North-Western Journal of Zoology Vol. 4, Suppl.1, 2008, pp.S49-S69 [Online: Vol.4, 2008: S03] A preliminary report on the composition and distribution of the herpetofauna in the Lower Prut River Basin (Romania) Alexandru STRUGARIU1 and Iulian GHERGHEL2 1. “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Faculty of Biology, Carol I Blvd. Nr. 20 A, 700506, Iaşi, Romania. E-mail:
[email protected] 2. Piatra Neamţ Technical College, Stefan cel Mare Str. Nr. 67, 610101, Piatra Neamţ, Romania E-mail:
[email protected] Abstract. Our study focused upon an area for which almost no data regarding the herpetofauna previously existed. The data collected during our preliminary investigations indicate the presence of 7 amphibian species (Lissotriton vulgaris, Triturus dobrogicus, Bufo viridis, Bombina bombina, Pelobates fuscus, Hyla arborea, Pelophylax ridibundus) and 7 reptile species (Emys orbicularis, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta viridis, Natrix natrix, Natrix tessellata, Zamenis longissimus and Dolichophis caspius) in the research area. The hybrid Pelophlylax kl. esculentus was also identified in the lower Prut river basin. Most of the identified species (Lissotriton vulgaris, Triturus dobrogicus, Hyla arborea, Pelobates fuscus, Emys orbicularis, Natrix tessellata and Zamenis longissimus) are now mentioned for the first time in the area. Pelophylax ridibundus, Bufo viridis, Lacerta agilis and Natrix natrix are the most widespread species in the area while Triturus dobrogicus, Natrix tessellata, Dolichophis caspius and Zamenis longissimus are the rarest species, from a distributional point of view. The most important herpetofaunal areas seem to be the forested sectors and swamps from the center of the region as well as the larger ponds, swamps and artificial canals from the Prut river meadow.