Distribution and diversity of brown frogs (Rana spp., Anura, Amphibia) in Serbia

Abstract

In this study, we present updated distribution data for all three brown frog species (Rana spp.) inhabiting Serbia. The data provided consists of newly collected field records and compiled data previously published in literature or via Internet. Of the three species found in Serbia, Rana dalmatina is the most widespread, present in all three altitudinal regions and all biogeographical regions. Rana graeca is confined to Mountain-valley altitudinal region in permanent fast-flowing rivers or streams and it reaches its northern range boundaries in Serbia. Rana temporaria is the rarest of the three, with fragmented range restricted to the high mountains or few isolated lowland populations, and in the north-eastern Serbia, it is vicariant with R. graeca in canyons and gorges of montane rivers. The presence of Rana arvalis in Serbia is mentioned in literature but was not confirmed during the subsequent field surveys, so we consider it only as a potential species for the Serbian batrachofauna. The brown frog faunal composition of Serbia is identical to that of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia and Montenegro, while it is somewhat different from that of Hungary and Romania and the most different from Croatia and Slovenia. Serbian brown frogs belong to European (R. temporaria) and South-European (R. dalmatina, R. graeca) chorotypes. All species of brown frogs present or potentially present in Serbia and their habitats are identified as great conservation priorities.