Rana Lessonae Research Articles

Herpetofauna of the Kozubów Landscape Park

Abstract The research was conducted in 2016–2017 in the 6,613-ha Kozubów Landscape Park (KLP). It focused on the occurrence and distribution of amphibians and reptiles, the biology and phenology of selected species and the existing threats. The KLP, established in 1986, is located in the Nida Basin, covering the eastern part of the Wodzisławski Ridge. This area is characterised by diverse landscape features formed on a chalk substrate. A significant part of the KLP (48.8%) is covered by forests growing on the tops and slopes of loess hills intersected by valleys and gorges. Hornbeam forests and fragments of riparian forests have retained a semi-natural character. The steep, non-forested slopes with a southern and south-western exposure are overgrown by thermophilic xerothermic grasslands. Xerothermic plant communities show a relatively low species diversity, because the main type of substrate in this area is loess. Two nature reserves, Polana Polichno and Wroni Dół, are located within the KLP borders. The following amphibian species were found in the KLP: smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris L.), great crested newt (Triturus cristatus Laur.), European fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina L.), common spadefoot toad (Pelobates fuscus Laur.), 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.), moor frog (Rana arvalis Nilss.) and common frog (Rana temporaria L.). Reptiles are represented by the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis L.), viviparous lizard (Zootoca vivipara Jacquin), slow worm (Anguis fragilis L.), grass snake (Natrix natrix L.), smooth snake (Coronella austriaca Laur.) and common European adder (Vipera berus L.). The study also included the phenology and reproductive biology of common toad and common frog. Major threats to the herpetofauna are posed by grass burning. Unfavourable changes include decreasing water levels and drying out of water bodies.

Updated distribution and species composition of the amphibians and reptiles along the Lower Danube, Bulgaria

In a recently published paper (Popgeorgiev et al. 2019), we compiled for the first time published and unpublished data on localities of the herpetofaunal species observed up to ca. 10 km south of the Bulgarian Danube River. Overall, we identified 687 published records belonging to 62 cells of the 10×10 km MGRS grid. Another 1918 records with real coordinates of our unpublished data from the past ca. 13 years belong to 1269 cells of the 1×1 MGRS grid. As a result, 34 native species – 15 amphibians (4 salamanders and 11 frogs) and 19 reptiles (1 turtle, 2 tortoises, 8 lizards and 8 snakes), and one invasive turtle, have been recorded; further species findings are unlikely. This study further identifies areas that are under-sampled and species such as Pelophylax lessonae that are cryptic. Our data are especially relevant concerning the high economic incentives to change the hydrology of the Danube, which will likely negatively impact the biodiversity along the river and its surrounding.

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.

Myelograms of Marsh (Pelophylax ridibundus) and Pool (Pelophylax lessonae) Frogs (Amphibia: Ranidae) from Conventionally “Intact” Resevoir of Nizhni Novgorod Region and from Reservoir Transformed by Human Activity

Myelograms of Marsh (Pelophylax ridibundus) and Pool (Pelophylax lessonae) Frogs (Amphibia: Ranidae) from Conventionally “Intact” Resevoir of Nizhni Novgorod Region and from Reservoir Transformed by Human Activity

Holocene amphibians and reptiles from Voroncha (Belarus): Comparative osteology, paleopathology and paleobiogeography

ABSTRACTThe Voroncha site is an accumulation of Holocene small vertebrates, from which numerous amphibian and reptile remains have been recovered continuously over the course of many years. The accumulation has been said to represent a badger or fox den on a gully slope. The latest available collection contains some 11,538 herpetofauna bones suitable for systematic identification. This assemblage includes two caudates (Lissotriton vulgaris and Triturus cristatus), five anurans (Bufo bufo, Pelophylax lessonae, Pelophylax ridibundus, Rana arvalis, and Rana temporaria), one anguid lizard (Anguis fragilis sl), one lacertid lizard (Zootoca vivipara), and two snakes (Natrix natrix and Vipera berus). This paper describes the comparative characteristics of these bones. The considerable quantity of fossils helps to better visualize the identification criteria for the higher taxonomic categories. In addition, the great number of the bones identified at the species level reveals considerable intraspecific variability for some elements. This study complements previous studies by adding L. vulgaris, T. cristatus, B. bufo, P. ridibundus, R. arvalis, Z. vivipara, N. natrix and V. berus to the site’s faunal record. Voroncha represents the first fossil record for caudates in the region of Belarus and the first record for Z. vivipara in the western East European Plain.

