Batrachofauna of Ukraine

Systematic list of amphibians of Ukraine Class Amphibia Order Anura Family Tree Frogs — Hylidae Genus Tree Frog — Hyla European Tree Frog — Hyla arborea Eastern Tree Frog — Hyla orientalis Family Bombinidae Genus Fire-bellied Toad — Bombina Common Fire-bellied Toad — Bombina bombina Yellow-bellied Toad — Bombina variegata Family Pelobatidae Genus Spadefoot Toad — Pelobates Common Spadefoot Toad — Pelobates fuscus Pallas's Spadefoot Toad — Pelobates vespertinus Family Bufonidae Genus Toad — Bufo Common Toad — Bufo bufo Green Toad — Bufo viridis Natterjack Toad — Bufo calamita Family Ranidae Genus Brown Frog — Rana Moor Frog — Rana arvalis Agile Frog — Rana dalmatina Common Frog — Rana temporaria Genus Green (Water) Frog — Pelophylax Lake Frog — Pelophylax ridibundus Edible Frog — Pelophylax esculentus (hemi-clonal interspecies hybrid) Pool Frog — Pelophylax lessonae

Order Caudata — Caudata Family Salamandridae Subfamily Salamandrinae Genus Salamandra — Salamandra Spotted Salamander — Salamandra salamandra Subfamily Pleurodelinae Genus Lissotriton — Lissotriton Carpathian Newt — Lissotriton montandoni Common Newt — Lissotriton vulgaris Genus Mesotriton — Mesotriton Alpine Newt — Mesotriton alpestris Genus Triturus — Triturus Crested Newt — Triturus cristatus Danube Newt — Triturus dobrogicus Karelian Newt — Triturus karelinii Sources:

Pysanets E. M. Amphibians of Ukraine (reference guide to the amphibians of Ukraine and adjacent territories). — Kyiv: Zoological Museum NNPM NAS of Ukraine, 2007. — 312 p.

Pysanets E. M. Amphibians of Ukraine (reference guide to the amphibians of Ukraine and adjacent territories). — Kyiv: Zoological Museum NNPM NAS of Ukraine, 2007 Order: Tailless — Anura Family: Firebellied toads — Bombinatoridae Genus: Bombina — Bombina Yellow-bellied toad — Bombina variegata (Linnaeus, 1758) [IMG_4]Systematic position. Two to four subspecies of the yellow-bellied toad are currently recognised. It is possible that the Apennine subspecies B. variegata pachypus (Bonaparte, 1838) and the Balkan subspecies B. variegata scabra (Kuster, 1843) are separate species (Gollmann et al., 1997; Vukov et al., 2006). Ukrainian populations belong to the nominate subspecies. Description. Small amphibians; body length 27–50 mm; dorsal coloration typically olive-greenish with small, indistinct dark spots. The venter is brightly coloured, with a yellow or orange background bearing large dark spots; the area of the yellow-orange background is generally greater than that of the dark spots. The yellow-orange background of the ventral surface extends onto the underside of the hind limbs. The dorsal surface bears well-developed tubercles terminating in sharp spines. Males lack vocal resonators. During the breeding season nuptial pads develop on the first three digits of the forelimbs and on the undersides of the forearms. Morphs with a green dorsal coloration are occasionally encountered; the genetic determination and adaptive character of this trait are noted. Distribution. The species occurs in Europe, where it is associated with montane regions, but is absent from the Iberian Peninsula and northern Italy (Po valley); its eastern range is limited by the Ukrainian Carpathians; the northern range boundary does not reach the coastal areas of France, Germany, or Denmark (introduced in England). Inhabits most of the Apennine and Balkan peninsulas. In Ukraine, the yellow-bellied toad inhabits the montane and submontane regions of the Carpathians, where it ascends to nearly 2,000 m. In Transcarpathia oblast it occurs almost everywhere except the extreme south-western lowland areas. In Lviv oblast the species is associated with the montane-submontane south-western part, extending northward to Peremyshliany and Starosambirsky raions. In Ivano-Frankivsk oblast it is found throughout almost the entire territory (though not recorded in its northern part). Distribution in Chernivtsi oblast is confined to its western districts, extending eastward to Chernivtsi city. Several records of the yellow-bellied toad are known from the western part of Ternopil oblast (Buchach and Husiatyn raions), which requires verification. Ecology. The yellow-bellied toad is characterised by relatively high ecological plasticity in habitat selection and may be found in diverse habitats: coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests, mountain meadows (polonyny), shrublands, grasslands, and fields. It is encountered not only in standing or slow-flowing water bodies (lakes, ponds, puddles, canals, reservoirs) but sometimes also in relatively fast-flowing water bodies (along the banks of streams and rivers). Evidence from the Carpathians suggests that yellow-bellied toads are less