A Preliminary Report on the Composition and Distribution of the Herpetofauna in the Lower Prut River Basin (Romania)

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.

Key words: amphibians, reptiles, distribution maps, important herpetofaunal areas, anthropogenic impact.

Introduction is probably the least known, from a herpetological faunistic view point. The geographical distribution of the This can also be seen in the national Romanian herpetofauna is far from distribution maps of the amphibians being well known. This fact has been and reptiles of Romania (Fuhn 1960, proven by numerous recent mapping Fuhn & Vancea 1961, Cogălniceanu et efforts which revealed, in large im- al. 2000). The lower Prut river basin is portant regions of Romania and on no exception to this rule. Even more so, several occasions, the existence of compared to other regions of Moldavia, species not having been previously it is probably the area in which the recorded (e.g. Ghira et al. 2002). As distribution of the herpetofauna is mentioned in other publications (e.g. most poorly known. Very scarce data Strugariu et al. 2006 a), Eastern Roma- regarding the distribution of a few nia (the historical region of Moldavia) amphibian and reptile species in the

North-West J Zool, 4, Supplement 1, 2008 Oradea, Romania S50 Strugariu, A. & Gherghel, I. area has been previously published by Plateau. The minimum altitude in the area is Fuhn (1960), Fuhn & Vancea (1961), 10 m a.s.l. at the junction of the Prut river with Cogălniceanu et al. (2000) and Covaciu- the Danube while the maximum altitude is 296 m a.s.l. on the Buzanu Hill, in the Marcov et al. (2006a). For example, the Covurlui Plateau. presence of Dolichophis caspius, previously identified in the area for the first time, was reported by us in a previous publication (Strugariu & Gherghel 2007). This species was thought to be extinct in Moldavia (Iftime 2005). Taking into consideration the scarcity of the knowledge regarding herpetofauna distribution in the lower Prut river basin, and the fact that the first step in elaborating effective conservation plans is to first know the Figure 1. Location of the research area (the lower precise distribution of the herpetofauna Prut river basin) in Romania. (Ghira et al. 2002), the aims of the present paper are: to present the results The vast majority of the ponds, lakes and of a preliminary study on the com- swamps from the area have been drained position and distribution of the during the last two decades. The level of the amphibian and reptile species in the Prut river has decreased significantly due to area (i.), to identify and describe the economic uses which lead to a reduced water most important herpetofaunal areas supply to the remaining ponds, swamps and (ii.) and to identify the main human lakes that have constantly decreased in size. The area from near the Prut river meadow activities which pose a serious threat to mainly comprises agricultural fields and the existence of herpetofauna (iii.) irrigation canals. Swamps, larger lakes and meadow forests are included in the “Prut River Floodplain” Natural Park, which is the Material and Methods only protected area from the region. However, the largest permanent water accumulation is Study area represented by Lake Brateş. In the Covurlui Our study was conducted in the lower Plain and the Covurlui Plateau, deciduous Prut river basin (Fig. 1). The area is located in forests (mostly Quercus sp.) of up to 50 ha and Eastern Romania on a surface of around 2500 temporary ponds formed on the meadows of km2. From an administrative point of view, it the Prut river tributaries appear isolated. occupies the Eastern half of Galaţi County and Robinia pseudoacacia plantations grown and a small part in the South-East of Vaslui managed by the forestry departments are also County. The area is located between the Prut present. However, agricultural fields river (to the East), and the Covurlui Plain and represent the main land use in the area. Plateau (to the West), occupying the minor and major Prut river meadow (in the border Study methods area with the Republic of Moldova) and Our survey was conducted during the certain regions of the Covurlui Plain and spring of 2007, between late March and early North-West J Zool, 4, Suppl. 1, 2008 Composition and distribution of the herpetofauna in the Lower Prut River Basin (Romania) S51

