvia (Meeske et al. 2006; Pupins, Pupina 2008a). Many adult and juvenile turtles were found there, as well as egg laying cases by newly captured female turtles (Pupins, Pupina 2011; Pupins, Pupina 2012a), which proves population’s ability for self-reproduction. At that, sufficient amount of Emys orbicularis turtles found in the northern Latvia, almost at the border with Estonia and at the distance of several kilometers from it (Berdnikovs 1999; Pupins, Pupina 2008b), as well as proved place of turtles’ finding in Estonia (Bannikov et al. 1977), allow us to state that area of Emys orbicularis can cover part of territory of Estonia; probably, there are some small rarely reproducing populations or single adults. Due to its rareness and vulnerability, Emys orbicularis is included to the document No 396 issued by the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia (Ministru kabineta… 20004), as specially protected species, for which it is allowed to create microreserves. «Plan of Protection of European pond turtle Emys orbicularis in Latvia» (Pupins, Pupina 2007), officially approved by the Ministry of Environment of Latvia, contains recommendations on wide spectrum of actions and measures aimed at preservation of Emys orbicularis in the country: study on distribution and environment of Emys orbicularis in Latvia, ecosystem restoration, creation of breeding group Emys orbicularis ex-situ, reproduction in the aquaculture and releasing of young turtles to the places where Emys orbicularis were found and other measures. The Plan included data on importance of reinforcement of “bridges” populations of Emys orbicularis for genetic contacts with more sustainable populations from Belarus and Lithuania, as well as possibility of using the animals from these countries for reproduction of such populations. According to this Plan and due to the financing provided by European Committee in 2010 - 2014 in Latvia LIFE+ Project LIFE-HerpetoLatvia LIFE09NAT/LV/000239 "Conservation of rare reptiles and amphibians in Latvia" was implemented. One of three target species of the Projects is Emys orbicularis, and the target territory is Silene Nature Park, Territory Natura 2000, bordering with Belarus – the places where Emys orbicularis were found (Pupins et al. 2010). Project’s objective is to facilitate the enlargement of Emys orbicularis population and to ensure its long-time persistence in Latvia by combining in-situ, ex-situ methods, and creation of a suitable corridor network for Emys orbicularis key population for Silene Nature Park bordering with Belarus. Also, in Daugavpils University in 2014 2015 Project of European Cultural Funds «Establishment of new scientific group for modernization of aquaculture” is being implemented. The targeting of these projects 86 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” made it urgent to study occurrence of Emys orbicularis and ecosystems’ state in Silene Nature Park, optimization of aquaculture of Emys orbicularis, as well as taking practical environmental measures directed at restoration of Emys orbicularis population in this territory bordering with Belarus. MATERIALS AND METHODS The territory of the research and management is Silene Nature Park, bordering with Belarus (Figure 1). Preliminary study was one-year field study and had goal to collect data for Emys orbicularis population management measures. Figure 1. Territory and placement of the Silene Nature Park, project target area. The study was consisted of the collection of the most recent information on habitat composition in areas (GIS data and site surveys), Emys orbicularis findings registered using review of local inhabitants and field expeditions, population and their home range mapping. Habitat management was carried out for Silene Nature Park in accordance to created Emys orbicularis Population management plan (Pupins, Pupina 2012b). Habitat management measures were restoration of overgrowing ponds systems by deepening and digging of new ponds, and creating of open egg-laying sites for Emys orbicularis by vegetation cutting according guide for planning of environment (Pupins et al. 2010). The breeding in aquaculture ex-situ for Emys orbicularis had included establishment of large population in captivity from native northernmost specimens, breeding and releasing of juvenile Emys orbicularis in wild. For the breeding group adult 4 males and 4 females from Belarus were used additionally. All works were realized according to the Species protection plan, Population management plan, Nature conservation Plan for Silene Nature Park, land owners agreements, and special permissions of Nature Protection 87 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Agency of Latvia and Ministry of natural resources and conservation of environment of Republic of Belarus. RESULTS In the result of the research conducted it was proved that despite the availability of many various water reservoirs in Silene Nature Park (Pupins et al. 2012), many of them were drained during the Soviet epoch. Many water reservoirs that can be suitable for Emys orbicularis living, are grassed, shadowed and don’t comply with thermobiological and environmental needs of Emys orbicularis in the North of area (Pupins et al. 2010). Few places in Silene Nature Park where Emys orbicularis were found (Table 1) made it relevant to take urgent measures for rehabilitation of the population in the territory. Table 1. Findings of Emys orbicularis in Silene Nature Park. Findings number Place Coordinates Year of Plausibility observation Number of observations 1 Ricu lake 1990 low some 2 Silica river 1960-1970 high few, fish parts 3 Ilgas forest Ricu lake N55°42'30,50" E26°40'19,68" N55°42'53,82" E26°45'37,48" N55°41'53,24" E26°46'30,01" N55°41'19,10" E26°45'03,49" 1983 middle 20.07.1995. highest (authors foynd) middle once, carapaces once, adult female 4 5 Bedusu lake N55°42'13,96" 2007 E26°46'41,40" once, young adult Restoration of biotopes. For the Emys orbicularis 17 ponds were created or restored in Silene Nature Park in four key sites (site areas – 6.3 ha; 15.4 ha; 16.4 ha; 0.5 ha) near Belarusian border (Figure 2). The ponds aren’t deep (Table 2), they have wide littoral shelf zone, many sun-basking places (Figure 3a, b) and wide open south slope eggs-laying territories with sand ground near to the ponds (Figures 4, 5, 6). Some ponds are shallower; they are planned also for juvenile Emys orbicularis. The building of Rare Reptile and Amphibian Centre is fully renovated and equipped with 18 indoor and 6 outdoor basins with inner net-walls (two biggest basins are united) for Emys orbicularis in a glass house (Figure 7a, b). The basins are equipped by filters, air 88 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” pumps, plants filters, lightening and UV lamps. The Centre has also rooms for personal and workshops, which are used in summer season. Figure 2. Placement of restored ponds systems (in blue) in the Silene Nature Park near to Belarusian border. The ponds areas are numbered according Table 2. Table 2. Main conditions of restored ponds systems in Silene Nature Park Number Coordinates Type of waterbody Area Average depth Flow 1 N55°41'34,32" E26°47'14,25" 0,5 0,7 2 N55°41'27,14" E26°47'20,82" N55°41'05,17" E26°46'13,84" N55°41'27,53" E26°46'19,74" pond wetland system in a walley pond wetland system pond wetland system pond wetland system 0,6 0,7 Underground stream yes 15 0,6 0,7 yes 20 0,3 1 yes 200 3 4 Distance to eggs-laying place (m) 15 Emys orbicularis population restoration and enforcement. The Emys orbicularis successfully bred in out-door basin, tens of young Emys orbicularis were growing for 4 – 8 years in the Centre and adapted for natural conditions in 2013 – 2014 (Figure 8a, b). 89 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” a b Figure 3. a) Restored pond 1 with wide shallow zone; b) Restored eggs-laying place sand slope near to restored pond 2. The forest on the horisont line is in Belarus. 90 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Figure 4. Potential eggs-laying places (yellow areas) near to the pond system 1 (blue line). Belarus Figure 5. Potential eggs-laying places (yellow areas) near to the pond system 2 (blue line). 91 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Figure 6. Potential eggs-laying places (yellow areas) near to the pond system 3 (blue line). a b Figure 7. a) Indoor basins recirculation system; b) Glass house basins system. 42 (210% instead from planned 20) adults, semi-adults and juveniles Emys orbicularis were raised in aquaculture for 4 – 7 years and were released in wild in restored ponds in 14 of July 2014 in Silene Nature Park near to border of Belarus (Figure 9a, b). One turtle, 92 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” active swimming, was registered in the same biotope after some days by experts of the Project. a b Figure 8. a) Hatchlings in incubator; b) Semi-adult turtles sun-basked in natural climatic conditions in out-door basin. Additional effect of the Project Emys orbicularis targeted actions. We have observed second preserved species Bombina bombina in some newly dug ponds in improved Emys orbicularis water bodies in Silene Nature Park as well. They come from other, small peripheral pond from population Ilgas and Emys orbicularis habitat improvement has important additional value for creating corridors for Bombina bombina inter-population dispersal between target population Demene and Ilgas, and populations in Belarus. a b Figure 9. a) 42 adult and semi-adult turtles were released by experts and volunteers in Silene Nature Park in 2014 with wide public awareness; b) The turtle is active orienting in natural environment in first seconds after releasing. 93 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” DISCUSSION We do not hold any information whether there are Emys orbicularis populations on the territory of Belarus near the Latvian border. However, in 2014 an adult female was found in the area of Braslaw Lakes (Valery Lukashevich, personal communication), 18 km away from Silene Nature Park. Of course, a single release of Emys orbicularis raised in zoo-culture cannot guarantee the persistency and stable reproduction of the restored Ilgas population in Silene Nature Park, as it will be subject to negative influence of natural and man-induced factors that are hard to estimate: relatively cold climate, which is most dangerous for eggs and tortoises wintering in water; the impact of predators, including those that are invasive for Latvia: Nyctereutes procyonoides, Neovison vison, Ondatra zibethicus; parasites; disturbance and direct catching by people, etc. However, the carried-out restoration and optimization of biotopes give the turtles an opportunity to choose the best possible thermal conditions and safety zones. The location of Ilgas population in a tightly guarded zone provides additional protection from excessive disturbance from people. Colonization of restored Emys orbicularis biotopes by Bombina bombina, which have migrated there, is also a positive factor for the target species as well, as these amphibians are valuable food items for Emys orbicularis (Pikulik et al. 1988). It is hard to assess the effectiveness of the released Emys orbicularis adaptation to wild conditions, but AfterLIFE activities of the Project LIFE-HerpetoLatvia provide Emys orbicularis population monitoring in Silene Nature Park and, if necessary, further corrections of ecosystems state and enforcement of the population by new specimen raised in aquaculture. CONCLUSIONS The main target of the Project LIFE-HerpetoLatvia was to provide long-term existence of Emys orbicularis population on the northern border of the European area of the species in Latvia. There is no doubt, that small Latvian Emys orbicularis populations and groups demand genetic contacts with stronger southern populations in Belarus and Lithuania. That is why the main step in our work was to restore the near-border Emys orbicularis population and its biotopes in the South-East of Latvia. The success of these activities of the Project LIFE-HerpetoLatvia will be taken under control by monitoring of Emys orbicularis Ilgas population and the state of the ecosystems. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This research has been executed owing to support of LIFE Project "Conservation of rare reptiles and amphibians in Latvia", ESF Project «Jaunas zinatniskas grupas izveide akvakulturas tehnologiju modernizesanai», Institute of Ecology of Daugavpils University. 94 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” We thank V.Bakharev, S.Drobenkov, V.Lukashevich, R.Novitsky (Belarus) for practical help in receiving of Emys orbicularis from Belarus and consultations, A.C.M. Meeske (Germany) and C.Ayres (Spain), A.Skute and V.Vahrushevs (Latvia) for many-years cooperation in research and nature conservation. REFERENCES Bannikov A.G., Darevsky I.S., Ishchenko V.G., Rustamov A.K., Szczerbak N.N. (1977): Opredelitel zemnovodnyh i presmykayushchihsya fauny SSSR. – Prosvechshenie, Moscow: 415 p. (in Russian). Berdnikovs S. (1999): The Holocene history of the European pond tortoise (Emys orbicularis L.) in the East Baltic Area. – Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Section B, Vol. 53, No.2: 87-92. Berzins A. (2003): Purva brunurupucis Emys orbicularis Linnaeus, 1758. [Berzins, A. (2003) The pond turtle Emys orbicularis Linnaeus, 1758]. – In: Andrusaitis, G. (Ed.): Latvijas Sarkana gramata. LU Biologijas instituts: 96-97. (in Latvian). European Treaty Series (1979): Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats. Bern, No. 104. Fritz U. (2003): Die Europaishe Sumpfshildkrote (Emys orbicularis). – Laurenti Verlag: 224. (in German). Meeske A.C.M., Pupins M., Rybczynski K. (2006): Erste Ergebnisse zur Verbreitung und zum Status der Europäischen Sumpfschildkröte (Emys orbicularis) am nördlichen Rand ihrer Verbreitung in Litauen und Lettland. – Zeitschrift für Feldherpetologie 13 (1): 71-99. (in German). Ministru kabineta 2000. gada 14. novembra noteikumi Nr.396 "Par ipasi aizsargajamo sugu un ierobezoti izmantojamo ipasi aizsargajamo sugu sarakstu" ar grozijumiem, kas izdariti lidz 27.07.2004. – Vestnesis, Nr. 413/417. (in Latvian). Pikulik M.M., Bakharev V.A., Kosov S.V. (1988): Presmykayuschiesya Byelorusii. – Nauka i tehnika, Minsk: 166 p. (in Russian). Pupins M., Pupina A. (2007): Eiropas purva bruņurupuca Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) sugas aizsardzības plans Latvija. [Plan of protection of Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) in Latvia]. – Dabas aizsardzības pārvalde, Rīga: 104. (in Latvian). Pupins M., Pupina A. (2008a): The data on the observations of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis L.) at the northern edge of its area in Latvia. – Acta Biologica Universitatis Daugavpiliensis, Vol.8 (1): 35-46. ISSN 1407-8953. Pupins M., Pupina A. (2008b): Distribution of European pond turtle Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) on the northern edge of its area in Latvia. – Revista Española de Herpetología, 22: 149-157. 95 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Pupins M., Pupina A. (2011): The data on breeding of Emys orbicularis in Latvia: registered eggs laying and juveniles. – Biologia plazow i gadow-ochrona herpetofauny. Uniwersytet Pedagogiczny im. Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie, Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Pedagogicznego im. Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie:: 137-143. ISBN 978-83-7271-707-8. Pupins M, Pupina A. (2012a): Distribution of European pond turtle Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus 1758) in Latvia. – The problems of Herpetology. Proceedings of the 5th Congress of the Alexander M. Nikolsky Herpetological Society. 