reptiles

Rare species of amphibians and reptiles – candidates for the inclusion into the third edition of the Red Data Book of Tambov region

Authors: Lada G. A., Sokolov A. S., Goncharov A. G.

Five species of amphibians and five species of reptiles are recommended to the inclusion into the third edition of the Red Data Book of Tambov region. Their conservation status, distribution, main limiting factors, adopted and necessary protection measures are discussed.

Sexual differences in the morphometric traits of the black forest-steppe viper, Pelias berus nikolskii (Vedmederja, Grubant et Rudaeva, 1986) (Viperidae, Reptilia), from the Voronezh region

Authors: Ushakov M. V.

We studied sexual dimorphism in the black forest-steppe viper, Pelias berus nikolskii (Vedmederja, Grubant et Rudaeva, 1986), inhabiting the Voronezh region. From 2008 to 2017, 118 snakes were captured, of which 84 were males and 34 were females. Body length, tail length, and five head measurements were taken from the individuals was calculated. Analysis of Covariance showed that males and females differed in all traits except the greatest width of the head and head length.

Reptiles of the Southwestern Tajikistan desert plains: Spatial distribution, population density and communities structure

Authors: Bondarenko D. A., Ergashev U. H.

Population density of reptiles in four desert areas of southwestern Tajikistan was estimated in spring 2018–2019. The structure of reptile communities in seven typical landscapes was described. The highest species diversity and population density were observed in sandy landscapes. Seven species of psammobionts formed the basis of these reptile communities.

New Records of Amphibians and Reptiles in the Vladimir Region, Russia

Authors: Antipov S. A., Doronin I. V., Milto K. D., Sergeev M. A.

New data on the distribution of 10 amphibian and 6 reptile species in the Vladimir Region is given. The list of species contains 198 new records including such rare species as Bombina bombina and Coronella austriaca.

INTRODUCTION OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN THE CAUCASUS AND CRIMEA: AN OVERVIEW AND SOME ACTUAL DATA

Authors: Kukushkin O. V., Doronin I. V., Tuniyev B. S., Ananjeva N. B., Doronina M. A.

An overview of the cases of introduction (both accidental and intentional) of amphibians and reptiles in the Caucasus and Crimea is provided. The introduction cases are systemized in accordance with the goals and ways of introduction and with regards to the expected scale of the impact and its nature. No negative consequences of the introduction of amphibian and reptile species in the Crimea and Caucasus are currently observed on any of the known examples. No cases of species naturalization, which the “invasion” term can be applied to, have been revealed.

ANNONATED LIST OF AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE SPECIES OF THE FAR EAST RUSSIA

Authors: Adnagulov E. V.

An annotated list of amphibian and reptile species of the Russian Far East is presented with due account of modern data on the taxa systematics. 13 Amphibian species and 27 reptile ones have been reliably registered by now, including several random sea species.

FEATURES OF POST-WILDFIRE RECOVERY OF FOREST HERPETOCOMPLEXES AS A CONSEQUENCE OF PHYSICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL PECULIARITIES OF THE TERRITORY (ON AN EXAMPLE OF THE KERZHENSKY NATURE RESERVE)

Authors: Lebedinskii A. A., Pestov M. V.

Field research was conducted on the Kerzhensky Nature Reserve territory (the Nizhny Novgorod region, Russia) in 2012-2013 to analyze the influence of the 2010 forest wildfires on the populations of amphibians and reptiles and to reveal features of their post-wildfire recovery. The recovery of the herpetocomplexes on the territories subjected to surface/crawling and controlled fires was found to occur during no more than two years, whereas crown/canopy fires with complete vegetation destruction required three years for recovery.

NATURE PROTECTION STATUS OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN SARATOV REGION

Authors: Shlyakhtin G. V., Tabachishin V. G., Yermokhin M. V.

On the basis of modern field surveys, collection data, and analysis of the literature data, a list of amphibian and reptile species recommended for inclusion into the 3rd edition of the Red Book of the Saratov Region was compiled. It contains 7 species of the batrachofauna and herpetofauna of the region, belonging to 3 groups, 5 families, and 6 genera. We offer to add 1 new species into the Book and to exclude 1 species, and there appeared prerequisites for revision of the existing protection status of 2 taxa.

CURRENT PROBLEMS OF STUDYING THE LATE CENOZOIC HISTORY OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES FROM THE PALEONTOLOGICAL VIEWPOINT

Authors: Ratnikov V. Y.

When studying the late Cenozoic history of amphibians and reptiles, a number of problems arise, associated with obtaining and interpretation of factual material. First of all, the author considers peculiarities of obtaining and identifying fossil material, which strongly affects the amount and quality of paleontological data. Most biologists are not familiar with them. These are problems of taphonomy, demand, economy, personnel, collection and systematic problems.

ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES IN THE EVREISKAYA AUTONOMOUS OBLAST’ (RUSSIA)

Authors: Adnagulov E. V.

The author has collected and integrated records on 7 amphibian species and 9 reptile ones in the Evreiskaya Autonomous Oblast’ (Russian Federation). Most of these species are found to be distributed in the mountain-forest area of the region, which is due to a combination of several factors (temperature limits, the availability of refuges, and food base).