ArticlePDF Available

The herpetofauna (Amphibia and Reptilia) of the Eastern Rhodopes (Bulgaria and Greece)

Authors:

Abstract and Figures

The paper outlines the species composition and distribution of the amphibians and the reptiles in the Eastern Rhodopes. Besides reviewing all data from the literature many new field records are added. The rich local herpetofauna encompasses 12 species of amphibians (11 in the Bulgarian part, 12 in the Greek part) and 30 species of reptiles (27 in Bulgaria, 28 in Greece). The herpetological richness is mostly due to the mosaic distribution of a large variety of habitats, the particular climate, the low population density and the weak economic devel-opment of the region. The distribution of the species was classified on the basis of their relative occurrence in 331 standard 5 x 5 km squares of which 251 are in Bulgaria and 80 in Greece. With regard to their distribution in the region five groups of species were recognized: very rare (e.g. Pelobates syriacus, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta praticola, Elaphe situla), rare (e.g. Bombina bombina, Eryx jaculus, Telescopus fallax), locally common (e.g. Rana graeca, Elaphe quatuorlineata, Cyrtopo-dion kotschyi, Elaphe longissima), common (e.g. Coluber najadum, Podarcis muralis) and wide-spread species (e.g. Rana dalmatina, Triturus vulgaris, Salamandra salamandra, Coluber caspius, Testudo hermanni, Testudo graeca, Lacerta viridis). The reasons for the presence/absence, abun-dance and habitat preferences of the majority of the species are discussed. The conservation status of the species and the threats to the herpetofauna are also discussed. Several sites were designated as holding greater herpetological diversity.
Content may be subject to copyright.
Amphibia and Reptilia 863
Beron page 863
Beron P., Popov A. (eds). Biodiversity of Bulgaria. 2. Biodiversity of
Eastern Rhodopes (Bulgaria and Greece). Pensoft & Nat. Mus. Natur. Hist., Sofia
The herpetofauna (Amphibia and Reptilia) of the Eastern Rhodopes
(Bulgaria and Greece)
Boyan P. PETROV
Petrov B. 2004. The herpetofauna (Amphibia and Reptilia) of the Eastern Rhodopes (Bulgaria
and Greece). - In: Beron P., Popov A. (eds). Biodiversity of Bulgaria. 2. Biodiversity of Eastern
Rhodopes (Bulgaria and Greece). Pensoft & Nat. Mus. Natur. Hist., Sofia, 863-879.
Abstract. The paper outlines the species composition and distribution of the amphibians and
the reptiles in the Eastern Rhodopes. Besides reviewing all data from the literature many new
field records are added. The rich local herpetofauna encompasses 12 species of amphibians (11
in the Bulgarian part, 12 in the Greek part) and 30 species of reptiles (27 in Bulgaria, 28 in
Greece). The herpetological richness is mostly due to the mosaic distribution of a large variety
of habitats, the particular climate, the low population density and the weak economic devel-
opment of the region. The distribution of the species was classified on the basis of their relative
occurrence in 331 standard 5 x 5 km squares of which 251 are in Bulgaria and 80 in Greece.
With regard to their distribution in the region five groups of species were recognized: very rare
(e.g. Pelobates syriacus, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta praticola, Elaphe situla), rare (e.g. Bombina bombina,
Eryx jaculus, Telescopus fallax), locally common (e.g. Rana graeca, Elaphe quatuorlineata, Cyrtopo-
dion kotschyi, Elaphe longissima), common (e.g. Coluber najadum, Podarcis muralis) and wide-
spread species (e.g. Rana dalmatina, Triturus vulgaris, Salamandra salamandra, Coluber caspius,
Testudo hermanni, Testudo graeca, Lacerta viridis). The reasons for the presence/absence, abun-
dance and habitat preferences of the majority of the species are discussed. The conservation
status of the species and the threats to the herpetofauna are also discussed. Several sites were
designated as holding greater herpetological diversity.