demanding regarding water quality than B. bombina, and may occupy water bodies with high organic content, high salinity, or even mineral springs. Yellow-bellied toads are less dependent on water bodies than B. bombina. However, they also show increased migratory activity during rain and wet weather. Comparison of daily activity patterns of yellow-bellied and fire-bellied toads revealed no notable differences; they are approximately similar. The timing of hibernation often depends on weather conditions and elevation, but most commonly falls in late September–early November. Hibernation usually takes place on land in cavities under stones, fallen trees, rodent burrows, etc., although active yellow-bellied toads have occasionally been recorded in the water of thermal springs in winter. Overwintering aggregations have been noted together with other amphibian species (newts, toads, and frogs) as well as reptiles — viviparous lizards and common grass snakes (Shcherbak, Shcherban, 1980). The diet of yellow-bellied toads differs somewhat from that of B. bombina, with a higher proportion of terrestrial invertebrates (sometimes up to 81%). The diet includes Formicidae (up to 15–36.8%), terrestrial Diptera (13.2–16.8%); various molluscs and beetles also contribute significantly (sometimes up to 78.3%), etc. The onset of seasonal activity in Transcarpathia usually falls in the first half of March, and in the Precarpathians in late March. Almost immediately after emergence (approximately 5–10 days later), when water temperatures warm to 12°C, individuals commence mating and egg-laying. The egg-laying period is protracted and may last until August; within a single water body, individuals in amplexus, tadpoles at various stages of limb development, and metamorphosing individuals may all be present simultaneously. A female typically deposits approximately 100 or slightly more eggs in one or several clutches (of 10–30), often attaching them to submerged objects: plants, branches, or stones. The duration of embryogenesis depends considerably on water temperature and is approximately 5–12 days. Among the natural enemies of B. variegata, as with the fire-bellied toad, various aquatic vertebrates are noted: larvae are eaten by newts (Triturus cristatus), adults by grass snakes (both the dice snake and the grass snake) and certain bird species (storks, etc.). Yellow-bellied toads also display the characteristic defensive behaviour of aposematic coloration display — exposing the brightly coloured venter and undersides of the limbs. Population status. Abundance of B. variegata over most of its range within Ukraine is fairly high (often exceeding 1 individual per 0.02–20 m2). Sources: Pysanets E. M. Amphibians of Ukraine (reference guide to the amphibians of Ukraine and adjacent territories). — Kyiv: Zoological Museum NNPM NAS of Ukraine, 2007 Order: Tailless — Anura Family: Spadefoots — Pelobatidae Genus: Spadefoot — Pelobates Common spadefoot — Pelobates fuscus (Laurenti, 1768) [IMG_5]Description. Body robust, head large, hind limbs short. The inner metatarsal tubercle is very large and brownish-yellow. Dorsal surface greyish-yellow, greyish-brown, or brown with dark-brown spots and small reddish dots. Ventral surface greyish-white, unpatterned or with sparse grey dots. The forehead between the eyes is more or less convex. Males differ from females by a projecting oval gland on the shoulder, smaller body size, darker coloration, and a more contrasting dorsal pattern. During the breeding season males bear small tubercles on the palms and forearms. Distribution. Distributed from north-eastern Italy, European Turkey, and southern Central Europe northward to Estonia, Sweden, central Russia, the central Cisurals, and western Siberia (absent from the montane parts of the Urals and Carpathians). In Crimea it occurs sporadically. Also present on large river islands and in reservoirs in the temperate zone of the European part, etc. Elevational range: 0–500 m a.s.l. Ecology. Inhabits coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests and their edges, groves, steppes, forest-steppe, fields, meadows, parks, and gardens. In forests it selects open areas. On land it leads a semifossorial lifestyle, hence a preference for soft soils and avoidance of compact and stony substrates. Population density is maximal on sandy and ploughed soils. In suitable habitats in Ukraine, abundance ranges from several tens to several thousand individuals per hectare. Egg-laying and early development take place mainly in permanent, standing, moderately deep (up to 20–130 cm) water bodies covered by dense herbaceous vegetation: ponds, lakes, flooded quarries, ditches, etc. The banks of such water bodies are usually gently sloping. Large