Conservation Issues of Serbian Amphibians Identified from Distributional, Life History and Ecological Data

Abstract

Based on 15 parameters related to the distribution, ecology and life history traits in all 21 Serbian amphibian species, we considered some relevant conservation issues. Due to the exceptionally small range of Salamandra atra in Serbia and the high vulnerability of this species to external threats, we considered it to be in particular danger. Another species, Triturus dobrogicus, which occurs in uniform lowland habitat where intense agriculture and amelioration are readily practiced, has also been rated as vulnerable in Serbia. Other crested newts (Triturus cristatus,T macedonicus and T ivanbureschi), because of the intensive loss of aquatic habitats and deterioration of the terrestrial habitats, are regarded near threatened. The three remaining species of caudate amphibians (Salamandra salamandra, Ichthyosaurus alpestris, and Lissotriton vulgaris) do not appear to be in special danger. Among the anurans, four species (Pelobates fuscus, Pelobates syriacus, Pelophylax lessonae and Rana graeca), for a variety of reasons, are under a permanent danger. It seems that the other anurans do not face immediate threat.