May. 2-4 visits per site were made for areas also present in the area. A total of 338 inside and adjacent to the “Lower Prut locality records were identified for Floodplain” Natural Park and only one visit herpetofauna distribution in the 56 per site was allocated for the other areas of the lower Prut river basin. The investigated areas investigated field localities. Of these, were surveyed using the transects method 326 are new localities for Romanian (Cogălniceanu 1997). Animals were either herpetofauna. The distribution of directly observed or captured by hand or with herpetofauna in the area is shown in the help of a catch net. All captured animals Figs 2-3 and in Table 1. Most of these were released back into their habitats after species have now been documented for they were identified and, in some cases, photographed. Identification of dead animals, the first time in the research area. Only mostly killed by local people, also played an 3 amphibian species (Bombina bombina, important role in establishing the composition Bufo viridis and Pelophylax ridibundus) of the herpetofauna in some regions. Some of and 4 reptile species (Lacerta agilis, the animals found dead were collected and Lacerta viridis, Natrix natrix and Dolicho- preserved in alcohol (these are now in the personal collection of Al. Strugariu). The phis caspius) had been previously hybrids (individuals of Pelophylax kl. identified in the area (Fuhn 1960, Fuhn esculentus) were determined by the morpho- & Vancea 1961, Cogălniceanu et al. logical and chromatic characteristics indicated 2000, Covaciu-Marcov et al. 2006 a, in the literature (see in Berger 1966, 1973, Strugariu & Gherghel 2007). Cogălniceanu et al. 2000, Csata 1998, Fuhn 1960). Distribution maps were drawn using the Triturus dobrogicus (Kiritzescu, UTM technique (Lehrer & Lehrer 1990) with 5 1903). The danube crested newt is now X 5 km quadrates. A list of the localities recorded for the first time in Romanian nearest to where we have identified each Moldavia. However, it has been amphibian or reptile species was also made previously identified in the Prut river (Tab. 1). basin, in the Republic of Moldova, in

the locality of Cagul (Litvinchuk et al.

1995). Specimens of Triturus cristatus Results and Discussion wich presented certain features

charateristic for Triturus dobrogicus Species account were recorded in Romanian Moldavia The results of our preliminary by several authors (see in Fuhn 1960, survey indicate the presence of 7 Strugariu et al. – this volume). The amphibian species: Lissotriton vulgaris, Triturus dobrogicus, Bombina bombina, danube crested newt is a very rare Bufo viridis, Pelobates fuscus, Hyla species in the lower Prut river basin, arborea, Pelophylax ridibundus and 7 being recorded by us in only 4 localities species of reptiles: Emys orbicularis, (Fig. 2, Tab. 1). It inhabits medium Lacerta agilis, Lacerta viridis, Natrix sized swamps and irigation canals with natrix, Natrix tessellata, Dolichophis luxuriant vegetation (Tab. 2, Fig. A-B). caspius and Zamenis longissimus in the Lissotriton vulgaris (Linnaeus, 1758). lower Prut river basin. Along these, The smooth newt is more widespread the hybrid Pelophylax kl. esculentus is than the previous species (Fig. 2, Tab.1)

North-West J Zool, 4, Suppl. 1, 2008 Table 1. Locality records for the amphibian and reptile species in the lower Prut River Basin. (GL = Galaţi County, VS = Vaslui County, T.d. = Triturus dobrogicus; Lt.v. = Lissotriton vulgaris ; B.b. = Bombina bombina ; H.a. = Hyla arborea ; Bf.v. = Bufo viridis; P.f. = Pelobates fuscus; P.r. = Pelophylax ridibundus; P.e. = Pelophylax kl. esculentus; E.o.= Emys orbicularis; L.v. = Lacerta viridis; L.a. = Lacerta agilis; N.n. = Natrix natrix; N.t. = Natrix tessellata; D.c. = Dolichophis caspius; Z.l.= Zamenis longissimus) (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 in which the species was previously mentioned but the data is not reconfirmed by us; Σ = The sum of localities)

Species → County T.d. L.v. B.b. H.a. Bf.v. P.f. P.r. P.e. E.o. L.v. L.a. N.n. N.t. D.c. Z.l. Locality ↓ Balinteşti GL - - X - X - X - - X X X - - - Băneasa GL - - X X X - X - - X X X - - - Bârlăreşti VS - - X - X - X - - - - X - - - Bereşti GL - X - - X - X - - X X X - - - Bereşti-Meria GL - X - - X - X - - X X X - - - Blăgeşti VS - - X - X - X - - X X X - - - Brăneşti GL - - X X X - X X X - X X - - - Bursuci VS - - - - X - X - - - - X - - - Cârja VS - - - X X - X X X - X X - - - Cavadineşti GL - - - - X - X - - X - X - - - Comăneşti GL - - - - X - X - - X - X - - - Costi GL - X X X X X X X X X X X X - - Cruceanu GL ------X - - - X - - - - Cuca GL ------X - - - X X - - - Fântânele GL ------X - - - - X - - - Fârţăneşti GL ------X - - X - X - - X Folteşti GL X X X X X X X X X S - X - S - Frumuşiţa GL - - X X X X X - - X - X - - - Galaţi GL - X X X S X X X X X S S X - - Găneşti GL - - - - X - X - - X - X - - - Ghireasca VS - - X - - - X - - - - X - - - Ijdileni GL - - - X X X X - - X - X - - - Jorăşti GL - - - - X - X - - X X - - - - Lăţeşti VS - - X - X - X - - - - X - - - Lunca GL - - X - X - X - - X X X - - - Lupeşti VS ------X - - - - X - - -

