The need for transboundary faunistics and conservation: first record of the Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita) in Czech Silesia, northeastern Czech Republic

0532551 - ÚBO 2021 RIV US eng J - Journal Article
Vlček, P. - Zavadil, V. - Gvoždík, Václav
The need for transboundary faunistics and conservation: first record of the Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita) in Czech Silesia, northeastern Czech Republic.
Amphibian & Reptile Conservation. Roč. 14, č. 3 (2020), s. 62-69, č. článku e254. ISSN 1083-446X. E-ISSN 1525-9153
Institutional support: RVO:68081766
Keywords : Amphibians * anthropogenic habitat * Bufonidae * Central Europe * distribution * edge populations * geographic range limit * phylogeography * range extension
OECD category: Zoology
Impact factor: 1.322, year: 2020
Method of publishing: Open access
http://amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/pdfs/Volume/Vol_14_no_3/ARC_14_3_[General_Section]_62-69_e254.pdf

The Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita) has been severely declining in the northern and eastern parts of its range in past decades. An immense population decline has been recorded in the Czech Republic, the southeastern edge of the species range. Contrary to the majority of published distribution range maps of the Natterjack Toad, it is present only in the western part of the Czech Republic (Bohemia), scattered among mostly isolated populations. A new, relatively distant population was recently discovered in the northeastern part of the country, in Czech Silesia. The genetic analysis presented here demonstrates that the new population belongs to the evolutionary lineage that is widely distributed in the northeastern part of the species range. Thus, this population is not a possible exotic introduction, but probably represents a natural extension of Natterjack Toad populations from Poland to the south. We urge conservation actions to be taken immediately to support this unique population, which is presently inhabiting a dump site. We further emphasize the necessity of considering distribution records on both sides of state borderlines when faunistic research is conducted in borderlands.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0311008