Pool Frog Pelophylax Lessonae Research Articles

Decline of Pelophylax lessonae in mixed populations of water frogs over the last 50 years

Two water frog species: the pool frog Pelophylax lessonae (L) and the marsh frog P. ridibundus (R) occur sympatrically in Central Europe and form mixed populations (genetic systems) with their hybrid, the edible frog P. esculentus (E). The aim of the study was to assess the species composition of water frogs in urban and rural populations and compare our current findings with the results of previous studies. We surveyed the same sites that were investigated by Berger et al. in 1962–1970 (Poznań, urban landscape) and 1977–1997 (Dezydery Chłapowski Landscape Park, rural landscape). Because some ponds surveyed in the past were destroyed or dried-up, we also explored others located in the adjacent areas. We captured frogs during breeding seasons 2020 and 2021 and identified them by the nuclear marker gene SAI-1. We found three types of populations in the urban area: R-E, E-E and R-E-L and four in the rural area: R-E, L-E, E-E and R-E-L. Compared to the historical data, we found a drastic decrease in the frequency of P. lessonae in urban and rural landscapes: from 89.1% and 68% to 2.7% and 1.8%, respectively. At the same time, the frequency of P. ridibundus increased from 2.2% and 0.1% to 40% and 29.6%, respectively. A similar pattern was found for P. esculentus whose frequency increased from 8.7% and 31.9% to 57.3% and 68.6%, respectively. Additionally, we confirmed the presence of a cryptogenic Balkan water frog, P. kurtmuelleri, which was recently discovered in south-western Poland. The frequency of SAI-1 allele specific for this taxon reached 7.3%. The patterns found in both types of landscapes are in line with the current situation of both parental species in Europe. Such dynamic changes show the need for long-term monitoring of the population compositions of water frogs, what is crucial for their conservation management.

Ecological Analysis and Biodiversity of the Helminth Community of the Pool Frog Pelophylax lessonae (Amphibia: Anura) from Floodplain and Forest Water Bodies

This work presents an ecological analysis of the community and biodiversity of helminths of Pelophylax lessonae (Camerano, 1882) from floodplain and forest reservoirs of the European part of Russia. The material for the work was personal collections of helminths made from 2018–2021 in the National Park “Smolny” (Republic of Mordovia). Two hundred and thirty-five amphibian specimens were examined from nine reservoirs and three types of hydrobiocoenoses: (1) floodplains of a medium-sized river (in terms of catchment area); (2) floodplains of a small river; (3) a number of isolated forest reservoirs. Twenty-four species of helminths have been registered: Trematoda (20) and Chromadorea (4). Similar features (common species of trematodes and nematodes) were determined as well as differences in the composition and structure of the helminth fauna, the level of infestation by individual species and groups of helminths, diversity, and community structure. Amphibians of the river floodplain have a richer helminth fauna, they are more infected with a large number of helminths, and their community is more complex. Amphibians of isolated forest ponds, on the contrary, have fewer helminths, they are generally less infected, and their community is simplified (reduced). Having intermediate indicators of composition, structure, and degree of infestation, frogs from the forest floodplain of the small river—differ in the most diverse and maximally evenness community of helminths. The results of the study demonstrate the influence of biotopic factors on the formation of an amphibian helminth community.

A first case of polymely in the northern pool frog Pelophylax lessonae from a translocated population in Norfolk, England

A first case of polymely in the northern pool frog Pelophylax lessonae from a translocated population in Norfolk, England