24-27 September 2012. Minsk, Belarus: 261-264. (In Russian). Pupins M., Pupina A. (2012b): LIFE-HerpetoLatvia: Population management plan for the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in Silene Nature Park, Territory Natura 2000 (Daugavpils novads, Latvia). – LIFE-HerpetoLatvia, Daugavpils, Latgales Zoo: 38 p. Pupins M., Pupina A., Bakharev V. (2010): Rasprostranenie evropeiskoi bolotnoi cherepahi (Emys orbicularis L. 1758) v Latvii i na territorijah, granichaschih s Belarusiu. [European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis L. 1758) distribution in Latvia and in territories bordered with Belarus]. – Vestnik Mozyrskaga Dzyarzhavnaga Universiteta imya I.P. Shamyakina, V.1 (26): 35-38. ISBN: 978-985-477-279-0. (in Russian). Pupins M., Pupina A., Petkuns E. (2012): LIFE-HerpetoLatvia: Results of preliminary study of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) territory Silene Nature Park, Territory Natura 2000 (Daugavpils novads, Latvia). – LIFE-HerpetoLatvia, Daugavpils, Latgales Zoo: 33 p. Pupins M., Pupina A., Skute A. (2010): Vides un biotopu plānošana Eiropas purva bruņurupuču Emys orbicularis saglabāšanai Latvijā. [Planning of environment and biotopes for conservation of European pond turtle Emys orbicularis in Latvia] – Daugavpils Universitāte: Akadēmiskais apgāds "Saule": 192 p. ISBN 978-9934-80790-9. (in Latvian). Silins J., Lamsters V. (1934): Latvijas rapuli un abinieki [Latvian reptiles and amphibians]. Riga, Valters un Rapa, 96 p. (in Latvian) Terentyev P., Chernov S. (1949): Opredelitel presmykayuzschihsya i zemnovodnyh. [The guide to reptilians and amphibians]. – Sovetskaya nauka, Moscow: 1-339. (in Russian). Uetz P., Hallermann J. (1995): Emys orbicularis LINNAEUS, 1758 . – The Reptile Database. http://www.jcvi.org/reptiles/species.php?genus=Emys&species=orbicularis. 96 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” CONSERVATION OF THE APENNINE YELLOW-BELLIED TOAD BOMBINA VARIEGATA PACHYPUS IN LIGURIA (NW ITALY) Sebastiano Salvidio 1, Fabrizio Oneto 1, Dario Ottonello 2, Luca Braida 1, Caterina Ferravante 3, Elena Grasselli 1, Giulia Vecchione 1, Stefano Canessa 4, Attilio Arillo 1, Massimiliano Cardelli 3 1 DISTAV, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy. [email protected] DAIS Università Cà Foscari, Venezia, Italy. 3 Parco Montemarcello-Magra, Sarzana, Italy. 4 University of Melbourne, Australia. 2 ABSTRACT The Apennine Yellow-bellied toad, Bombina variegata pachypus is endemic to the Italian peninsula. Land abandonment, chytrid infection and climate change are negatively impacting Yellow-bellied toad populations in many parts of its range. In Liguria, a north-western administrative Italian region, a regional conservation programme has been implemented to contrast the decline. Breeding sites were restored and created, the size and the sanitary status of populations was monitored and restocking was carried out. In the period 2011-2014, nine artificial breeding sites were created, four semi-natural water bodies and a small breeding facility was also created from which tadpoles were introduced in a newly-created site. In Liguria, Apennine Yellow-bellied toad populations are relatively small, but appear stable and non-infected by Batracochytrium dendrobatidis. Many of the new or restored breeding sites were colonised by the Apennine Yellow-bellied toad or by other amphibians, and a new reproductive population of Bombina variegata pachypus became established after restocking. Overall, these results confirm that the creation of small artificial breeding sites is a very successful strategy for conserving amphibian populations. This strategy is also useful for maintaining traditional rural activities in the Mediterranean landscape. Keywords: artificial tanks, Batracochytrium dendrobatidis, Bombina, rural landscape INTRODUCTION The Apennine Yellow-bellied toad, Bombina variegata pachypus (Bonaparte, 1838), is an amphibian endemic to the Italian peninsula. The taxonomic status of the Apennine populations of Yellow-bellied toad is still debated, because some authors consider them 97 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” as belonging to a subspecies of the Yellow-bellied toad Bombina variegata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Canessa et al., 2013b), while others treat them as full species (Lanza et al., 2007; Canestrelli et al., 2007). In any case, the Apennine Yellow-bellied toad distribution is confined to the Apennine Mountains and ranges from Liguria in the North to Calabria in the South (Lanza et al. 2007) (Figure 1). Figure 1. Range of the Italian endemic toad Bombina variegata pachypus. In Liguria (NW Italy), the Apennine Yellow-bellied toad breeds in small temporary streams and in small standing natural and human-made water bodies (Canessa et al., 2013b). In recent years, the northern populations of this species are declining because of habitat loss, abandonment of traditional agricultural activities (Canessa et al. 2013b) and diffusion of the chytrid fungus pathogen Batracochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) (Canestrelli et al., 2013). To reverse this negative trend, an integrated regional conservation project, starting in 2011, has been coordinated by the Parco di Montemarcello-Magra and the University of Genova (Arillo et al., 2013). This programme aimed to locally improve the conservation status of Apennine Yellow-bellied toad populations and at the same time to promote the traditional farming activities that, in the rural landscape of Liguria, play an important role in maintaining the diversity of amphibian populations breeding sites (Canessa et al., 2013b; Romano et al., 2013). The preliminary results concerning population size estimation and Bd analyses have been published by Canessa et al. (2013a). Therefore, in this study we will report only about the results concerning the Bd screening for 2013, the colonisation of the newly-created artificial or semi-natural habitats and the restocking activities. 98 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” MATERIALS AND METHODS Chytridiomycosis detection. All the main populations known in Liguria (Canessa et al., 2013a) have been screened for the pathogen Batracochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) by means of PCR assay. Yellow bellied toads were swabbed in the field at elast 30 times with cottone sterile swabs that were conserved at 4° C until DAN esxtraction. The qPCR method used for Bd detection, is a modification of the standard TaqMan qPCR technique (Boyle et al., 2004), based on SYBR Green chemistry with slightly modified primers (Grasselli et al., unpublished data). This method has been fully validated by a comparison with the Boyle's method (Boyle et al., 2004) and by the quantification of Bd infection on amphibian samples with known Bd prevalence (Grasselli et al., unpublished data). Habitat creation and restocking. During the project nine traditional stone tanks were built, while four standing water bodies were completely restored. All these sites fall within the historical range of the Apennine Yellow-bellied toad. These new habitats were created in private land in accordance with landowners that were willing to use them for irrigation and farming activities. The landowners signed an agreement with the regional park of Montemarcello Magra, accepting to take care and manage the sites for ten years. The artificial tanks were made in concrete and local stones and had a capacity of 2-3 m3. The water input was granted by a natural spring, thus incteasing the possibility of a permanent hydroperiod. In addition, an escape ramp assuring the exit of amphibians from the tank was always built (Figure 2). Figure 2. A) artificial tank in construction; B) close up of an escape ramp (arrow); C and D) two artificial tanks integrated in the rural lanscape. 99 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” The semi-natural ponds that were restored were already used as breeding sites by amphibians but they were partially excavated to increase their functionality (Figure 3). Usually they were already used as breeding sites by amphibians. Figure 3. A small pond during and at the end of restoration. The breeding facility was also built in private land and is about 9 x 3 m in size (Figure 4). It contains three small PVC ponds with capacity of 150 l and hosts only a small number of breeding adults (2-3 pairs) and it is used also for education with primary school students. Since 2011, tadpoles born in this structure are introduced in one of the newly-created tanks located within a SCI where the species was once present but went recently extinct. RESULTS During the 2013 survey, 100 swabs of B. v. pachypus were analysed for Bd by qPCR analysis and all of them were negative, confirming the previous results obtained by Canessa et al. (2013a) that sampled the same populations in 2011 and 212 (Table 1). 100 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Figure 4. The breeding facility used for raising Yellow-bellied toad tadpoles. Table 1. Number of Yellow-bellied toads analysed Bd (number infected). Data for 2011 and 2012 form Canessa et al. (2013a). Site Pav Lor1 Lor2 LorP Pav Pin Tev Moc LMa 2011 4(0) 17(0) 21(0) 17(0) 13(0) 1(0) - 2012 56(0) 43(0) 7(0) 35(0) - 2013 48(0) 8(0) 2(0) 6(0) 18(0) 12(0) 1(0) Almost all the new stone tanks were naturally colonised by amphibians, in four cases by individuals of Bombina v. pachypus, that in three of them established breeding populations The other species that were observed breeding in the newly-created tanks, were the Italian crested newt (Triturus carnifex), the Alpine newt (Mesotriton alpestris) and the Apennine frog (Rana italica). Concerning restocking, since 2011 about 100 large tadpoles of Bombina v. pachypus were introduced in the newly-created site (Agn in Table 2), where in the spring 2014 they began to breed successfully. 101 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Table 2. Amphibian populations and agricoltual use of the artificial tanks. Artificial tank LMa Moc PerS PerM Pav Lie Seg Pig Agn Amphibians present M. alpestris, T. carnifex B. v. pachypus B. v. pachypus, M. alpestris R. italica B. v. pachypus B. v. pachypus M. alpestris B. v. pachypus (restocked), R. italica Farming use cattle watering . cattle watering irrigation horse watering - DISCUSSION In the Mediterranean landscape, small seasonal aquatic habitats represent important freshwater ecosystems, in which rare organisms of conservation interest may be present (Blondel and Aronson 1999). In this region, small artificial water reservoirs are still used in traditional irrigation and may become relevant breeding sites for amphibians (Canessa et al., 2013b; Romano et al., 2014). The results of the present study strengthen the importance of artificial tanks as breeding sites for amphibian populations. In fact, the colonisation of many newly-created artificial tanks was rapid, beginning few months after their construction especially when amphibian populations were already present in the area. Even the rare and declining Apennine Yellow-bellied toad was able to successfully colonize these newly-created tanks, suggesting that one of its main limiting factor in NW Italy is the absence of suitable breeding sites. In rural lands, artificial water reservoirs are periodically managed by landowners. They have interest to assure constant water supply and they periodically clean the tanks to reduce aquatic vegetation and silting. These management practices reduce the density of invertebrate predators (mainly dragonfly larvae) and by consequence may increase the survival and matamorphosis rate of Yellow-bellied toad tadpoles (Canessa et al., 2013b). It is interesting to note that in one case, the restocking of about 100 large tadpoles was capable to establish in only three years a new breeding population of the Apennine Yellow-bellied toad. Therefore, the strategy of creating artificial sites together with the restocking of tadpoles should be viewed as a practical and effective conservation strategy for this species (Arillo et al. 2013). 102 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Finally, we observed a positive attitude of local people towards amphibians, that are in general perceived as indicators of traditional and extensive farming. Therefore, in Mediterranean regions of Italy, many human-made water bodies may be important for maintaining traditional agriculture while providing breeding sites for amphibian populations at the same time. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Italian Ministry of Environment issues capture, breeidng and restocking permits (number 2010 DPN-2010-0010807). REFERENCES Arillo A., Braida L., Canessa S., Cresta P., Ferravante C., Martel A., Oneto F., Ottonello D., Pasmans F., Salvidio S., Sciutti M., Scarpellini P. (2013). Paesaggio rurale e conservazione: il Progetto Ululone in Liguria. In: Atti IX Congresso Nazionale della Societas Herpetologica Italica, (Bari - Conversano, 26-30 settembre 2012), pp. 285286. Scillitani G., Liuzzi C., Lorusso L., Mastropasqua F., Ventrella P. Eds, Tipografia Pineta, Conversano (BA). Blondel J., Aronson J. (1999). Biology and wildlife of the Mediterranean region.Oxford: Oxford University Press. Boyle D.G., Boyle D.B., Olsen V., Morgan J.A.T., Hyatt A.D. (2004). Rapid quantitative detection of chytridiomycosis (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in amphibian samples using real-time Taqman PCR assay. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 60:141148. Canessa S., Martel A., Pasmans F. (2013a). No detection of chytrid in first systematic screening of Bombina variegata pachypus (Anura: Bombinatoridae) in Liguria, northern Italy. Acta Herpetologica, 8: 59-63. Canessa S., Oneto F., Ottonello D., Arillo A., Salvidio S. (2013b). Land abandonment may reduce disturbance and affect the breeding sites of an Endangered amphibian in northern Italy. Oryx, 47: 280-287. Canestrelli D., Cimmaruta R., Costantini V., Nascetti, G. (2006). Genetic diversity and phylogeography of the Apennine yellow-bellied toad Bombina pachypus, with implications for conservation. Molecular Ecology, 15, 3741–3754. Canestrelli D., Zampiglia M., Nascetti G. (2013). Widespread occurrence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in contemporary and historical samples of the endangered Bombina pachypus along the Italian peninsula. PLoS ONE 8: e63349. Lanza B., Andreone F., Bologna M.A., Corti C., Razzetti E. (2007). Ampbibia - Fauna d'Italia 42, 512 pp. 103 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Romano A., Salvidio S., Mongillo D., Olivari S. (2014). Importance of a traditional irrigation system in amphibian conservation in the Cinque Terre National Park (NW Italy). Journal for Nature Conservation, 22: 445-452.. 104 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” HYSTORY OF FORMING OF AREA AND MODERN SITUATION OF ITS BORDERS FOR EMYS ORBICULARIS L., 1758 IN BELARUS AND NEIGHBORING TERRITORIES Victor Aleksandrovich Bakharev Mozyr Governmental pedagogic University name I.P.Shamyakin, Mozyr, Belarus. [email protected] ABSTRACT Short historical review and analyses of conditions of European pond turtle Emys orbicularis in West region of Belarus are published. Problems of conservation and estimation of present conditions of the species of Red book of Belarus were definied in the publication. ИСТОРИЯ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ АРЕАЛА И СОВРЕМЕННОЕ СОСТОЯНИЕ ГРАНИЦ EMYS ORBICULARIS L., 1758 В ПРЕДЕЛАХ БЕЛАРУСИ И ПРИЛЕГАЮЩИХ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ Виктор Александрович Бахарев Учреждение образования "Мозырский государственный педагогический университет им. И.П. Шамякина" [email protected] АБСТРАКТ В статье дана краткая историческая справка и проведён анализ состояния изученности европейской болотной черепахи Emys orbicularis западного региона Беларуси. В публикации поставлены проблемные вопросы, связанные с охраной и оценкой современного состояния этого вида Красной книги РБ. ВВЕДЕНИЕ Сохранение биологического разнообразия является одной из ключевых проблем современности в свете Конвенции ООН 1992 г. Одним из направлений решения этого вопроса является оценка состояния редких и охраняемых видов Красной книги. Положение европейской болотной черепахи Emys orbicularis в этом отношении весьма парадоксально. В связи с нередкостью вида в Полесье некоторые учёные сомневаются в необходимости включения его в список охраняемых. Вместе с 105 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” тем, европейская болотная черепаха относится к III-ей категории (VU) Красной книги РБ [1], включена в Красный список МСОП и приложение II Бернской Конвенции, внесена в Красные книги Латвии и Литвы. В последней сводке С.