The Amphibians Of Belarus (advances In Amphibian Research In The Form Soviet Union)

This book summarizes the results of a long-term investigation of amphibian distribution, ecology and morphology in the Republic of Belarus. For all amphibian species such as Triturus vulgaris, T. cristatus, Bombina bombina, Pelobates fuscus, Bufo bufo, B. viridis, B. calamita, Hyla arborea, Rana temporaria, R. arvalis, R. ridibunda, R. lessonae and Rana esculenta, geographical and habitat distribution, assemblage structure, feeding, activity, reproduction and development are described. Detailed analysis of morphological variation and the differentiation of populations by landscape regions are given. Regional problems of anthropogenic pressure and methodology of species conservation are discussed. The book may also serve a guide to the amphibians of Belarus and may well be used by both specialists and amateurs. CONTENTS......Page 8 Introduction......Page 10 CHAPTER 1. Materials and Methods......Page 13 CHAPTER 2. Physical and Geographical Characterization of Belarus......Page 17 Smooth Newt, Triturus vulgaris (Linnaeus, 1758)......Page 21 Great Crested Newt, Triturus cristatus (Laurenti, 1768)......Page 24 Fire-Bellied Toad, Bombina bombina (Linnaeus, 1761)......Page 27 Common Spadefood, Pelobates fuscus (Laurenti, 1768)......Page 29 Common Toad, Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758)......Page 32 Green Toad, Bufo viridis Laurenti, 1768......Page 37 Natterjack Toad, Bufo calamita Laurenti, 1768......Page 41 Common Tree Frog, Hyla arborea (Linnaeus, 1758)......Page 45 Common Frog, Rana temporaria Linnaeus, 1758......Page 48 Moor Frog, Rana arvalis Nilsson, 1842......Page 51 Marsh Frog, Rana ridibunda Pallas, 1771......Page 54 Pool Frog, Rana lessonae Camerano, 1882......Page 57 Edible Frog, Rana esculenta Linnaeus, 1758......Page 60 4.1. Dynamics of Faunistic Complexes......Page 65 4.2. Structural Organization of Assemblages......Page 69 4.3. Habitat Distribution and Population Number......Page 71 4.4. Trophic Structure......Page 77 5.1. Intraspecific Variability of Morphometric Characters of the Moor and the Common Frogs......Page 82 Analysis of Variability of Phenetic Structures of Moor and Common Frog Populations......Page 90 5.2. Interpopulation Variability of Morphometric Characters of the Moor and the Common Frogs......Page 85 6.1. Phenology of Reproduction......Page 101 6.2. Spawning......Page 104 6.3. Embryonic and Larval Development......Page 107 7.1. Main Anthropogenic Factors......Page 111 7.2. Current State and Dynamics of Populations......Page 118 7.3. Conservation Measures......Page 120 Conclusions......Page 124 List of Sites and Structure of Amphibian Associations......Page 126 References......Page 148 Color Plates......Page 158