aggregations typically do not form during the breeding period. However, in the Precaucasus, 27 clutches have been recorded in 14 m2 of a water body. Prefers warm, fairly clean, slightly acidic water with low mineralisation and absence of nitrates, but sometimes breeds in heavily polluted water. As refugia, occasionally uses burrows of other animals and cavities under stones, but more commonly excavates its own burrows in soil. These burrows are dug using rotating movements of the hind limbs, employing the large inner metatarsal tubercle. While burrowing, it uses the hind limbs alternately and gradually sinks into the soil backwards. Once submerged, it pushes soil forward with the forelimbs and closes the burrow entrance. In rainy weather it burrows to depths of 5–35 cm, and during droughts to 70–200 cm. Young tadpoles typically remain on the bottom; shortly before metamorphosis they are found mainly among vegetation in the water column and frequently appear at the surface. Recently metamorphosed juveniles burrow on the banks and often hibernate there. In other cases tadpoles overwinter in non-freezing water bodies and metamorphose in late May–early June. Sensitive to water quality and soil structure. Pollution of water bodies by industrial waste, pesticides, mineral fertilisers, livestock, and domestic waste is dangerous for tadpoles. Other forms of human activity (destruction of meadows, particularly by livestock, urbanisation, recreation, open wells in areas of spadefoot concentration, etc.) also have negative effects. Population status. IUCN Red List status — LC. Rare and/or declining at the periphery of its range. Sources: Kuzmin S. L. Amphibians of the former USSR. — Moscow: KMK Scientific Press, 1999 Order: Tailless — Anura Family: Spadefoots — Pelobatidae Genus: Spadefoot — Pelobates Pallas's spadefoot — Pelobates vespertinus (Pallas, 1771) [IMG_6] Pelobates fuscus — Common spadefoot (externally very similar to Pelobates vespertinus) and its spade-like metatarsal tubercle (left); inguinal amplexus in spadefoots (right) Systematic position. In the early nineteenth century, during a study of variation in the common spadefoot Pelobates fuscus (Laurenti, 1768), it was established that two forms inhabit its range, differing in nuclear genome size. On the basis of these findings, the name Pelobates vespertinus (Pallas, 1771) was reinstated for the eastern form, which has a larger genome. Description. The following description pertains to Pelobates fuscus but most likely applies equally to Pelobates vespertinus. Resembles a moderately sized toad, differing from it by a vertical pupil, absence of large parotoid poison glands, and a spade-like, keratinised metatarsal tubercle. The skull bears extensive dermal ossifications forming a characteristic boss on the occiput. Body length up to 71 mm. Tadpoles may be very large (in some cases up to 22 cm). Distribution. The boundary between the eastern and western (sensu stricto P. fuscus) forms runs through the western part of Kharkiv oblast. It is possible that Pelobates fuscus also occurs in the fauna of Kharkiv oblast. External differences between the two forms are minor; a comparison of the ecological characteristics of the two forms has not yet been properly carried out. Ecology. Inhabits steppes, forest-steppe, and mixed forests in Central and Eastern Europe and Western Asia. In Ukraine two forms are represented: the western and the eastern. The eastern form inhabits Kharkiv oblast. A xerophilous species, remarkably well adapted to burrowing (even into dry soil). The male's call is a quiet grunting sound. The egg mass is a thick cord containing several rows of eggs. During amplexus the male clasps the female anterior to the hind limbs ("at the waist", inguinal amplexus), rather than posterior to the forelimbs ("under the armpits", axillary amplexus). Spadefoot tadpoles are large, sometimes reaching 175 mm. Juveniles of the year are much smaller than tadpoles (though larger than the young-of-year of other Ukrainian anurans). Population status. An abundant species in the vicinity of the field station. Breeds in standing water bodies — all ponds, temporary water bodies in the floodplain, and oxbows. Terrestrial habitats of the spadefoot outside the breeding period are fairly diverse, but it most commonly attains greatest abundance in open areas and on sandy soils: floodplain meadows, clearcuts in pine forests, etc. Sources: /Pelobates_vespertinus Atemasova T. A., Vlashchenko A. S., Zinenko A. I., Tokarsky V. A., Shabanov D. A., Shandikov G. A. Field practice in vertebrate zoology. — Kh.: Kharkiv National University named after V. N. Karazin, 2008. — 180 p. Order: Tailless — Anura Family: Toads — Bufonidae Genus: Toad — Bufo Common