М. Дробенков [2] указывает границу ареала по линии Пружаны – Белозерск – Телеханы –Дяковичи – Копаткевичи – Василевич – Добруж. Однако, с монографии М.М. Пикулика [3], вышедшей ранее (1988), указана более северная граница. В начале третьего тысячелетия вид неоднократно отмечался севернее указанной С.М. Дробенковым границы, причем в точках ранее упомянутых М.М. Пикуликом. Мною с 1977 года велся сбор информации по распространению европейской болотной черепахи и часть этого материала вошла в уже упомянутую монографию М.М. Пикулика. Таким образом, назрела необходимость провести анализ состояния этого вида. Собранный мною более 10 лет материал в Полесье и 20 лет в Гродненской области даёт возможность провести оценку состояния этого вида именно на западной границе ареала. В целом по всей Беларуси это частично выполнено С.М. Дробенковым [2]. Сам анализ в западном регионе республики весьма актуален в связи с находками этого вида в Польше, Литве и Латвии. Целью нашей работы и явилось подведение итогов изучения границ ареала вида с учётом данных на прилегающих территориях (Латвия, Литва, Польша). Данная цель достигается через решение следующих задач: 1) Провести ретроспективный анализ исторического появления вида и палеонтологических находок и описаний встреч черепах исследователями, начиная c XVIII века; 2) Выполнить зоогеографический анализ ареала в указанном регионе с целью выяснения путей существования вида в данном регионе. Краткая историческая справка История появления вида Согласно изложенной гипотезе В.Ю. Ратникова [4] по расселению ужей болотная черепаха заселила Евразию из Северной Америки (рис. 1) Вероятнее всего древние предки болотной черепахи распространились из Сев. Америки по гипотетическому материку на территорию, которая находилась между морями Тетис и Паратерис. Последующие геологические процессы внесли свои корректировки в формирование его ареала. 106 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Рисунок 1. Гипотетическое распространение водных черепах [5]. Анализ митохондриальной ДНК позволил восстановить историческую картину заселения видом Европы в постгляциальное время (рисунок 2). Она практически совпадает с палеонтологическими данными. Рисунок 2. Основные направления постгляциальной экспансии Emys orbicularis: I – VII - основные рефугиумы [6]. 107 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Таким образом, экспансия вида на территорию современной Беларуси происходила из рифугиума Ia, севернее Крыма. Согласно данным С.М. Дробенкова [7] этот вид отмечается значительно севернее выявленной ранее границы ареала [8] – в Минске, Гродно, Жодино, Орше, Березинском заповеднике. Автор это объясняет тремя основными причинами: выпуском в природу, особенно в районе крупных городов; большой способностью черепах к миграциям; существованием угасающих реликтовых микропопуляций. Из немногочисленных публикаций прошлых лет следует, что вид в начале ХХ века встречался шире, включая северные широты Беларуси. Автор делает вывод, что за последние 40—50 лет граница ареала вида сместилась в южном направлении по меньшей мере на 150-200 км. Однако, более тщательный анализ последних палеонтологических находок субфоссильных остатков этого вида в Беларуси [9, 10] и особенно своеобразной картины южной границы последнего оледенения позволяет по-новому трактовать имеющиеся данные. Три с половиной тысячи лет назад [9] и сейчас болотная черепаха встречалась в северной части Беларуси, а публикации М. Пупиньша [11] показали, что вид не только существовал в Латвии раньше, но и способен сейчас жить, реализуя репродукцию. Вид отмечен в Литве [12, 13], а в Польше В. Ющик [14] указывает точки находок этого вида на широте Витебской области. Таким образом с некоторой уверенностью можно утверждать, что северные точки находок вида не только в Беларуси, но и прилегающих территориях не являются случайными. В 2007 году мною проведён анализ [9, 10, 15] болотной черепахи временных поселений человека среднего голоцена и показано, что около 4 тысяч лет назад болотная черепаха встречалась в северной (Витебщина), западной, восточной и южной частях современной территории Беларуси. Ископаемые черепахи мало отличались по размерам от современных, а возраст отловленных в то время черепах не превышал 10 лет, что примерно соответствует среднему возрасту современных черепах – 12 лет. В тоже время предельный возраст черепах Белорусского Полесья С.М. Дробенков [16] оценивает в 25-27 лет. Краткий анализ изучения вида в XVIII-XX веках выявил, что отдельные упоминания о рептилиях западной части Беларуси приведены в труде Габриэля. Ржачинского «История природы царства Польского, присоединенной Литовской области, по провинциям, в 20 частях» [17], где он описывает болотную черепаху. Позже выходит книга ученого Ж.Э. Жилибера 1781 года [18]. Здесь подробно описана болотная черепаха из-под Гродно. В наиболее полной фаунистической сводке Л.М. Никольского [19, 20, 21] упомянута болотная черепаха. Он сообщает, что вид встречается по р. Нарев, на западе страны, 108 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” а на востоке – вблизи г. Могилёва. Позже (1915 год) З. Федорович [22] описывает болотную черепаху для Гродненской, Минской и Витебской областей. Ю.Ф. Сапоженков [23] в 1951 году отлавливал европейскую болотную черепаху в старице р. Щара, Слонимском и Желудокском районах Гродненской области. При общем описании фауны позвоночных Беларуси Ф.Н. Воронин [24] сообщает о болотной черепахе в реке Щара, озере Белом и ряда других мест республики. В этот период наиболее изученной оказалась герпетофауна Беловежской пущи [25], где со ссылкой на польские источники говориться об обитании болотной черепахи в р. Нарев. Исследования А.Г. Банникова были продолжены мною (1980-1985 г.г.) в Беловежской пуще, где была зафиксирована болотная черепаха, мигрировавшая по р. Лесная Правая, что подтверждает вероятность перемещения вида по водотокам из Польши в Беларусь. Современное состояние вида в западной части Беларуси. Таксономический статус Иcследуемый вид относится к номинальному подвиду Emys orbicularis orbicularis (L., 1758). Распространение. В целом, согласно данным С.М. Дробенкова [26] юго-западная часть Гродненщины входит в область распространения вида. Несомненно, все зафиксированные точки находок являются как действительным обитанием здесь черепахи, так и искусственным выпуском особей в природу. Однако более детальный анализ мест находок черепахи показывает весьма интересную картину, когда эпизодически на одних и тех же местах особи появляются с заметным постоянством. Специально проведённые исследования [27] по проекту программы ТАСИС Европейского Союза выявили следующие места обитания вида в Гродненской области: Якубовское озеро – севернее г. Берёзовка и в русле р. Изовка (д. Изовка Новогрудского района). Позже две мигрирующие черепахи поселились в водоёме образованном речкой Трицевкой рядом с Козловщиной Дятловского района. Трицевка несколькими километрами ниже впадает в р. Щару. Причём, местные жители утверждали, что это мигрирующие особи из русла р. Щары, т.к. черепах сюда специально никто не запускал. Аналогично замечали черепаху в русле р. Свислочь Большого Берстовицкого района, в истоках р. Волпянка в окрестностях д. Дыхновичи Волковысского района, оз. Вишнево Сморгонского района (информация Ясевича А.). Относительно крупное поселение вида существует рядом с Гродненской областью в республиканском заказнике «Выгонощанский» Ивацевичского района Брестской области. По непроверенным данным черепаха отмечена в русле р. Котра, ниже по течению от г. Скиделя. Кроме этого есть публикация С.М. Дробенкова [28] о 109 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” находках одиночных особей и небольших групп черепах в пригороде Гродно. Данный случай, как и находка черепахи в Чёртовом озере Гродненского района объясняется именно выпуском животных в природу человеком. Особенно, последний случай, т.к. названное озеро характеризуется относительно невысокой температурой воды и отсутствием удобных мест для инкубирования яиц. Под Гродно длительное существование поселения черепахи сомнительно из-за большой плотности городского населения. ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ Таким образом, подводя итоги, следует отметить, что вид заселил территорию современной Беларуси из рифугиума севернее Крым и осваивал территорию по мере отсупления ледников. Около 4 тыс. лет назад черепаха вероятнее всего заселила всю территорию вплоть до Витебщины. Зоогеографический анализ показал, что как в прежние времена [20, 21, 22, 23, 24] так и сейчас с удивительным постоянством регистрируются находки особей в тех же районах. Это притоки рек Неман (Щара, Свислочь) и рек, вытекающие из территории Польши (Нарев, Лесная Правая). Не исключена возможность находок на границе с Литвой. Тем более, что официальные подтверждения обитания черепахи в Сморгоньском районе имеются. Именно здесь протекает р. Вилея, впадающая в литовскую р. Нярис. Уже вышли публикации исследователей о находках европейской болотной черепахи в Литве [12, 13]. В перспективе существование вида в западной части Беларуси возможно за счёт локальных поселений на охраняемых территориях заказников («Выгонощанский» и др.) региона и миграций из Польши, Литвы и, возможно, Латвии. СПИСОК ИСПОЛЬЗОВАННЫХ ИСТОЧНИКОВ 1. Красная книга Республики Беларусь: Редкие и находящиеся под угрозой исчезновения виды диких животных. Гл. редакция: Г.П. Пашков (гл. ред..) и др. Гл. редколлегия: Л.И. Хоружик (предс.) и др. – Мн.: Бел. Эн, 2004. – С 173. 2. Дробенков С.М. Популяционная экология европейской болотной черепахи в Беларуси / С.М. Дробенков. – Минск: Беларус. навука. 2012. – 106 с. 3. Пикулик М.М. Пресмыкающиеся Белоруссии / М.М. Пикулик, В.А. Бахарев, С.В. Косов. – Минск: наука и техника, 1988 – 166 с. 4. Ратников, В.Ю. К истории ужей Европы / В.Ю. Ратников // Актуальные проблемы герпетологии и токсинологии: сб. науч. трудов. – Тольятти, 2005. – Вып. 8. – С. 154–164. 5. Бахарев В.А. Герпетология: курс лекций: в 2 ч. /авт.-сост. В.А. Бахарев. – Мозырь: УО МГПУ им. И.П. Шамякина, 2008. – Ч. 1. – С 115. 110 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” 6. Бахарев В.А. Герпетология: курс лекций: в 2 ч. /авт.-сост. В.А. Бахарев. – Мозырь: УО МГПУ им. И.П. Шамякина, 2008. – Ч. 1. – С 116. 7. Дробенков, С.М. Географическое распространение и динамика численности болотной черепахи в Беларуси / С.М. Дробенков // Красная книга Республики Беларусь: состояние, проблемы, перспективы: материалы респ. науч. конф., Витебск, 12–13 декабря 2002 г. / УО «ВГУ им. П.М. Машерова»; отв. ред. В.Я. Кузьменко. – Витебск, 2002. – С. 90–92. 7. Пикулик М.М. Пресмыкающиеся Белоруссии / М.М. Пикулик, В.А. Бахарев, С.В. Косов. – Минск: Наука и техника, 1988 – С.18. 8. Бахарев, В.А. Характеристика болотной черепахи временных поселений человека среднего голоцена / В.А. Бахарев // Современные экологические проблемы устойчивого развития Полесского региона и сопредельных территорий: наука, образование, культура: материалы III Междунар. науч.практ. конф.: в 3 ч. / редкол. В.В. Валетов (гл. ред.) [и др.]. – Мозырь: УО МГПУ им. И.П. Шамякина, 2007. – Ч. 1. – С. 34–39. 9. Бахарев В.А. Характеристика элементов панциря болотной черепахи поселения неолита – эпохи бронзы Камень 8. / В.Ф. Исаенко, В.А. Бахарев // Матэрыялы па археалогii Беларусi: Зборнiк навуковых артыкулау. Заснованы у 1957 годзе. Выпуск 18. / Рэд. калегiя В.М. Ляуко [гл. рэд.] и iнш. – Минск, «Беларуская навука», 2010. – С.287-289 10. Pupins M., Pupina A. (2012): Conservation of the European Pond Turtle in Latvia: LIFE-HerprtoLatvia Project. Nature Conservation Agency: 56 p ISBN 978-9934-84122-4 11. Meesce M. Reproduction of the European Pond Turtle Emys orbicularis in the northern limit of the species range / M. Meeske, C.M.N. Schneeweis, F. WelterSchulter // Aufcucht und Wachstums analysen der Europeischen Schumpfschildkrote (Emys orbicularis) aus Litauen. – Salamandra. 2000, 36/2. – S.89-102. 12. Meeske M. Erste Ergebnise zur Verbreitung und zum Status der Europeischen Schumpfschildkrote (Emys orbicularis) am nordlichen Rand ihrer Verbreitung in Litauen und Lettland / M. Meeske, M.M. Pupins, K.J. Ribczynski // – Zeritschrift fur Fedherpetologie. 2006, 13. – S. 71 -99. 13. Juszcyk W. Plazy i Gady krajowe. Czesc 3. Gady – Reptilia // W. Juszcyk / Warszawa: Panstwowe Wydawnictwo Naukowe, 1987. – S. 31. 14. Кривальцевич, Н.Н. Палеоэкологический мониторинг последствий активной эксплуатации человеком зооты наземных и околоводных экосистем / Н.Н. Кривальцевич, В.А. Бахарев // Экологические проблемы западного 111 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” региона Беларуси: сб. науч. статей / под ред. проф. Е.П. Кремлева. – Гродно: ГрГУ, 2007. – С. 187–190. 14. Дробенков С.М. Популяционная экология европейской болотной черепахи в Беларуси / С.М. Дробенков. – Минск: Беларус. Навука. 2012. – С. 55. 15. Rzaczynsky, G. Historia naturalis curiosa Regni Poloniae, Magniducatus Litvaniae, annexarunq; provinciarum, in tractatus XX divisa: ex scriptoribus probates, servata primigenia cjrum phrasi in locis plurimis, ex M.M.S. variis tetibus oculatis, relationibus fide dignis, experimentis, desumpta / G. Rzaczynsky // Sandomiriae: Typis Collegii Soc. Jesu, 1721. – 456 с. 16. Бахарев В.А. Ж.Э. Жилибер – первые герпетологические исследования в Беларуси / В.А. Бахарев // Вопросы герпетологии: материалы Пятого съезда Герпетологического общества им. А.М. Никольского. Минск, 25-28 сентября 2012 г. / ГНПО "НПЦ НАН Беларуси по биоресурсам"; под ред. Р.В. Новицкого, Н.Б. Ананьевой [и др.]. – Минск: Право и экономика, 2012. С. 32-36. 17. Никольский, А.М. Животный мiр Полъсья / А.М. Никольский. – СПб.: тип. акц. общ. Е. Евдокиовъ, 1899. – 68 с. 18. Никольский, А.М. Опредълитель пресмыкающихся и земноводныхъ Россiской Имперiи / А.М. Никольский. – Харьковъ: Русская Типографiя и Литографiя, 1907. – 182 с. 19. Никольскiй, А.М. Фауна Россiи и сопредъльныхъ странъ. Пресмыкающiяся / А.М. Никольскiй. – Петроградъ, 1915. – Т. 1 (Chelonia и Sauria). – 534 с. 20. Fedorowicz, Z. Plazy i gady na Litwie / Z. Fedorowicz T-wa przyjacol Nauk w Wilnie. – 1915–1918. – Т. 6. – S. 206–221. 21. Сапоженков, Ю.Ф. Материалы по изучению амфибий и рептилий Белоруссии / Ю.Ф. Сапоженков // Фауна и экология наземных позвоночных Белоруссии. – Минск: Вышэйшая школа, 1961. – С. 183–194. 22. Воронин, Ф.Н. Фауна Белоруссии и охрана природы: / Ф.Н. Воронин. – Минск: Вышэйшая школа. 1967. – 424 с. 23. Банников, А.Г. Материалы к изучению земноводных и пресмыкающихся Беловежской пущи / А.Г. Банников, З.В. Белова // Ученые записки Московского гор. пед. института им. А.П. Потемкина, 1956. – Т. 61. – Вып. 4–5. – С. 385–402. 24. Дробенков С.М. Популяционная экология европейской болотной черепахи 25. в Беларуси / С.М. Дробенков. – Минск: Беларус. навука. 2012. – С. 9. 26. Бахарев В.А. Особенности биологии и экологии редких видов амфибий и рептилий Гродненской области / В.А. Бахарев // В сб.: Состояние и проблемы развития туризма в Гродненской области. Гродно. Издание проекта ТАСИС // Rocznik Позвоночные 112 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” "Региональное развитие и охрана природы в Еврорегионе "Неман". 1999. – с.35-39. 27. Дробенков С.М. Популяционная экология европейской болотной черепахи в Беларуси / С.М. Дробенков. – Минск: Беларус. Навука. 2012. – С. 21. 113 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” NEW FINDS OF RARE SPECIES OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN MOZYR AND PRIPATSKOI WOODLANDS Victor Aleksandrovich Bakharev 1, Dmitry Yurievich Lesnichy 2 Mozyr Governmental pedagogic University name I.P.Shamyakin, Mozyr, Belarus. 1 [email protected], [email protected] ABSTRACT This paper contains the results of studies of the rare species of amphibians and reptiles and the Pripyat Polesie Mozyr. Are the new finds and made a brief analysis of the biology of these species. Key words: Mozyr Polesye, the Pripyat Polesie, rare species of amphibians and reptiles, distribution, reproduction. НОВЫЕ НАХОДКИ РЕДКИХ ВИДОВ ЗЕМНОВОДНЫХ И ПРЕСМЫКАЮЩИХСЯ В МОЗЫРСКОМ И ПРИПЯТСКОИ ПОЛЕСЬЕ Виктор Александрович Бахарев1, Дмитрий Юрьевич Лесничий 2 УО МГПУ им. И.П. Шамякина, Мозырь, Беларусь. 