Amphibian Species Research Articles

Movements of the Glandirana Frogs in Japan and South Korea: A Strategy for Defining Geographical Movements of Amphibians

The Japanese islands were originally included in the Eurasian Continent as part of the southern and northern landmasses. The two landmasses were detached from the continent 18 million years ago. After that, the former was repeatedly connected to the Korean peninsula during glacial periods, but most of the latter was under seawater. Thus, all Japanese amphibians are undoubtedly derived from this nearby continent. However, it is unclear where the amphibians moved during the formation of the Japanese islands. To address the issue, we selected Glandirana rugosa as a representative of Japanese amphibians because this frog is the only species among amphibians in which nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial genes and sex chromosome evolution have been deeply investigated. Then, we constructed time‐calibrated and RAxML phylogenetic trees based on nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial genes of the Glandirana frogs in Japan and South Korea. Various sites were used to select SNP data from the Glandirana species and their sex chromosome evolution, and the cladograms we obtained suggest that ancient Glandirana frogs except for one group moved along with the southern landmass, when it was separated from the continent. The movements of the Glandirana frogs in Japan and South Korea obtained as results of this study will help scientists to understand the geographical changes that took place during the formation of the Japanese islands. This strategy is applicable to studying and understanding the movements of other amphibian species of the Eurasian and other continents.

The effects of edge influence on the microhabitat, diversity and life-history traits of amphibians in western Ecuador

Abstract Edge effects change biodiversity patterns and ecological processes, particularly in tropical forests. To understand the synergistic impact of multiple edges, this study examines how edge influence (EI) is associated with life-history traits (snout-vent length and body temperature), diversity and microhabitat of amphibians as well as habitat characteristics in a tropical forest in Ecuador. We used EI, a metric that calculates cumulative effects across all nearby edges, in combination with five environmental variables that are part of the amphibians’ microhabitat (temperature, humidity, slope, canopy cover and leaf litter depth) to understand how their biodiversity patterns are impacted. Our results show that most amphibian species tend to be habitat specialists, and many had an affinity for forest edges and warmer habitats. We do not find significant correlations between EI and amphibian life-history traits and diversity. Our findings corroborate previous results that many amphibian species tend to be positively associated with habitat fragmentation and show that this association is likely driven by thermal regulation.

New data regarding the distribution and status of the herpetofauna from urban and peri-urban habitats in the city of Pitești, Argeș county (Romania)

Identifying urban and peri-urban areas inhabited by species of reptiles and amphibians represents the first step in understanding how herpetofauna can adapt to anthropogenic factors. This is particularly true for regions where sampling biases have left significant gaps in our knowledge of fauna distribution, such as Romania. The aim of the study is to show my preliminary observations on the herpetofauna and its use of habitats in the urban and peri-urban environments from the city of Pitești, Argeș County, located in southern Romania. I identified nine species of amphibians (Salamandra salamandra, Lissotriton vulgaris, Triturus cristatus, Bombina variegata, Bufo bufo, Bufotes viridis, Hyla orientalis, Pelophylax ridibundus and Rana dalmatina) and nine species of reptiles (Emys orbicularis, Trachemys scripta, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta viridis, Podarcis muralis, Anguis colchica, Coronella austriaca, Natrix natrix and Natrix tessellata). The most abundent species in urban environments were Podarcis muralis and Bufotes viridis, with other species naturally present in the same habitats being Lacerta viridis, Hyla orientalis and Bufo bufo. In an artificial urban pond there were present Emys orbicularis and the invasive species Trachemys scripta (together with other exotic turtles belonging to other genera) as a result of translocation and releases. When taking into account the peri-urban areas as well, the most abundant species in the study area were Bombina variegata, Rana dalmatina and Bufotes viridis, the first two being limited to the woodland area. The most widespread species were Hyla orientalis, Bufotes viridis, Lacerta viridis, Podarcis muralis and Natrix natrix. These widespread species were present throughout all the study area. I have also recorded some species of reptiles with very few observations in the Argeș County: Natrix tessellata and Trachemys scripta. Finally, I identified anthropogenic factors that negatively impact the herpetofauna, such as habitat loss, direct persecution, road mortality, invasive species and poaching.

