амфибии

This study presents the results of our searching for antimicrobial peptide genes in the amphibian skin granular glands using next-generation sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis of genomic data from 36 individuals belonging to 10 species of anuran amphibians revealed sequences of esculentin, temporin, ranacyclin, bradykinin (kininogen-1), and bombinin in three amphibian species (Bombina bombina, Rana arvalis, and Pelophylax ridibundus).

This study presents findings on the application of geometric morphometry for analyzing cranial features and the metatarsal tubercle shape in three species of water frogs (Pelophylax esculentus complex). Our analysis of the metatarsal tubercle shape using principal component analysis revealed a separation of taxa along the first principal component axis at 84.9%. No overlap in the shape of the metatarsal tubercle was observed among the parental species; however, the values for these traits in the hybrid P.

In the context of the sixth mass extinction of animals, programs for the conservation and breeding of amphibians – one of the most vulnerable groups of vertebrates – have become particularly relevant. A key challenge in the application of assisted reproductive technologies in anurans is the asynchronous maturation of gametes between males and females, which could be mitigated by developing effective sperm storage protocols.

Data on the modern distribution of amphibians and reptiles within the administrative boundaries of Kazan City are presented. The habitats of 11 species of amphibians and 4 species of reptiles have been preserved within the city. The main trends in changes in the species composition of herpetofauna from the end of the 20^th century to the present are presented. The prospects for the conservation of all species in the context of the current development of the territory of Kazan City are considered.

The article presents data on the dynamics of the erythrocyte content in the blood of the larvae of the brown frog Rana macrocnemis at stages 23–46 of their development (according to Gosner) in the highlands (Burshi village, Republic of Dagestan: 42°01'N, 47°03'E; 2250 m asl). Significantly high activity of erythropoiesis was revealed in the larvae of Rana macrocnemis.

Currently, there is an unacceptably high rate of decline in the biodiversity of vertebrates, and, first of all, amphibians. This situation requires emergency measures to save the endangered species of these animals. One of such measures is the development of assisted reproductive technologies, including cryopreservation and cryobanking of reproductive cells (sperm and oocytes). However, cryopreservation technologies, successfully used for banking sperm, have not yet been adapted for cryobanking amphibian oocytes.

The development of a technology for hypothermic preservation of amphibian oocytes is one of the urgent tasks for cryobiology. The previously proposed method of “dry” hypothermic preservation in small sealed containers allowed us to increase the duration of refrigerated storage of unfertilized oocytes of the grass frog Rana temporaria up to 7 days (fertilization 40%; hatching 20%).

The study focuses on demographic characteristics of amphibians in a megacity environment, using Moscow City as a case study. The relevance of our research is driven by the impact of the urban environment on ecosystems. In Moscow City, home to over 13 million people, the urban infrastructure affects the natural habitats of amphibians. The study primarily examines the common toad (Bufo bufo) and common frog (Rana temporaria).

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.

A brief history of the formation of the batrachological collection of the Zoological Museum (Saratov State University) is given. The museum’s collections taken within the Saratov region and beyond are analyzed.