1 [email protected], [email protected] АБСТРАКТ В работе изложены результаты изучения распространения редких видов земноводных и пресмыкающихся Мозырского и Припятского Полесья. Приведены новые точки находок и сделан краткий анализ биологии этих видов. Ключевые слова: Мозырское Полесье, Припятское Полесье, редкие виды земноводных и пресмыкающихся, распространение, репродукция. ВВЕДЕНИЕ Белорусское Полесье издавна привлекало внимание ученых-зоологов. В 1863 году Бобровский П. при описании Брестского, Кобринского, Пружанского уездов 114 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” сообщает о находках в окаменелостях древних черепах [1]. В конце ХIХ века (1899) опубликованы итоги исследований животного мира Полесья [2], где из редких видов пресмыкающихся описаны болотная черепаха для южной и западной частей Полесья и медянка. С начала ХХ века выходят публикации зоологов по различным группам позвоночных Полесья [3, 4, 5]. На общем фоне таких фаунистических сводок, к сожалению, мало внимания уделялось ныне редким видам. И даже после последнего выхода Красной книги [6] однозначная картина по ряду видов позвоночных остается весьма дискуссионной. Природа динамична, и, естественно, за относительно небольшой промежуток времени состояние вида может резко меняться. Задача зоологов и состоит в том, чтобы понять эти тенденции и предложить соответствующие меры для сохранения видового разнообразия экосистем. Цель исследования – выявление новых мест обитания редких видов и оценка динамики поселений для последующего выделения особо ценных в биологическом отношении участков природы. МАТЕРИАЛ И МЕТОДЫ Изучение характера распространения с целью выявления особо значимых территорий размножения редких видов земноводных и пресмыкающихся включенных в Красную книгу РБ проводилось в 2006 – 2013 годах в Мозырском, Лельчичком, Житковичском районах. В Мозырском районе были обследованы ландшафтные заказники республиканского значения «Мозырские овраги» и «Стрельский» и охотничьи заказники «Алёс», «Лешнянский», окрестности деревень и посёлков – Новинки, Криничный, Акулинка, Бибики, Матрунки, Тваричевка, Каменка, Красная Зорька, Козенки, Мал. Зимовищи, Рудня Горбовичская, Староселье, Прудок, Загорины, Мелешковичи. В Лельчичком – территории Лельчицкого, Марковского Милашевичского лесничеств. В Житковичском – окрестности деревень и посёлков – Березина, Борки, Гребень, Дедовка, Дуброва, Долгая Дуброва, Забродье, Лагвощи, Люденевичи, Млынок, Морохорово Науть, Остранка, Оцкованое, Погост, Подовж, Рудня, Туров, Черетянка. Изучение поселений Emys orbicularis (L., 1758), Coronella austriaca (Laur., 1768) проводилось по методике М.М. Пикулика [7]. РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ РАБОТЫ И ИХ ОБСУЖДЕНИЕ Мозырский район Обследование заказника «Мозырские овраги» выявило гребенчатого тритона (Triturus cristatus Laur.,1768), болотную черепаху (Emys orbicularis L.,1758). В Стрельском и охотничьем заказнике «Алёс» отмечены эти два вида. В тоже время как в Лешнянском заказнике встречен лишь гребенчатый тритон. 115 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Исследование окрестностей г. Мозыря показало, что Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) встречается в микрорайоне «Бобры» и в небольших озёрах на территории лесопарковой зоны «Молодёжный» (рисунок 1). В обследованных 4-х водоёмах лесопарковой зоны было встречено три особи Emys orbicularis (L., 1758). Ландшафт местности представлен небольшими оврагами как с крутыми, так и пологими уклонами, что является оптимальным местообитанием популяции данного вида. Чаще всего Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) встречалась на восточных и южных пологих склонах, где освещённость территории имеет более продолжительный период времени. На территории водоёмов произрастают насаждения Pinus sylvestris, Betula pubescens, Alnus incana. Многочисленны кустарники Rubus ulmifoolius и Salix alba. Травяно-кустарниковый ярус образован доминирующими растениями Fragaria vesca, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Sagittaria trifolia, Carex pilosa, Typha latifolia, Scirpus sylvaticus. Кормность водоёмов для Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) может включать следующих животных: Cochlicopa lubrica, Anisus leucostoma, Anisus spirobris, Physella acuta, личинок Rana lessonae, Rana temporaria. Рисунок 1. Места регистрации Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) окрестностей г. Мозыря лесопарка «Молодёжный». К настоящему времени болотная черепаха в Беларуси, как и на большей её части сокращающегося ареала обитания, редка. В результате антропогенного воздействия вид включен в Красную книгу Республики Беларусь, Красный список МСОП, приложение II Бернской конвенции. Вид внесён в Красные книги Литвы и Латвии. 116 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Снижение численности болотной черепахи в Беларуси связано с радикальной трансформацией и сокращением площади естественных мест обитания, последовавших за антропогенными изменениями природных ландшафтов, осушением заболоченных земель, обвалованием и спрямлением русл рек [6]. Лельчицкий район Милашевичское лесничество Нами выявлены свежие кладки яиц болотной черепахи в кв. 37, 98 и непосредственно у Милашевич на «острове Ковпака". Последняя является местом наиболее массовой откладки яиц и может рассматриваться как ценный участок околоводной экосистемы. Дзержинское лесничество На территории лесничества в кв. № 3 была зафиксирована медянка обыкновенная (Coronella ausnriaca Layr.) – рисунок 2. Там же обнаружены места откладки яиц болотной черепахи. Всего в лесничестве зафиксировано 6 мест массовой откладки яиц и 2 места массовых весенних миграций черепах (рисунок 3). Следы фиксировались с начала мая (переходу среднесуточной температуры выше 10 0С) и идентифицировались по характерной полосе на песке от хвоста (рисунок 4). Рисунок 3. Медянка обыкновенная (Coronella ausnriaca Laur.). Перемещения отмечались до начала похолодания со второй половины мая. Именно этот короткий период черепахи находились на суше, а все остальное время – в воде, где есть пища и укрытие. Нахождение черепах в кв. 5; 6; 7 вблизи Букчанского лесничества (урочище Раскопаная) объясняется наличием там обширного болота с 117 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” проточными канавами и множества мелких водоемов, где круглый год держится вода. Кроме того, здесь же проходит большая песчаная грива (холм), где отмечено два участка ежегодной откладки яиц. Рисунок 3. Мигрирующая болотная черепаха (Emys orbicularis, L.). Рисунок 4. Следы перехода черепахи к месту откладки яиц. 118 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” На территории лесничества выявлены местообитания болотной черепахи (рисунок 5), которые находились на расстоянии не более 7 км друг от друга. Так как в литературе встречаются сведения о том, что болотные черепахи для откладки яиц удаляются от водоемов обычно не дальше 1км, поэтому эти 6 мест можно считать отдельными местообитаниями. Все найденные местообитания и гнезда находятся на территории водосбора р. Ствиги (правый приток Припяти). Рисунок 5. Картосхема Дзержинского лесничества с местами встреч болотной черепахи и кладок яиц: - - - - - - -учетные маршруты по поиску мигрирующих черепах и свежих гнезд; I---------I маршруты учетов следов черепах; – места массовой откладки яиц. На рисунке 5 показано, что точки № 1 и № 2 расположены на территории Полесского военного лесхоза вблизи кв. №13 Дзержинского лесничества – урочище «Панское»; точки №3 и № 4 расположены в Лельчицком районе, в северной части Дзержинского лесничества, кв. №5, 6, 7, урочище «Топила»; точки № 5 и № 6 расположены в кв. № 75 и 83 Дзержинского лесничества, 1км южнее д. Дзержинск, урочище «Печеное». Кроме этого на юго-востоке Дзержинского лесничества, кв. №70, урочище «Сухрын» обнаружены массовые переходы и несколько кладок яиц, а в кварталах № 36 и № 73 Дзержинского лесничества были отмечены особи 4-х и 12 лет, причем последняя была поймана на берегу канала (рисунок 6). 119 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Анализируя карту Дзержинского лесничества и сопредельных территорий, можно отметить, что ни одно из найденных местообитаний не изолировано от других агроландшафтами или иными существенными препятствиями антропогенного характера. Каждое местообитание связано (каналами, ручьями, болотами, лесами) хотя бы еще с одним, и непосредственно через него с остальными местообитаниями черепах. В благоприятные годы, вероятно, происходит обмен особями, что говорит о единстве популяции, благополучие которой во многом зависит от человека. Таким образом, только на территории Дзержинского лесничества выявлено шесть точек мест регулярной откладки яиц болотной черепахи, т.е. очень важных территорий для репродукции этого вида. Рисунок 6. Канал – основной путь миграции черепах. На остальных обследованных территориях столь крупных мест массовой откладки яиц болотной черепахи не выявлено, т.е. указанный участок Дзержинского лесничества можно рассматривать как особо значимую территорию для сохранения редкого вида пресмыкающихся. Марковское лесничество. Места кладки яиц зарегистрированы в урочище "Козлов Лес" между р. Уборть и Лохница. Лельчицкое лесничество Изучение мест встреч болотной черепахи в кварталах 95, 96, 97, 98 (низинные осоковые болота с торфяным слоем в 0.2–3 м и озером площадью 1 км2) показало 120 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” отсутствие мест, пригодных для откладки и инкубирования яиц черепахи. Однако квартал 98, где частично располагается гидрологический заказник местного значения «Лельчицкое-Свидовец», обеспечивает определённый охранный режим и для черепахи. Житковичский район В ходе проведения исследований были выявлены новые места обитания Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) и Coronella austriaca (Laur., 1768) в естественных экосистемах Припятского Полесья. За период наблюдений на территории Житковичского района было зарегистрировано четыре особи Coronella austriaca (Laur., 1768) и семь Emys orbicularis (L., 1758). Места регистрации болотной черепахи на территории Житковичского района составили пять точек обнаружения, приуроченных к окрестностям Песчаники, Забродье, Березина, Черетянка, Оцкованое (рисунок 7). Рисунок 7. Новые места регистрации Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) на территории Житковичского района. 121 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Изученные окрестности района составили пойменные, долинные и заболоченные экосистемы. При исследовании пойменных и долинных экосистем р. Скрипица, окрестностей Оцкованое и Черетянка было зарегистрировано две особи Emys orbicularis (L., 1758). Ландшафтная организация региона представлена суббореальной подзоной озёрно-аллювиальной надпойменной части террасы. Данная территория является сравнительно открытой, с густой травянистой растительностью и редкими как низкими, так и высокими древесными насаждениями. Биотопы выражены первым древесным ярусом – Pinus sylvestris, второй – Betula pubescens, подрост представлен Alnus incana, подлесок – Sorbus aucuparia. В травяно-кустарниковом ярусе преобладают Vaccinium uliginosum, Vaccinium myrtillus, Dactylis glomerata, Bromus inermis, Juníperus communis и др. Аллювиально террасированный ландшафт является слабо дренированным с сосновыми лесами на дерново-подзолистых почвах. Рельеф плоский, образован небольшими дюнами, характерно наличие сухих мест с песчаными пригорками и небольшими насыпями. Данная ландшафтно-биотопическая организация является благоприятной для совершения миграций к местам размножения и кладки яиц. Ещё три особи Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) были зарегистрированы в окрестностях Забродье, Березина, Песчаники. Характер данной территории отражает преимущественно изученные долинные и заболоченные экосистемы. Данная местность представлена подзоной суббореальным озёрно-болотным ландшафтом, с дерново-подзолистой почвой, местами частично торфяно-заболоченной. Рельеф плоский, слабовогнутый или слабовыпуклый. Места регистрации Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) приходятся на биотоп сосняка мшистого (сухой). Ранее эта территория бала заболоченной, а на сегодняшний день является осушенной. Данная трансформация территории может являться предпосылкой для заселения этих видов, поскольку торфяники являются оптимальной почвой для кладки яиц, а температура на 3–50C выше. Биотопическая организация выражена первым древесным ярусом – Pínus sylvestris, второй – Alnus incana, подрост представлен Betula pubescens, подлесок – Sorbus aucuparia. В травяно-кустарниковом ярусе доминантами являются Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Rubus ulmifoolius, Vaccinium uliginosum. Кормность водоёмов, которая может быть использована Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) включает такие виды животных, как Cochlicopa lubrica, Anisus leucostoma, Anisus spirobris, Physella acuta, Triturus vulgaris 6 экз/га, Rana ridibunda 18 экз/га, Rana lessonae 78 экз/га, Rana temporaria 23 экз/га. Иначе дело обстоит с Coronella austriaca (Laur., 1768), которая была обнаружена только на территории Житковичского района в окрестностях Березины, Оцкованое, Черетянка, Забродье (рисунок 8). Трофологическая составляющая данной местности включает наличие множества видов животных, среди которых Lacerta vivipara 21 экз/га, Lacerta agilis 13 экз/га, а также большое разнообразие беспозвоночных насекомых. 122 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Среди основных факторов снижения численности Emys orbicularis (L., 1758) и Coronella austriaca (Laur., 1768) в естественных экосистемах можно выделить влияние на популяции прямого уничтожения и изменение самих биотопов и экосистем, что является сокращением естественных мест обитания. Предположительно, потенциально эти виды способны сосуществовать и в местах измененных самим человеком, кроме того, они прослеживаются в естественных экосистемах. Рисунок 8. Новые места обнаружения Coronella austriaca (Laur., 1768) на территории Житковичского района. ВЫВОДЫ Таким образом, на обследованных территориях Мозырского Полесья из охраняемых земноводных отмечен лишь гребенчатый тритон, а подробное картирование мест откладки его икры показало, что в период размножения самцы этого вида отмечались по неглубоким канавам лесных дорог практически в каждом обследованном лесничестве. В данном случае говорить о ценности конкретного участка нерационально, т.к. вид распределён диффузно. 123 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Из пресмыкающихся второй категории охраны нами выявлены болотная черепаха и медянка. Медянка – весьма редкий вид, и поэтому в качестве критерия отбора особо ценных участков леса нами были выбраны места откладки и инкубирования яиц болотной черепахи в Дзержинском лесничестве. В Припятском Полесье эти два вида пресмыкающихся расселены диффузно, а выявленные особи черепах, вероятно, были мигрантами на новые территории, т.к. у черепах отмечается большая динамика поселений. ЛИТЕРАТУРА 1. Бобровский, П. Гродненская губерния: материалы для географии и статистики России. / П. Бобровский – Санктпетербург: типография департамента Генерального штаба, 1863. Ч. 1. – С. 344. 2. Никольский, А.М. Животный мир Полесья / А.М. Никольский. – Спб.: тип. акц. общества Е.Евдокимов, 1899. – 68 с. 3. Domaniewski J. Sprawozdanie z wytieczki ornitologiecznej otbytej na Polesie w1913 r. – J. Domaniewski // Pamietnik Fizjografiezny, - 1918, – 25 (dz. III), S.1–13. 4. Штамм, А.Р. Материалы для познания фауны зверей и птиц Полесья / А.Р. Штамм. – Народное хозяйство Белоруссии. – 1923, – № 6. – С. 76–93. 5. Стачинский В.В. К познанию орнитофауны Гомельского и Речицкого Полесья / В.В. Стачинский. // – Научн. изв. Смоленского ун-та. – 1929. Т. 5 – Вып. 1. – С. 77–155. 6. Красная книга Республики Беларусь: Редкие и находящиеся под угрозой исчезновения виды диких животных. Гл. редакция Г.П. Пашков (гл. ред.) [и др.] Гл. редколлегия: Л.И. Хоружик (предс.) [и др.] – Минск: Бел Эн, 2004. – 320 с. 7. Пикулик, М.М. Пресмыкающиеся Белоруссии / М.М. Пикулик, В.А. Бахарев, С.