An Updated Distribution of the Herpetofauna from the Natura 2000 Site Rarău-Giumalău (Rosci0212), Romania

• Published in: Memoirs of the Scientific Sections of the Romanian Academy Vol. XXXIX; pp. 15 - 35
• Main Authors: Ştefan Remus Zamfirescu, Alexandru Strugariu, Paul Cristian Dincă, Iulian Gherghel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Publishing House of the Romanian Academy 01.09.2016
• Subjects: amphibians; conservation; distribution; Rarău-Giumalău site; reptiles
• ISSN: 1224-1407; 2343-7049

Amphibians and reptiles are among the most threatened animal species in Europe. Because of their legal conservation status, amphibians and reptiles may act as umbrella and flagship species in certain areas. The Rarău-Giumalău Natura 2000 site (ROSCI 0212) is such an area that, despite its conservation status, is still exposed to human activities alterations. In addition, the standard data form of the site mentions only three amphibian species, which is notably below the herpetofauna diversity of the region. Therefore, the aim of this study is to update the existing knowledge on the local herpetofauna. To this end, herpetological field surveys were conducted in the area between May– September, 2015, ten species being identified, as follows: six amphibians (Salamandra salamandra, Lissotriton montandoni, Ichthyosaura alpestris, Bombina variegata, Bufo bufo and Rana temporaria) and four reptiles (Anguis colchica, Lacerta agilis, Zootoca vivipara and Vipera berus). Species distribution is influenced by human activities, among which grazing seems to be the most important. The diversity of herpetofauna is not evenly distributed between the perimeters of the site. The Giumalău perimeter has only six species probably because of a lower habitat diversity compared to the Rarău perimeter. Nine of the identified species are protected by European and national regulations, whereas the standard data form of the site lists only two of them, and one not confirmed by our study. Therefore, the standard data form, a tool for protective management, does not reflect the real situation of the herpetofauna of the site and for this reason, it should be updated.