Key words: Amphibia, Reptilia, Bulgaria, Greece, distribution, conservation
Introduction
The herpetological diversity of a given region depends primarily on its geographic
position, climate and habitat heterogeneity. Many other environmental factors delineate the
local distribution and abundance of amphibians and reptiles. The occurrence and abun-
dance of representatives of both classes could favor or restrict the distribution and popula-
tion density of some species of birds, mammals and other animals. Furthermore, amphibi-
ans and reptiles are important groups in terms of conservation because many species are
endangered by different human activities (e.g. building, afforestation, poaching, fires, etc.)
which destroy or alter their habitats. The knowledge of their local distribution provides
basic data for the regional conservation planning, mapping and selecting of biodiversity rich
areas and their further designation and management as protected territories.
864 B. PETROV
Beron page 864
The herpetofauna of the Greek part of the mountain was a subject of intensive
research in the early 80’s when Dutch herpetologists studied the composition, distri-
bution and habitat preferences of all the species found in the region (HELMER &
SCHOLTE, 1985; STRIJBOSCH et al., 1989). Twelve amphibians and 27 species of
reptiles altogether were discovered in this region. Bombina bombina and Lacerta prati-
cola were recorded for the first time in Greece. There have been no further field studies
to further raise the number of species in this part of the mountain, except for the
finding of Typhlops vermicularis in 1991 (H. Strijbosch et al.) and Vipera berus by
DIMITROPOULOS (in CHONDRROPOULOS, 1989). Recent herpetological trip
in Northern Greece (including Evros Province) was carried out and many species
(including Vipera xanthina) were discovered in areas where they were not previously
known (JEROEN, 2004). However due to conservation reasons the exact localities for
majority of these species were not pointed in details and therefore they were not
considered in the analysis of distribution.
The Bulgarian Eastern Rhodopes were intensively herpetologically studied between
1992 and 2000 (PETROV et al., 2001). Respectively, 11 species of amphibians and 26
species of reptiles were found to occur. Recently, the Cat snake (Telescopus fallax) was
discovered in the core of the mountain which raised the number of reptiles to 27 species
(PETROV et al., 2002).
Material and methods
The Eastern Rhodopes are the southeasternmost part the Rilo-Rhodopean moun-
tain chain. The mountain covers 6005 sq. km of which 4172 sq. km belong to Bulgaria
and 1833 sq. km are in Greece. The average altitude is about 350 m and the highest point
reaches 1463m (Veykata Summit). The average annual air temperature varies between 8°C
and 12.8°C (STANEV, 1973).
The distribution of all species found in the Bulgarian part of the studied region was
mapped according to the UTM grid system (Appendices I and II). All records come from
PETROV et al. (2001). However new field data (listed below) and data by PETROV et al.
(2002) and TZANKOV (2003) were also considered. In order to set precisely the ranges of
the species we divided the standard 10 km x 10 km UTM squares into four 5 km x 5 km
squares. Thus every standard square, e.g. MF29 was split and further considered as four:
MF2901, MF2902, MF2903 and MF2904 (Fig. 1).
The same surface coverage (5 x 5 km), however not based upon the UTM grid,
was used to map the species distribution in the area studied by HELMER & SCHOLTE
(1985) in the Greek Eastern Rhodopes (Fig. 2). Thus our analysis is based upon 251
standard squares in Bulgaria and 80 squares in Greece. Most of the marginal squares
in the Bulgarian part (ca. 23) are in fact not represented with its full surface coverage
(mostly half of it) which hinders the calculation (in sq. km) of the area actually
inhabited by a given species. The occurrence of a species in a certain square was
recorded even though the species actually occurs in a very limited area of that square.
On the other hand, multiple findings (i.e. greater abundance) in one square were not
further considered. Thus we aimed to depict the general ranges of all species. Exclud-
Amphibia and Reptilia 865
Beron page 865
Fig. 2. Map of the Eastern Rhodopes Mountain, Greece (Grid 5 x 5 km).
Fig. 1. Map of the Eastern Rhodopes Mountain, Bulgaria (UTM 5 x 5 km grid). The
studied area is confined with thicker line.
