The Distribution and Conservation Status of Amphibians in Dobrudja (Romania)

Authors: PAUL SZEKELY, RODICA PLAIASU, MARIAN TUDOR, DAN COGALNICEANU

Abstract: The distribution of amphibian species in Dobrudja has been studied for more than a century; however, the available information was scattered among tens of publications and museum collections. In the present paper we synthesized the available distribution records from published papers, museum collections, and our own field data. These distribution data were treated separately as historical data (before 1990), continuous data (records from both before and after 1990), and recent ones (after 1990). Based on distribution records we performed a cartographic analysis consisting of 3 indexes that attempt to indicate shifts in geographic range over time. Using these indexes as a measure of the conservation status, we propose a Red List for the amphibians of Dobrudja based on the distribution data and the changes in species range before and after 1990.

Keywords: Amphibians, inventory, mapping, conservation status, Red List, Dobrudja, Romania

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