Basic morphological characteristics of the Rana (Pelophylax) synklepton Esculenta complex in relation to legal regulations in Serbia

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the basic morphological characteristics of all three taxa of this complex on the territory of Serbia in relation to legal regulations, e.g., the prescribed exploitation limitations. Altogether, 789 water frogs were collected at 22 localities in Serbia and analyzed. The two legally prescribed measures - total body length (L) and body weight (M) - were utilized for this analysis. Inasmuch as the law allows for the choice of characters, this particular formulation is harmful for the reproductively active part of the population. If the formulation of the act could be altered so as to satisfy both criteria, the presented results show that only 5% of the population would qualify for exploitation.