В. Косов. – Минск: Наука и техника, 1988. - 166 с. 124 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” THE POLESIA STATE RADIOECOLOGICAL RESERVE AS A RESERVATE FOR SMOOTH SNAKE (CORONELLA AUSTRIACA LAURENTI, 1768) IN REPUBLIC OF BELARUS Valery Lukashevich Polesia State Radioecological Reserve, Belarus [email protected] ABSTRACT In 2008-2014 19 individuals of smooth snake were marked in the Polesia State Radioecological Reserve (216,1 thousand ha) that was established in the exclusion zone of the Chernobyl nuclear power station. Most of the animals registered in the ecotones with the pine forest and on the sites of former human settlements - 47.4 % and 36.8%, accordingly. The occurrence of adult animal is 36.8 %, immature animals is 63,2 %, including: new-fallen (newborn) - 10.5 %, the number of individuals after the first wintering is 15.8 %, after two wintering and over is 36.8 %. The weight and body length (L. + L.cd.) of newborns (n=2) is 2.8 g, and 196 mm, respectively. The sex ratio among adults (n=6) is 1:1. The sex-age structure of the species has showed good preservation of juveniles at all stages of maturation, growth and good reproductive potential. There are limiting factors such as predation and death from vehicles. The number of smooth snakes in the Reserve excluding newborns was 1.8 thousand individuals. The PSRR is the largest reserve of smooth snakes in Belarus. Key words: Radioecological situation, Polesia, Coronella austriaca, Belarus ПОЛЕССКИЙ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННЫЙ РАДИАЦИОННО-ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ ЗАПОВЕДНИК КАК РЕЗЕРВАТ МЕДЯНКИ (CORONELLA AUSTRIACA LAURENTI, 1768) В РЕСПУБЛИКЕ БЕЛАРУСЬ Валерий Лукашевич Государственное природоохранное научно-исследовательское учреждение „Полесский государственный радиационно-экологический заповедник“ [email protected] ВВЕДЕНИЕ Медянка на значительной части своего ареала обитания редка и имеет тенденцию к снижению численности [1, 2]. В Республике Беларусь вид включался во все три 125 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” издания Красной книги [3]. Медянка охраняется в сопредельных странах: Латвии, Литве, Польше, Украине [3], отдельных регионах Российской Федерации [1]. По данным Красной книги Республики Беларусь вид зарегистрирован лишь в 20 административных районах страны (16,9 % от их общего числа). Большинство известных мест обитаний находятся на юге и юго-западе республики [3], в то время как на севере (Витебская область) до сих пор остается не выясненным даже статус присутствия вида. По одним данным медянка там отсутствует [3], по другим – отмечается [4]. Поскольку вся территория Беларуси находится в пределах ареала вида и регистрации медянки известны ещё севернее – Швеция [1], Финляндия [5], северо-западные регионы Российской Федерации: Мордовия [6], Псковская область, Нижегородская, Тверская [7], Московская [8], то её отсутствие в Витебской области маловероятно. Большинство известных публикаций, посвящённых медянке в Беларуси, представлены в виде республиканских сводок [3, 4, 9, 10], в то время как региональные сведения редки и фрагментарны [11, 12]. Несмотря на имеющиеся данные о регистрации вида в зоне отчуждения Чернобыльской АЭС [13] специальных исследований там не проводились. Известно, что на подобных территориях наблюдается рост численности редких видов животных, однако вопрос о состоянии их популяций остается открытым [14]. Таким образом, изучение распространения медянки, ее плотности, численности, половозрастного состава и лимитирующих факторов на территории Полесского государственного радиационноэкологического заповедника (ПГРЭЗ) является весьма актуальным. МАТЕРИАЛ И МЕТОДЫ Материал собран в 2008-2014 гг. на территории ПГРЭЗ. Заповедник был учреждён на землях белорусского сектора 30-киллометровой зоны отчуждения Чернобыльской АЭС в 1988 году. К моменту его образования, там было эвакуировано все население и прекращена хозяйственная деятельность. Все это, наряду со строгим контрольнопропускным режимом, способствовало восстановлению на территории заповедника естественных биоценозов, росту видового разнообразия, увеличению численности многих представителей флоры и фауны [15]. Заповедник расположен на крайнем юго-востоке Республики Беларусь в бассейне рек Припять и Брагинка – правых притоков реки Днепр. Согласно геоботаническому районированию территория ПГРЭЗ относится к подзоне широколиственно-сосновых лесов Европейской широколиственной области [16]. Площадь заповедника составляет 216,1 тыс. га, из которой покрыто лесом – 120,9 тыс. га (55,9 %), в частности сосняками – 52,3 тыс. га (24,2 %). На территории ПГРЭЗ 126 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” находятся 92 бывших населённых пункта (б.н.п.), где до катастрофы проживало 22 тысячи человек [17]. Климат характеризуется умеренно мягкой зимой и тёплым летом, максимальным в республике количеством ясных дней [18]. Средняя продолжительность вегетационного периода в заповеднике составляет 190 дней, среднегодовая температура воздуха – 7,7оС, сумма активных температур – 2719оС, суммарная солнечная активность – 353,1 кВт/м2, безморозный период – 261 день, средняя относительная влажность – 78 %, высота снежного покрова за среднезимний период – 7 см [19]. Материал собран во время герпетологических работ, проводимых ежемесячно (в среднем по 15 дней) каждый полевой сезон. Зарегистрировано 11 живых и 8 мёртвых особей медянки. Все живые особи встречены во время баскинга. Места встреч регистрировались GPS-навигатором. Морфометрические показатели с неполовозрелых особей снимались штангенциркулем с точностью до 0,1 мм и последующим округлением до 1 мм, с взрослых особей – мерной лентой с точностью до 1 мм. Массу тела животных определяли на электронных весах с точностью до 0,1 г. Разделение на возрастные группы производили по Дробенкову С.М. (1995) [9]: особей с длиной тела (L. + L.cd.) менее 440 мм относили к неполовозрелым, более 440 мм – к взрослым. Неполовозрелых разделяли на три группы: новорожденных (Juv.) – длина тела (L. + L.cd.) до 200 мм; особей после первой зимовки (Juv +.) – 200280 мм; после второй зимовки и старше – 280-440 мм. Половую принадлежность взрослых особей определяли по отношению длины туловища к длине хвоста, количеству брюшных и подхвостовых щитков и относительной толщине основания хвоста. Расчёт численности вида проводили без учёта новорожденных. Для исключения повторности учёта одной особи проводили фото паспортизацию всех встреченных животных и наносили индивидуальную метку в виде клиновидных вырезов на брюшных щитках, местоположение и число которых соответствовало индивидуальному номеру особи. Все отловленные особи выпускались на местах поимки. Повторных регистраций не отмечалось. РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЙ И ИХ ОБСУЖДЕНИЕ Места регистраций. Из зарегистрированных в ПГРЭЗ особей 72,2 % были встречены в бывшем населённом пункте Бабчин и его окрестностях (рис. 1). Следует отметить, что здесь расположена научная часть заповедника, и данный участок посещался на 127 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” порядок чаще других. Общая площадь данного участка составляет около 800 га (4х2 км). В другом часто посещаемом районе – б.н.п. Дроньки и его окрестностях отмечено 15,8 % от всех зарегистрированных в заповеднике особей. Места встреч медянки составили треугольник со сторонами 1,3х1,6х1,2 км, большая часть площади которого пригодна для обитания вида. – б.н.п. Бабчин, научная часть заповедника – местообитания медянки Рисунок 1. Места регистрации медянки на территории ПГРЭЗ в 2008-2014 гг. По одному животному встречено на редко посещаемых участках – действующем контрольно-пропускном пункте „Новопокровское“, бывшей мелиоративной системе южнее б.н.п. Мокиш и в пойме реки Припять близ б.н.п. Хвощёвка. Обнаружение подавляющего большинства (84,2 %) особей медянки на максимально посещаемых участках, несомненно, говорит об увеличении вероятности регистрации вида при увеличении частоты посещений оптимальных для него биотопов. Биотопическое распределение. Около половины встреч (47,4 %) медянки включая новорожденных, произошли в экотонах с присутствием сосняков. Пять особей (26,3 %) отмечены на границе соснового (часть которого представлена молодняком) и берёзового леса, две (10,5 %) – соснового леса и территории бывшего животноводческого комплекса (рис. 2), одна (5,3 %) – соснового леса и суходольного луга с вкраплением молодых сосен, и ещё одна (5,3 %) – соснового молодняка и березняка. Известно, что экотоны с присутствием сосняков характеризуются высокой 128 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” освоенностью (66,2 %) прыткой ящерицей – самой многочисленной рептилией Беларуси [4] и ПГРЭЗ, входящей в рацион питания взрослых и неполовозрелых особей медянки [1]. Рисунок 2. Место регистрации медянки на границе соснового леса и территории бывшего животноводческого комплекса. Окрестности б.н.п. Бабчин. Семь особей (36,8 %) исследуемого вида, зарегистрированы в бывших населённых пунктах (рис. 3). Относительно высокая там встречаемость медянки обусловлена, видимо, сложившимся комплексом благоприятных для неё условий обитания: обильная кормовая база (ящерицы, мышевидные грызуны), большой выбор и высокая мозаичность мест баскинга, укрытий и зимовки. Рисунок 3.Место обитания медянки в б.н.п. Дроньки. 129 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Без учёта новорожденных встречаемость медянки в экотонах с участием сосняков и в бывших населённых пунктах была одинаковой – 41,2 %. Двух особей регистрировали в нетипичных для вида биотопах. Одна из них встречена на бывшей мелиоративной системе, представляющей собой суходольный луг с вкраплением древесно-кустарниковой растительности (рис. 4). Расстояние от её места встречи до ближайшего лесного массива составляло не менее 0,5 км, до мелиоративного канала – 10 м. Другая зарегистрирована на суходольном лугу в пойме реки Припять, поросшем редкой древесной растительностью (преимущественно дуб) (рис. 5). За исследуемый период, данный участок во время весеннего половодья не затапливался и характеризовался постоянным присутствием прытких ящериц. Рисунок 4. Бывшая мелиоративная система. Рисунок 5. Суходольная дубрава в пойме реки Припять 130 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Ещё одна особь отмечалась на территории действующего контрольно-пропускного пункта. С севера к нему прилегали пастбище и пахотные земли, с юга – смешанный и широколиственный лес (дубрава, грабняк). Все живые медянки были встречены во время баскинга. Около половины из них (45,4 %) баскинговали на асфальтированных дорогах, остальные – на обочине асфальтированной дороги (9,1 %), грунтовой дороге (9,1 %), противопожарном разрыве (9,1 %), участках с редким и низким травянистым покровом (27,3 %). Живые особи чаще встречались летом – 54,5 %, заметно меньше осенью и весной – 27,3 % и 18,2 % соответственно. Подавляющее большинство медянок, найденных в заповеднике мёртвыми, также были зарегистрированы на асфальтированных дорогах (87,5 %), куда животные видимо выползали с целью баскинга. Большинство мёртвых особей отмечено осенью – 62,5 %. В целом, на асфальтном полотне было зарегистрировано 63,2 % от всех учтённых в заповеднике особей медянки. Участки дорог, где отмечался вид, проходили как по экотонам с участием сосняков (58,3 %), так и по бывшим населённым пунктам (41,7 %). Следует отметить, что в Беларуси освоенность обочин дорог прыткой ящерицей составляет максимальную величину среди всех естественных и антропогенных биотопов – 79,4 %. На других участках ареала медянка также отмечается относительно часто на разнотипных дорогах и их обочинах [1, 9, 20]. По литературным данным, на территории Беларуси исследуемый вид встречается лишь в 1,4 % лесных биотопов, иногда в антропогенном ландшафте – вдоль насыпей железных и автомобильных дорог, на заброшенных хуторах [3], в небольшом кустарнике среди засеянного поля [4], на окраине деревни [11]. По полученным данным, подавляющее большинство местообитаний медянки на территории ПГРЭЗ сосредоточено в экотонах с участием сосняков и бывших населённых пунктах. Обнаружение вида на суходольных (частично облесенных) лугах бывшей мелиоративной системы и поймы реки Припять заметно расширяет известный в республике круг населяемых им биотопов. Плотность и численность. На территории б.н.п. Бабчин расстояние между крайними точками встречи вида составляло не менее 2 км. Всего на пяти точках было зафиксировано шесть особей. Следует отметить, что 22 сентября 2014 года на одном из перекрёстков дорог одновременно было встречено две неполовозрелые (после двух зимовок) медянки, баскинговавших в 27 м друг от друга. По сведениям персонала заповедника, несколькими днями ранее на том же месте наблюдалось до пяти неполовозрелых особей этого вида. В итоге плотность медянки на данном участке составляла 2-5 ос./га. Пространственное расположение местообитаний вида 131 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” на территории данного б.н.п. свидетельствует о существовании там трёх-четырёх, скорее всего не изолированных субпопуляций. По литературным данным численность медянки в субпопуляциях Беларуси составляет 3-8 особей, очень редко 15-20 [9], в Латвии – 10-20 взрослых особей [20]. В результате по самым минимальным оценкам предполагаемая численность вида на территории б.н.п. Бабчин составляла не менее 10-20 особей без учёта новорожденных. В экотоне соснового и берёзового леса (в окрестностях б.н.п. Бабчин) 4 октября 2009 года одновременно были встречены половозрелый самец и новорожденная особь, баскингующие в 12 метрах друг от друга. На следующий день, в 10 метрах от места регистрации молодой змеи, была встречена ещё одна новорожденная особь. Таким образом, плотность исследуемого вида на данном участке достигала 0,03 ос./га. В Беларуси плотность медянки даже в оптимальных местообитаниях, также не превышает 0,03 ос./га [3]. По нашим наблюдениям, такая относительно высокая для республики плотность вида, характерна, как правило, для участков с максимально благоприятными условиями баскинга, куда животные приползают прогреться с прилегающих участков. Подобные места коллективного баскинга гипотетически могут являться центрами субпопуляций. Анализ местообитаний вида в б.н.п. Бабчин и б.н.п. Дроньки, позволяет полагать о заселении медянкой не менее 74 (80 %) бывших населённых пунктов ПГРЭЗ. Учитывая обитание минимум 10 особей на территории б.н.п. Бабчин, его экстраполируемая численность во всех б.н.п. заповедника составила около 740 особей. Одинаковая встречаемость медянки (без учёта новорожденных) в бывших населённых пунктах и экотонах с присутствием сосняков, а также площадь последних не ниже первых, позволяют оценивать её численность на территории данных экотонов также в 740 особей. Согласно 15,8 % регистраций медянки ещё в других биотопах заповедника, там её экстраполируемая численность составляет не мене 300 особей. Таким образом, численность медянки на территории ПГРЭЗ оценивается около 1,8 тысяч особей без учёта новорожденных. В Беларуси численность медянки оценивается лишь в 2-3 тысячи особей [3], а в национальном парке „Припятский“, считавшимся в республике главным резерватом этого вида – 100-150 особей [9]. По мнению О.В. Кукушкина и Т.И. Котенко (2003), благодаря скрытному образу жизни, численность этой змеи, как правило, везде занижается [1]. Например, численность медянки в начале исследований в НП „Пенинский“ (Польша) оценивалась значительно ниже, чем позже было установлено в ходе интенсификации и повышения эффективности исследований [21]. Поэтому вышеуказанное предположение герпетологов, можно видимо отнести и к приводимым данным численности вида в Беларуси и НП „Припятский“. 