PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS REGARDING THE HERPETOLOGICAL FAUNA FROM CORCOVA (MEHEDINȚI COUNTY)

Abstract

The paper presents preliminary data on amphibian and reptile fauna from Corcova (Mehedinți county). The commune, with an area of 75.32 km2, is located in the south-west of Romania (north-east of the county), on the right bank of the Motru River. Hills prevail in terms of landforms. The study aimed to update the herpetological database with new information resulting from research conducted between March and October 2022. The preliminary list includes: 10 species of amphibians (Urodela - 3 species: Salamandra salamandra, Triturus cristatus, Lissotriton vulgaris and Anura - 7 species: Bombina bombina, Hyla orientalis, Pelobates fuscus, Bufotes viridis, Rana dalmatina, Pelophylax kl. esculentus, P. ridibundus) and 11 species of reptiles (2 species of turtles: Testudo hermanni, Emys orbicularis; 4 species of lizards: Lacerta agilis, L. viridis, Podarcis tauricus, Anguis fragilis; 5 snake species: Dolichophis caspius, Coronella austriaca, Zamenis longissimus, Natrix natrix, N. tessellata). The variety of habitats, the temperate-continental climate with sub-Mediterranean influences, the trophic resource have influenced the diversity of herpetofauna in the area. The highlighted species of amphibians and reptiles are listed on different national protectionist lists (ordinances, laws, etc.). Species that are subject to special habitat conservation measures have drawn our attention: Testudo hermanni, Emys orbicularis, Triturus cristatus, Bombina bombina, Pelobates fuscus (Annex 3 to OUG 57/2007).