866 B. PETROV
Beron page 866
ing some very small parts of the squares at the highest elevations along the border
with Greece, in the Bulgarian Eastern Rhodopes the distribution of Bufo viridis, Bom-
bina variegata, Rana ridibunda, Hyla arborea and Lacerta viridis was considered contin-
uous (i.e. they were considered occurring in 100% of the standard squares involved
in the study).
In order to rank their occurrence in the region studied the species were classified
upon their relative occurrence. The latter (in percent) was calculated by dividing the
number of squares where a certain species was found to the overall number of standard 5
x 5 km squares [N= 251 (BG) + 80 (GR)= 331) considered in this study (Figs. 1, 2). With
regard to their distribution in the region five groups of species were recognized: very rare -
found in <1% of the squares; rare - 1-2.9%; locally common - 3-6.9%; common - 7-9.9%
and widespread species - found in >10% of the squares. The Latin and the common
names of the species follow ARNOLD & OVENDEN (2002).
Original data
Bulgaria
Rana dalmatina Bonaparte, 1840 – 1 specimen, 1.5 km E of Kaloyantsi, 29.04.2003,
N. Tzankov leg.; 1 specimen, 1.5 km NE of Selska Polyana, 2.5.2003, N. Tzankov leg.; 1
specimen, 1 km E of the pass between Dabovets and Malko Gradishte, 4.5.2003, N.
Tzankov leg.
Triturus karelinii (Strauch, 1870) – 1 specimen, 2 km NE Dolno Sadievo, 30.4.2003,
N. Tzankov leg.
Triturus vulgaris (Linnaeus, 1758) – 6 specimens, Tankovo, Tankovo Hut, 30.4.2003,
N. Tzankov leg.
Salamandra salamandra (Linnaeus, 1758) - 1 specimen, Gluhite Kamani above
Valche Pole, 10.4.2002, B. Petrov and T. Ivanova leg.; 1 larva, in a stream above Mezek,
5.6.2002, B. Petrov leg.; 3 larvae, Zlatoustovo, 1.5.2003, N. Tzankov leg.; Dupkata above
Ivaylovgrad, Hr. Hristov leg.; above Madjarovo, Hr. Hristov leg.; on the road between
Gorno and Dolno Lukovo, Hr. Hristov leg.
Testudo graeca (Linnaeus, 1758) – 1 , Mezek, 5.6.2002, B. Petrov leg.; 1 subad.,
junction to mine “Zvezdel”, 18.6.2002, B. Petrov and H. Strijbosch leg.; 1 subad., Gorna
Kula, 18.6.2002, B. Petrov and H. Strijbosch leg.; 1 , junction towards Brussino, 19.6.2002,
B. Petrov and H. Strijbosch leg.; 2 specimens, Vis, 25.5.2000, N. Tzankov leg.; 1 speci-
men, between Senoklas and Dolnoseltsi, 22.8.2002, N. Tzankov leg.; 1 specimen, the pass
between Efrem and Oreshets, 3.5.2003, N. Tzankov leg.; 1 specimen, 2 km N of Shei-
novets Summit, 4.5.2003, N. Tzankov leg.
Testudo hermanni Gmelin, 1789 – 1 , junction to mine “Zvezdel”, 18.6.2002, B.
Petrov and H. Strijbosch leg.; 2 specimens, Vis, 25.5.2000, N. Tzankov leg.; 1 specimen,
1 km E of Malko Popovo, 23.8.2002, N. Tzankov leg.; 1 specimen, between Senoklas and
Dolnoseltsi, 22.8.2002, N. Tzankov leg.; 1 specimen, 1.5 km W of the road between
Tankovo and Zlatoustovo, 2.5.2003, N. Tzankov leg.; 1 specimen, 1.5 km W of the pass
between Efrem and Oreshets, 3.5.2003, N. Tzankov leg.; 1 specimen, 3 km N of Shei-
novets Summit, 4.5.2003, N. Tzankov leg.
