preliminary data regarding the distribution and status

7/29/2019 Preliminary Data Regarding the Distribution and Status

1/23

North-Western Journal of Zoology Vol. 4, Suppl.1, 2008, pp.S1-S23[Online: Vol.4, 2008: S01]

Preliminary data regarding the distribution and statusof the herpetofauna in Iai County (Romania)

Alexandru STRUGARIU*, tefan R. ZAMFIRESCU,Andreea NICOAR, Iulian GHERGHEL, Istvan SAS,

Cristina M. PUCAU4 and Teodor BUGEAC,

1. Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Faculty of Biology, Blvd. Carol I No. 20 A, 700506 - Iai, Romania.2. Piatra Neam Technical College, Str.Stefan cel Mare No. 67, 610101 - Piatra Neam, Romania

3. University of Oradea, Faculty of Scienses, Biology Department. Str. Universitii No. 1 - 410087, Oradea, Romania4. Gr. T. Popa University, Faculty of General Medicine, Str. Universitii No. 16, 700115 - Iai, Romania* Correspondig author: Al. Strugariu; E-mail: [email protected], Phone No: (+004) 0740 161 182

Abstract. This paper presents the results of a study conducted in Iai County, Romania,an area for which data regarding the distribution of the herpetofauna has previously

remained incomplete. Thirteen species of amphibians (Salamandra salamandra, Lissotritonvulgaris, Triturus cristatus, Pelobates fuscus, Hyla arborea, Bombina bombina, Bombinavariegata, Bufo bufo, Bufo viridis, Pelophylax ridibundus, Pelophylax lessonae, Rana dalmatina and Rana temporaria), nine reptile species (Emys orbicularis, Anguis fragilis, Lacerta agilis,Lacerta viridis, Natrix natrix, Coronella austriaca, Zamenis longissimus, Vipera berus andVipera ursinii)and hybrids between B. bombina and B. variegata andbetween P. ridibundusand P. lessonae (Pelophylax kl. esculentus) were recorded in the 62 investigated localities inIai County. Salamandra salamandra is recorded for the first time in the area, east of theSiret river, being situated at its eastern distribution limit for Europe. Among the mostimportant results of our study is the identification of a new locality for one of the rarestEuropean reptiles, Vipera ursinii. One amphibian (Lissotriton montandoni) and one reptile(Elaphe sauromates) have previously been recorded in our study area but we were unableto reconfirm their presence.

Key words: amphibians, reptiles, geographical distribution, Vipera ursinii,

Salamandra salamandra

Introduction

Knowledge of the distribution ofamphibians and reptiles in mostregions of Romania is only provided bydata published a half of century ago.Fuhn (1960) and Fuhn & Vancea (1961)synthesized the majority of datacollected up to the 1960s, in the two

monographs on the amphibians andreptiles of Romania and compiled an

updated dataset on the occurrence ofthese species in the country. Contri-butions for the entire country werepublished by Coglniceanu (1991) andCoglniceanu et al. (2000) who pre-sented updated distribution maps forthe amphibian species, while Ghira etal. (2002) updated the distributionmaps for both amphibians and reptiles

from Transylvania.

North-West J Zool, 4, Supplement 1, 2008Oradea, Romania


2/23

Strugariu, A. et al.S2

The distribution of the herpeto-fauna, especially the reptiles, fromeastern Romania has remained re-

latively unstudied. Comprehensiveherpetofaunal studies were conductedonly recently in some areas from thisregion of Romania (e.g. Covaciu-Marcov et al. 2003, 2006a, Ghiurc et al.2005, Gherghel & Ile 2006, Strugariu etal. 2006 a, b).

Iai County is one of the moststudied areas of eastern Romania froma herpetological point of view. Fuhn(1960) and Fuhn & Vancea (1961), intheir monographs also present a

significant amount of herpetofaunaldata for Iai County. Subsequently,ova (1972), Coglniceanu (1991),Zamfirescu (1999), Coglniceanu et al.(2000) and Nicoar & Szekely (2004)contributed to our knowledge of thedistribution of the amphibians in thearea. Data concerning the compositionof the reptilian fauna in some areaswere published by Krecsak et al. (2003)and Ion et al. (2006 a, b). Covaciu-Marcov et al. (2006a) discussed the

distribution of the herpetofauna foundbetween the Prut and Siret rivers,whilst also covering some areas fromIai county.

In spite of the significant number ofpublications, most of the areas of thecounty remained unstudied. Due to thefact that most of the amphibian andreptile species which have previouslybeen identified the area are consideredvulnerable (e.g. Coronella austriaca),endangered (e.g. Vipera berus), or cri-

tically endangered (e.g. Vipera ursinii)at a national level (Iftime, 2001, 2005),their precise geographical distribution

must first be known in order toestablish appropriate conservationmeasures (Ghira et al. 2002). Our aim

was therefore, to significantlycontribute to the knowledge regardingthe distribution of the herpetofauna inIai County. The present paper pre-sents the preliminary results of ourresearch upon the previously men-tioned topic.

Materials and Methods

Study areaIai County (Fig. 1) is situated in North-

Eastern Romania and occupies an area of 5,476km2. It is situated on a plane between the Siretand Prut rivers. The Jijia river also crosses thearea, and the countys capital city, Iai, issituated on the Bahlui river which is atributary of the Jijia river. The southern part ofthe county is situated on the CentralMoldavian Plateau where the altitude mayexceed 400 m a.s.l. The northern part of thecounty is situated in the Moldavian Plain. Inthe west, the area is crossed by the Siret rivercorridor, the last fragments of the FlticenilorPlateau and also the Big Hill, with altitudesexceeding 500 m a.s.l. The most important

forested area is represented by the Repedea-Brnova massif, situated on the CentralMoldavian Plateau, in the south. Most of thecounty is covered by typical steppe habitat,agricultural fields and numerous ponds andlakes.