toad — Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758) [IMG_7]Description. Medium to large animals; body length of sexually mature individuals approximately 60–90 mm, although females may be considerably larger (over 100 mm). The parotoid glands are well developed. Tympanum diameter 2–4 mm or more; in Carpathian populations it was not expressed in 53.1% of individuals. The inner tarsal fold is absent; the underside of the longest toe of the hind foot bears paired subarticular tubercles. The dorsal surface bears numerous rounded warts, which may terminate in sharp spines (usually more pronounced in males). Overall body coloration is brownish-grey, with indistinct rounded dark spots often present on the dorsal surface. The ventral surface is greyish-white with diffuse small irregularly shaped spots. The lower margin of the parotoids bears a blackish-brown stripe that does not usually extend onto the flanks. External sexual dimorphism is expressed in the smaller body size of males, the presence of nuptial pads, and a potentially less contrasting coloration compared with females. Juveniles of the year may exhibit predominantly brick-reddish tones. Distribution. Common toads occur throughout almost all of Europe, except Ireland, northern Scandinavia, and certain Mediterranean islands; the range extends eastward to Transbaikalia, with records also from north-western Africa. In Ukraine these animals are distributed over most of its territory. In the south the boundary passes approximately through the middle and lower Dnipro — Dnipropetrovsk and northern Zaporizhzhia oblasts, Kirovohrad oblast, the northern parts of Mykolaiv and Odesa oblasts; records exist from the vicinity of Kherson and the lower Danube. In the east the range partially includes Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Luhansk oblasts. In the Carpathians the species ascends to elevations of up to 2,000 m. Ecology. Common toads inhabit regions with forested landscapes, where they may be found in a diverse range of habitats, from various forest types (coniferous, broadleaved, mixed) to anthropogenic plantings: groves, parks, allotments, urban squares, and occasionally shelterbelts. Open areas are avoided, although individuals have been recorded on arable land and pastures. A study of common toads in Transcarpathia demonstrated their fidelity to breeding sites: of 62 animals marked in 1972, 56% were recovered at the same site (Dubky tract, Uzhhorod environs) the following year, and 35.2% two years later. Implantation of radio-transmitters and monitoring of migrations in the Rhine valley (Germany) established that some individuals, although they migrated in late autumn and winter, generally remained within the lower part of the floodplain plain during the last season. Active adults and juveniles of the year are typically encountered at air temperatures of +10–20°C, occasionally +24–26°C. Adults are active around the clock during the breeding period, and thereafter only at dusk, though also during the day in cloudy and rainy weather. Juveniles of the year are active during the day and evening. Post-hibernation emergence occurs at an air temperature of +5–6°C. Maximum migration distance to breeding sites is 2.5 km. Breeding in March–June, typically in late April–May. The male's call is low and hoarse. Amplexus is axillary. A single female is often clasped by several males; males sometimes clasp fish, newts, or dead toads. Frequently several males attempt to clasp a single female, forming large "balls" consisting of many toads — up to 20 individuals. [IMG_8] Male Bufo bufo in amplexus with a dead female Forages exclusively on land, mainly on crawling invertebrates. Myrmecophagous feeding — consumption of ants — is characteristic (as in other Bufo species). Occasionally several dozen ants are found in a single stomach. This is consistent with the ambush predator strategy employed by toads. Population status. Destruction of forests and meadows, and drainage of water bodies constitute the most serious threats. These factors have led to the extinction of some populations. Environmental pollution by mineral fertilisers and industrial waste, urbanisation, recreation, road mortality, and deliberate destruction by humans all contribute to the gradual decline of populations in towns and cities. IUCN Red List status — LC. Widespread and not uncommon over a large part of its range; rare primarily at the periphery. Sources: Pysanets E. M. Amphibians of Ukraine (reference guide to the amphibians of Ukraine and adjacent territories). — Kyiv: Zoological Museum NNPM NAS of Ukraine, 2007 Order: Tailless — Anura Family: Toads — Bufonidae Genus: Toad — Bufo Green toad — Bufo viridis (Laurenti, 1768) [IMG_9]Description. Body