Amphibia and Reptilia 867
Beron page 867
Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) - 2 specimens, in a stream above Mezek, 5.6.2002,
B. Petrov leg.; 1 specimen, 1.5 km W of Senoklas,23.8.2002, N. Tzankov leg.
Mauremys rivulata (Valenciennes, 1833) – 1 specimen, in a stream above
Mezek, 5.6.2002, B. Petrov leg.; 1 specimen, in Byala Reka River below Vis, 8.9.1997,
N. Tzankov leg.
Lacerta agilis Linnaes, 1758 – 1 , “Plateau des Felsmassivs “Arda”, etwa 500 m
NN, am Nordufer des Stausees “Studen Kladenez”, Bezirk Kardzali” (NESSING, 1989).
This record was not included in PETROV et. al. (2001).
Lacerta trilineata Bedriaga, 1886 – 1 juv, Mezek, 5.6.2002, B. Petrov leg.; 2 speci-
mens, Dolno Lukovo, 6.6.2002, B. Petrov leg.; 2 specimens, along the road between Meden
Buk and Zhulti Chal, 6.6.2002, B. Petrov leg.
Podarcis taurica (Pallas, 1814) - 1 specimen, Ilieva Niva close to Glumovo, 19.6.2002,
B. Petrov and H. Strijbosch leg.
Typhlops vermicularis Merrem, 1820 - 1 specimen, Madjarovo, close to NICCER,
April 1997, T. Stefanov leg.
Coluber caspius Gmelin, 1789 – 1 specimen, junction towards Madjarovo above
Dubovets, 6.6.2002, B. Petrov leg.; 1 specimen, on the road 2 km from Kardjali towards
Ardino, 18.6.2002, B. Petrov and H. Strijbosch leg.; 1 , between Madjarovo and Bry-
agovets, 18.6.2002, B. Petrov and H. Strijbosch leg.; 1 specimen, junction towards Bruss-
ino, 19.6.2002, B. Petrov and H. Strijbosch leg.; 1 specimen, Tankovo, Tankovo Hut,
2.5.2003, N. Tzankov leg.; 1 specimen, Gorata Ridge above Selska Polyana, 2.5.2003, N.
Tzankov leg.
Elaphe longissima (Laurenti, 1768) – 1 juvenile, Likan Cheshma, Odrintsi,
11.9.1998, N. Tzankov leg.; 1 specimen, 1 km E of Gorsko Diulevo, 2.9.1998, N. Tzank-
ov leg.; 1 specimen, 1 km N of Dabovets, 6.9.1998, N. Tzankov leg.; 1 specimen, Mezek,
2.7.2003, N. Tzankov leg.
Malpolon monspessulanus (Hermann, 1804) – 1 specimen, on the road close to
Siva Reka, 5.6.2002, B. Petrov leg.; 1 specimen, the fork towards Lyubimets and Kru-
movgrad above Ivaylovgrad, 6.6.2002, B. Petrov leg.; 1 specimen, junction towards Huhla,
6.6.2002, B. Petrov leg.; 2 specimens, junction towards Kobilino, 6.6.2002, B. Petrov leg.;
1 specimen, on the road 1 km from Djanka, 18.6.2002, B. Petrov and H. Strijbosch leg.;
1m, junction towards Pokrovan, 19.6.2002, B. Petrov and H. Strijbosch leg.; 1 juvenile,
on the road between Madjarovo and Borislavtsi, 5.9.1998, N. Tzankov leg.; 1 specimen, 2
km N of Svirachi, 28.8.2002, N. Tzankov leg.
Natrix natrix persa (Pallas, 1811) – 1 specimen, Malki Voden, 6.9.1998, N. Tzank-
ov leg.; 1 specimen, 1.5 km W of Senoklas, 23.8.2002, N. Tzankov leg.; 1 specimen, 1 km
N of Sredna Arda Railway Station, 29.4.2003, N. Tzankov leg.; 1 specimen, 1 km E of the
pass between Dabovets and Malko Gradishte, 4.5.2003, N. Tzankov leg.
Greece
Typhlops vermicularis Merrem, 1820 – 1 specimen, along Mavrorema river 5 km
SWS of Dadia, 8.8.1991, H. Strijbosch, K. Pistolas and P. Babakas leg.
Vipera xanthina (Gray, 1849) – 1 specimen, pot-hole Avanos Cave, Avas, Distr.
Alexandroupolis, 17.5.1987, P. Beron leg. (the specimen is deposited in the herpetological
collection of NMNH-Sofia).