Table 1. (Continued)

Species → County T.d. L.v. B.b. H.a. Bf.v. P.f. P.r. P.e. E.o. L.v. L.a. N.n. N.t. D.c. Z.l. Locality ↓ Mănăstirea VS - - X - - - X - - - - X - - - Măstăcani GL X X X X X X X X X - X X - - - Moscu GL ------X - - X X X - - - Oancea GL - - X X X X X X - X X X - - - Puricani GL - - - - X - X - - X - X - - - Rădeşti GL ------X - - - X - - - - Rânzeşti VS - - X X X - X X X - X X - - - Rogojeni GL - - X X - X X X X - X X - - - Roşcani GL - - X X - - X - - - - X - - - Săseni GL - X X - X - X - - X X X - - - Scânteieşti GL - - - - X - X ------Schineni VS - - X - X - X - - - - X - - - Sipeni VS - X X - X - X - - X X X - - - Şipote GL - - X - X - X - - X X - - - - Şiviţa GL X X X X X X X X - X X X - - - Slivna GL - - - - X - X - - X X X - - - Slobozia-Oancea GL - - X X X X X X X - X X - - - Stoicani GL - - X X X X X - X S - S - S - Suceveni GL ------X - - X - - - - - Tămăoani GL - - - X - X X - - X X X - - - Târgu Bujor GL - - X X - - X - - X X X - - - Tătarca GL X X X X X X X X X X - X - - - Tuluceşti GL - - X X X X X X - X - X - - - Umbrăreşti GL - - X - - - X - X X X - - - Vădeni GL - - S X X X S X X - S X - - - Vânători GL - - X X X X X X - X X X - - - Vârlezi GL - - X X X - X - - - X X - - - Viile GL - - X - - - X - - X - X - - - Vlădeşti GL - - X X X - X X X - X X - - - Zărneşti GL - - X - X - X - - X X X - - -

Table 1. (Continued)

Species → County T.d. L.v. B.b. H.a. Bf.v. P.f. P.r. P.e. E.o. L.v. L.a. N.n. N.t. D.c. Z.l. Locality ↓ Σ X 4 10 34 25 39 16 54 17 13 32 31 48 2 - 1 Σ S - - 1 - 1 - 1 - - 2 2 3 - 2 - Σ O ------TOTAL 339

Table 2. Habitat preferences of the amphibian and reptile species in the lower Prut River Basin (D.D. = Dry deciduous forest, e.g. Quercus sp., Robinia pseudoacacia; M. = Meadow forest, e.g. Populus sp., Salix sp.; E. = Forest edge.)

Species → T.d. L.v. B.b. H.a. Bf.v. P.f. P.r. P.e. E.o. L.v. L.a. N.n. N.t. D.c. Z.l. Habitat ↓ D.D. X X X D.D. (E.) X X X X X X X Forests M. X X X X X X X X X M. (E.) X X X X X X X X X Pastures X X Urban Areas X X X X X X X X X Agricultural Fields X X X X River Terraces X X X X Reeds X X X X X X X X Irrigation canals X X X X X X X X X X Temporary X X X X X X X X X Ponds Permanent X X X X X X X X X Artificial X X X Lakes Natural X X X X Wetlands X X X X X X X Rivers X X