length typically 50–80 mm; coloration highly variable, but the dorsal surface most commonly olive-green with rounded dark-green spots whose expression and size often vary depending on sex (spots in females are typically larger and more contrasting) and geographic range (males of southern populations in the eastern part of the range are characterised by reduced spotting, up to its complete absence). The pattern of spot arrangement and configuration does not change throughout life (Brauer, 1988). The ventral surface is uniformly whitish-grey with more or less expressed small spots, often irregularly shaped. The dorsal surface bears warts; their expression and spinosity increase in south-eastern populations, a feature more characteristic of males. The flanks occasionally bear small reddish warts. The forearm and shin typically each bear 3 transverse spot-stripes. A dermal fold is present on the inner surface of the tarsus; the longest digit of the hind limb typically bears single subarticular tubercles; the toes of the hind limbs bear webbing of varying degrees of development. Pupil horizontal; tympanum present; rounded parotoid glands are located posterior to the eyes. Sexual dimorphism, in addition to differences in coloration and wart texture, is expressed in the smaller body size of males, the presence of an unpaired internal gular vocal resonator, and the development of nuptial pads on the first two digits of the forelimbs. Distribution. From the Near East across Europe to Siberia and Central Asia. The northern range boundary runs west to east from the Baltic Sea to the Altai, reaching 58°N in the European part and descending southward further east. South of this line the species inhabits almost the entire territory of the former USSR. In Ukraine the green toad occurs almost throughout the country. In the montane regions of the Carpathians and Crimea it ascends to 1,000 m or more. Ecology. Inhabits forest, forest-steppe, steppe, semi-desert, and desert zones. In the forest zone it typically occupies open areas and shrub thickets, often far from water bodies. In arid regions it is found mainly in moist localities: oases, and banks of irrigation channels and lakes. Here it uses irrigation channels and canals as dispersal corridors. In the mountains it inhabits mainly below the upper timberline, avoiding rocky slopes and alpine meadows. Breeds in a wide variety of water bodies: bogs, ponds, lakes, backwaters of streams and rivers, reservoirs, ditches, puddles, etc. These water bodies are generally not deeper than 50 cm. Eggs are deposited in both fresh and saline water bodies (e.g., with mineralisation of 8–12 ppt). Tolerates very high temperatures. The upper limit appears to be approximately +40°C. Maximum individual mobility is recorded at body temperatures of +16–22°C, air temperatures of +21–22°C, and soil temperatures of 22°C. Adults are mainly active at dusk and at night. During the day they shelter under logs, stones, in burrows, etc. In soft soil they excavate burrows up to 20–30 cm in length. During the breeding period adults are also active during the day. Outside the breeding period, adults also frequently display daytime activity, even in open areas and in sunny weather. Active B. viridis are more easily encountered during the day in dry southern regions and in the mountains than in the middle latitudes of Russia and Ukraine. In hot weather toads frequently remain in shallow water bodies. Migration distances reach up to 2–5 km from breeding sites. Tadpoles are active during the day; they aggregate in well-warmed, open, shallow areas. At night they migrate to deeper water in response to cooling of the shallows. Breeding from February to July, depending on latitude and elevation, but throughout most of the range in April–May. Tadpoles feed mainly on detritus and algae. Juveniles immediately after metamorphosis feed on Collembola, Coleoptera, Acarina, and Diptera; adults feed mainly on crawling invertebrates, including Aranei, Coleoptera, etc. Some individuals migrating towards water bodies have insects and spiders in their stomachs. However, most individuals observe a "breeding fast" — at least during migrations. Myrmecophagous feeding is characteristic: ants frequently constitute a significant portion of the adult diet (but not that of juveniles). This trait therefore develops in individuals after the first hibernation — apparently in connection with age-related changes in foraging strategy. Population status. Destruction of meadows, drainage of water bodies, urbanisation, and recreation may lead to population declines. On the other hand, deforestation may be favourable for this species, which is adapted to open habitats. The negative effects of environmental pollution