Study methodsThe data were collected during field surveyscarried out between 2003 and 2007. Field workwas conducted throughout the year, even inwinter time on warm days. The transectsmethod was used (Coglniceanu 1997) witheach transect being investigated at least twice.

Distribution maps were drawn for eachspecies observed. The distribution maps onlyreflect the results of this study and do notcontain records published by previous authors

North-West J Zool, 4, Suppl. 1, 2008


3/23

Herpetofauna of Iai County (Romania) S3

which were not reconfirmed by us. A list ofthe populated localities nearest to where eachspecies was recorded was also made (Tables 1and 2).

Figure 1. The location of the research area, IaiCounty, in Romania

Specimens killed by cars or local peopleplayed a crucial role in establishing thecomposition of the herpetofauna in somelocalities. Live specimens were primarilydirectly observed, but some specimens werecaptured by hand and subsequently released.Venomous snakes were captured using aherpetological hook. Hybrids were deter-mined by their morphological and chromaticcharacteristics, by comparing their mainfeatures and measurements with those

indicated in the literature (Berger 1966, 1973,Coglniceanu et al. 2000, Csata 1998, Fuhn1960, Ghira & Mara 2000, Stugren 1980,Szymura 1993).

Results

13 species of amphibians (Sala-mandra salamandra, Lissotriton vulgaris,Triturus cristatus, Pelobates fuscus, Hylaarborea, Bombina bombina, Bombinavariegata, Bufo bufo, Bufo viridis, Pelo-phylax ridibundus, Pelophylax lessonae,Rana dalmatina and Rana temporaria),

ris, Anguis fragilis, Lacerta agilis, Lacertaviridis, Natrix natrix, Coronella austriaca,Zamenis longissimus, Vipera berus andVipera ursinii) and two hybrids (Bom-bina bombina X Bombina variegata andPelophylax lessonae X Pelophylax ridibun-dus (Pelophylax kl. esculentus)) wereidentified in th 62 investigated lo-calities from Iai County.

A total of 326 obser

nine species of reptiles (Emys orbicula-

e

vations wererec

andra salamandra and Bombinabom

a distribution point of view,the

don

for this species to occur in Iai County.

orded for the amphibian species andhybrids and 218 for the reptile speciesin the 62 investigated geographicallocalities. 232 amphibian records and178 reptile records represent newlocalities for the Romanian herpeto-fauna.

Salambina X Bombina variegata were

recorded for the first time in Iai Coun-ty. The fire-salamander was recorded,for the first time, east of the Siret river.These localities in Iai County, are theeasternmost localities for the species inEurope.

Fromrarest amphibian species in the area

are Salamandra salamandra and Pelo-phylax lessonae, while the rarest reptilesare Zamenis longissimus and Viperaursinii. The most widely distributedspecies are Pelophylax ridibundus, Hylaarborea, Lacerta agilis and Natrix natrix.

One amphibian (Lissotriton montan-i) and one reptile (Elaphe sauromates)

species, previously recorded in thearea, were not recorded during thesesurveys. In the case of the formerspecies, it is probable that it was a case

of misidentification, while in the lattercase we consider that it is still possible



4/23


able 1: Locality records for the amphibian speciT es in Iai County. (S.s. = Salamandra salamandra; L.v =

SpeS.s L.v. T.c. P. f.

Lissotriton vulgaris; T.c = Triturus cristatus; P.f. = Pelobates fuscus ; Bf.v. = Bufo viridis ; Bf.b. = Bufo

bufo; B.b. = Bombina bombina; B.v. = Bombina variegata; B.x. = Bombina bombina X Bombina variegata;H.a. = Hyla arborea; P.r. = Pelophylax ridibundus; P.l. = Pelophylax lessonae; P.e. = Pelophylax kl.esculentus; R.d. = Rana dalmatina; R.t. = Rana temporaria) (X = Localities in which we identified thespecies for the first time; S = Localities in which we reconfirmed the presence of the species; O =Localities in which the species was previously mentioned but the data is not reconfirmed by us; = The sum of localities)

ciesP. v. Bf.b. B.b. B.v. B.x. H.a. P.r. P.l. P.e. R.d. R.t

Locality

Aroneanu - X - X X - X - - S S X X - -

Alexandru I.Cuza

- - - - X - X - - X X - X - -

Avntu - X - - - - X - - - X - X - -

Brnova - X X O X S O S - O X - X S S

Bogonos - S S - S - - - - - S - - S -

Bora - - - - - - S - - - S S S - -Bosia - - - - - - S O - - S - S - -

Butea - - - - - - X - - - X - - -

Brtuleti - - X - O - X - - X X - - - -

Bran - - - - - - X - - X X X X - -

Ciurea - - - X X X X - - X X X X - -

Costuleni - - - - - - S - - S S - S - -

Curturi X X - X X - - X - X X - - X X

Cuza Vod - X - X X - X - - X X X X - -

Doroban - X - X X - X - - X X X X - -

Fedeleeni - - - - X - X - - X X - - - -

Gorban - - - - - - S - - S S - S - -

Grajduri - X - - X X X X X X X X X X X

Hluceti - O - - - - X - - X X - - - -Hrlu - X - - X X - X - X S S X X X

Hndreti - X X - X - X - - X X - - X X

Horleti - - - - - - - - - X X - - - -

Horpaz - - - - - - - - - - S - S - -

Iai - S S S X - S O - S S X S - -

Iugani - - - - - - X - - - X - - - -

Izvoarele - - - - - - X - - X X - - - -

Larga Jijia - S S O S - S - - S S - S - -

Luncani - X X - - - - - - X X - - - -

Miclueni - - - - X - X - - X X - - - -

MihailceanKoglni u

- X S - S - S - - - S - S - -

Mobca - - - - - - - - - - X - - - -

Mirceti - - - - - - X - - X X - - - -



5/23


Table 1. (continued)

Species

LocalityS.s L.v. T.c. P. f.