Composition and distribution of the herpetofauna in the Lower Prut River Basin (Romania) S55

and is present in similar habitats (Tab. Romanian herpetofauna as well as in 2, Fig. C). The species is now recorded one previously mentioned locality (Fig. for the first time in the research area. 2, Tab. 1). The species has been re- Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761). corded in various habitats: medium The fire-bellied toad is a typical in- sized swamps, irigation canals, me- habitant of the plain areas in Romania dium and small sized ponds (Tab. 2). It (Tab. 2, Fig. A, C), preffering larger and appears that Bufo viridis avoids the more permanent water bodies larger, more permanent water accu- (Cogălniceanu et al. 2000). The species mulations, habitats in which only the is common in the lower Prut river green water frogs occur. basin, being identified by us in 34 new Pelobates fuscus (Laurenti, 1768). The localities for the Romanian herpeto- commom spade-foot toad (Fig. D) is a fauna and in 1 previously mentioned constant presence, especialy along the locality (Fig. 2, Tab. 1). The species is Prut river floodplain. In that area, it present in small to large sized swamps, uses irigation canals and temporary ponds, lakes and in irrigation canals. ponds from inside meadow woodlands However, the presence of Bombina bom- as breeding habitats (Tab. 2). The bina in these habitats is almost always agricultural fields are probably used as asociated with rich aquatic vegetation. terrestrial habitats. We now report Hyla arborea (Linnaeus, 1758). The Pelobates fuscus for the first time in the common tree-frog is the only arboreal research area, in 16 localities (Fig. 2, anuran species from Romania (Fuhn Tab. 1). 1960, Cogălniceanu et al 2000). In other Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771). regions of Moldavia, it is most common The marsh frog (Fig. E) is the most in or near forested areas (e.g. Strugariu common species from the research et al. 2006 b, Ghiurca et al. 2005). area, being identified by us throughout Surprisingly, in the lower Prut river the investigated region (Fig. 2, Tab. 1). basin, the species is mostly found near It inhabits every type of water body, the Prut river floodplain and in several being especially abundant in the larger, medium sized swamps from the South more permanent accumulations. of the research area and is absent from Pelophylax kl. esculentus (Linnaeus, the forested areas located in the center 1758). The edible frog (Fig. F) has a of the studied region (Tab. 2). Hyla hybrid origin, its parental species being arborea was identified by us for the first Pelophylax lessonae and Pelophylax time in the studied area, where we re- ridibundus (e.g. Cogălniceanu et al. corded it in 25 localities (Fig. 2, Tab. 1). 2000). Despite the fact that it has not Bufo viridis (Laurenti, 1768). The been recorded in the lower Prut river green toad is one of the most wide basin in the past, the edible frog is spread amphibian species from the relatively common, being identified by lower Prut river basin, being identified us in 17 localities, most of them in the by us in 34 new localities for the Prut river floodplain (Fig. 2, Table 1).

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Figure 2. Distribution of the recorded amphibian species in the the research area (T.d. = Triturus dobrogicus; Lt.v. = Lissotriton vulgaris ; B.b. = Bombina bombina ; H.a. = Hyla arborea ; Bf.v. = Bufo viridis; P.f. = Pelobates fuscus; P.r. = Pelophylax ridibundus; P.e. = Pelophylax kl. esculentus)

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Figure A. Habitat of Tr. dobrogicus, B. bombina near Sivita (GL) (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007)

Figure B. Habitat of Tr. dobrogicus, P. fuscus, P. ridibundus near Sivita (GL) (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007)

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Figure C. Habitat of B. bombina and Lt. vulgaris near Mastcani (GL) (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007)

Figure D. Adult P. fuscus from Mastcani (GL) (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007)

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Figure E. B. viridis in amplex with P. ridibundus from Galati (GL) (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007)

Figure F. Adult female P. kl. esculentus from Branesti (GL) (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007)