Faunistic review of amphibians in protected areas of Ukrainian Roztochia

Background. Study of amphibian fauna as a necessary component of ecosystems is always relevant and requires a regular renewal of information, especially in protected areas. We conducted a field investigation of amphibians, a literature review and an inventory of the collections of herpetological funds in relation to three protected areas: the Roztochia Biosphere Reserve, the Yavorivskyi National Park, and the Cholgini Ornithological Reserve. Materials and Methods. The field study was performed by classical methods: route method with manual catching and with herpetological nets, vocalization method, sampling of amphibians crushed on the road, and catching individuals with frog fences. We also analyzed the literature and amphibian collections in the Zoological Museum of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. Results. According to the available literature, the amphibian fauna of these three areas under protection is similar and typical of this region. The results of our field research slightly differ from the literature data, thus, there is a need for further studies. On the study areas, we found 12 species of amphibians, which is more than half of the number of amphibian species in Ukraine, in particular: Smooth Newt Lissotriton vulgaris, Great Cres­ted Newt Triturus cristatus, Fire-bellied Toad Bombina bombina, Eastern Tree Frog Hyla orientalis, Common Spadefoot Toad Pelobates fuscus, Common Toad Bufo bufo, Green Toad Bufotes viridis, Common Frog Rana temporaria, Moor Frog Rana arvalis, Marsh Frog Pelophylax ridibundus, Edible Frog Pelophylax esculentus and Pool Frog Pelophylax lessonae. We detected 2 species of Caudata and 10 species of Anura. 10 species of amphibians were found in the Roztochia Biosphere Reserve, 5 species – in the Yavorivskyi National Park, and 9 species – in the Cholgini Ornithological Reserve. Conclusions. According to the field results, 4 species inhabit all three protected areas – Common Toad, Eastern Tree Frog, Marsh Frog and Edible Frog. A relatively small variety of amphibians found in the Yavorivskyi National Park can be due to the homogeneity of habitats and a proximity of one of the largest military proving grounds in Europe, which limits amphibians in choice of the reproductive and trophic habitats. These habitats deserve special attention because of their fast degradation for the last 10 years. Keywords: amphibians, fauna, protected areas, Ukrainian Roztochia, the Roztochia Biosphere Reserve, the Yavorivskyi National Park, the Cholgini Ornithological Reserve

Parásitos nematodos de la rana de piscina (Pelophylax lessonae) en la cuenca del Río Volga

Objetivo. Presentar una revisión moderna de la fauna de nematodos de la rana esculenta Pelophylax lessonae (Camerano, 1882) de las poblaciones de la cuenca del Río Volga Materiales y métodos. Este trabajo consolida los datos de diferentes trabajos helmintológicos de los últimos 80 años, respaldados por los resultados de nuestras propias investigaciones. Durante el período de 1936 a 2016 diferentes autores examinaron 1460 especímenes de rana esculenta, utilizando el método de autopsia helmintológica completa de 13 regiones de la cuenca del Río Volga. Resultados. En total se registraron 9 especies de nematodos. Nematodo Icosiella neglecta encontrado por primera vez en el huésped estudiado en el territorio de Rusia y la cuenca del Río Volga. Tres especies parecían estar más extendidas: Oswaldocruzia filiformis, Cosmocerca ornata e Icosiella neglecta. Para cada especie de helmintos se incluyó la siguiente información: posición sistemática, áreas de detección, localización, biología, lista de hospederos definitivos, nivel de especificidad del hospedero. Conclusiones. Los nematodos de la rana esculenta, excepto I. neglecta, pertenecen al grupo de helmintos transmitidos por el suelo (geohelmintos) y parasitan en estadios adultos. Algunas especies (O. filiformis, C. ornata, I. neglecta) están muy extendidas en el área de distribución del hospedador. Estos dos últimos son capaces de alcanzar altos índices de invasión y también de ser los parásitos subyacentes de la rana esculenta. Esto sucede debido a la especificidad del ciclo de vida de estas especies de nematodos y a la conexión a largo plazo del anfibio con el agua.