Bf.v.

Bf.b. B.b. B.v. B.x. H.a. P.r. P.l. P.e. R.d. R.t

Muncelu deSus

- - - - - S - - - X X - - - -

Osoi - - - - - - S - - S S - S - -

Oeleni - X X - - X - - X X - - X X

Pacani - - - - X X - X - - X - - X X

Pun - S - - X S - X - S - - X S S

Prcovaci - - - - - X - X - X - - - X X

Perieni - - - - - O - - - - X - - - -

PicioruLupului

- X - - X X - X - X X - X X X

Pietrria - - - - X X - - - X X - - X X

Podu Iloaiei - X - - X - X - - X S - X - -

Poiana cucetate

- X - - - X - X - X - - X X

Poieni X S O - - X - X X S - - - S S

Popeti - - - - - - - - - - S - - - -

Popricani - - - - S - S - - - S - S - -

Probota - - - - - - X - - X X - X - -

Rchiteni - X X X X - X - - X X - - - -

Rediu - - - - X - - X - X X - - - -

Romnesti - X - - X - X - - X X X - -

Slgeni - - - - - - X - - X X - X X -

Srca - X - - X - X - - X S - - - -

Sculeni - - - - - - X - - X X - X - -

cheia - - - - - - X - - X X - - - -

Tuteti - - - X X - X - - X X - - - -

Todirel - - - - - X - - - X X - - X X

Tometi - S S - S - S - - S S - - S -

Ursoaia - - - - X - - - - - - - - - -

Ursreti - - - - - - X - - X X - - - -

Vldeni - X S - X - S - - S S - S - -

ValeaLupului

- - - S X - X - - X X - X - -

Victoria - - - - - - - - - - S - S - -

Species

Sum oflocalities

S.s. L.v. T.c P.f P.v Bf.b. B.b. B.v. B.x. H.a. P.r. P.l. P.e. R.d. R.t.

X 2 19 6 7 26 10 29 10 2 36 37 7 18 12 11

S - 6 6 2 5 3 11 1 - 10 19 2 12 5 3

O - - 1 2 1 1 1 2 - 1 - - - - -

TOTAL 326



6/23


Table 2: Locality records for the reptile species in Iai County. (E.o. = Emys orbicularis;

A.f. =Anguis fragilis; L.a. = Lacerta agilis ; L.v. = Lacerta viridis ; N.n. = Natrix natrix ;C.a. = Coronella austriaca ; Z.l. = Zamenis longissimus ; V.b. = Vipera berus; V.u. =Vipera ursinii) (X = Localities in which we identified the species for the first time; S =Localities in which we reconfirmed the presence of the species; O = Localities inwhich the species was previously mentioned but the data is not reconfirmed by us; = The sum of localities)

Species

LocalityE.o. A.f. L.a. L.v. N.n. C.a. Z.l. V.b. V.u.

Aroneanu X - X S X X - - -

Alexandru I. Cuza - - X - X - - - -

Avntu - - X X - S - - S

Brnova - S - S X S O S -

Bogonos X - X - X - - - -

Bora - - S - X - - - -

Bosia - - X - X - - - -

Butea - - X - X - - - -

Brtuleti - - X - X - - - -

Bran - - X - X - - - -

Ciurea X X - X X - X - -

Costuleni - - X - X - - - -

Curturi - X - X X X - X -

Cuza Vod X - X X X - - - -

Doroban X - X X X X - - -

Fedeleeni - - X - X - - - -

Gorban - - X X X - - - -

Grajduri - X - X X X X S -

Hluceti - - X - X - - - -

Hrlu X X X X X X - - -

Hndreti - - - X X X - - -

Horleti - - X X X - - - -Horpaz - - X - X - - - -

Iai S X S S S X - X -

Iugani - - X - X - - - -

Izvoarele - - X - X - - - -

Larga Jijia X - X - X - - - -

Luncani - - X - X - - - -

Miclueni - - X - X - - - -

Mihail Koglniceanu - - X - X - - - -

Mobca - - X - X - - - -

Mirceti - - X X - - - -

Muncelu de Sus - - X X X - - - -

Osoi - - X - X - - - -

Oeleni - - X X X X - - -Pacani - X X X X - - - -



7/23


Table 2 (continued)

Species

LocalityE.o. A.f. L.a. L.v. N.n. C.a. Z.l. V.b. V.u.

Pun - - - X X X - X -

Prcovaci X X X X X - - - -

Perieni S S S S S X - - -

Picioru Lupului - X - X X X - X -

Pietrria - X X X X X - X -

Podu Iloaiei X - X X X - - - -

Poiana cu cetate - X - X S S - S -

Poieni - X - X X - - X -

Popeti - - X - X - - - -

Popricani - - S - X - - - -

Probota S S S S S - - - -

Rchiteni - - X - X - - - -

Rediu X - X X X X - - -

Romnesti - - X X - S - - S

Slgeni - - X X X - - - -

Srca X - X - X - - - -

Sculeni - - X - X - - - -

cheia - - X X X - - - -

Tuteti - - X - - - - - X

Todirel - X X X X X - X -

Tometi - - X X X X - S O

Ursoaia - - X X - S - - S

Ursreti - - - X X - - - -

Valea Lupului X - S S S S - - S

Vldeni X - S X X - - - -

Victoria - - X - X - - - -

Species Sum of localities

E.o. A.f. L.a. L.v. N.n. C.a. Z.l. V.b. V.u.