868 B. PETROV
Beron page 868
Results
A m p h i b i a n s
Species composition
A total of 12 species of amphibians are known to occur in the Eastern Rhodopes
(Table 1). Out of the 16 species known to occur in Bulgaria (BESHKOV & NANEV,
2002), 11 (69%) were found in the region. Out of the 16 amphibian species found on the
continental lands of Greece (ENGELMANN et al., 1993), 12 (75%) were established in
Evros Province. With less than 5% of the territory of Bulgaria and Greece respectively,
the Eastern Rhodopes hold remarkably high amphibian diversity. With the exception of
B. bombina, 11 species were found in both countries. Evros Province is the only region
where this species was found in Greece.
Distribution
The most common amphibians in the Bulgarian Eastern Rhodopes are R. ridibunda, B.
viridis, H. arborea and B. variegata. Although their occurrence was not precisely accessed com-
pared to the rest of the species, these species are almost evenly distributed in a wide range of
aquatic habitats (for R. ridibunda, H. arborea and B. variegata) as ponds, lakes, dams, streams,
springs, riverine lines, etc. or they were found in different habitats all over the area studied (B.
viridis). Similar occurrence patterns were established in Greece where their distribution was
mapped in details. Together with R. dalmatina, T. vulgaris, S. salamandra and B. bufo we classified
these species as “widespread species” for the territory of the Eastern Rhodopes (Table 2).
Amongst the rarer species, the Fire-bellied toad occurs along the river Maritsa (=
Evros) in Bulgaria but has not been found further deep in the mountain. The same is true
for the Greek part of the study area where it stays rather close to the Evros river thus it
T a b l e 1
Distribution of amphibians in 5 x 5 km squares in the Eastern Rhodopes
Species Bulgaria squares Greece squares Total Relative share
(n=331) (share %) (n= 331) (share %) (5 x 5 km squares) (%) (n= 331)
Salamandra salamandra 24 (7.3%) 17 (5.1%) 41 12.4%
Triturus vulgaris 18 (5.4%) 20 (6.0%) 38 11.5%
Triturus karelinii 10 (3%) 1 (0.3%) 11 3%
Bufo viridis 251 (75.8%) 33 (10.0%) 284 85.8%
Bufo bufo 25 (7.6%) 30 (9.1%) 55 16.6%
Bombina bombina - 6 (1.8%) 6 1.8%
Bombina variegata 251 (75.8%) 32 (9.7%) 283 85.5%
Rana ridibunda 251 (75.8%) 62 (18.7% 313 94.6%
Rana dalmatina 21 (6.3%) 19 (5.7%) 40 12.1%
Rana graeca 9 (2.7%) 6 (1.8%) 15 4.5%
Hyla arborea 251 (75.8%) 33 (10.0%) 284 85.8%
Pelobates syriacus 2 (0.6%) 1 (0.3%) 3 0.9%
Amphibia and Reptilia 869
Beron page 869
hardly belongs to the herpetofauna of the Eastern Rhodopes (s.str.). The most important
environmental factor which restricts its occurrence tends to be the altitude (all localities
are below 250m a.s.l.) rather than the presence of specific habitats (cf. BESHKOV &
NANEV, 2002; MIHOV, 2002). P. syriacus was found only in one occasion in the marginal
areas of the region studied (2 squares in Bulgaria, 1 in Greece). The species is mostly active
at night and it prefers sandy soils along rivers. In Bulgaria its occurrence is probably
overlooked in some river valleys (e.g. Arda Valley, Byala Reka Valley).
R e p t i l e s
Species composition
The species diversity of the reptiles found in the Eastern Rhodopes is very high both
on European and local scales. Out of the 32 terrestrial species of reptiles found in Bulgaria
(BESHKOV & NANEV, 2002), 27 (i.e. 84%) were established in the region. Out of ca. 44
reptiles found in mainland Greece (ENGELMANN et al., 1993), 28 species (i.e. 64%) were
proved for Evros Province.