132 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Если сравнивать ПГРЭЗ и НП „Припятский“, находящихся в одном регионе, то на территории заповедника в отличие от национального парка нет дорог общего пользования, строгий контрольно-пропускной режим, практически полностью снят антропогенный пресс, отсутствует хозяйственная деятельность, а его занимаемая площадь в 2,6 раза выше. В итоге, так или иначе, крупнейшим резерватом медянки в Беларуси в настоящее время следует считать Полесский государственный радиационно-экологический заповедник. Половозрастной состав. Среди встреченных в ПГРЭЗ медянок взрослые особи составляли 36,8 %, неполовозрелые – 63,2 %. Среди неполовозрелых частота регистраций новорожденных особей – 10,5 %, после первой зимовки – 15,8 %, после второй зимовки и старше – 36,8 %. Среди взрослых животных половую принадлежность которых удалось идентифицировать (n=6), соотношение самцов и самок составило 1:1. По литературным данным, в Беларуси (ПГРЭЗ в зону исследований не входил), встречаемость взрослых особей составляет 73,1 %, неполовозрелых – 26,9 % [9]. В структуре неполовозрелых частота регистраций новорожденных особей – 11,5 %; после первой зимовки – 7,7 %; после второй зимовки и старше – 7,7 %. Среди взрослых животных в 2,8 раза чаще отмечаются самки [9]. Как видно, возрастная структура медянки в ПГРЭЗ кардинально отличается от приводимой для Беларуси. Сходно выглядит лишь встречаемость новорожденных – 10,5 % (ПГРЭЗ) и 11,5 % (Беларусь). Реальная же доля данной возрастной группы, в обоих случаях, скорее всего, значительно выше, поскольку временной отрезок, когда можно встретить новорожденных, в разы меньше того, когда встречаются представители других возрастных групп. Так, в ПГРЭЗ молодь после первой зимовки регистрировалась в полтора раза чаще, чем новорожденные, что явно подтверждает недоучёт последних. Для Беларуси и вовсе приводится рост численности вида в сезон появления новорожденных в 2,7 раза [9], что указывает на их реальную долю не 11,5 %, а 63,0 %. После первой зимовки встречаемость молоди в ПГРЭЗ в 2,1 раза выше, чем в Беларуси. После второй и последующих зимовок – в 4,8 раза. В итоге встречаемость в ПГРЭЗ неполовозрелых особей старшей возрастной группы равна таковой взрослых, в то время как в Беларуси она снижается в 9,5 раза. Несомненно, это будет по-разному отражаться на динамике численности сравниваемых территориальных группировок. Полового дисбаланса взрослых животных в ПГРЭЗ в отличие от республики, не выявлено. Доминирование неполовозрелых особей (70,2 %) указывалось для Польши, однако подавляющее их там большинство было представлено новорожденными (67,0 %) полученными в основном в террариумных условиях [22]. Поэтому следует предположить, что в естественных условиях Польши величина встречаемости 133 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” новорожденных была бы значительно ниже. Следовательно, это определило бы иную возрастную структуру, где видимо доминировали бы взрослые. Доминирование взрослых особей известно в Баварии (Германия), где они составляют 87-88 % популяции, новорожденные – 8-10 % [23]. На территории южной Англии и Латвии большая часть населения медянки также представлена взрослыми животными [24, 20]. В Польше, Германии и Англии среди взрослых особей медянки наблюдается относительно небольшой половой дисбаланс, с преобладанием самцов – 1:0,95 [22], 1:0,76 [23], и 1:0,76 – 1:0,83 [24] соответственно. В итоге доля встречаемости неполовозрелых особей в ПГРЭЗ значительно выше, чем в Беларуси, Баварии (Германия), южной Англии, Латвии, а исключая из анализа новорожденных, то и больше, чем в Польше. Особенно следует отметить высокую долю регистраций в заповеднике неполовозрелых особей старшей возрастной группы, что говорит о хорошей сохранности молоди на всех этапах её взросления. В ПГРЭЗ среди сравниваемых территорий наблюдалась наилучшая сбалансированность полового состава взрослых особей. Масса неполовозрелых животных текущего года рождения, отмеченных в заповеднике 4 и 5 октября 2009 года, составляла 2,6 и 2,9 г, длина туловища (L.) – 159 и 164 мм, длина хвоста (L.cd.) – 33 и 35 мм соответственно. Известно, чем выше масса уходящей на первую зимовку молоди, тем выше её шансы на выживание [23]. В Латвии средний вес новорожденных составляет 2,2 г, длина тела (L. + L.cd.) – около 180 мм [20]; в Польше – 2,8 г, длина тела (L. + L.cd.) – около 200 мм [22]; средний вес новорожденных в Германии [23] и Италии [26] – 2,7 и 2,9 г соответственно. Как видно, масса и длина тела новорожденных из ПГРЭЗ сходна с таковой из других участков ареала. Таким образом, исследуемая территориальная группировка медянки, учитывая высокую долю неполовозрелых особей и сбалансированную половую структуру взрослых, характеризуется хорошим репродуктивным потенциалом. Кроме того, учитывая высокую сохранность молоди и активное заселение видом бывших антропогенных территорий, можно говорить о происходящем здесь росте его численности. Лимитирующие факторы. На территории ПГРЭЗ восемь медянок или 42,1 % всех зарегистрированных были обнаружены мёртвыми. Несмотря на то, что интенсивность движения транспорта по территории ПГРЭЗ составляет не более 10-20 единиц/сутки, среди зарегистрированных мертвыми 62,5 134 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” % погибли в результате наезда автотранспорта. Все они были неполовозрелыми: одна особь новорожденная; две – после первой зимовки; две – после второй зимовки и старше. Подавляющее их большинство (80 %) погибло в осенний период. Элиминация медянок на автомобильных дорогах известна и на других участках ареала [1, 20]. Три особи или 37,5 % от найденных мёртвыми погибли в результате хищничества. Одна из них была неполовозрелой после первой зимовки, две – взрослыми самцами. Неполовозрелая мёртвая медянка обнаружена 9 мая. На верхней части головы у неё были точечные повреждения, что предположительно указывает на гибель от птицы. Следует отметить, что мёртвых животных погибших от птиц находили и в Баварии (Германия) [23]. Один мёртвый самец встречен 13 октября. На его теле в области передней части туловища были малочисленные мелкие и неглубокие повреждения. Другой мёртвый самец встречен 14.12.2012 года у бетонных плит, где видимо было его место зимовки, и откуда он хищником был извлечён. У данной особи местами были содраны кожные покровы и выедено сердце. Данные самцы предположительно стали жертвой хищников семейства Куньих (Mustelidae). Повреждения покровов тела имелись у одной живой особи (9,1 %). Это был половозрелый самец, у которого на верхней части тела у основания хвоста отсутствовало несколько чешуй. Медянки с повреждениями тела отмечались и на других территориях [23]. Следует отметить, что медянок с отсутствующим кончиком хвоста на территории ПГРЭЗ не встречали, в то время как в Баварии (Германия) доля таких среди взрослых составляла 10 % [23]. В итоге, из трёх зарегистрированных в заповеднике самцов два были найдены мёртвыми (умерщвлёнными хищниками), а третий с повреждениями тела, в то время как все самки, были живыми и без повреждений. Известно, что у самцов исследуемого вида площадь индивидуальных участков и протяжённость миграций больше чем у самок [23], вследствие чего они могут быть заметно более уязвимым от хищников. Поэтому не исключено, что при большей выборке взрослых особей в заповеднике может быть выявлен половой дисбаланс в сторону увеличения доли самок. Несмотря на то, что среди особей обнаруженных погибшими большинство пострадало от автотранспорта, основным фактором, лимитирующим численность медянки в ПГРЭЗ, скорее всего, будет хищничество. В заповеднике относительно невысокая автотранспортная нагрузка, но обитают все виды птиц [27] и млекопитающих (за исключением ежа обыкновенного (Erinaceus europaeus)) [28, 29], в пищевом рационе которых на территории Российской Федерации и Германии отмечалась медянка [1, 23, 30]. 135 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” По литературным данным, как на медянке, так и её потенциальной жертве – прыткой ящерице, негативно сказывается выжигание прошлогодней растительности [31]. На территории ПГРЭЗ в 2004-2012 гг. площадь, пройденная пожарами, составляла от 0 до 34,4 га, в среднем лишь 11,5 га [32]. Сравнивая площадь заповедника (216,1 тысяч га) и среднегодовую площадь, пройденную пожарами (11,5 га) можно говорить об отсутствии влияния данного фактора на исследуемую группировку вида. Сохранение в заповеднике прошлогодней растительности, вероятно, вносит существенный вклад в высокую сохранность неполовозрелых особей и предполагаемый рост численности вида. Заповедник по данному фактору выгодно отличается от остальной части республики, где в весенний период наблюдается масштабное выжигание прошлогодней растительности. Воздействие радиации на животных ПГРЭЗ более или менее надёжно регистрируется лишь на молекулярном и клеточном уровнях [33]. Поскольку единицей сохранения вида является популяция, то территория ПГРЭЗ вполне может использоваться для долговременного сохранения биоразнообразия фауны [34] и медянки в частности. Таким образом, основными факторами, лимитирующими численность медянки в ПГРЭЗ, являются хищничество и гибель от автотранспорта. Другие факторы угрозы для вида (гибель от пестицидов, прямое уничтожение человеком, пожары), отмечаемые на разных участках ареала [1, 4, 31] на территории ПГРЭЗ отсутствуют либо из-за их незначительного воздействия ими можно пренебречь. ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ Большинство встреч медянки (84,2 %) произошло на двух относительно небольших по площади, но наиболее посещаемых участках. Чаще всего вид регистрировался в экотонах с участием сосновых лесов (47,4 %) и на территории бывших населённых пунктов (36,8 %). Большинство (63,2 %) встреченых на этих территориях особей были на асфальтированных дорогах. Также медянка отмечалась на территории действующего контрольно-пропускного пункта, суходольного луга поймы реки Припять и на бывшей мелиоративной системе. На некоторых благоприятных для баскинга участках плотность вида в осенний период достигала 0,02-0,05 ос./га. Неполовозрелые животные встречаются чаще (63,2 %), чем взрослые (36,8 %). Доля встречаемости новорожденных особей составила 10,5 %, после первой зимовки – 15,8 %, после второй зимовки и старше – 36,8 %. Соотношение полов среди взрослых животных – 1:1. Одинаковая доля встречаемости взрослых особей и неполовозрелых старшей возрастной группы указывает не только на высокую сохранность молоди на всех этапах её взросления, но и на увеличение численности 136 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” вида. Масса и длина тела новорожденных в заповеднике сходна с данными, приводимыми для других участков ареала. Факторы, лимитирующие в ПГРЭЗ численность вида – хищничество и гибель на дорогах. Элиминация медянки на дорогах чаще (80 %) отмечается осенью. По оценочным данным общая численность медянки в ПГРЭЗ составляет около 1,8 тысяч особей без учёта новорожденных. В сложившихся условиях исследуемая группировка вида не только одна из крупнейших в северной части ареала, но и одна из немногих, где в настоящее время происходит рост численности. ЛИТЕРАТУРА 1. Bakiev A.G., Garanin V.L., LitvinovN.A., PavlovA.V., RatnikovV.Ju. Snakes of VolzhskoKamskij Region. – Samara: Publishing house of Samara scientific center Russian Academy of Sciences, 2004. – 192 p. 2. Monney Jean-Claude. Рептилии кантона Фрибур. LesreptilesducantondeFribourg. Bull. Soc. Fribourg. sci. natur.. 2004. 93, с. 49-67. 3. Красная книга Республики Беларусь: Редкие и находящиеся под угрозой исчезновения виды диких животных. Гл. редакция: Г.П. Пашков (гл. ред.) и др.Гл. редколлегия: Л.И. Хоружик (предс.) и др. – Мн., Бел Эн, 2004. –320 с. 4. Пикулик М.М., Бахарев В.А., Косов С.В. Пресмыкающиеся Белоруссии. – Мн.: Наука и техника, 1988. – 166 с. 5. Juhani Terhivuo. 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Сравнительный анализ питания симпатрических видов змей: Vipera berus (L.), Natrix natrix (L.), Coronella austriaca (Laur.) // Экология, 1995 .-N 3.- С. 222-226. 11. Лукашевич В.Н. Регистрация медянки (Coronella austriaca) в населённом пункте Республики Беларусь / В.Н. Лукашевич // Красная книга Республики Беларусь: 137 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” состояние, проблемы перспективы. Материалы международной научной конференции. г. Витебск, 13-15 декабря 2011 г. /УО «ВГУ им. П.М. Машерова; редкол.: Кузменко В.Я. (отв. ред.) [и др.]. – Витебск. 2011. – С. 103-105. 12. Бахарев В.А. Амфибии и рептилии Красной книги Республики Беларусь. Гродненская область. Гродно, 2002, с. 8. 13. Лукашевич В.Н. 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Pieniny – Przyroda i Człowiek 10: 55-65. 22. Najbar Bartlomiej. The occurrence and the characteristics of Coronella austriaca austriaca (Laurenti, 1768) (Serpentes: Colubridae) in western Poland. Acta zool. crac. A. 2006. 49, N 1-2, с. 33-40. 23. Käsewieter D. Ökologische Untersuchungen an der Schlingnatter (Coronella austriaca Laurenti 1768) Dissertation zur Erlangung des Doktorgrades der Naturwissenschaften am Fachbereich Biologie/Chemie/Geowissenschaften der Universität Bayreuth. Bayreuth, Juni 2002, c. 116. 24. Reading C.J. Age, growth and sex determination in a population of smooth snakes, Coronella austriaca in southern England. Amphibia-Reptilia. 2004. 25, N 2, с. 137150. 25. Reading C.J. The influence of body condition and prey availability on female breeding success in the omooth snake (Coronella austriaca Laurenti). J. Zool.. 2004. 264, N 1, с. 61-67. 26. Luiselli, L., Capula, M. & R. Shine (1996): Reproductive Output, Costs Of Reproduction And Ecology Of The Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca in the Eastern Italian Alps.Oecologia 106: 100- 110. 27. Юрко В.В. Современное состояние орнитофауны Полесского государственного радиационно-экологического заповедника //Фаунистические исследования в Полесском государственном радиационно-экологическом заповеднике. Сборник научных трудов. Под редакцией Г.В. Анципова. – Гомель: РНИУП «Институт радиологии», 2008. – С.65–115. 28. Кучмель С.В. Видовой состав млекопитающих отрядов Насекомоядные, Зайцеобразные, Хищные, Грызуны, и Парнокопытные Полесского государственного радиационно-экологического заповедника //Фаунистические исследования в Полесском государственном радиационноэкологическом заповеднике. Сборник научных трудов. Под редакцией Г.В. Анципова. – Гомель: РНИУП «Институт радиологии», 2008. – С.38–64. 29. Дерябина Т.Г. Поселения европейского барсука (Meles meles L.): размерная характеристика, плотность размещения, заселённость выводками, 139 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” использование норными хищниками // Экосистемы и радиация: аспекты существования и развития. Сб.науч. тр., посвящённый 25-летию Полесского государственного радиационно-экологического заповедника / Под общ. ред. Ю.И. Бондаря. Минск: БОРБИЦ РНИУП «Института радиологии», 2013. С.309– 332. 30. Proess R. (editeur) 2007. – Verbreitungsatls der Reptilien des Grosherzogtums Luxemburg. Ferrantia 52, Musee national d’histoire naturelle, Luxembourg, 58 p. 31. Ушаков М.В. Змеи Липецкой области. Змеи Восточной Европы: Материалы международной конференции, Тольятти, 3-5 февр., 2003. Тольятти. 2003, С. 8790. 32. Кудин М.В. Лесные пожары и их особенности на территории белорусского и украинского секторов зоны отчуждения Чернобыльской АЭС // Экосистемы и радиация: аспекты существования и развития. Сб. науч. тр., посвящённый 25летию Полесского государственного радиационно-экологического заповедника / Под общ. ред. Ю.И. Бондаря. Минск: БОРБИЦ РНИУП «Института радиологии», 2013. С.235–249. 33. Животный мир в зоне аварии Чернобыльской АЭС / Под ред. Л.М. Сущени, М.М. Пикулика, А.Е. Пленина. – Мн.: Навука и тэхника, 1995. – 263 с. 34. Кучмель С.В. Оценка значимости Полесского государственного радиационноэкологического заповедника в поддержании биоразнообразия позвоночных животных Беларуси // Практика, проблемы и перспективы, особо охраняемых природных территорий Республики Беларусь и российской Федерации (Заседание двадцать девятое, г. Брест, 14 – 15 июня 2012 года) / Под ред. С.Г. Стрельченко. – Мн.: Центр системного анализа и стратегических исследований НАН Беларуси, 2012. С.174-191. 140 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” DISTRIBUTION OF BOMBINA BOMBINA AND BOMBINA VARIEGATA (ANURA: BOMBINATORIDAE) IN CHERNIVTSI REGION, UKRAINE Nazar Smirnov Department of Nature, Chernivtsi Regional Museum, 58002, Chernivtsi, O. Kobylianska Str., 28, Ukraine. Institute of Biology, Chemistry and Bioresources, Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University Ukraine, 58012, Chernivtsi, Kotsubinsky Str., 2, Ukraine. [email protected] ABSTRACT Distribution of European Fire-bellied Toads Bombina bombina and B. variegata in Chernivtsi Region of Ukraine was studied. It is set that B. bombina inhabit in the plain part of Chernivtsi region (Prut-Dnister interfluves), and B. variegata is widespread in mountains and foothills. The cadastre of both Bombina species is presented. Key words: Bombina bombina, Bombina variegata, distribution, Chernivtsi region, Ukraine РАСПРОСТРАНЕНИЕ BOMBINA BOMBINA И BOMBINA BOMBINATORIDAE) В ЧЕРНОВИЦКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ, УКРАИНА VARIEGATA (ANURA: Назар Смирнов Черновицкий областной краеведческий музей, 58002, Черновцы, ул. О. Кобылянской, 28, Украина Институт биологии, химии и биоресурсов, Черновицкий национальный университет имени Юрия Федьковича, 58012, Черновцы, ул. Коцюбинского, 2, Украина [email protected] АБСТРАКТ Изучено распространение жерлянок Bombina bombina и B. variegata в Черновицкой области Украины. Установлено, что B. bombina населяет в основном равнинную часть области (Прут-Днестровское междуречье), а B. variegata многочисленна в горах и предгорьях. Приводится кадастр находок обоих видов. 