X 13 12 44 30 54 15 2 7 1

S 3 3 7 6 5 6 - 4 4

O - - - - - - 1 - 1

TOTAL 218

Discussion

Salamandra salamandra (Linnaeus,1758). The fire-salamander (Fig. A) is a

typical inhabitant of hill side andmountain forests (Fuhn 1960). Thisspecies has never been previously

recorded in Iai County. We identifiedthis species for the first time in thestudy area, in 2 localities from theRepedea-Brnova forest massif (Table

1, Fig. 2/A). Even if the number oflocalities in which we identified thisspecies is small, these observations are



8/23


very important. The S. salamandrapopulations identified in the CentralMoldavian Plateau are the first ones

recorded east of the Siret river.Consequently, these are not just theeasternmost populations from Romania(Coglniceanu et al. 2000, Iftime 2005)but also extend the species Europeanrange to the east (Veith 1997). Thepresence of the salamanders in theregion is probably possible due to thesame factors which allow the existenceof Rana temporaria in the area, a specieswith which the salamander co-exists inboth localities.We consider this species

to be endangered in the research area.Lissotriton vulgaris (Linnaeus,1758). The smooth newt is the mostcommon and wide spread newt speciesin Romania (Fuhn 1960). It has pre-viously been recorded in 6 of the lo-calities which we investigated in IaiCounty (Fuhn 1960, Coglniceanu 1991,Zamfirescu 1999, Coglniceanu 2000,Nicoar & Szekely 2004). We re-confirmed the presence of this speciesin all of the previously cited areas and

recorded it for the first time in 19 otherlocalities (Table 1, Fig. 2/A). Thisspecies was found in a large variety ofhabitats, ranging from small temporarypuddles, water filled ditches and canalsto large sized lakes and ponds. Thesmooth newt does not appear to bethreatened by human activities in theresearch area.

Triturus cristatus (Laurenti, 1768).The crested newt was previouslyidentified in 7 of our investigated lo-

calities (Fuhn 1960, Coglniceanu 1991,Zamfirescu 1999, Coglniceanu et al.2000, Nicoar & Szekely 2004). We

have reconfirmed the presence of thisspecies in 6 of these localities and alsorecorded it in another six new localities

(Table 1, Fig. 2/A). The crested newtwas primarily observed in mediumsized water bodies with luxuriousvegetation during spring. The crestednewt is vulnerable in Iai County andthis is probably a reflection of the rarityof its preferred summer habitats.. Weidentified T. cristatus specimens in aswamp from the Ciric river basin,which also presented morphologicalfeatures of its sister species Triturusdobrogicus. Introgresive specimens have

been previously recorded in IaiCounty at Cristeti (Fuhn 1960). Also,T. cristatus populations in westernRomania have also been identified inwhich some specimens presented T.dobrogicus features (Stugren & Popovici1960, Covaciu-Marcov et al. 2002).

Pelobates fuscus (Laurenti, 1768).The common spade-foot toad waspreviously identified in 4 of our in-vestigated localities (Fuhn 1960, Cogl-niceanu 1991, Coglniceanu et al. 2000,

Nicoar & Szekely 2004). We re-confirmed this species presence inonly 2 of these localities and alsorecorded it in 7 new localities (Table 1,Fig. 2/A). In Iai County, P. fuscusinhabits small sized pools or irrigationcanals (breeding habitats) and agri-cultural fields or sandy areas. Moredata needs to be collected before a realstatus can be declared for this speciesin the area.

Bufo viridis (Laurenti, 1768). The

green toad was previously recorded in6 of our investigated localities in IaiCounty (Fuhn 1960, Coglniceanu 1991,



9/23


Zamfirescu 1999, Coglniceanu et al.2000, Nicoar & Szekely 2004, Covaciu-Marcov et al. 2006a). Our study re-

confirmed this species presence in 5 ofthem. We also recorded the green toadin 26 new localities (Table 1, Fig. 2/A).The green toad was observed through-out the research area but it was ty-pically absent or less abundant in theforested areas. Except for somespecimens that fall victim to roadtraffic, B. viridis is not threatened in IaiCounty.

Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758). Thecommon toad was previously recordedin 4 localities from our research area

(Fuhn 1960, Coglniceanu 1991, Cogl-niceanu et al. 2000, Covaciu-Marcov etal. 2006a). We only reconfirmed its pre-sence in 3 of the previous cited areasand recorded it in 10 new localities(Table 1, Fig. 2/A). The common toadis a rare species in the area, its presencebeing mostly restricted to the forestedhills from the southern and northernparts of the country. We class the com-mon toad as vulnerable in Iai County.

Figure A. Adult S. salamandra from Poieni (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007)

Bombina bombina (Linnaues, 1761).The fire-bellied toad is a typical speciesof the plain areas of Romania, beingwidely distributed throughout thecountry (Coglniceanu 2000). Recently,this species has also been identified atan altitude of 400 m (Strugariu et al.

2006b) in north-eastern Romania. InIai County it is a common and wide-spread species, mostly due to fact that

a major part of the area is representedby the Moldavian Plain and because ofthe large number of suitable aquatichabitats which are present in the area.The species has previously been re-corded in 12 localities from our re-search area (Fuhn 1960, Coglniceanu

1991, Zamfirescu 1999, Coglniceanu etal. 2000, Nicoar & Szekely 2004,Covaciu-Marcov et al. 2006a). We



10/23


recorded this species in 11 of thepreviously cited localities as well as in29 new localities (Table 1, Fig 2/B). We

stress the fact that we have alsorecorded this species in medium sizedponds from forested areas, in theRepedea-Brnova Massif, at altitudes ofaround 300 m a.s.l. The fire-bellied toadis not threatened in Iai County.