Herpetofauna of forest fragments within the Agata Mining Ventures Incorporated (AMVI), Agusan del Norte, Caraga Region, Philippines

The Philippines holds an extraordinary record of amphibian and reptile diversity and endemism; however, factors like habitat loss and fragmentation that may result from activities related to resource extraction, such as mining, pose a significant threat to their conservation. This study examined the herpetofauna composition in select forest fragments within one of the important mining sites in Caraga, the Agata Mining Ventures Incorporated, between 2018 and 2021. Standardized time searches along the established two 2km transects in two sampling stations (Lawigan and Tinigabasan) were conducted to record reptiles and amphibians accounting for 880 man-hours. A total of 513 individuals representing 12 species of amphibians, and 17 species of reptiles were recorded in the area in both surveys. Of these species, 62% (n = 18 spp.) are Philippine endemic, 35% (n = 10 spp.) native, and 3% (n = 1 spp.) were invasive alien species. Overall, the Shannon-Weiner diversity index is high (H’=2.52) and varied significantly across survey periods (Mann-Whitney U test = 248.5, p=0.007). The species-area relationship analysis showed a strong positive correlation for total herpetofauna (R2 = 0.98), amphibians (R2 = 0.87), and reptiles (R2 = 0.99), and a significant correlation existed between reptiles and forest area (p = 0.05). The result suggests a strong reliance of herpetofaunal richness to forested area. Combined forest clearing and the effects of mining activities currently happening in the area might threaten these environment-sensitive taxa. Preserving these forest fragments within AMVI and allocating buffer zones is highly recommended. Periodic scientific field-based surveys and re-surveys, encompassing not only amphibians and reptiles but also various other species are recommended to monitor species distributions, population trends and impacts of on-going activities. These efforts aim to update data-driven sources supporting the mining area’s rehabilitation program, thereby contributing to societal and environmental benefits.

Population dynamics of amphibian community in Lake Çıldır, Northeastern Anatolia

Knowledge on life history traits and population dynamics of amphibians from northeastern Anatolia is limited. This results in a heavy reliance on published data regarding the European and Caucasian counterparts of the Anatolian populations in local conservation studies. The present study evaluated the phenology, age structure, population size, and population structure of the amphibian community in Lake Çıldır, northeastern Anatolia, Turkey. The site was surveyed between April 2017 and July 2019, detecting the presence of Bufo verrucosissimus, Bufotes viridis sitibundus, Pelophylax ridibundus, and Rana macrocnemis. The estimated population size ranged from 553 to 789 individuals for P. ridibundus and from 404 to 655 individuals for R. macrocnemis. The estimated mean capture probability was 0.09-0.10 for P. ridibundus and 0.08-0.11 for R. macrocnemis. The mean survival rates were estimated at 0.40-0.60 for P. ridibundus and 0.24-0.56 for R. macrocnemis. A male-biased sex ratio was observed for all species. The mean age was estimated at 5.28 years (2-9) for P. ridibundus, 4.32 years (2-6) for R. macrocnemis, and 5.55 years (3-9) for B. viridis sitibundus. Depending on weather conditions, the amphibian species emerged from brumation in the second half of April, and the breeding period took place between the end of April and June. The metamorphosis was attained in 55-125 days for P. ridibundus, 44-124 days for R. macrocnemis, and 56-128 days for B. viridis sitibundus, depending on weather conditions. The amphibian community of Lake Çıldır comprises healthy frog and toad populations, whose primary threats appear to be weather fluctuations and climate change. In contrast to their western Anatolian conspecifics, the studied amphibians suffered limited habitat loss and degradation, rendering them effective candidates as indicator species for climate change studies.