Uranotaenia unguiculata Edwards, 1913 are attracted to sound, feed on amphibians, and are infected with multiple viruses

BackgroundUranotaenia unguiculata Edwards, 1913 is a species of mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) native to central Europe. Recently a novel lineage of the West Nile virus (WNV-lineage 4c) was identified in pools of adult female Ur. unguiculata. To increase the body of knowledge about this species, various trapping methods were evaluated to determine the most efficient method for capturing adult female Ur. unguiculata.ResultsSound traps collected equivalent numbers of female Ur. unguiculata as low-hanging light-baited downdraft traps. Hosts were identified as Pelophylax lessonae and P. ridibunda (Anura: Ranidae) species group frogs from the blood found in engorged females. In addition to confirming infection by WNV-lin. 4c, a potentially integrated flavivirus sequence was detected in male mosquitoes. A novel Alphamesonivirus 1 (Nidovirales: Mesoniviridae) was found to be widespread in the Ur. unguiculata population and is herein described.ConclusionsEfficient collection methods for Ur. unguiculata for arbovirus surveillance reflect mosquito questing behavior. Uranotaenia unguiculata targets frog species which call from the water, and it is likely that the novel WNV-lin. 4c is maintained in a frog-mosquito transmission cycle. The improved trapping methods listed here will assist future studies of the vector status of Ur. unguiculata for WNV and other arboviruses.

The programmed DNA elimination and formation of micronuclei in germ line cells of the natural hybridogenetic water frog Pelophylax esculentus

DNA elimination is a radical form of gene silencing and occurs both in somatic and germ cells. The programmed DNA elimination occurs during gametogenesis in interspecies hybrids that reproduce by hybridogenesis (stick insects, fishes, and amphibians) and concerns removal of whole genomes of one of the parental species and production of clonal gametes propagating the genome of the other species. The cellular mechanisms differ considerably in hybridogenetic insects and fishes but remains unknown in edible frogs Pelophylax esculentus, natural hybrids between Pelophylax lessonae and Pelophylax ridibundus. Here we report DNA elimination mechanism in early developing gonads of diploid and triploid hybrid frogs, studied by TEM, immunofluorescence, and cytochemistry. In gonocytes of both sexes (primary oogonia and prespermatogonia), micronuclei emerge as detached nuclear buds formed during interphase. We found depletion of nuclear pore complexes in micronuclear membrane and chromatin inactivation via heterochromatinization followed by degradation of micronuclei by autophagy. Micronuclei formation does not lead to apoptotic cell death showing that genome elimination is a physiological process. Chromatin elimination via micronuclei in P. esculentus is unique among hybridogenetic animals and contributes to broadening the knowledge about reproductive modes in animals.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) detects the pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae) at times when traditional monitoring methods are insensitive

Detection of endangered species is invaluable for conservation efforts, yet many traditional sampling techniques are ineffective at low population abundances or during certain periods of the year. Here, we compared results from a newly developed eDNA approach and the traditional observational method for the endangered pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae). Analysis using an occupancy-modeling framework indicated that the probability of pools being occupied using eDNA (0.93) was higher than for the traditional method of counting calling males and silent observed individuals (0.72). Detailed analysis revealed complementarity among the methods. That is, the traditional method gave a high rate of observation in June, whereas eDNA gave at least as many or more observations during other parts of the year. Discrepancies among the methods depended on the dominant lifecycle stage, and eDNA concentrations were higher when juveniles were present than at times when spawning occurred. eDNA concentrations were also positively related to P. lessonae observations. Our study demonstrates that an eDNA protocol for monitoring of endangered amphibian species can be particularly valuable during periods when individuals are hard to detect by observational methods, and provides guidance to sampling efforts for research and monitoring programs in other regions and systems.

Post-metamorphic ontogenetic changes in head size and shape of the pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae, Ranidae)

Post-metamorphic ontogenetic variations of head size and shape were investigated in the pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae, Ranidae). We showed that allometry is an important aspect of the post-metamorphic ontogeny of the pool frog as most of the differences between the head shape of subadults and adults were size-related adjustments. The largest changes affected by size variations included the posterior part of the head and the snout and eye region. In comparison to subadults, adults have wider heads, shorter snouts and relatively smaller eyes. Analyses of the relationships between head size and shape and the maximum size of the prey indicated the absence of correlations in adults. A positive correlation was found in subadults, but only between head width and the maximum size of the prey. Further studies will allow us to draw more generalized conclusions about the ecological relevance of the variations in head size and shape during post-metamorphic development of the pool frog.