by pesticides, mineral fertilisers, and industrial waste are also known, as is the impact of collecting and deliberate destruction by humans. Green toads frequently move onto roads in the evening and/or after rain, resulting in road mortality. For example, in Kyiv oblast, up to 5 crushed B. viridis per 1.5 km of highway have been recorded. IUCN Red List status — LC. Widespread, common or abundant over most of its range; rare at the periphery. Sources: Kuzmin S. L. Amphibians of the former USSR. — Moscow: KMK Scientific Press, 1999 Pysanets E. M. Amphibians of Ukraine (reference guide to the amphibians of Ukraine and adjacent territories). — Kyiv: Zoological Museum NNPM NAS of Ukraine, 2007 Order: Tailless — Anura Family: Toads — Bufonidae Genus: Toad — Bufo Natterjack toad — Bufo calamita (Laurenti, 1768) [IMG_10]Description. In general appearance partly resembles the green toad, but body dimensions are substantially smaller, most commonly 50–70 mm. The dorsal coloration is dominated by olive-green tones with darker rounded spots, typically accompanied by a pale or yellow longitudinal dorsal stripe. The ventral surface is pale grey or greyish-white with small dark spots, often of irregular shape. One of the diagnostic features of natterjack toads is the development of pigmentation also on the throat, unlike the green toad. Pupil horizontal; tympanum developed. Parotoid glands are located posterior to the eyes; warts are randomly distributed across the entire dorsal surface, which in some individuals may terminate in spines. The longest digit of the hind limbs bears paired subarticular tubercles; the inner margin of the tarsus bears a dermal fold. Sexual dimorphism is expressed in the somewhat smaller size of males and their partially developed skin spinosity, in the presence of an unpaired internal vocal resonator, in the development of nuptial pads on the first two to three digits of the forelimbs, and frequently in a less contrasting dorsal pattern. Distribution. In Europe, natterjack toads occur in its western and central parts north of the Alps and Balkans, reaching southern Sweden and England, extending eastward to the Baltic states and the Kaliningrad oblast of Russia, Belarus, and western Ukraine, and southward to northern Italy, Austria, and the Czech Republic. In Ukraine it occurs in the western oblasts — Volyn and partly in Lviv and Rivne oblasts. The southernmost recorded point is the vicinity of the village of Holosko, Lviv oblast (49°51' N, 23°56' E), and the easternmost is the village of Dubrovytsia, Rivne oblast (51°34' N, 26°34' E). Judging by the configuration of the eastern range boundary and its partial coincidence with the January isotherm of −8°C, it is possible that the temperature factor, along with the duration of the frost-free period of 230 days, may be determinative for the distribution of natterjack toads at the eastern edge of their range. Ecology. B. calamita inhabits forested or open habitats with light sandy soils, typically found on dune-like areas, edges and clearings of pine forests. They are also not infrequent in sand quarries, fields, and kitchen gardens; a prerequisite for their presence is, as a rule, the combination of appropriate soil, shallow water bodies, and open areas in or adjacent to forests or former forest sites. In Ukraine, natterjack toads inhabit forested or open habitats with light sandy soils — typically dune areas, edges and clearings of pine forests, parks, fields, kitchen gardens, and sand quarries. Despite the fairly extensive range, the species displays certain limitations in ecological plasticity. Although its habitat selection includes areas associated with human activity (settlements, kitchen gardens, potato fields, orchards, etc.), the obligatory requirement is a combination of light sandy soils, shallow water bodies, and open areas in the forest zone or in sites where forests have been cleared. Breeding from April to July. Intensity of breeding choruses is maximal in the evening. Amplexus pairs are active in darkness and shelter underwater during the day. Amplexus is axillary. Sometimes two males clasp a single female. Egg clutches are wrapped around submerged aquatic vegetation and branches in shallow waters. Feeds primarily on crawling forms of invertebrates. Population status. Road mortality from motor vehicles has been recorded. Several populations appear to be declining under the influence of anthropogenic pressures, primarily habitat alteration. Like B. viridis, it frequently occurs in anthropogenic landscapes — particularly in agricultural fields, where abundance may increase. The creation of quarry ponds and small water bodies also has a positive effect. IUCN Red List status — LC. Overall, within the territory under consideration, this is a vulnerable, narrow-range species, many populations of which are declining. Sources:

Kuzmin S.L. Amphibians of the former USSR. — Moscow: Partnership of Scientific Publications KMK, 1999 Pisanets E.M. Amphibians of Ukraine (an identification guide to the amphibians of Ukraine and adjacent territories). — Kyiv: Zoological Museum of the NMNH NAS of Ukraine, 2007 Order: Tailless — Anura Family: True Frogs — Ranidae Genus: Brown Frog — Rana Moor Frog — Rana arvalis Nilsson, 1842 [IMG_11]Description. Medium-sized animals; body length of sexually mature individuals is 40–64 mm. Study of external morphological characters of specimens from Transcarpathia showed that body length in males is approximately 52 mm, and in females 53 mm. The inner metatarsal tubercle is high. The head is pointed; two longitudinal dorsolateral folds are present on the back; coloration is predominantly brownish-light or olive-brown; a well-defined dark lambda-shaped spot is present behind the head; the ventral surface is unspotted. Dark stripes are situated on the sides of the head, extending to the base of the forelimbs. The hindlimbs are well developed: when extended along the body toward the head, the ankle joint reaches only to the eye level (in individuals of the nominotypical subspecies) or slightly extends beyond the tip of the snout (in the long-legged subspecies wolterstorffi). The hind feet often display a pattern of several transverse spots and bars, with toes connected by a webbing membrane. A well-defined tympanic membrane is located behind the eyes. Males possess internal vocal sacs and nuptial pads on the first fingers of the forelimbs. Sexual dichromatism is especially pronounced during the breeding season, when males develop an overall bluish background coloration. Distribution. The range extends from north-western France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and adjacent areas of Norway and Finland southward to the Alps, Croatia, Slovenia, parts of Italy, and northern Romania, and eastward to Yakutia and the Altai (Russia), reaching northern China. Current research confirms earlier data that in Ukraine the moor frog inhabits the greater part of the country and is confined to the forest and partially forest-steppe zones; it penetrates the steppe zone only along the valleys of major rivers — as far as the lower Dnipro (vicinity of Hola Prystan), the Southern Buh (middle reaches of the Chychykliya River), and is present in the Danube Delta. Absent from Crimea. In the Carpathians it occurs only on the plains and foothills, and may penetrate the mountains along river valleys, but normally not above 1,000 m. Life history. Inhabits tundra, forest-tundra, forest, forest-steppe, and steppe zones. In Europe it generally occupies drier and more open sites than R. temporaria, including forest edges and clearings, marshes, meadows, fields, shrub thickets, gardens, and similar habitats. Reproduction and early development take place in the shallows of standing water bodies (lakes, ponds, marshes, puddles, ditches) with a surface area ranging from a few to thousands of square metres and depths of up to 2 m. In areas of sympatry with R. temporaria, it usually breeds in more open and shallower (i.e., better illuminated and warmer) water bodies. Breeding occurs from March to June, typically a few days after emergence from hibernation. Feeding. Tadpoles consume Chlorophyta, Diatomeae, and other algae, higher aquatic plants, detritus, and small quantities of aquatic invertebrates. Feeding ceases briefly during metamorphosis and resumes before the end of the metamorphic climax. Newly metamorphosed juveniles prey on Acarina, Collembola, and other small arthropods. Adults feed primarily on terrestrial prey. Aquatic invertebrates (Gastropoda, Dytiscidae, etc.) are consumed to a lesser extent. A “breeding fast” has been recorded. Population status. Some populations are declining as a result of habitat destruction, particularly from urbanisation, recreational pressure, and overgrazing. Industrial pollution also exerts a negative influence. Pollution additionally affects urban populations. IUCN Red List status — LC. A widely distributed species with high abundance, except for certain peripheral populations. Sources:

Order: Tailless — Anura Family: Treefrogs — Hylidae Genus: Treefrog — Hyla Eastern treefrog — Hyla orientalis Bedriaga, 1890 [IMG_2]Systematic position. Hyla orientalis displays high genetic diversity, in contrast to H. arborea, which is a genetically homogeneous species. Five geographic groups are distinguished on the basis of mtDNA: in the Caucasus and adjacent territories; in Asia Minor; on the western coast of the Black Sea; in Crimea, on the north-western coast of the Black Sea, Ukraine (excluding Transcarpathia), Belarus, Russia, and Poland. Morphological variability is high (in particular, some individuals from Transcaucasia lack the inguinal loop). Contact zones between Hyla orientalis and H. arborea have been found in north-eastern Greece and in Poland. The major rivers of the Carpathians provide rare opportunities for secondary contact between these species (both mtDNA lineages have been found at one site), but secondary contact and hybridisation have been documented only on the Vistula plain. These data support the treatment of H. arborea and H. orientalis as separate species. Karyotype. 2n=24, NF=48; mean genome size estimated at 10.31–12.17 pg. Hyla orientalis, unlike H. arborea, is genetically highly heterogeneous. Five geographic groups are recognised on the basis of mtDNA: in the Caucasus and adjacent territories; in Asia Minor; on the western coast of the Black Sea; in Crimea, on the north-western coast of the Black Sea, Ukraine (excluding Transcarpathia), Belarus, Russia, and Poland. Morphological variability is high (in particular, some individuals from Transcaucasia lack the inguinal loop). However, the diagnostic value of morphological characters for taxonomy has not been established. Description. Morphological differences between Hyla orientalis and H. arborea are not pronounced; in particular, no significant differences in mensural characters have been detected. Small animals; body length of sexually mature individuals typically up to 50–60 mm. The toes of the hind limbs are webbed. The dorsal skin is smooth; the ventral surface is coarsely granular. The dorsal coloration most commonly consists of uniformly bright green, although light grey, brownish, or greyish-blue individuals are also encountered. The ventral surface is white. The coloration of the upper (dorsal) and lower (ventral) body surfaces is demarcated by two contrasting dark stripes with yellow-white borders, each of which extends along both flanks from the eyes to the inguinal region, forming a loop there. Dark stripes are also present on the snout, where they connect the nostrils and the anterior-upper margins of the eyes. Distribution. Occurs in the Caucasus and adjacent territories; in Asia Minor; on the western coast of the Black Sea; in Crimea, on the north-western coast of the Black Sea, Ukraine (excluding Transcarpathia), Belarus, Russia, and Poland. In Crimea it is found only in the montane-forest zone. Ecology. Inhabits well-illuminated sections of broadleaved and mixed forests, shrublands, gardens, vineyards, parks, and banks of water bodies and streams. Avoids dense, dark forests. Meadows are used primarily during reproduction. In the forest-steppe zone it inhabits island forests and floodplain wetlands. Occurs in anthropogenic landscapes, including large cities (e.g., Kyiv and Lviv). Typically breeds near woody vegetation, in standing water bodies. Prefers high temperatures. Mating occurs at an air temperature of +11°C, water temperature of 15°C, and soil temperature of +9°C. During the day individuals typically rest on vegetation; activity is mainly in the evening and at night, when they descend to the ground. After nocturnal rehydration, individual body mass increases by 21–43%. Hibernation from October–November to February–early May, usually through April. Overwinters in soil, under leaf litter and moss, in burrows, stone piles, and tree hollows. Mass mortality occurs during dry, snowless winters. Reproduces in April–May, sometimes in March or June–July. Males remain in water bodies longer than females. Amplexus sometimes begins on land on the way to water. The male's call consists of loud, short sounds resembling croaking. Fully developed larvae are predominantly pelagic. Metamorphosis from the second half of June through September. After metamorphosis, juveniles remain on the banks of water bodies, climbing onto grass and small shrubs, sometimes in large numbers. Sexual maturity in Transcaucasian individuals is typically attained after 3–4 hibernations; maximum longevity has been estimated at 12 years. Feeds mainly on insects. During the breeding season individuals feed periodically on banks and on tall plant stems projecting from the water. Cannibalism in the form of larva-egg predation has been recorded. When threatened, H. orientalis occasionally adopts a defensive posture: arching the body, throwing the everted hind limbs onto the back, and covering the head with the everted forelimbs. Population status. Currently very rare where northern populations survive. Population declines are occurring not only in the north but also in the south. Sources:

Kuzmin S.L. Amphibians of the former USSR. — M.: KMK Scientific Press Ltd., 1999