141 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Ключевые слова: Bombina bombina, Bombina variegata, распространение, Черновицкая область, Украина ВВЕДЕНИЕ На территории Украины обитают два вида жерлянок – краснобрюхая Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761) и желтобрюхая B. variegata (Linnaeus, 1758). Первый из них встречается на равнине, а второй распространен в Украинских Карпатах и смежных регионах (Писанец, 2007). Желтобрюхой жерлянке присвоен статус «угрожаемый вид» в Красной книге Украины (Писанець, 2009). Представленные в литературе сведения о географическом распространении жерлянок на западе Украины явно неполны. Большинство специальных исследований лишь частично затрагивают восточную часть Украинских Карпат и прилежащих территорий (Щербак и Щербань, 1980, Решетило, 2000, 2001а, б). На недостаточный уровень изученности этой группы указывает и небольшое количество известных мест находок B. variegata на территории Черновицкой области, представленное в специальном справочнике-кадастре (Писанец и др., 2005). В связи с этим цель настоящего сообщения – обобщить все доступные данные относительно находок представителей рода Bombina в Черновицкой области Украины и проанализировать их распространение в регионе. МАТЕРИАЛЫ И МЕТОДЫ Основой работы послужили данные, собранные автором во время полевых исследований в 2002–2014 гг. Также задействованы результаты изучения фондовых коллекций Зоологического музея Национального научно-природоведческого музея НАН Украины, Природоведческого музея Черновицкого национального университета имени Юрия Федьковича и Черновицкого областного краеведческого музея, критически проанализированные данные из литературных источников и личные сообщения коллег. Для идентификации особей жерлянок применяли показатель слияния светлых пятен на брюхе (Hofman and Szhymura, 1998) и ряд других морфологических признаков (Таращук, 1959, Щербак и Щербань, 1980). Характер пятнистости изучили у 303 особей из 22 локалитетов. РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ И ОБСУЖДЕНИЕ Обобщение имеющих сведений позволило установить, что на территории Черновицкой области краснобрюхая жерлянка в настоящее время известна из 36 локалитетов, расположенных в пределах г. Черновцы и 7 административных 142 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” районов (рис. 1). Большинство известных мест находок находятся в равнинной части области (Прут-Днестровкое междуречье) и лишь несколько – на востоке Буковинского Предкарпатья. В то же время желтобрюхая жерлянка населяет в основном горы и предгорья, где она обнаружена в 63 пунктах, расположенных в пределах г. Черновцы и пяти административных районов (рис. 1). Рис. 1. Места находок жерлянок рода Bombina в Черновицкой области. B. bombina. г. Черновцы: 1 – лесопарк «Гарячий Урбан»; 2 – микрорайон Ленковцы; 3 – Садгорское леснич.; Заставновский р-н: 4 – с. Малый Кучуров; 5 – с. Погореловка; Кельменецкий р-н: 6 – с. Грушевцы, 7 – с. Днестровка; 8 – с. Макаровка; Кицманский р-н: 9 – г. Кицмань; 10 – с. Дубовцы; 11 – с. Ставчаны; 12 – с. Суховерхов; 13 – с. Шипинцы; Новоселицкий р-н: 14 – г. Новоселица; 15 – с. Бояны; 16 – с. Буда; 17 – с. Диновцы; 18 – с. Драница; 19 – с. Магала; 20 – с. Острица; 21 – с. Топоровцы; 22 – с. Черновка; Сокирянский р-н: 23 – с. Ломачинцы; 24 – с. Непоротово; 25 – с. Раскопинцы; Сторожинецкий р-н: 26 – заказник «Мальованка», окр. с. Заволока; Хотинский р-н: 27– г. Хотин; 28 – с. Блыщадь; 29 – с. Ворничаны; 30 – с. Коленковцы; 31 – с. Млынки; 32 – с. Перебиковцы; 33 – с. Поляна; 34 – с. Рухотин; 35 – с. Ставчаны; 36 – с. Шировцы. B. variegata. г. Черновцы: 37 – лесопарк «Гарячий Урбан», 38 – парк «Жовтневый»; 39 – Садгорское леснич.; 40 – заказник «Цецино» Вижницкий р-н: 41 – г. Вижница; 42 – полонина Волотив, окр. пгт Берегомет; 43 – уроч. Стебник, окр. пгт Берегомет; 44 – уроч. Сухой, окр. пгт Берегомет; 45 – с. Виженка; 46 – уроч. Малая Виженка, окр. с. Виженка; 47 – уроч. Лужки, окр. с. Виженка; 48 – с. Долишний Шепот; 49 – перевал 143 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Шурдин, окр. с. Долишний Шепот; 50 – с. Испас; 51 – с. Лекечи; 52 – с. Лопушна; 53 – с. Лукавцы; 54 – с. Мигово; 55 – с. Слобода-Банилов; 56 – уроч. Солонец, окр. с. Черешенка; 57 – полонина Курыков, окр. с. Черешенка; Глыбокский р-н: 58 – с. Валя Кузьмина; 59 – с. Становцы; 60 – с. Тарашаны; Кицманский р-н: 61 – с. Коростовата; 62 – с. Ревно; 63 – с. Стрелецкий Кут; Путильский р-н: 64 – с. Бисков; 65 – перев. Джоголь, с. Верхний Яловец; 66 – с. Конятин; 67 – с. Нижний Яловец; 68 – с. Паркулина, 69 – с. Подзахаричи; 70 – с. Плоская; 71 – с. Рипень; 72 – с. Ростоки; 73 – с. Русская; 74 – с. Сарата; 75 – с. Селятин; 76 – с. Сергии; 77 – с. Стебни; 78 – с. Товарница; 79 – с. Усть-Путила; 80 – с. Хоровы; 81 – с. Шпетки; 82 – с. Яблоница; 83 – лесоучасток Перкалаб; Сторожинецкий р-н: 84 – г. Сторожинец; 85 – верховья р. Думитрица, окр. с. Банилов-Подгорный; 86 – местность Гильча, с. БаниловПодгорный; 87 – с. Буденец; 88 – с. Глубочок; 89 – с. Дубовое; 90 – с. Каменная; 91 – с. Комаровцы; 92 – с. Костинцы; 93 – смт Красноильск; 94 – заповедн. уроч. «Горянка», окр. смт Красноильск; 95 – запов. уроч. «Лаура», окр. смт Красноильск; 96 – заказник «Лунковский», окр. смт Красноильск; 97 – с. Ропча; 98 – с. Спасская; 99 – с. Чудей. Полученные результаты позволяют заключить, что граница ареалов двух указанных видов в регионе исследований проходит приблизительно по долине реки Прут, т. е. в значительной степени совпадает с границей между зоной широколиственных лесов и Украинскими Карпатами. Изучение изменчивости индекса пятнистости брюха жерлянок (рис. 2) показало, что на территории Черновицкой области B. variegata встречается в основном в лесных массивах и их окрестностях, в то время как B. bombina обитает в более открытых местообитаниях. Анализ полученных данных позволил обнаружить еще одну особенность в характере распространения жерлянок – проникновение особей с фенотипом одного вида в ареал другого. Так, краснобрюхая жерлянка встречается в предгорной части области в окрестностях г. Черновцы (лесопарк «Гарячий Урбан» (рис. 3)) и по долине реки Прут южнее и юго-восточнее областного центра. А желтобрюхая, вероятно, проникает в равнинную часть (Прут-Днестровское междуречье) по своеобразному «мостику», образованному лесистой Хотинской возвышенностью. Она простилается к северо-востоку от Черновцов до р. Днестр. В результате жерлянки с заметной примесью признаков B. variegata встречаются на определенном удалении от основного ареала вида (Садгорское леснич. в окр. г. Черновцы и с. Рухотин Хотинского р–на). Имеющиеся материалы достаточно хорошо описывают особенности пространственного распределения жерлянок в регионе. Впрочем, нуждается в дополнительном изучении характер взаимодействия между видами в восточной части Буковинского Предкарпатья (Герцаевский и Глыбокский административные 144 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” районы) и на территории Хотинской возвышенности, где наблюдается взаимное проникновение жерлянок в ареалы друг друга. Рис. 2. Значения индекса пятнистости брюха в локальных популяциях жерлянок на территории Черновицкой области Украины (обозначения, как на рис. 1). Прерывистой красной линией показана предполагаемая зона гибридизации. Рис. 3. Изменчивость рисунка брюшной части тела у жерлянок из Черновицкой области. B. bombina: а – с. Шипинцы, Кицманский р–н; б – лесопарк «Гарячий 145 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Урбан», г. Черновцы; B. variegata: в – перевал Нимчич, Вижницкий р–н; г – с. Коростувата, Кицманский р–н. Наши наблюдения показывают, что на территории Черновицкой области жерлянки являются весьма распространенными и многочисленными видами амфибий. Учитывая, что они довольно устойчивы к антропогенному прессингу (оба указанных вида встречаются не только в условно природных, но и в значительной степени трансформированных биотопах, в т. ч. в границах населенных пунктов), обитают в различных видах водоемов и водотоков (от дождевых лужиц до прудов и рек), их можно отнести к группе относительно благополучных видов, состояние популяций которых в регионе в настоящее время не вызывает никаких опасений. ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ Таким образом, полученные результаты свидетельствуют, что на территории Черновицкой области желтобрюхая жерлянка населяет горы и предгорья, а краснобрюхая приурочена в основном к равнинам Прут-Днестровского междуречья. Зона контакта между видами проходит приблизительно по долине реки Прут. Обобщенные в работе сведения существенно уточняют представления о распространении Bombina bombina и B. variegata в регионе. БЛАГОДАРНОСТИ Автор искренне признателен И.В. Скильскому за предоставление неопубликованных сведений о распространении жерлянок в Черновицкой области. Работа частично выполнена в рамках госбюджетной темы Черновицкого национального университета «Организация мониторинга современных тенденций динамики раритетной флоры и фауны Буковины в связи с изменениями климата с использованием ГИС-технологий» (№ госрегистрации 0113U003244). СПИСОК ЛИТЕРАТУРЫ Писанец Е.М. Амфибии Украины (справочник-определитель земноводных Украины и сопредельных территорий). – Киев: Зоомузей ННПМ НАН Украины, 2007. – 312 с. Писанець Є.М. Кумка жовточерева – Bombina (Bombina) variegata (Linnaeus, 1758) // Червона книга України. Тваринний світ / за ред. І.А. Акімова. – Київ: Глобалконсалтинг, 2009. – С. 385. Писанец Е.М., Литвинчук С.Н., Куртяк Ф.Ф., Радченко В.И. Земноводные Красной книги Украины: справочник-кадастр. – Киев: Зоомузей ннпм нан Украины, 2005. – 230 с. 146 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Решетило О.С. Поширення, гібридизація та порівняльний аналіз ознак кумок Bombina bombina та Bombina variegata у регіоні Українських Карпат // Наукові основи збереження біотичної різноманітності. Матер. першої наук. конф. молодих учених м. Львова (Львів, 24 листопада 1998 року). – Львів: Ліга-Прес, 2000. – С. 73–81. Решетило О.С. Екологічні особливості та структура популяцій кумок (Bombina) в регіоні Українських Карпат. Автореф. дис... канд. біол. наук. – Дніпропетровськ, 2001а. – 19 с. Решетило О.С. Поширення кумок в регіоні Українських Карпат // Екологія та ноосферологія. – 2001б. – Т. 10, № 1–2. – С. 153–159. Таращук В.І. Земноводні та плазуни. – Київ: Вид–во АН УРСР, 1959. – 246 с. (Фауна України. Т. 7). Щербак Н.Н., Щербань М.И. Земноводные и пресмыкающиеся Украинских Карпат. – Киев: Наук. думка, 1980. – 268 с. Hofman S., Szymura J.M. Rozmieszczenie kumaków, Bombina Oken, 1816 w Polsce // Przeglad Zoologiczny. – 1998. – T. XLII, N 3–4. – S. 171–185. 147 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” NEW FINDINGS BOMBINA BOMBINA (LINNAEUS, 1761) AT THE PERIPHERY OF THE AREA Nataliya Suryadnaya 1, Galina Mikitinets 2, Viktor Busel 3 1 Melitopol Insitute of Ecology and Social Technologies of the “Ukraine“ University, Dzerzhinsky str. 380, Melitopol, Zaporozhye, reg.,72316, Ukraine. [email protected] 2 Priazovsky national park, Dzerzhinsky str. 21/1, Melitopol, Zaporozhye, reg., 72312, Ukraine. [email protected] 3 National Nature Park «Velikii Lug», Zelenaya str., 3, Dneprorudnoe, Vasilievsky dist., Zaporozhye reg., 71630, Ukraine. [email protected] ABSTRACT The work for the first time has described in detail the new unique biotopes of Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761) in Zaporozhye region of Ukraine. The southeastern boundary of the area of its distribution has been clarified and supplemented. It is suggested that the identified populations are separate groups which existed here before the flooding of the Dnieper floodplain. B. bombina of the studied region is smaller in comparison with the fire-bellied toads from other areas of the range. The limits of hydrochemical indices and the spectrum of occupied biotopes allow to state that under the conditions of the periphery the species is flexible enough and has a high adaptive potential. Both the species itself and described populations require special conservation activities at the local level. Keywords: Bombina bombina, biotopes, the Dnieper, Zaporozhye region, Ukraine. НОВЫЕ НАХОДКИ BOMBINA BOMBINA (LINNAEUS, 1761) НА ПЕРИФЕРИИ АРЕАЛА Наталия Сурядная 1, Галина Микитинец 2, Виктор Бусел 3 1 Мелитопольский институт экологии и социальных технологий университета «Украина» ул. Дзержинского, 380, г. Мелитополь, Запорожская область, 72316, Украина. [email protected] 2 Приазовский национальный природный парк, ул. Дзержинского 21/1, г. Мелитополь, Запорожская область, 72312, Украина. [email protected] 3 Национальный природный парк «Великий Луг», ул. Зеленая, 3, г. Днепрорудное, Васильевский р-н, Запорожская обл., 71630, Украина. [email protected] АБСТРАКТ Впервые в работе детально описаны новые биотопы Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761) в Запорожской области Украины. Уточнена и дополнена юго- 148 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” восточная граница ареала распространения. Предполагается, что выявленные популяции реликтовые и существовали здесь еще до затопления поймы Днепра. B.bombina исследуемого региона имеет меньшие размеры по сравнению с этими животными с других участков ареала. Пределы гидрохимических показателей и спектр занимаемых биотопов позволяют утверждать, что в условиях периферии, вид достаточно пластичен и обладает высоким адаптивным потенциалом. Нуждается в разработке и внедрении особых мероприятий по сохранению на региональном уровне. Ключевые слова: Bombina bombina, биотопы, Днепр, Запорожская область, Украина. ВСТУПЛЕНИЕ Характер обитания вида на периферии ареала может говорить о его устойчивости, темпах видообразования, развитии адаптационных преимуществ. При этом вид здесь более чувствителен к воздействию разных экологических и, в первую очередь, антропогенных факторов. Запорожская область – одна из наиболее антропогенно измененных территорий Украины, является окраиной распространения исследуемого нами вида краснобрюхой жерлянки Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761) и самой бедной относительно батрахофауны в целом. Обитание редких видов, включая B. bombina, тесно связано с бассейном Днепра, преобразование поймы которого и масштабное гидростроительство привело к значительному уменьшению численности и даже исчезновению некоторых этих видов (Сурядная и др. 2011; Сурядна, 2013). Изучение и особенно новые находки достаточно важны для экологии B. bombina и дальнейшей разработки эффективных научно-обоснованных мероприятий по охране, особенно на региональном уровне в условиях периферии ареала. Целью данного исследования было описание уникальных мест обитания с анализом некоторых морфологических данных и гидрохимических показателей. МАТЕРИАЛ И МЕТОДЫ В работе использованы данные, собранные авторами на протяжении 2008-2014 гг. Полевые исследования и сбор материала проводились по общепринятым стандартным методикам. Изучались особенности экологии и биологии краснобрюхой жерлянки. У 65 особей из нижеописанных популяций (рис. 1) изучены основные морфологические признаки (табл.1). Общая минерализация и Ph 149 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” снимались специальными приборами (солемер AZ-8361 рН-метр АТС). Часть животных (о-ва Большие Кучугуры - 5 особей, окр. г. Энергодар – 3 особи), использованы для определения размера генома (Институт цитологии РАН, г. СанктПетербург). 