Genetic diversity in population systems of green frogs (Pelophylax esculentus complex) in waterbodies of Western Ukraine

The results of the analysis of the genetic structure in population systems of green frogs on the territory of Lviv and Volyn regions are presented. The material was collected in 2011–2012 in water bodies representing three nature regions of Ukraine – Forecarpathians, Roztochia, and Western Polissia. Three taxonomic groups of green frogs were in a focus of the study: Marsh frog – Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771), Pool frog – Pelophylax lessonae (Camerano, 1882) and their hybrid – Edible frog – Pelophylax esculentus (Linnaeus, 1758). DNA was extracted from 91 individuals and analyzed using of 10 pairs of primers: Rrid059, Rrid082, Rrid171, Res5, Res14, Res16, Res22, RlCA1b5, RlCA18, RlCA19. A majority of those are highly polymorphic and diagnostic for species identification. During the analysis, we used programs based on principles of Bayesian statistics and Monte-Carlo Markov Chain algorithms: Structure, BAPS, and NewHybrids. Linkage groups were searched using the GenePop software, and hidden null-alleles were detected using Micro-Checker program. For the first time, in the studied area the genetic structure of populations and population systems were described. After the analysis of genetic diversity of frogs sampled from the Pelophylax ridibundus population and from hemiclonal population systems of mixed R-E-L type, we found that the smallest genetic diversity is observed in the population of Marsh frog from the Nyzhankovychi area (Forecarpathians). More diverse are hemiclonal population systems of green frogs sampled in water bodies of “Cholgynskyi” ornithological reserve (Ukrainian Roztochia) and Shatsk National Nature Park (Western Polissia). Also, for the first time, the hybrid composition of studied localities is described. Hybrids of the first generation (F1) and backcrosses were detected in water bodies of Shatsk National Nature Park and ornithological reserve “Cholgynskyi”.

Invasion genetics of marsh frogs (Pelophylax ridibundus sensu lato) in Switzerland

The marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus sensu lato) is the number one amphibian invader in Western Europe. In Switzerland, marsh frogs were introduced in the 1950-1960s and progressively colonized most of the northern parts of the country. We investigated this invasion using molecular tools. We mapped the cryptic presence of three monophyletic mitochondrial lineages (P. ridibundus, P. kurtmuelleri and P. c. f. bedriagae from southeastern Europe) consistent with registered importations by a local frog-leg industry. High nuclear diversity supports that invasive frogs probably originated from genetically-rich import batches and patterns of population differentiation confirm that multiple independent introduction sites were involved. Moreover, several lines of evidence suggest occasional hybridization with local hybridogenetic water frogs. This invasion emphasizes the issues of frequent amphibian releases and translocations at the international and regional scale for commercial and recreational purposes, and stresses for more adequate legislation, control and information to the general public. Given the parallel invasion by alien pool frogs (i. e., the Italian P. bergeri has replaced the local P. lessonae), the situation of water frogs in Switzerland is critical. The water frog complex makes an alarming symbol of the anthropogenic mark left on wildlife diversity and distributions.

Assessment of dose rate to terrestrial biota in the area around coal fired power plant applying ERICA tool and RESRAD BIOTA code

This paper presents the environmental radiation risk assessment based on two software program approaches ERICA Tool (version 1.2) and RESRAD BIOTA (version 1.5) to estimate dose rates to terrestrial biota in the area around the largest coal fired power plant in Serbia. For dose rate assessment software's default reference animals and plants and the best estimated values of activity concentrations of 238U, 234U, 234Th, 232Th, 230Th, 226Ra, 210Pb, 210Po, 137Cs in soil were used. Both approaches revealed the highest contribution to the internal dose rate due to 226Ra and 210Po, while 137Cs contributed the most to the external dose rate. In the investigated area total dose rate to biota derived using ERICA Tool ranged from 0.3 to 14.4 μGy h−1. The natural radionuclides exhibited significantly higher contribution to the total dose rate than the artificial one. In the investigated area, only dose rate for lichens and bryophytes exceeded ERICA Tool screening value of total dose rate of 10 μGy h−1 suggested as confident that environmental risks are negligible. The assessed total dose rates for reference animals and plants using RESRAD BIOTA were found to be 7 and 3 μGy h−1, respectively. In RESRAD BIOTA - Level 3, 10 species (Lumbricus terrestris, Rana lessonae, Sciurus vulgaris, Anas platyrhynchos, Lepus europaeus, Vulpes vulpes, Capreolus capreolus, Suss crofa, Quercu srobur, Tilia spp.) representative for the study area were modeled. Among them the highest total dose rate (4.5 μGy h−1) was obtained for large mammals. Differences in the predicted dose rates to biota using the two software programs are the consequence of the difference in the values of transfer parameters used to calculate activity concentrations in biota. Doses of ionizing radiation estimated in this study will not exhibit deterministic effects at the population level. Thus, the obtained results indicate no significant radiation impact of coal fired power plant operation on terrestrial biota. This paper confirms the use ERICA Tool and RESRAD BIOTA softwares as flexible and effective means of radiation impact assessment.

