Eastern Romania (mostly the historical region of Moldavia) has been a "white spot" on the distribution maps of the european herpetofauna and almost all the existing data was, untill recently, a half of century old. Therefore, even if several higly endangered or endemic species were known to be present in the area, no conservation measures could be taken. Taking these facts into consideration, several colleagues and myself aimed to bring new data in this perspective, data which is vital, for example, in establishing propere conservation programs.
Amongst the highlights of our study results are: rediscovery of the large whip snake (Dolichophis
caspius) and the steppe runner (Eremias arguta deserti) in
Romanian Moldavia, species which have not been reported in the region for more
then a half of century and which were classified as extinct in the region, in
the red data book of vertebrates; Recording of the 4th ever cited population of
dice snake (Natrix tessellata) from Romanian Moldavia and of the
3rd population of moldavian meadow viper (Vipera ursinii moldavica)
known to still survive in Romanian Moldavia; Discovery of numerous new
populations of common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) in Romanian
Moldavia, at the species' north-eastern limit of distribution; Discovery of the
fire-salamander (Salamandra salamandra) east of the Siret river,
these areas being the species' easternmost known locations; Discovery of
numerous natural hybrid zones between the fire-bellied toad (Bombina
bombina) and the yelow-bellied toad (B. variegata),
etc...
(more info after completion
of study)
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Activity patterns, habitats, breeding biology and ecology and
fluctuating assimetry in the romanian viperids (Vipera berus, Vipera ursinii and
Vipera ammodytes) in northern and eastern Romania.
(more info after completion of studies)
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Assesing the national distribution and conservation status of the
moor frog (Rana arvalis), adder (Vipera berus), blotched snake (Elaphe
sauromates), aesculapian snake (Zamenis longissimus), snake-eyed skink
(Ablepharus kitaibelii) and large whip snake (Dolichophis caspius) in
Romania.
(more info after completion
of studies).