EKSPLORASI JENIS AMFIBI DI SEPANJANG PINGGIRAN DANAU SIPIN JAMBI, SUMATERA TENGAH

This study aimed to determine the diversity of amphibian species in different habitat types along shore of Lake Sipin. This study used a combination of path (Transect) and VES (Visual Encounter Survey) methods. Research area was determined using purposive sampling based on the function of the habitat and the number of prey animals. The population in this study was all amphibians in the Sipin Lake. The samples were all amphibians caught using fishing nets or bare hands. Identification of amphibian species found in the lake used field guidebooks and online-based guide. The results of research carried out along the edge of Lake Sipin showed 215 individuals, 8 species and 4 families were found to be amphibians. The diversity index for amphibian species generally shows an H' index with an H' value of 1.19, which is included in the medium diversity index value. The overall amphibian species evenness index value is classified as an unstable community (E=0.573) and the amphibian species richness index value generally shows a low species richness index (Dmg=1.303). Meanwhile, the value of the community similarity index or Index of Similarity (IS) generally shows that natural habitats and tourism are relatively high with an index value of 90%.

PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE HERPETOLOGICAL FAUNA FROM CORCOVA (MEHEDINȚI COUNTY)

The paper presents preliminary data on amphibian and reptile fauna from Corcova (Mehedinți county). The commune, with an area of 75.32 km2, is located in the south-west of Romania (north-east of the county), on the right bank of the Motru River. Hills prevail in terms of landforms. The study aimed to update the herpetological database with new information resulting from research conducted between March and October 2022. The preliminary list includes: 10 species of amphibians (Urodela - 3 species: Salamandra salamandra, Triturus cristatus, Lissotriton vulgaris and Anura - 7 species: Bombina bombina, Hyla orientalis, Pelobates fuscus, Bufotes viridis, Rana dalmatina, Pelophylax kl. esculentus, P. ridibundus) and 11 species of reptiles (2 species of turtles: Testudo hermanni, Emys orbicularis; 4 species of lizards: Lacerta agilis, L. viridis, Podarcis tauricus, Anguis fragilis; 5 snake species: Dolichophis caspius, Coronella austriaca, Zamenis longissimus, Natrix natrix, N. tessellata). The variety of habitats, the temperate-continental climate with sub-Mediterranean influences, the trophic resource have influenced the diversity of herpetofauna in the area. The highlighted species of amphibians and reptiles are listed on different national protectionist lists (ordinances, laws, etc.). Species that are subject to special habitat conservation measures have drawn our attention: Testudo hermanni, Emys orbicularis, Triturus cristatus, Bombina bombina, Pelobates fuscus (Annex 3 to OUG 57/2007).

Interpopulation variation in prebreeding energy reserves of plateau brown frog (Rana kukunoris)

The energy storage plays a prominent part in the life histories of many animals inhabiting cold harsh environment, thus anuran amphibians rely on larger residual energy stores from post-hibernation to cope with unfavourable weather conditions before breeding. As the habitat conditions often change in different locations, selective pressure for energy storage could also vary. However, we still have limited knowledge on whether anurans living under different environmental backgrounds would adopt suitable strategies to cope with energy demands during reproduction. Here, we examined patterns of energy storage in spring (after hibernation and before reproduction) in seven plateau brown frog (Rana kukunoris) populations with different climatic conditions in the eastern Tibetan Plateau. After removing the effects of age and body size, liver weights of both sexes and fat body weights in males were negatively correlated with temperature, suggesting that these reserves were critical for this anuran to survive through harsh and extended dormancy period under uncertain environmental conditions. Additionally, reproductive investment in both sexes could partly explain the increase in post-hibernation energy stores with decreasing temperature. Males had relatively heavier liver and fat body weights than females, indicating that males store more energy reserves for breeding activity compared with females. Therefore, we suggest that both the variation of environmental conditions and sexual differentiation of reproductive roles play a prominent role in shaping the energy allocation and reserve patterns in the dormancy and breeding of amphibian species.