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis is present in Poland and associated with reduced fitness in wild populations of Pelophylax lessonae.

The fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a pathogen associated with global declines of amphibians. We used qPCR to detect Bd in 255 samples from 10 Polish populations of 8 species. We found Bd infection in 3 species (Bombina variegata, Pelophylax lessonae, P. esculentus). The infection intensity in P. lessonae reached a maximum of 58400 genomic equivalents of zoospores (GE), and the 2 most heavily infected individuals died. Previous observations of the populations that included infected individuals showed reduced body size, failure to reproduce, and mortalities of adults. These data highlight the importance of emerging diseases, and the need to recognize them as an important factor in conservation of the genus Pelophylax in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe.

Variability of NOR patterns in European water frogs of different genome composition and ploidy level.

We studied water frogs from a complex composed of two species: Pelophylax lessonae (Camerano, 1882) (genome LL, 2n = 26) and P. ridibundus (Pallas, 1771) (RR, 2 = 26), and their natural hybrid P. esculentus (Fitzinger, 1843) of various ploidy and genome composition (RL, 2n = 26, and RRL or RLL, 3n = 39). Tetraploids RRLL were found (4n = 52) in juveniles. We applied cytogenetic techniques: AgNO3, chromomycin A3, PI and fluorescent in situ hybridization with a 28S rDNA probe. Results obtained by silver staining corresponded well with those stained with CMA3, PI and FISH. As a rule, NORs are situated on chromosomes 10. The number of Ag-NORs visible on metaphase plates was the same as the number of Ag-nucleoli present in interphase nuclei of the same individual. In all analyzed metaphases, NORs exhibited variations in size after AgNO3 and CMA3 stainings. Sixty-six individuals (out of 407 analyzed) were polymorphic for the localization and number of NORs. Fifty-one diploids had NORs only on one chromosome of pair 10. Three triploids (LLR and RRL) displayed two NORs, and two other triploid RRL individuals displayed one, instead of expected three NORs. In ten individuals extra NORs were detected on chromosomes other than 10 (chromosomes 2 and 9).

МИЕЛОГРАММЫ ОЗЁРНЫХ (PELOPHYLAX RIDIBUNDUS) И ПРУДОВЫХ (PELOPHYLAX LESSONAE) ЛЯГУШЕК (AMPHIBIA: RANIDAE) УСЛОВНО «ФОНОВЫХ» И АНТРОПОГЕННО-ТРАНСФОРМИРОВАННЫХ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ НИЖЕГОРОДСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

МИЕЛОГРАММЫ ОЗЁРНЫХ (PELOPHYLAX RIDIBUNDUS) И ПРУДОВЫХ (PELOPHYLAX LESSONAE) ЛЯГУШЕК (AMPHIBIA: RANIDAE) УСЛОВНО «ФОНОВЫХ» И АНТРОПОГЕННО-ТРАНСФОРМИРОВАННЫХ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ НИЖЕГОРОДСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

Phenes of water frogs (Pelophylax) as the indicators of water bodies’ contamination in Pre-Carpathians, Roztochia, LESSER and Western Polissia

The results of phenotypic variability of water frogs ( Pelophylax ) analysis depending on internal and external influence factors are presented. 345 individuals of three species (Marsh Frog, Pool Frog and Edible Frog) were taken for the analysis from water bodies of different level of anthropogenic influence. The hydrochemical composition of water from the investigated aquatic ecosystems was analyzed, and the classification of water bodies after their water quality was done. The expression rates of nine phenotypes depending on the species of frog, its age stage and water quality class were established. It was found out that all the analyzed phenes show a significant dependence on the habitat conditions. The expression rates of middorsal stripe, as well as the coloration of femur and tibia depend mostly on water bodies’ contamination level. The increasing level of chemical contamination changes the ratios of alternative variants of middorsal stripe, and coloration of femur and tibia. New variants in coloration of femur and tibia that have never been described were noticed. Pelophylax individuals from the most contaminated water bodies (Cholgyni, Perekalky and Zhovtantsi) showed the highest variability by the analyzed phenes.