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Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758). Romanian herpetofauna (Fig. 3/A, The pond terrapin is a relatively Table 1). common species in the area. It mainly Natrix natrix (Linnaeus, 1758). The inhabits the medium and large sized grass snake is a constant presence in water bodies in the Prut river flood- most of the investigated areas, being plain (Tab. 2). However, on some the most common reptile species. It is occasions, Emys orbicularis was also most abundant in moist areas, near observed in the irrigation canals from water. We recorded the grass snakes in the Southern part of the research area. 51 localities from the lower Prut river We have recorded this species for the basin, of which 48 are new localities for first time in the research area, the Romanian herpetofauna (Fig. 3/A, identifying it in 13 localities (Fig. 3/A, Table 1). Grass snake specimens with Tab. 1). the “persa” or “bilineata” coloration Lacerta agilis (Linnaeus, 1758). The (Fig. I) were identified in the Cârja- sand lizard (Fig. G) is a very common Maţa-Rădeanu fish farm complex, as species in the lowlands from the lower well as in the irrigation canals from the Prut river basin. It can be found in a Southern part of the research area. large variety of habitats (Tab. 2), most Natrix tessellata (Laurenti, 1768). The of which are in close proximity to a dice-snake (Fig. J) is a very rare species water source. This is also the case of the in the whole Romanian Moldavia, Lacerta agilis populations from Dob- having been identified in only 1 locality rudja (Covaciu-Marcov et al. 2006 b). It from Neamţ County in the past mostly avoids the more arid highlands (Băcescu 1958, Fuhn & Vancea 1961, and forested area, where it is replaced Ionescu et al 1968, now considered to by its co-genera, Lacerta viridis. We be extinct by Gherghel et al. – in this have recorded the sand lizard in 33 volume) and 2 localities in Bacău localities, of which 31 are new localities County (Ghiurcă et al 2006). In both for the Romanian herpetofauna (Fig. previous cases, Natrix tessellata was 3/A, Table 1). identified in the Siret river basin. This Lacerta viridis (Laurenti, 1768). The leads to the conclusion that the popu- green lizard (Fig. H) inhabits mostly lations now identified by us are the the highlands from the lower Prut river first known populations of Natrix basin, where it occurs on South facing tessellata from the Romanian Prut river terraces with dense vegetation (Tab. 2). basin (Fig. 3/B, Table 1). The dice The species also occurs in or near snake population we identified in- urban and rural areas and in Robinia habits the large Lake Brateş, where pseuodoacacia plantations. It was pre- they are present in large numbers. viously reported by us in two localities Dolichophis caspius (Gmelin, 1789). (Strugariu & Gherghel 2007) and, in The large whip-snake (Fig. K) is a very this paper, we also mention it for rare species in the research area. It was another 32 new localities for the previously reported by us from bet-

North-West J Zool, 4, Suppl. 1, 2008 Composition and distribution of the herpetofauna in the Lower Prut River Basin (Romania) S61 ween the localities of Folteşti and (e.g. Ghiurcă et al. 2005, Strugariu et al. Stoicani (Fig. 3/B, Table 1). For more 2006 a). In the lower Prut river basin, data regarding the presence of this Zamenis longissimus is also extremely species in the area and its habitat see rare, being recorded by us in a single Strugariu & Gherghel (2007). Habitats locality (Fig. 3/B, Table 1). The (Tab. 2, Fig. L, M) similar to the ones in Aesculapian snake was observed in a which we have identified this species deciduous forest from the center of the also occur in other parts of the research research area. area (e.g. West of Lake Brateş), making it probable that the large whip-snake inhabits those areas as well. However, Important herpetofaunal areas further, more detailed investigations Two areas (Fig. 4) stand out from are needed in order to establish the the point of view of the amphibian and presence or absence of this species in reptile species which inhabit them. The other parts of the lower Prut river first one comprises the actual Prut river basin. floodplain (along with the adjacent Zamenis longissimus (Laurenti, 1768). irrigation canals, swamps, ponds and The Aesculapian rat-snake is the only lakes) and Lake Brateş. This region semi-arboreal snake species in Roma- includes the only designated protected nia (Fuhn & Vancea 1961). In Roma- area so far, the “Lower Prut nian Moldavia it is very rare, being pre- Floodplain” Natural Park and shelters viously recorded in very few localities the most important amphibian habitats.

Figure 3/A. Distribution of the recorded reptile species in the the research area (E.o.= Emys orbicularis; L.v. = Lacerta viridis; L.a. = Lacerta agilis; N.n. = Natrix natrix)

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Figure 3/B. Distribution of the recorded reptile species in the the research area (N.t. = Natrix tessellata; D.c. = Dolichophis caspius; Z.l.= Zamenis longissimus)

Figure G. Adult L. agilis - erythronotus from Galati (GL) (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007)

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Figure H. Adult L. viridis from Galati (GL) (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007)

Figure I. N. natrix persa phenotype from G alati (GL) (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007)

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Figure J. N. tessellata - uniform color variety from Galati (GL) (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007)

Figure K. Adult male D. caspius from Foltesti – Stoicani (GL) (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007)

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Figure L. Habitat of D. caspius near Foltesti – Stoicani (GL) (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007)

Figure M. Habitat of D. caspius and N. natrix near Foltesti – Stoicani (GL) (photo by Al. Strugariu 2007)