45 3 1 2 6 Рис. 1. Находки Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761) на периферии ареала в Запорожской области Украины. РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ И ОБСУЖДЕНИЕ В результате проведенных исследований выявлены новые места обитания B. bombina юго-восточной окраины ареала в Запорожской области Украины. Так в нижней части Белинско-Розумовской плавневой гряды (N = 47°38.52', E = 35°6.9') нами отмечена многочисленная популяция краснобрюхих жерлянок от протоки Прирвы (окр. с. Лысогорка,) до нижних островов напротив с. Беленькое (т. 3., рис. 1., рис.2.). Биотоп представлен плавневым лесом с многочисленными протоками, озерами, старицами и плотным подлеском. Древесная порода представлена черным тополем - осокором (Populus nigra), вербой травянистой (Salix herbacea), лохом серебристым (Elaeagnus commutata). Среди подлеска доминирует аморфа кустарниковая (Amorpha fruticosa) и бузина черная (Sambucus nigra). Сами водоемы представляют небольшие неглубокие озерца (рис. 2.) заросшие редким тростником южным (Phragmites australis), рогозом (Typha latifolia), осокой (Carex hirta), рдестом 150 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” (Potamogoton). Среди травянистой растительности встречается также мать-и-мачеха (Tussilago farfara), хмель вьющийся (Humulus lupulus). B. bombina здесь достаточно многочисленна. Тут и далее морфологические показатели представлены в таблице 1 (табл.1). Рис. 2. Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761), Белинско-Розумовская плавневая гряда, р. Днепр. Нетипичное для краснобрюхой жерлянки место обитания обнаружено на побережье Каховского водохранилища, в урочище «Басанька» (N = 47°26.41', E = 35°10.55'), которое относится к территории Национального природного парка «Великий луг» (Васильевский р-н, Запорожская область) (т.6. рис. 1., рис. 3.). Небольшое озерцо, напоминающее своеобразную чашу (2x2 м, глубиной 20-30 см), сформировалось на дне одного из отрогов большой третичной балки, рядом с отвесным обрывом сарматского яруса известняков. Место постоянно подпитывается водами родника, которые ниже (350-400 м) впадают в Каховское водохранилище. Температура воды +90. Учтено всего 2 крупные особи (табл.1). 151 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Рис. 3. Биотоп - урочище «Басанька», побережье Каховского водохранилища. Особый интерес представляет обнаруженная популяция B.bombina непосредственно в городе Запорожье (т. 5., рис. 1., рис. 4., рис. 5.) (N = 47°47.31', E = 35°10.52'). Сам водоем (150х100, глубиной 0,2-0,5 м) расположен в понижении между двумя искусственными насыпями, в верховьях Гребного канала (р. Днепр). Биотоп, в котором обнаружены жерлянки представляет собой водоем, заросший тростником южным (P. australis) и зелеными водорослями (Chlorophyta). На мелководьях водоёма и в прибрежной части произрастает мать-и-мачеха (T. farfara), хвощ полевой (Equisetum arvense). Встречаются редкие насаждения аморфы кустарниковой (A.fruticosa), акации белой (Robinia pseudoacacia), лоха серебристого (Elaeagnus commutata), канадского клена (Acer saccharum), дикой груши (Pyrus communis). Биотоп находится под чрезвычайной антропогенной и природной нагрузкой, постоянно испытывает действие пирогенного фактора, окраина водоема замусоренная. Численность B. bombina здесь крайне низкая, удалось добыть одну взрослую особь (рис. 4., табл. 1.). Состояние этой популяции, в связи с сильной антропогенной нагрузкой, находится в депрессивном состоянии. Также нам удалось обнаружить жерлянку на о-ве Хортица, р. Днепр, г.Запорожье (N = 47°47.73'; E = 35°7.21') (т.4., рис. 1, рис. 5). Эта точка, без описания конкретного 152 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” места обитания указывалась в литературе (Писанец, 1981; Писанец, 2007). Биотоп представлен непересыхающим внутренним замкнутым озером с илистым дном (40x10 до 1 м глубиной). Расположен вдоль искусственной дамбы, недалеко (2 км) от р. Днепр. Из водной растительности преобладают ряска (Lemma trisulca), лютики (Ranunculus repens), ирис (Iris pseudаcorus), зеленые водоросли (Chlorophyta). Прибрежная растительность представлена черным и белым тополем (P. nigra, P. alba), вербой травянистой (S. herbacea), морковником (Daucus carota). B. bombina здесь малочисленна, выявлено всего 1-го взрослого самца (табл.1., рис. 5.). Вероятнее всего, жерлянка в южной части Хортицы встречается и в других схожих биотопах. Рис. 4. Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761), г. Запорожье (верховье Гребного канала) Биотопы в окрестностях г. Энергодара, Каменко-Днепровского района (т. 1. рис. 1.) и острова Большие Кучугуры в Каховском водохранилище, Васильевского района (т. 2. рис. 1, рис. 3.) описаны нами ранее (Сурядная и др., 2011). Морфологический анализ всех исследуемых особей (табл. 1), включая ранее изученные выборки, позволил установить, что длина тела в среднем составляет – 40,4±0,7 и варьирует в пределах 21,2-52,8. Самки несколько крупнее самцов. По литературным данным – длина тела B. bombina с территории Украины и в целом Восточной Европы не превышает – 50-60 мм (Писанец, 2014), но в разных частях ареала варьирует от 41,1 до 68,4 мм (Пескова, Желев, 2010). Таким образом, исследуемые нами жерлянки имеют меньшие размеры по сравнению с B. bombina с других участков ареала. По нашим данным B. bombina может пребывать в достаточно широких пределах общей минерализация воды - от 1,19 до 15,9 мг/л и Ph – 6,2-8,3. Характер обитания краснобрюхой жерлянки на периферии видового ареала может изменяться под действием различных факторов, поскольку южная граница ее распространения в пределах Украины, подвержена флуктуации пространственного распределения (Котенко, 2005). Кроме того, о прерывистом распределении жерлянок говорил еще 153 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” профессор В.П. Терентьев (1949). Здесь необходимо сказать о том, что обнаруженные нами популяции, такого редкого и малочисленного вида для Запорожской области, вероятнее всего, сохранились еще до преобразования поймы Днепра. Рис. 5. Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761) – остров Хортица, г. Запорожье. Известно, что до 50-х гг. на месте Каховского водохранилища находилась самая большая и уникальная часть поймы – Конские, Конско-Базавлукские плавни, которые были затоплены, вследствие чего уничтожены уникальные пойменные природные сообщества. Эти плавни представляли собой сильно расширенный участок поймы Днепра между городами Запорожье и Никополь с многочисленными старицами, озерами с заболоченными берегами. Можно предположить, что до затопления, здесь существовала единая крупная популяция и возможно в нашем случае не идет речь о флуктуации пространственного распределения, а имеет место сохранившиеся отдельные устойчивые группировки той, реликтовой на сегодня, популяции. 154 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Таблица 1. Морфологические показатели Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761) на периферии ареала в Запорожской области Украины. Популяции Признаки Длина тела (L) Длина (F) бедра Т (длина голени) Длина дополнительн ой голени (mt) Длина 1-го пальца задней конечности (D.p.) Длина (D.prl.) стопы Длина (D.v.) кисти Длина 1-го пальца передней конечности (D.pp.) Длина передней конечности (L.h.) Длина (L.o.) глаза Расстояние между нодрями (Sp.n.) Ширина головы (Sp.c.) Длина головы (L.Sp.c.) Вся выборка (n=65) самцы (n=45)/ самки (n=20) БелинскоРозумовская плавневая гряда (n=29) самцы (n=16) самки (n=13) г. Энергодар (n=6) самцы (n=4) самки (n=2) 40,4±0,04 39,8±0,07/ 41,6±0,08 14,0±0,016 13,9±0,03/ 14,2±0,04 13,3±0,013 13,2±0,02/ 13,5±0,03 10,2±0,010 10,0±0,02/ 10,5±0,02 4,7±0,007 4,7±0,01/ 4,7±0,01 О-ва Большие Кучугуры (n=26) самцы (n=21)/ самки (n=5) 39,6±0,18 38,8±0,16/ 42,7±0,24 13,8±0,14 13,7±0,06/ 14,3±0,12 13,2±0,14 13,0±0,05/ 13,9±0,08 10,2±0,14 10,0±0,04/ 11,0±0,06 4,7±0,15 4,6±0,02/ 5,0±0,05 40,7±0,19 40,5±0,20/ 41,0±0,14 14,4±0,13 14,4±0,07/ 14,3±0,06 13,5±0,13 13,5±0,06/ 13,5±0,05 10,3±0,13 10,3±0,04/ 10,4±0,03 5,0±0,14 5,2±0,03/ 4,7±0,02 39,3±0,44 37,8±0,73/ 42,5±0,48 12,0±0,14 11,6±0,23/ 13,0±0,41 12,3±0,10 12,1±0,18/ 12,7±0,16 9,2±0,07 9,1±0,14/ 9,5±0,09 4,0±0,07 3,8±0,10/ 4,4±0,27 15,6±0,017 15,4±0,03/ 16,0±0,03 6,3±0,017 6,1±0,03/ 6,9±0,05 5,0±0,016 5,0±0,02/ 5,0±0,06 15,4±0,14 15,1±0,06/ 16,8±0,10 4,1±0,15 4,2±0,04/ 4,0±0,01 6,8±0,15 6,5±0,05/ 7,9±0,04 16,0±0,13 16,0±0,08/ 15,9±0,05 7,8±0,14 7,8±0,04/ 7,9±0,03 3,8±0,15 3,7±0,02/ 4,0±0,07 14,3±0,15 13,9±0,26/ 15,1±0,21 7,2±0,09 7,0±0,16/ 7,6±0,12 3,4±0,07 3,0±0,09/ 4,1±0,07 7,8±0,008 7,8±0,01/ 8,0±0,02 7,7±0,14 7,6±0,03/ 8,2±0,05 3,2±0,003 3,2±0,001/ 3,4±0,01 2,5±0,003 2,5±0,002/ 2,6±0,01 3,1±0,15 3,1±0,01/ 3,3±0,01 2,4±0,15 2,4±0,01/ 2,5±0,01 8,0±0,14 8,1±0,04/ 7,9±0,03 3,5±0,15 3,4±0,01/ 3,6±0,01 2,7±0,15 2,7±0,01/ 2,7±0,01 7,1±0,08 6,9±0,14/ 7,4±0,11 2,8±0,02 2,9±0,03/ 2,7±0,09 11,5±0,014 11,5±0,02/ 11,5±0,02 10,0±0,01 10,0±0,02/ 9,9±0,02 11,0±0,14 10,9±0,06/ 11,5±0,09 9,7±0,14 9,7±0,04/ 9,7±0,07 11,8±0,13 11,9±0,05/ 11,7±0,04 10,2±0,13 10,3±0,04/ 10,1±0,03 2,2±0,02 2,3±0,04/ 2,1±0,07 11,4±0,13 11,7±0,24/ 10,9±0,16 9,4±0,12 9,7±0,21/ 8,8±0,32 Урочище «Басанька» (n=2 самцы) О-в Хортица (n=1 самец) г. Запорожье (n=1 – самка) 43,5±0,05 46,7 43,7 14,4±0,01 14,5 16,2 14,1±0,09 14,8 13,2 10,4±0,01 10,6 9,7 3,6±0,02 5,0 4,7 15,0±0,05 18,2 15,3 8,2±0,01 8,4 8,4 3,6±0,01 4,9 3,7 8,4±0,02 9,2 8,0 3,0±0,01 3,4 3,0 2,6±0,01 2,5 2,4 12,9±0,12 14,2 11,5 10,5±0,02 11,3 10,2 155 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Все процессы, которые происходили во время затопления (объединение внутренних водоёмов, подтапливание ложа, преобразование донных прибрежных отложений, накопление глиняных масс, мощные шторма и пр.), сказались крайне неблагоприятно на обитании жерлянки. Но выносы третичных балок, незатопленные водоразделы и поды барханной, когда-то единой Кучугурской и Энергодарской гряды (озёра в берёзовых колках возникшие из-за высокого уровня водохранилища), всё это сформировало замкнутые биотопы, в которых, скорее всего, и сохранились отдельные замкнутые популяции жерлянок. Отдельно следует обговорить обитание B. bombina в урочище «Басанька» (т.6, рис. 1., рис.3.) возле Каховского водохранилища, на побережье которого часто находили трупы жерлянок. Вероятнее всего она попадает сюда с острова Большие Кучугуры и Белинско-Розумовской гряды, чему способствуют определенные гидрологические показатели водохранилища и устойчивая роза ветров (Ландау, 2004). Некоторая часть не найдя нормального места для обитания гибнет, а некоторая по поймам четвертичных балок проникает на еще не размытые ныне существующие надпойменные террасы с их стоячими непересыхающими водоемами. Скорее всего, эти популяции не устойчивы и вряд ли могут тут закрепиться. Таким образом, можем уверенно предположить, что Белинско-Розумовские острова, плавни Хортицы, г. Запорожье, г. Энергодар - это фактически один комплекс с одинаковыми условиями обитания и тут могут существовать вполне жизнеспособные, репродуктивные популяции, а небольшие локальные находки одиночных особей, скорее всего, случайно попавшие и выжившие благодаря оптимальным для вида условиям. Отметим, что недавно, на основе изучения изменчивости размера генома краснобрюхой жерлянки, установлены две географические группировки популяций этого вида, имеющие различное количество ядерной ДНК. Одна из них населяет восточную Европу - «типичная» форма, другая населяет Придунайскую и Приднестровскую низменности, а также западную Турцию – «дунайская форма» (Литвинчук и др., 2008). Анализ материала особей окр. г. Энергодара и о-вов Большие Кучугуры показала, что наши жерлянки относятся к «типичной» форме. Поэтому можем говорить о том, что описанные популяции сходны генетически, и представляют собой остатки, некогда крупного единого комплекса КонскоБазавлукских плавней. ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ Таким образом, в результате проведенных исследований уточнена и дополнена юговосточная граница ареала распространения B. bombina в пределах Запорожской области. Выявлены и детально описаны новые места обитания - г.Запорожье, 156 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” острова Беленько-Разумовской гряды, р. Днепр, побережье Каховского водохранилища, о-в Хортица. Предполагается, что выявленные популяции это отдельные группировки, которые существовали здесь до затопления поймы Днепра. Исследуемые животные несколько мельче по сравнению с B. bombina с других участков ареала, длина тела в среднем составляет – 40,4±0,7. Пределы гидрохимических показателей и спектр занимаемых биотопов позволяют утверждать, что в условиях периферии, вид достаточно пластичен и обладает высоким адаптивным потенциалом. Краснобрюхая жерлянка и выявленные популяции нуждаются в разработке и внедрении особых мероприятий по сохранению на местном уровне. БЛАГОДАРНОСТИ Авторы считают своим приятным долгом поблагодарить сотрудников отдела охраны природы Национального заповедника «Хортица», которые поделились своими наработками и всячески содействовали проведению исследований. Особую благодарность хотим выразить Сергею Козодавову, который неоднократно помогает нам в организации и проведении экспедиций. Измерение размера генома проводилось в институте цитологии РАН (г. Санкт-Петербург) благодаря всесторонней помощи Спартака Николаевича Литвинчука. СПИСОК ЛИТЕРАТУРЫ 1. Котенко Т.И. Примеры флуктуаций пространственного распределения амфибий и рептилий на юге Украины // Матеріали Першої конференції Українського Герпетологічного Товариства / Ред. Є. Писанець. Київ: Зоомузей ННПМ НАНУ, 2005. - С. 71-75. 2. Ландау Ю. А., Сиренко Л. А. Гидроэнергетика и окружающая среда. - К. : Либра, 2004. – 470 с. 3. Литвинчук С. Н., Розанов Ю. М., Боркин Л. Я., Скоринов Д. В. Молекулярнобиохимические и цитогенетические аспекты микроэволюции у бесхвостых амфибий Фауны России и сопредельных стран. Материалы III съезда Герпетологического общества им. А. М. Никольского. // Вопросы герпетологии. - Санкт-Петербург, 2008. –С. 247-257. 4. Пескова Т.Ю. Желев Ж.М. Размеры краснобрюхой жерлянки Bombina bombina Linnaeus, 1761 (Amphibia, Anura, Discoglossidae) у южной границы ареала вида. // Поволжский экологический журнал, 2010 - № 4. – С. 447-451. 5. Писанец Е. М. Предварительные данные по герпетофауне Украины // Вопросы герпетологии. - Л.: Наука. 1981. -С. 106. юга 157 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” 6. Писанець Є.М.. Земноводні України (посібник для визначення амфібій України та суміжних територій). - Київ: Видавництво Раєвського. 2007. – С. 88-94. 7. Писанець Є. Земноводні Східної Європи. Частина ІІ. Ряд Безхвості. - Київ: Зоологічний музей ННПМП НАН України, 2014 – С. 26-31. 8. Сурядна Н.М. Видовий склад та охорона земноводних Запорізької області //Матеріали тез Міжнародної науково-практичної конференції «Іноваційні агротехнології за умов зміни клімату» 7-9 червня 2013 року / За ред. В.М. Кюрчева – Мелітополь: ТДАТУ, 2013 – С. 169-171. 9. Сурядная Н.Н., Микитинец Г.И., Кармышев Ю.В., Бусел В.А. Распространение краснобрюхой жерлянки (Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761)) в Запорожской области Украины. // Современная герпетология. – Саратов, 2011. – Т. 11. – Вып. 1/2. – С. 83 – 85. 10. Терентьев В.П. Взаимоотношения жерлянок (К вопросу о влиянии ледникового периода) \\ Научный бюллетень Ленинград. гос. университета. – Л., 1949. - № 24. – С. 25-32. 158 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Under reviewing 159 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” 160 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” LIFE Project LIFE-HerpetoLatvia „Conservation of Rare Reptiles and Amphibians in Latvia” (LIFE09NAT/LV/000239) is co-financed by European Commission. Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327 Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2nd international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca”. 14th - 15th August 2014. Daugavpils, Latvia 161 nd Herpetological Facts Journal. 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327. Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2 international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” Herpetological Facts Journal 2014, 1. ISSN 2256-0327 Supplement 1: Proceedings of the 2nd international Scientific Conference – Workshop “Research and conservation of European herpetofauna and its environment: Bombina bombina, Emys orbicularis, and Coronella austriaca” 14th - 15th August 2014 Daugavpils, Latvia LIFE Project LIFE-HerpetoLatvia „Conservation of Rare Reptiles and Amphibians in Latvia” (LIFE09NAT/LV/000239) is co-financed by European Commission Natura 2000. 'Natura 2000 - Europe's nature for you. The sites of Project are part of the European Natura 2000 Network. It has been designated because it hosts some of Europe's most threatened species and habitats. All 27 countries of the EU are working together through the Natura 2000 network to safeguard Europe's rich and diverse natural heritage for the benefit of all'. www.life-herpetolatvia.biology.lv 162