Herpetofauna of the Pieprzowe Mountains Nature Reserve and adjacent areas

Abstract The study was focused on determining the sites of amphibian and reptile occurrence in the Pieprzowe Mountains Nature Reserve (area 18.01 ha) and adjacent areas (total area 58.81 ha). The investigations also involved the biology of breeding in the selected species, as well as determining threats and protection measures. Situated in the eastern part of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, the steppe-like Pieprzowe (Pepper) Mountains Nature Reserve was established in 1979. Its aim is to protect xerothermic assemblages inhabited by many species of rare plants including the largest European aggregation of roses growing wild. The area is located on a steep, sometimes rugged escarpment, which is part of the Vistula River erosional margin. The escarpment exposes Cambrian black pepper-like shales. The slope base is overgrown by a narrow belt of willow thickets. Above occur assemblages of xerothermic thickets with a few trees. The highest parts of the nature reserve are overgrown with xerothermic grasslands with the prevalence of feathergrass steppe (Festuco-Stipion class). The reserve is surrounded by riparian forests, waterlogged meadows and reservoirs of the Vistula former riverbed, the largest of which is an oxbow lake (5.16 ha). The following species were documented in 2016-2017: smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris L., great crested newt Triturus cristatus Laur., European fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina L., common toad Bufo bufo L., European green toad Bufotes viridis Laur., European tree frog Hyla arborea L., edible frog Pelophylax esculentus L., pool frog Pelophylax lessonae Cam., marsh frog Pelophylax ridibundus Laur., moor frog Rana arvalis Nilss., common frog Rana temporaria L., sand lizard Lacerta agilis L., grass snake Natrix natrix L. and common European adder Vipera berus L. The studies were focused on biology of breeding and phenology in common toad and common frog. The main threats posed on herpetofauna include: human presence, littering, fire raising and changes of water balance. © IOŚ-PIB

Herpetofauna of the Podkielecki Landscape Protection Area

Abstract The study was conducted in 2016-2017 in the Podkielecki Landscape Protection Area (area 26,485 ha). It was focused on the occurrence and distribution of amphibians and reptiles, the biology of the selected species and the existing threats. Established in 1995, the Podkielecki Landscape Protection Area surrounds the city of Kielce from the north, east and south-east, and adjoins several other protected areas. It covers the western part of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains (part of the Klonowskie and Masłowskie ranges) and the southern part of the Suchedniów Plateau. The studied area is mostly covered by forest and thicket communities (48.1%) and farmlands (39.9%), followed by built-up areas (7.8%), industrial areas (0.5%), roads and railways (2.7%), and surface water bodies (1%). The protected area is developed mainly on Palaeozoic rocks, including Cambrian and Ordovician sandstones, Silurian and Carboniferous shales, and Devonian marls. Podzolic soils predominate among soils. The largest rivers include Lubrzanka, Czarna Nida, Bobrza and Belnianka. There are no natural lakes within the PLPA limits, and the largest artificial reservoirs include the Cedzyna Reservoir, Morawica Reservoir, Suków Sandpit and two sedimentation reservoirs of the Kielce Power Plant. The area includes 2 nature reserves: Barcza and Sufraganiec. The following amphibian species were recognised during the investigations within the borders of the studied area: alpine newt Ichthyosaura alpestris Laur., great crested newt Triturus cristatus Laur., smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris L., European fire-bellied toad Bombina bombina L., common spadefoot toad Pelobates fuscus Laur., common toad Bufo bufo L., natterjack toad Epidalea calamita Laur., European green toad Bufotes viridis Laur., European tree frog Hyla arborea L., pool frog Pelophylax lessonae Cam., edible frog Pelophylax esculentus L., marsh frog Pelophylax ridibundus Pall., moor frog Rana arvalis Nilss., and common frog Rana temporaria L. The reptiles were represented by sand lizard Lacerta agilis L., viviparous lizard Zootoca vivipara Jacquin, slow worm Anguis fragilis L., grass snake Natrix natrix L. and common European adder Vipera berus L. The study also included the phenology and breeding biology of the common toad and common frog. The most crucial herpetofauna conservation problems identified here include amphibians killed on roads by vehicles. The study area is intersected by very busy roads, in particular: European route no. E77, national roads nos. 73, 74 and S74, and regional roads nos. 745, 750 and 764. For this reason, future road reconstruction projects should consider the assembly of various crossing roads for wildlife, particularly on the 600 m long section of national road no. 74 near Cedzyna Reservoir. Other threats include illegal waste dumping, pollution of surface waters, fire setting, overgrowing and desiccation of small water bodies. © IOŚ-PIB

