Amphibians of the genus Rana in the steppe zone of Ukraine: population status, distribution, and ecological features

Nataliia Suriadna¹ https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0681-4465

Halyna Mykytynets²https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9623-8088

¹Melitopol Insitute of Ecology and Social Technologies of the University ‘Ukraine’ (Kyiv, Ukraine)

² Pryazovsky National Nature Park (Melitopol, Ukraine)

doi: https://doi.org/10.53452/gb2515

Cite as

Suriadna, N., H. Mykytynets. 2023. Amphibians of the genus Rana in the steppe zone of Ukraine: population status, distribution, and ecological features. GEO&BIO, 25: 187–202. [In English, with Ukrainian summary]

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Abstract

Frogs of the genus Rana Linnaeus, 1758 are represented in the steppe zone of Ukraine by their southernmost populations. The distribution of brown frogs in the steppe zone of Ukraine is closely related to the floodplain forests of major rivers (Dnipro, Dnister, Danube, Southern Bug, Oril, Samara, Donets, etc.). The paper presents for the first time data on the distribution, ecological and population features, habitats, specifics of reproduction and development of brown frogs. New habitats of R. arvalis were found in the floodplain habitats of the lower reaches of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast and populations were confirmed in Dnipropetrovsk and Kirovohrad oblasts. The southern border is intrazonal. The new southernmost localities are described from Kherson Oblast (the villages of Pravi Solontsi and Krynky). The habitats belong to forest type habitats (G). The mean abundance of frogs is 5–10 individuals per 1 km of route and can reach 50 individuals per 10 m² during the spawning season (Black Forest Reserve, Kirovohrad Oblast). The breeding season is in late March to early April at air temperatures of +3–4 to 8–12°C and water temperatures of +7–9°C. The mating process is short. The Dnipro isolates of R. arvalis may be of relict nature, form a series of refugia and be of important historical and indicator value. Given the overall reduction in the range of R. arvalis within its core area, active populations in the south can be valuable reserves for the conservation of the species and the sustainability of steppe biodiversity. Two other species, R. temporaria and R. dalmatina, were not found and their habitat within the steppe zone has not yet been confirmed. As typical forest species, they are common closer to the forest-steppe zone. Given the current state of brown frog populations in the steppe zone of Ukraine, their low numbers and isolation, they need regional protection along with their habitats. The issue of determining the origin of the identified populations in order to form an idea of the historical and genetic value of the southernmost populations of brown frogs in Ukraine remains promising.

Key words: Rana, distribution limits, refugia, habitats, reproduction, population characteristics

Correspondence to

Nataliia Suriadna; Melitopol Institute of Ecology and Social Technologies of the University ‘Ukraine’, 1G Horiva Street, Kyiv, 04071 Ukraine; Email: suriadna@gmail.com

Article info

Submitted: 07.09.2022. Revised: 13.12.2022. Accepted: 30.12.2023

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