Bombina variegata (Linnaeus,1758). The yellow-bellied toad was pre-viously identified in 3 localities from

our research area (Fuhn 1960,Coglniceanu et al. 2000). Wereconfirmed this species presence in 1of the previously mentioned areas andalso recorded it in 10 new localities(Table 1, Fig. 2/B). The species is most

Figure 2/A. Locality records for the amphibian species in Iai County (S.s. = Salamandrasalamandra; L.v = Lissotriton vulgaris; T.c = Triturus cristatus, P.f. = Pelobates fuscus ; Bf.v. =Bufo viridis ; Bf.b. = Bufo bufo)



11/23


common in the forested areas in thesouthern region of the county, where itoccupies small temporary water pools.It is important to mention that we havealso identified this species in a localityfrom the eastern part of the county,near the Prut river, which is situated ata maximum altitude of 150 m a.s.l. Inthat area it occupied some smalltemporary pools near a small forestedarea. Even if the yellow-bellied toad isnot as wide-spread as the previousspecies, where present, it is relativelyabundant and, as a result, we do notconsider this species to be threatened inthe area.

Bombina bombina X Bombinavariegata. In 2 of the investigated lo-calities (Table 1, Fig. 2/B) we haverecorded hybrids between the 2 speciesof the Bombina genus. The hybrids werefound in lower regions (cca. 200-300 ma.s.l.) from the Central MoldavianPlateau, in the Repdea-Brnova forestmassif, in areas where the habitats ofthe two species are situated in closeproximity with each other or whereboth species occur in the same habitat.The Bombina hybrids have now beenrecorded for the first time in IaiCounty.

Hyla arborea (Linnaeus, 1758). Thecommon tree-frog is the only arborealfrog species from Romania (Fuhn1960). This species has been previouslyrecorded in 11 localities in our researcharea (Fuhn 1960, Coglniceanu 1991,Zamfirescu 1999, Coglniceanu et al.2000, Nicoar & Szekely 2004, Covaciu-Marcov et al. 2006a). We reconfirmedthis species presence in 10 of these and

also recorded it in 36 new localities(Table 1, Fig. 2/B). The species wasprimarily identified near forest areas,or in wetlands with tall thick reed. It isnot threatened in Iai County.

Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas,1771). The marsh frog is the mostcommon amphibian species in theresearch area. It inhabits almost anytype of aquatic habitat, especially in thelower regions of the county. It waspreviously identified in 19 localities(Fuhn 1960, Coglniceanu 1991, Zamfi-rescu 1999, Coglniceanu et al. 2000,Valenciuc & Zamfirescu 2000, Covaciu-Marcov et al. 2006a). We reconfirmedthe species presence in all of these lo-calities and also identified it in 37 newlocalities (Table 1, Fig. 2/B). Thisspecies is very abundant throughout itsrange and is not threatened in ourresearch area.

Pelophylax lessonae (Camerano,1878). The pool frog (Fig. B) is one ofthe least known amphibians inRomania from a faunistical view point.Prior to 2000, it was only recorded in 10localities in Romania (Coglniceanu etal. 2000). The main reason for the lackof knowledge concerning the distri-bution of this species is the fact thateven recent faunistical studies regardall forms of the Pelophylax esculentuscomplex as either Pelophylax esculent-us complex (e.g. Nicoar & Szekely2004) or as Pelophylax ridibundus (e.g.Ghiurc et al. 2005). However, someauthors have recently brought signi-ficant contributions to the knowledgeof the distribution of the pool frog inRomania (e.g. Covaciu-Marcov et al.



12/23


2004, 2006 a,b,c, Strugariu et al. 2006b).In Iai County, P. lessonae haspreviously been identified in only 3

localities (Zamfirescu 1999, Cogl-niceanu 2000, Valenciuc & Zamfirescu2000), 2 of which coincide with ourpreliminary research area. Wereconfirmed this species presence inthese 2 localities and also recorded thepool frog in 7 new localities (Table 1,

Fig. 2/B). The pool frog was typicallyfound in conjunction with Pelophylax kl.esculentus, but also with Pelophylax

ridibundus, both of the previous, or byits self. At the moment, we consider thepool frog to be vulnerable in theresearch area but further investigationsare needed to shed more light on thesituation.

Figure B. Adult male P. lessonae from Aroneanu (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007).

Pelophylax kl. esculentus (Linnae-us, 1758). The edible frog has a hybridorigin from Pelophylax ridibundus andPelophylax lessonae (Coglniceanu et al.2000). It was previously cited in 12localities from our research area (Fuhn1960, Coglniceanu 1991, Zamfirescu

1999, Coglniceanu et al. 2000, Valen-ciuc & Zamfirescu 2000). We reconfirm-ed its presence in all of these localitiesand also recorded it for the first time in18 localities (Table 1, Fig. 2/B). Theedible frog is not threatened in the re-search area.



13/23


Figure 2/B. Locality records for the amphibianspecies in Iai County (B.b. = Bombina bombina;B.v. = Bombina variegata; B.x. = Bombina bombinaX Bombina variegata; H.a. = Hyla arborea; P.r. =Pelophylax ridibundus; P.l. = Pelophylax lessonae;P.e. = Pelophylax kl. esculentus)



14/23


Rana dalmatina (Bonaparte, 1840).The agile frog was previously identi-

fied in our research area in five locali-ties (Fuhn 1960, Coglniceanu 1991,Zamfirescu 1999, Coglniceanu et al.2000, Covaciu-Marcov et al. 2006a). Wereconfirmed the presence of this spe-cies in these areas and also recorded itin 12 new localities (Table 1, Fig. 2/C).The agile frogs presence is limited tothe forested areas of the southern andnorthern areas of the county. In IaiCounty, this species is vulnerable.

Rana temporaria (Linnaeus, 1758).

The common frog is a relatively rarespecies in Iai County, occurring onlyin the wooded areas of the southernand northern areas of our researchzone. It was previously cited in 3 of ourinvestigated localities (Fuhn 1960,Coglniceanu 1991, Zamfirescu 1999,Coglniceanu et al. 2000, Covaciu-Marcov et al. 2006a), localities in whichwe have reconfirmed its presence. Thisspecies was also recorded by us in 11new localities (Table 1, Fig. 2/C). As

with R. dalmatina, the common frog isvulnerable in Iai County.

Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758).The European pond turtle is a re-latively common, wide-spread speciesin Iai County. It was previouslyidentified in 3 localities from theresearch area (Fuhn & Vancea 1961, Ionet al. 2006b). We reconfirmed thespecies presence in these localities andalso identified it in 13 new localities(Table 2, Fig. 3/A). E. orbicularis wasencountered primarily in large per-

manent ponds situated in the plainareas, but also in small temporarypools in the forests of the northern areaof the county. Large numbers of E.orbicularis are being illegally collectedevery spring and summer in Iai to besold to weekend tourists (NicoarAn., pers. obs. 2003, Huuleac-Volos-ciuc M.V., pers. comm. 2007, StrugariuAl., pers. obs. 2007,). We consider thisspecies to be vulnerable in the researcharea.

Figure 2/C. Locality records for the amphibian species in Iai County (R.d. = Rana dalmatina;R.t. = Rana temporaria)



15/23


Anguis fragilis (Linnaeus, 1758).The slow-worm is a rare species in the

research area, being present only in ornear the most important wooded areasfrom Iai County. It has previouslybeen identified in 3 localities (Fuhn &Vancea 1961, Ion et al 2006 b), all ofthem being reconfirmed by us. Wehave also recorded this species in 12new localities (Table 2, Fig. 3/A). Evenif at the moment, due to its relativelyrestricted range, this species wouldappear to be vulnerable in Iai County,we consider that further investigations

are needed in order to establish itscorrect status in the area.Lacerta agilis (Linnaeus, 1758). The

sand lizard is a common species in thelowlands of Iai County. We haverecorded this species in floodplains,edges of agricultural fields, near pondsand lakes, along rivers and in typicalsteppe habitats. It is rarest in thewooded hills in the southern areas ofthe county, where it is most oftencompletely replaced by Lacerta viridis.

The sand lizard was previously record-ed in 7 localities from our research area(Fuhn & Vancea 1961, Krecsak et al.2003, Covaciu-Marcov et al. 2006a, Ionet al. 2006b), localities in which wereconfirmed this species presence. Wehave also recorded this species in 44new localities for the Romanian her-petofauna (Table 2, Fig. 3/A). The sandlizard is not threatened in Iai County.

Lacerta viridis (Laurenti, 1768). Thegreen lizard (Fig. C) is also a very

common and wide spread species inthe research area, even if less so than L.agilis. It typically inhabits slopes with a

southerly aspect which are covered bybushes or trees. It is most common in

the wooded hills in the southern areasof the county, but it also occurs in areaswith typical steppe vegetation. Thegreen lizard was previously identifiedin 6 localities from our research area(Fuhn & Vancea 1961, Ion et al. 2006b).We reconfirmed the presence of thisspecies in these areas and recorded it in30 new localities for the Romanianherpetofauna (Table 2, Fig. 3/A). Wedo not consider this species to bethreatened in Iai County.

Natrix natrix (Linnaeus, 1758). Ourresults indicate that the grass snake isthe most common and wide-spreadreptile species within Iai County. Itwas recorded in most of the investi-gated habitats but it is most abundantin areas situated in close proximity to awater source, or in moist woodedareas. It was previously identified inonly 5 localities (Fuhn & Vancea 1961,Ion et al. 2006a,b), localities in whichwe have reconfirmed the presence of

this species. In addition, we have alsoidentified the grass snake in 54 newlocalities (Table 2, Fig. 3/A). Thisspecies is not threatened in Iai County.

Coronella austriaca (Laurenti,1768). The smooth snake is a relativelywide-spread species in the area, beingencountered by us in a large variety ofhabitats: typical steppe areas, forestmargins, railroad embankments andnear stone walls. It has previously beenidentified in 6 localities (Fuhn & Van-

cea 1961, Krecsak et al. 2003, Ion et al.2006a,b). We reconfirmed the speciespresence in all of these localities and



16/23


Figure C. Adult male L. agilis from Valea Lupului (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007).

also recorded it for the first time in 15other localities Table 2, Fig. 3/A). Inspite of this species relative wide

range in the research area, it is notlocally abundant in any of theidentified localities. Therefore, we classthis species as vulnerable in IaiCounty.

Zamenis longissimus (Laurenti,1768). The aesculapian rat-snake is anextremely rare species in the area. Itwas previously recorded in one locality(Fuhn & Vancea 1961), but we failed toreconfirm its presence there. However,we did record this species in 2 new

localities (Table 2, Fig. 3/A). Theaesculapian snake was encountered onthe railroad embankments inside a

wooded area near Grajduri and on asouthern facing, bushy hill near Ciurea.This species is probably critically

endangered in Iai County.Vipera berus (Linnaeus, 1758). Thecommon adder is a rare species in theresearch area, its distribution beingconfined to the wooded hills from thesouthern parts of the county. Weencountered it in deciduous forestmargins, on railroad embankments andon forest trails. It is worth mentioningthat we have also identified an adderpopulation in the city of Iai, in an areaknown as the Galata Forest. Many

melanistic (completely black) indi-viduals (Fig. D) were found throughoutits range in Iai County. This species



17/23


Figure 3/A. Locality records for the reptilespecies in Iai County (E.o. = Emys orbicularis;A.f. = Anguis fragilis; L.a. = Lacerta agilis ; L.v. =Lacerta viridis ; N.n. = Natrix natrix ; C.a. =Coronella austriaca ; Z.l. = Zamenis longissimus)



18/23


has been previously identified in 4localities from our research area (Fuhn

& Vancea 1961, Ion et al 2006 a). Wereconfirmed the adders presence inthese localities and also recorded it in 7new localities (Table 2, Fig. 3/B). Theadder is primarily threatened in thearea by the destruction of its habitat,direct persecution from the locals andillegal collecting (Iftime 2001). We classthe adder as endangered in IaiCounty.