New record and dietary ecology of an endangered amphibian species, Micryletta nigromaculata Poyarkov, Nguyen, Duong, Gorin & Yang, 2018, from Vietnam

The Black-spotted Paddy Frog (Micryletta nigromaculata) was recently discovered from northern Vietnam. Due to its restricted distribution in limestone karst forests and habitat degradation, the endemic species has been listed as “Endangered” in the IUCN Red List. However, knowledge about the natural history of this species is scarce, including data on its dietary ecology. Recent field surveys revealed new populations of M. nigromaculata occurring in Son La Province, northwestern Vietnam based on morphological analysis. Using the stomach-flushing method, we analyzed stomach contents of 45 individuals (21 males and 24 females) from a total of 52 captured frogs because stomachs of six males and one female (13.5%) were empty. The food spectrum of M. nigromaculata comprises 12 types with a total of 691 prey items (687 invertebrate items and four unidentified items), belonging to six insect orders, larvae and Araneae. Similar to other species of the family Microhylidae, M. nigromaculata is also identified as an ant (Formicidae) – termite (Rhinotermitidae) eating specialist with distinctly higher percentages of occurrence frequency (F = 65 %), number of prey items (N = 80 %), and importance (Ix = 75 %) than those of remaining types. The Simpson diversity index of 0.939 shows a high abundance of food prey in the wild, and the Evenness index of 0.536 suggests biased consumption of feeding selection for M. nigromaculata.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF AMPHIBIAN (ANURA) BIODIVERSITY AT THREE SELECTED SITES IN RELATION TO PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF YAMUNA RIVER AGRA

Present paper illustrates the water quality of Yamuna River from the Agra at various locations. Water samples were collected from three sites (Poia ghat, Bainpur Reserve forest and Taj Nature Walk) of Agra region, during months March to November . Samples were taken to the laboratory and examine, just then to observe the Amphibian species especially (Anura), few specific Anurans were found on the spot then monitored of them. Mainly observed that the impact of water quality on Anurans and studied that changes on their existence and also richness at breeding sites. Water analysis was also done for the parameters such as CO2, Alkalinity, Chlorides, magnesium Mg, Na Sodium. Thus finding of such research reflects that the water quality of river Yamuna is so poor condition also harmful for all living things.

Regulatory effects of prolactin in amphibians

Prolactin (PRL) is a protein hormone of the anterior pituitary and has a diverse role in different aspects of amphibian life - in courtship, reproduction, larval development and in other physiological functions. The expression of PRL receptor mRNA is reported in skin, gill, liver, gut, kidney, gonads and many other organs of different groups of amphibians. PRL stimulates growth and inhibits the metamorphosis of larvae of several species of amphibians. PRL causes seasonal changes in sex accessory structures and secondary sexual characteristics. PRL affects metabolic regulation and suggests phylogenic conservation of its receptors. Plasma PRL concentration changes during the annual reproductive cycle in many amphibians. In courtship behavior of newt, PRL also induces the synthesis of the newt courtship pheromones. PRL acts on skin and its function is also associated with water drive in amphibians. PRL causes water retention in amphibians. PRL acts centrally or peripherally to induce the courtship behavior. The key goal of the paper is to understand the roles of PRL in various aspect of amphibian life, like in aspects of morphology, behaviour, physiological functions and how PRL interfere amphibian life in presence and absence of other chemical and biological factors.

Insight into the Structure-Activity Relationship of Antimicrobial Peptide Brevinin

Numerous amphibian species, particularly those of the genus Rana, have been found to produce linear, amphiphilic, and cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Such AMPs are gaining more attention in pharmaceutical applications due to their principal method of action, which involves penetrating and rupturing the intended cell membranes with relatively low resistance. Brevinin is a large family of AMPs extensively studied during the last few decades, primarily consisting of two groups of peptides: Brevinin-1 and Brevinin-2. These peptides are cationic and establish secondary structures in the biological membrane environment. In this discussion, we explore the effects of structural parameters (net charge, hydrophobicity, amphiphilicity, helicity, peptide length, etc.) of Brevinin on their antimicrobial activity. As a general rule, an increased net charge tends to enhance antimicrobial activity. However, it is important to note that excessive net charges can also elevate hemolytic activity. The amino acid composition significantly influences hydrophobicity and helicity, which, in turn, impact the activity of the peptides. Moreover, these structural parameters are interconnected; modifying one parameter will affect others. Striking an optimal balance in these factors will provide a Brevinin analog with the highest antimicrobial activity and the lowest hemolytic activity.