Short communication: An overview of the trematodes fauna of pool frog Pelophylax lessonae (Camerano, 1882) in the Volga Basin, Russia: 2. Larval stages

Abstract. Chikhlyaev IV, Ruchin AB, Fayzulin AI. 2019. Short communication: An overview of the trematodes fauna of the pool frog Pelophylax lessonae (Camerano, 1882) in the Volga Basin, Russia: 2. Larval stages. Nusantara Bioscience 11: 106-111. This paper presents data on the trematodes fauna of the pool frog Pelophylax lessonae (Camerano, 1882) from 13 regions of the Volga Basin. It consolidates data from different authors over the past 30 years, supplemented by our own research results. There are authentically known findings of 10 trematodes species at the larval stage of development. The species Codonocephalus urniger (Rudolphi, 1819), mtc., Neodiplostomum spathoides Dubois, 1937, mtc. and Pharyngostomum cordatum (Diesing, 1850), mtc. have been observed for the first time in the given host on the territory of Russia and Volga basin. For each species of trematodes, there is the following information is included: taxonomic position, localization, area of detection, biology, definitive hosts, geographic distribution and degree of host-specificity.

Short communication: An overview of the trematodes fauna of pool frog Pelophylax lessonae (Camerano, 1882) in the Volga Basin, Russia: 1. Adult stages

Abstract. Chikhlyaev IV, Ruchin AB, Fayzulin AI. 2018. Short communication: An overview of the trematodes fauna of pool frog Pelophylax lessonae (Camerano, 1882) in the Volga Basin, Russia: 1. Adult stages. Nusantara Bioscience 10: 256-262.  The paper presents data on fauna of trematodes of a pool frog Pelophylax lessonae (Camerano, 1882) from 13 regions of the Volga basin (Russia). It consolidates data from different authors over the past 80 years, supplemented by our own research results. There are authentically known findings of 19 trematodes species at an adult stage of development. Three species of trematodes make the basis of helminth fauna: Pneumonoeces variegatus, Opisthioglyphe ranae and Diplodiscus subclavatus. By all species of helminths the following data are provided: taxonomic position, localization, area of detection, biology, definitive hosts, geographic distribution and the degree host-specificity.

Are invasive marsh frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus) replacing the native P. lessonae/P. esculentus hybridogenetic complex in Western Europe? Genetic evidence from a field study

The water-frog L–E system, widespread in Western Europe, comprises the pool frog Pelophylax lessonae and the hybridogenetic edible frog P. esculentus, which originated from hybridization between pool frogs and marsh frogs (P. ridibundus). In P. esculentus, the lessonae (L) genome is eliminated during meiosis and has to be gained anew each generation from a P. lessonae partner, while the ridibundus (R′) genome is transmitted clonally. It therefore accumulates deleterious mutations, so that R′R′ offspring from P. esculentus×P. esculentus crosses are normally unviable. This system is now threatened by invasive P. ridibundus (RR) imported from Eastern Europe and the Balkans. We investigated the genetic interactions between invasive marsh frogs and native water frogs in a Swiss wetland area, and used genetic data collected in the field to validate several components of a recently postulated mechanism of species replacement. We identified neo-ridibundus individuals derived from crosses between invasive ridibundus and native esculentus, as well as newly arisen hybridogenetic esculentus lineages stemming from crosses between invasive ridibundus (RR) and native lessonae (LL). As their ridibundus genomes are likely to carry less deleterious mutations, such lineages are expected to produce viable ridibundus offspring, contributing to species replacement. However, such crosses with invasive ridibundus only occurred at a limited scale; moreover, RR×LL crosses did not induce any introgression from the ridibundus to the lessonae genome. We did not find any ridibundus stemming from crosses between ancient esculentus lineages. Despite several decades of presence on the site, introduced ridibundus individuals only represent 15 % of sampled frogs, and their spatial distribution seems shaped by specific ecological requirements rather than history of colonization. We therefore expect the three taxa to coexist stably in this area.