Vipera ursinii (Bonaparte, 1835).The meadow viper (Fig. E, F) is con-

sidered to be critically endangered at anational level (Iftime 2001, 2005). Thespecies was previously identified infive localities but was known tosurvive only in four (Krecsak et al.2003). We identified the meadow viperin all four previous cited localities andfound this species in one new locality

(Table 2, Fig. 3/B). All of the areas inwhich we have observed the meadow

viper can be described as typical steppehabitats (for a more detailed descrip-tion of the habitats see Krecsack &Zamfirescu 2001). The meadow viper isprimarily threatened by the destructionof its habitat, direct persecution fromthe locals and illegal collecting for thepet trade (Iftime 2001). In Iai County,Vipera ursinii is critically endangered.

In addition to the species mentionedabove, one other amphibian and one

other reptile species have been pre-viously recorded in Iai County: Lisso-triton montandoni was supposedly col-lected by ova (1972) from the city ofIai, in the Ciric river basin. The speci-men could not be found in the col-lection of the Ion Borcea Natural

Figure D. Melanistic Vipera berus from Curturi (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007)



19/23


Figure 3/B. Locality records for the reptile species in Iai County(V.b. = Vipera berus; V.u. = Vipera ursinii)

Figure E. Adult female V. ursinii from Tuteti (new locality) (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007).

Science Museum in Bacu, where itwas suppose to be deposited. Also,taking into consideration the fact thatMontandons Newt is endemic to theEastern Carpathians (Fuhn 1960, Cogl-

niceanu et al. 2000) and that no otherlocalities have been cited for thisspecies between the eastern Car-pathians and the Moldavian Plain, it issafe to assume that the mentioning of



20/23


a.

c.

Figure F. V. ursinii near Valea Lupului(photo by Al. Strugariu 2007):

a.) adult male;b.) typical habitat;

b. c.) dead specimen.



21/23


Lissotriton montandoni in Iai Countywas most probably based on mis-identification. Another species whichwas previously recorded in Iai Countywas Elaphe sauromates. One specimenwas supposedly collected at Tometi atthe beginning of the 20th century(reviewed by Trk 2006) and stored inthe Zoology Collection of the Faculty ofBiology from the Alexandru IoanCuza University in Iai, Romania.Again, we could not find the specimenin the current educational collection ofthe faculty. Elaphe sauromates is bestknown in Romania from Dobrudja(Covaciu-Marcov et al 2006b) and theclosest area to Tometi in which theblotched snake was captured is inGalai County (reviewed by Torok2006). However,in view of the fact thatthis species has proven to be scarce,even in its preferred habitats and thatnew locations far from its originallyknown range have been found (ibu &Strugariu 2007), it cannot be definitive-ly stated that it is absent from the area.Particularly, given the fact that habitatssimilar to those in Dobrudja are stillpresent in Iai County.

Acknowledgements. The field work waspartially financially supported by the MilvusGroup Asosiation for the Protection of Birdsand Nature through the project Study of thecomposition and distribution of the herpetofaunaof Iai County (granted to A. S.) and by thegrant CEEX 1424/2006 (granted to S. Z.). We areindebted to Mihai Huuleac, Tiberiu Sahlean andAndrei Mizeru (Moldavica Herpetological Club)for assistance in the fieldwork. Tibor Hartel,Laszlo Krecsak and Severus-Daniel Covaciu-Marcov commented on earlier versions of themanuscript.

References

Berger, L. (1966): Biometrical studies on thepopulation of water frog from the environs ofPoznan. Annales Zoologici (Warsaw) 23:303 324.

Berger, L. (1973): Systematics and hybridizationin European green frogs of Rana esculentaComplex. Journal of Herpetology 7: 1 10.

Coglniceanu, D. (1991): A preliminary report onthe geographical distribution of amphibiansin Romania. Revue Roumaine de Biologie -Biologie Animale 36 (1-2): 39-50.

Coglniceanu, D. (1997): Amphibian ecologypracticum methods and techniques in thestudy of amphibian ecology. Ed. Universitiidin Bucureti, Bucharest [in Romanian]

Coglniceanu, D., Aioanei, F., Bogdan, M. (2000):

Amphibians from Romania. Determinationkeys. Ed. Ars Docendi, Bucharest. [inRomanian]

Covaciu-Marcov, S. D., Telcean, I., Cupa, D.,Cadle, D., Zsurka, R. (2002): Contributionsto the study of the herpethofauna fromMarghita (Bihor County, Romania). AnaleleUniversitii din Oradea, Fasc. Biologie 9: 4758. [in Romanian, with English abstract]

CovaciuMarcov, S.D., Sas, I., Cicort-Lucaciu,Al., Kovcs, E.H. (2003): Notes upon theherpetofauna of the Northern area ofBotosani County (Romania). Bacu, Studii iCercetri Biologie 8: 201-205.

Covaciu-Marcov, S. D., Ghira, I., Sas I. (2004):

Contributions to the study of theherpethofauna from Oa region (Satu MareCounty, Romania). Environment andProgress 2: 107-112. [in Romanian, withEnglish abstract]

Covaciu-Marcov, S.D., Sas, I., Cicort-Lucaciu,A.St., Bogdan, H., Groza, M. (2006a):Contributions to the knowledge regardingthe compozition and geographicaldistribution of the herpetofauna fromMoldavia between the Siret and Prut rivers.Muzeul Olteniei Craiova, Oltenia. Studii siComunicari Stiintele Naturii 22: 131-136. [inromanian with english abstract].

Covaciu-Marcov, S.D., Sas, I, Kiss, A., Bogdan,

H., Cicort-Lucaciu, A.t. (2006b): Theherpetofauna from the Teuz hidrographicbasin (Arad County, Romania). North-Western Journal of Zoology 2 (1): 17-26.



22/23


Covaciu-Marcov, S.D., Ghira, I., Cicort-Lucaciu,A. St., Sas, I., Strugariu, Al., Bogdan, H.(2006c): Contributions to knowledgeregarding the geographical distribution of

the herpetofauna of Dobrudja, Romania.North-Western Journal of Zoology 2 (2): 88-125.