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present in the area: Triturus dobrogicus, Bombina bombina and Emys orbicularis. The second area is located in the contact zone between the Prut river meadow and the Covurlui Plain and comprises forested areas from the Stoicani – Folteşti and Fârtăneşti localities and the swamps formed along the Chineja river, near the locality of Măstăcani. The forested areas are inhabited by the only known population of Dolichophis caspius known to have survived in Romanian Moldavia (Strugariu & Gherghel 2007) and a population of Zamenis longissimus. Both these species are considered to be vulnerable at a national level in the Romanian red data book of vertebrates (Iftime 2005). The swamps from this region host large populations of Bombina bombina as well as populations of Triturus dobrogicus and Pelobates fuscus. It is our opinion that this area should be included in the “Lower Prut Floodplain” Natural Park if not declared as an autonomous

protected area. The other regions of the Figure 4. The important herpetofaunal areas from the research area: 1 – the Prut river studied area are mostly covered by floodplain. 2 – the forested areas from between huge agricultural fields and, con- the Prut river floodplain and the Covurlui plain. sequently, their herpetofauna is very poor.

Anthropogenic impact One of the few known Natrix At present, the most important tessellata populations from Moldavia is human activities which negatively also present in this area in large affect the herpetofauna are represented numbers. Several species which by the draining of aquatic habitats for a demmand the establishment of special series of economical purposes, and the areas of conservation (SAC) through clearing of the forested areas, con- their presence (Emergency Gouvern- ducted mostly by the forestry department Ordinance 57/2007) are also ments. Thus, if the draining activities

North-West J Zool, 4, Suppl. 1, 2008 Composition and distribution of the herpetofauna in the Lower Prut River Basin (Romania) S67 were to continue, all the amphibian as for the amphibian and reptile popu- well as the two Natrix species and Emys lations in the area. orbicularis would become highly Direct persecution of the local threatened. The clearing of the mea- people is also a threat, at least con- dow forests would mostly impact cerning the snake populations. Thus, Triturus dobrogicus, Hyla arborea numerous specimens of Natrix natrix populations from the Prut river and Natrix tessellata were found dead, floodplain. Burning of the riparian ve- killed by the local people (Fig N). Also, getation (reeds) poses a serious threat numerous locals have reported killing to numerous species of amphibians, snakes which, according to their especially Hyla arborea and the two descriptions, would resemble spe- newt species. These activities should be cimens of Dolichophis caspius and Zame- stopped or reduced to a minimum, at nis longissimus. This fact only stresses least in the important herpetofaunal the necessity for protecting the areas in areas, in order to establish a safe future which these species occur.

a.) b.)

Figure N. Human killed snakes from Galaţi (GL): a/c.) N. natrix, b.) N. tesselata c.)

Another, less significant, anthro- reptile species regularly fall victim on pogenic impact source is represented the roads from the research area, by road traffic. Some amphibian and especially those which cross through or

North-West J Zool, 4, Suppl. 1, 2008 S68 Strugariu, A. & Gherghel, I. near the important herpetofaunal areas Sfântu Gheorghe: 111–140. [in Romanian, mentioned above. with English abstract] Fuhn, I.E. (1960): The fauna of the People’s

Republic of Romania. Vol. XIV, Fascicola I.

Amphibia. Ed. Academiei R.P.R., Bucharest.

[in Romanian] Acknowledgements. Here we wish to thank Fuhn, I.E., Vancea, Şt.(1961): The fauna of the Cornel Bunghez (local forestry department), People’s Republic of Romania. vol. XIV Teodor Glavan (Romanian Ornithological fascicola II. Reptilia. Ed. Academiei R.P.R., Society) and Ionuţ Manolache (local forestry Bucharest. [in Romanian] department) for their help in the field. The field Ghira., I., Venczel, M., Covaciu–Marcov, S.D., work was partially financially supported through Mara, G., Ghile, P., Hartel, T., Torok, Zs., the project LIFE05NAT / RO / 00155 “Ecological Farkas, L., Racz, T., Farcas, Z., Brad, T. (2002): Reconstruction in the Prut River Floodplain Mapping of Transylvanian Herpetofauna. Natural Park”. We are also indebted to Severus- Nymphaea, Folia naturae Bihariae 29: 145- Daniel Covaciu-Marcov (University of Oradea, 203. Romania) and Tibor Hartel (Mircea Eliade Ghiurcă, D., Roşu, S., Gherghel, I. (2005): National College) which significantly improved Preliminary data concerning the herpeto- this manuscript by their comments on earlier fauna in Neamţ County (Romania). Analele drafts. Universităţii din Oradea, Fasc. Biologie 12:

53-62.

Ghiurcă, D., Rang, C., Rosu, S. (2006):

Preliminary data concerning the herpeto-

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