Редкие виды амфибий и рептилий – кандидаты на включение в третье издание Красной книги Тамбовской области

Five species of amphibians and five species of reptiles are recommended to the inclusion into the third edition of the Red Data Book of Tambov region. Their conservation status, distribution, main limiting factors, adopted and necessary protection measures are discussed.

Evidence that species richness begets species richness

AbstractAimThe variability in regional species richness is determined by the balance between speciation, extinction, and migration, but the underlying causes of high species richness in some regions (e.g. tropics, Mediterranean ecosystems) are challenging to explain. Species richness variability may be amplified by biotic feedbacks that promote species richness in some areas, while decreasing elsewhere. Following the example of species abundance, we speculated that species richness per area in arbitrary geographic units (e.g. quarter‐degree squares) follows a hollow‐shaped curve with the ranks of species richness to yield a species richness rank (SRR) curve. The hollowness of such an SRR curve may indicate biotic feedbacks.LocationSouth Africa, South West Australia, and global.Materials and MethodsWe used vascular plant (VP) and bird data from distinct geographic regions and global syntheses of VP, bird, mammal, and amphibian species richness. These data were subdivided into geographic grids and the deviation from normality of the species richness quantified using skewness and kurtosis and the values ranked to yield SRR curves.ResultsThese SRR curves all had a consistent hollow shape (corresponding skewness 1.08–3.4, kurtosis 0.23–18.40) distinct from a normal distribution arising if species were allocated randomly to geographic units. The SRR curves indicate that relatively species‐rich regions are rare, while species‐poor areas are common.Main ConclusionsNeutral processes, abiotic determinants, environmental heterogeneity, historical factors (e.g. climate stability), and biotic feedbacks all likely play a role in contributing to the shapes of the curves. Although these curves for diverse taxa and regions integrate these multiple drivers of species richness, they indicate an acceleration of species richness as a function of species richness as a result of speciation and/or immigration, limited by increasing extinction likelihood. Biotic feedbacks provide a parsimonious explanation for the shapes of the SRR curves across taxa and regions.

Exploring Antigenic Properties and Immune Responses in Bufo himalayanus: Implications for Conservation and Biodiversity Protection

Background: The objective of the study is to investigate antigenic property of soluble antigens of Nematodes Cosmocercoides dukae isolated from infected Bufo himalayanus (Class Amphibia, order: Anura) and to investigate the nature of protective immune response in laboratory rats. Bufo himalayanus is a species found in the districts of Darjeeling, Sikkim and adjoining hills of the sub-Himalayan belt, at an altitude of 6000 ft. above the sea level and known to be heavily infested by natural gut dwelling nematode infections. The present study is a small step towards protection and conservation of this amphibian species.
 Results: study of morphology of the nematode parasite confirmed it to be Cosmocercoides dukae. A crude whole body homogenate (antigenic protein) of the parasite was injected in healthy non-infected rats, spleen histo-architecture of treated rats differed from control rats. Humoral immune response assay by Gel Diffusion Precipitin (GDP) Test revealed that the parasite antigen invoked very little to no response. Study of the crude nematode antigenic protein extract concentration was 6.09 mg/ml and protein profile assay by SDS-PAGE showed seven major and several minor bands.
 Discussion: Though humoral immune response assay of parasite in experimental rats evoked very little or no immune response, this would not mean absence of antibodies, rather the antibody titers were presumably very low. It is to be noted that spleen of treated rats showed a distinctive histological feature. GDP test with infected toad serum also showed negative result. But protein profile assay of antigenic protein by SDS-PAGE showed many bands of proteins, which could be isolated and tested for further characterization.
 Conclusion: In order to maintain the Himalayan biodiversity, this amphibian species needs protection from such natural infective nematode parasites. If we are able to focus any light to this area, this knowledge might help the future research workers to plan for the protection of this species.

Toxicity assessment of a tebuconazole-based fungicide on the embryo-larval development of the common south American toad Rhinella arenarum.