Csata, Z. (1998): Serologic and morfologic studyupon the types belonging to the Ranaesculenta complex. Acta, Muzeul Secuiesc.Sfntu Gheorghe: 111-140. [in Romanian,with English abstract]

Fuhn, I.E. (1960): Fuhn I., 1960. The fauna of thePeoples Republic of Romania. vol. XIVfascicola I. Amphibia. Ed. Academiei R.P.R.,Bucharest. [in Romanian]

Fuhn, I.E., Vancea, t. (1961): The fauna of thePeoples Republic of Romania. vol. XIVfascicola II. Reptilia. Editura Academiei

R.P.R., Bucharest [in Romanian]Gherghel, I, Ilie, D. (2006): Contributions. to thedistribution of Amphibia, Caudata in NeamCounty, Romania. North-Western Journal ofZoology 2 (1): 44-46.

Ghira, I., Mara, Gy. (2000): Using theallelomorphic feature in identifying twospecies belonging to genus Bombina (Anura,Discoglossidae) from Transilvania. StudiaUniversitatis Babe-Bolyai, Biologie 45: 85-95.

Ghira., I., Venczel, M., CovaciuMarcov, S.D.,Mara, G., Ghile, P., Hartel, T., Torok ,Z.,Farkas, L., Racz, T., Farcas, Z., Brad, T. (2002):Mapping of Transylvanian Herpetofauna.Nymphaea, Folia Naturae Bihariae 29: 145-

203.Ghiurc, D., Rou, S., Gherghel, I. (2005):Preliminary data concerning theherpetofauna in Neam County (Romania).Analele Universitii din Oradea, Fasc.Biologie 12: 53-62.

Iftime, Al. (2001). The commented red list of theamphibians and reptiles from Romania.Ocrotirea naturii i a mediului inconjurtor44-45: 39-49 [in Romanian].

Iftime, Al. (2005): Amphibians. Reptiles. In:Botnariuc & Tatole (eds): The red data bookof vertebrates from Romania. Ed. AcademieiRomne, Bucharest. [in Romanian]

Ion, I., Zamfirescu, t. R., Antonesei, D. (2006a):

Preliminary observations on snakepopulations from Poiana cu Schit BrnovaForest (Iai County). Bacu, Studii iCercetri, Biologie 11: 99-103.

Ion, I., Zamfirescu, t.R., Zamfirescu, O., Gcuan,D. (2006b): Observations on reptilepopulations from the zone Probota-Perieni(Iai County). Analele Universitii Al. I.

Cuza Iai,. s. Biologie Animal 52: 197-204.Krecsak, L., Zamfirescu, t.R. (2001): Ecologicalsituation and morphological characteristicsof Vipera ursinii moldavica in the Valea luiDavid Natural Reserve. Russian Journal ofHerpetology 8 (1): 69-73.

Krecsak, L., Zamfirescu, t. R., Korsos, Z. (2003):An updated overview of the distribution ofthe moldavian steppe viper (Vipera ursiniimoldavica Nilson, Andren and Joger, 1993).Russian Journal of Herpetology 10 (3): 199-206.

Nicoar, A., Szekely, P. (2004): Observationsupon amphibian species from Ciric riverfloodplain Iai. Bacu, Studii i Cercetri,

Biologie 9: 121-123.Stugren, B. (1980): Geographical variation of thefire bellied toad (Bombina bombina (L.)) inthe USSR. (Amphibia, Anura, Discoglossidae).Zoologische Abhandlungen Museums furTierkunde Dresden 36 (5): 101115.

Strugariu, Al., Sahlean, C.T., Huuleac-Volosciuc,M.V., Pucau, M.C. (2006a): Preliminarydata regarding the distribution of reptilianfauna in Suceava County (Romania). North-Western Journal of Zoology 2 (1): 39-43.

Strugariu, Al, Gherghel, I, Huuleac-Volosciuc,M.V., Sas, I, Sahlean, T.C., Pucau, Cr. M.(2006b): Preliminary data concerning thedistribution of amphibian fauna in Suceava

County (Romania). Analele Universitii dinOradea, Fasc Biologie 13: 39-47.Szymura, J. M. (1993): Analysis of hybrid zones

with Bombina. Pp. 261-289, In: Hibrid zonesand the evolutionary process (ed R.G.Harrison) Oxford: Oxford University Press.

ova, C. (1972): Contributions to the study of theecology of the amphibians (order Caudata,genus Triturus) from the Siret river basin.Ph.D. Thesis. University of Bucharest. [inRomanian]

Trk, Zs. (2006): GIS technique used formanaging data on potential Natura 2000sites. Case study: areas inhabited by Elaphequatorlineata. Scientific Annals of the Danube

Delta Institute 12: 201-210.ibu, P.L., Strugariu, Al. (2007): A new record forthe blotched snake Elaphe sauromates in



23/23


Romania. North-Western Journal of Zoology3 (1): 62-65.

Valenciuc, N., Zamfirescu, t.R. (2000): Theannalysis of some morphometrical features of

water frogs (Rana esculenta complex) fromPrut river drainage basin. AnaleleUniversitii Al. I. Cuza Iai, s. BiologieAnimal 46: 111-119.

Veith, M. (1997):Salamandra salamandra (Linnaeus1758). In: Gasc J.P., (ed.). Atlas of Amphi-bians and Reptiles in Europe, pp. 6869.

Museum National DHistoire Naturelle,Paris.

Zamfirescu, t. R. (1999): New data regarding theamphibians mapping from the Jijia river

drainage basin. Analele Universitii Al. I.Cuza Iai, s. Biologie Animal 44-45: 147-151.

Submitted: 01 November 2007

/ Accepted: 4 March 2008


preliminary data regarding the distribution and status

Documents