Amphibians of Oława

Abstract

Observations were conducted of 28 water bodies from 2006 to 2009 in Olawa, a mid-sized town (of about 31,000 residents) in southwestern Poland. 13 amphibian taxa were confirmed. These same taxa were also confirmed in the surrounding areas of the town. Twice as many amphibian species were found in areas affected to a lesser degree by urbanization than in heavily urbanized areas. Two groups of amphibians were distinguished, depending on their tolerance of urbanization at breeding ponds and surroundings: 1) species preferring only natural terrain or areas close to being natural - Bombina bombina, Pelobates fuscus and Rana arvalis; 2) taxa breeding in both natural areas as well as those under the pressure of urbanization - Tritunis cristatus, Tritunis vulgaris, Bufo bufo, Bufo viridis, Hyla arborea, Rana esculenta complex and Rana temporaria.