Agrochemicals cause diverse effects on aquatic communities, and amphibian species are particularly threatened due the high susceptibility to contamination. Present study evaluates the toxicity of a widely used fungicide tebuconazole (Trigal®) by the assessment of mortality and developmental alterations at acute, subchronic, and chronic exposure during the embryo-larval development of the South American toad Rhinella arenarum. Also, the sensitivity of the different embryonic stages was evaluated with 24-h pulse exposure treatments. The results demonstrated that larvae were more sensitive than embryos at acute exposure (LC50-24 and 96 h = 74.62, 31.92 mg/L and 24.27, 16.81 mg/L for embryos and larvae, respectively). Nevertheless, embryos toxicity increased significantly achieving a sensitivity very similar to larvae at chronic exposure (LC50-168 and 504 h = 13.31, 4.35 mg/L and 14.47, 6.83 mg/L for embryos and larvae, respectively). Embryos exhibited several sublethal effects from 5 mg/L at 96 h onwards, such as delayed development, reduce body size, edemas, tail/axial flexures, weakness, and absence of movements. The teratogenic index at 96 h was 10.13, indicating the severe teratogenic potential of the fungicide. 24-h pulse exposure treatments showed an increased sensitivity in intermediate stages as S.11, S.18, S20, and S.23 (NOEC-96 h = 100, 200, 75, and 20 mg/L, respectively), while stage S.25 was the most sensitive to the fungicide (NOEC-96 h = 5 mg/L). About metamorphic process, tebuconazole caused an acceleration of metamorphosis at the lowest concentration (0.001 mg/L), but also an increase in mortality and in addition, significant differences in the weight in all treatments. The results obtained throughout this work indicate that tebuconazole cause several adverse effects in Rhinella arenarum embryo-larval development.

Non‐linear thresholds in the effect of area on three dimensions of diversity of herpetofauna in the West Indies

AbstractAimThe small‐island effect (SIE) describes an anomalous feature of the species–area relationship (SAR) on smaller compared to larger islands. However, previous studies on SIEs mainly focused on taxonomic diversity and overlooked phylogenetic and functional diversity. In this study, we explored SIEs in three dimensions of diversity. We expect to see the non‐linear thresholds in the effect of area on three dimensions of diversity as well as on community structures, because the dominant assembly processes vary across spatial scales.LocationThe West Indies.TaxonHerpetofauna.MethodsWe derived data on the presence/absence of 199 amphibian species on 163 islands and 614 reptile species on 748 islands in the West Indies. We built a species‐level phylogenetic tree and a species‐level functional tree to estimate six taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity indices. Four community metrics on behalf of the phylogenetic and functional community structure of each island were calculated using a null modelling framework and was quantified using the standardized effect size (SES). We explored the non‐linear thresholds in the effect of area for each of the diversity indices and SES values of community metrics by comparing six piecewise regression models with a linear regression model and a null model.ResultsWe found evidence of SIEs in four diversity indices representing all three dimensions of diversity. Besides, area thresholds were also found in the phylogenetic and functional community structure for both amphibians and reptiles. Random extinction, competitive exclusion and adaptive radiation are the dominant processes structuring reptile communities on small, intermediate and large islands respectively.Main ConclusionsTo conduct a comprehensive biodiversity conservation plan concerning taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity, we suggest it is necessary to explore the SIEs in various diversity indices representing all three dimensions of diversity and apply the lowest threshold value to make management strategies.

Transcriptomic analysis of skin immunity genes in the Chinese spiny frog (Quasipaa spinosa) after Proteus mirabilis infection

Recently, populations of Chinese spiny frogs (Quasipaa spinosa), an important amphibian species in China, have decreased, mainly due to a disease caused by the gram-negative bacteria Proteus mirabilis. To elucidate the immune response of the frogs, this study aimed to identify novel candidate genes functionally associated with P. mirabilis infection-induced “rotting skin” disease. Chinese spiny frogs were infected with P. mirabilis, and the skin transcriptome was sequenced using the MGISEQ-2000 platform. A total of 233,965 unigenes were obtained by sequencing, of which 27.23 % were known genes. Screening of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) indicated 210 unigenes differentially expressed after P. mirabilis infection, of which 132 unigenes were up-regulated, and 78 unigenes were down-regulated. Using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis, DEGs were identified as enriched in signal pathways, such as oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis, and the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway. Of the DEGs, there was a significant upregulation of the colony stimulating factor 2 receptor beta common subunit, interleukin 2 receptor subunit gamma, cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, interleukin-17 receptor E, receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3, and pulmonary surfactant-associated protein D immune genes following P. mirabilis infection. Conversely, scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domain-containing group B protein, tumor protein p53 inducible nuclear protein 2, suppressor of cytokine signaling 2, and metalloreductase STEAP3 were significantly downregulated. In conclusion, the first skin transcriptome database of Chinese spiny frogs was established, and several immune genes were identified to elucidate the pathogenic mechanism of “skin rot” in Chinese spiny frogs and other cultured frogs.

Аналіз спектру живлення жаби трав’яної (Rana temporaria) та ропухи сірої (Bufo bufo) в антропогенно-трансформованих оселищах Українського Розточчя

As a result of the research, 109 individuals of two amphibian species: the common frog (Rana temporaria) and the common toad (Bufo bufo) were selected. These two species are the most numerous among other species of amphibians within the studied territory, therefore, they can be considered typical species in the anthropogenically transformed habitats of the Ukrainian Roztochchia. During the analysis of the collected material, Ivlev’s selectivity index was used to determine the selective attitude of the studied amphibian species to the number of consumed objects. Comparing data obtained from Barber’s traps and material extracted from the stomachs of amphibians, it was concluded that depending on the habitat type, both the common frog (Rana temporaria) and the common toad (Bufo bufo) show a certain feeding selectivity. The common toad consumes mostly the representatives of Annelida (15%), Arachnida (15%) and Coleoptera (18%), what makes up 48% of all consumed objects in total. The common frog, under the conditions of anthropogenically transformed environment, prefers Mollusca (15%), Myriapoda (20%) and Hemiptera (20%) mostly, what is 55% in total. In half of the stomachs we examined for, both amphibian species, plant residues were found, specifically parts of leaves and branches. Additionally, in individuals of the Bufo bufo species, stones were discovered in the stomach. Most likely, these items ended up there accidentally during the capture of primary food objects. Species of tailless amphibians are highly vulnerable to the negative impact of various anthropogenic factors. Deforestation, water bodies drainage, and global or local environmental pollution can significantly affect diverse ecosystems. This, in turn, may lead to the disappearance of segments of the dietary spectrum for amphibians. Monitoring the trophic interactions of this animal class is crucial, given the importance of amphibians as vital links in food chains. This factor underscores the need for periodic trophic monitoring, as amphibians play a pivotal role in sustaining ecological balance within their vulnerable populations.

Wildlife diversity and ecology for sustainable eco-edutourism in Peramun Hill, Belitung, Indonesia

Peramun Hill, one of the sites in Belitong Geopark, Belitung Regency, has a unique land-cross section and is a sustainable tourism area, providing an ecosystem service to nature and local society. Therefore, carrying out wildlife diversity information can be the guideline for managing conservation and eco-edu tourism. This study aims to record wildlife biodiversity and its ecological function at Peramun Hill. We used the purposive sampling method and analyzed with richness index, diversity, Evenness, and Kruskal-Wallis’s test. We recorded 12 species of Pisces (fish), six species of amphibians, eight species of reptiles, 18 species of aves, and seven species of mammals. It includes the endemic mammalian species, Cephalophacus bancanus saltator, and a newly recorded reptile species, Cnemaspis purnamae. Two wildlife species are classified as data deficient, two are vulnerable, three are endangered, seven are critically endangered, and four are protected in Indonesia. These findings show that Peramun Hill has low species richness and is dominated by particular species in the entire habitat area. The various types of ecosystems in the area (primary, secondary, and agroforestry forest) might affect wildlife biodiversity. Therefore, biodiversity conservation must be managed, especially in ecosystem services such as sustainable tourism.