Out of the 30 species, which occur in the mountain (Table 3), 25 are in common for both
countries. Some species lack in the Bulgarian part (Lacerta praticola, Elaphe situla and Vipera
xanthina), another in the Greek part (Eryx jaculus, L. agilis). While the occurrence of L. praticola
is highly probable in the Bulgarian part, E. situla and V. xanthina are very unlikely to occur
there. The latter is rare in the Greek part (found in only 1 and 2 squares respectively) because
the region lies on the border of their European range. It is striking that E. jaculus is not yet
recorded from the Greek part since proper sandy habitats are common in many places in
Evros Province and the species is found not far from the region (cf. GASC et al., 1997; pers.
observations). The record of Lacerta agilis from not adequately described locality on the north-
T a b l e 2
Classified occurrence of amphibians in the Eastern Rhodopes
Category Bulgaria Greece Eastern Rhodopes
Very ra r e Pelobates syriacus Pelobates syriacus Pelobates syriacus
Triturus karelinii
Rare Rana graeca Bombina bombina Bombina bomb
Rana graeca
Locally Triturus karelinii Salamandra salamandra Triturus karelinii
common Triturus vulgaris Rana dalmatina Rana graeca
Rana dalmatina Triturus vulgaris
Common Salamandra salamandra Bufo bufo
Widespread Bufo bufo Bombina variegata Rana dalmatina
species Bombina variegata Bufo viridis Triturus vulgaris
Bufo viridis Hyla arborea Salamandra salamandra
Hyla arborea Rana ridibunda Bufo bufo
Rana ridibunda Bombina variegata
Bufo viridis
Hyla arborea
Rana ridibunda
870 B. PETROV
Beron page 870
ern bank of the dam “Studen Kladenets” (NESSING, 1989) is uncertain and therefore the
presence of this lizard in the central part of the Eastern Rhodopes is considered dubious.
Distribution
The distribution of the species is not even in the Bulgarian and the Greek parts of
the mountain. Climatic features rather than (micro) habitat availability are presumed to
have greater significance in defining the species occurrence, ranges and abundance Herpe-
tologically Evros Province was studied intensively in the early 80s for a relatively short
time (1983-1984) (HELMER & SCHOLTE, 1985). Since then no detailed research was
conducted however further details of the study (e.g. STRIJBOSCH et al., 1989) and of
other field studies were published (c.f. BAKALOUDIS et al., 1998; CHONDRROPOU-
LOS, 1989). The distribution of reptiles in the Bulgarian Eastern Rhodopes was studied
T a b l e 3
Distribution of reptiles in 5 x 5 km squares in the Eastern Rhodopes
Species Bulgaria squares Greece squares Total Relative share
(n=331) (share %) (n= 331) (share %) (5 x 5 km squares) (%) (n= 331)
Testudo hermanni 60 (18. 1%) 43 (13. 0%) 103 31.1%
Testudo graeca 58 (1 7.5%) 45 (1 3.6%) 103 31.1%
Emys orbicularis 14 (4.2%) 22 (6.6%) 36 10.9%
Mauremys rivulata 9 (2.7%) 34 (10.3%) 43 13%
Cyrtopodion kotschyi 13 (3.9%) 8 (2.4%) 21 6.3%
Anguis fragilis 6 (1.8%) 6 (1.8%) 12 3.6%
Ophisaurus apodus 13 (3.9%) 27 (8.2%) 40 12.1%
Lacerta agilis 1(0.3%) - 1 0.3%
Lacerta praticola - 1 (0.3%) 1 0.3%
Lacerta trilineata 16 (4.8%) 37 (11.2%) 53 16%
Lacerta viridis 251 (75.8%) 58 (17.5%) 309 93.4%
Ophisops elegans 6 (1.8%) 27 (8.2%) 33 10%
Podarcis erhardi 24 (7.3%) 15 (4.5%) 39 11.8%
Podarcis muralis 16 (4.8%) 11 (3.3%) 27 8.2%
Podarcis taurica 31 (9.4%) 25 (7.6%) 56 16.9%
Ablepharus kitaibeli 5 (1.5%) 24 (7.3%) 29 8.8%
Typhlops vermicularis 11 (3.3%) 1(0.3%) 12 3.6%
Eryx jaculus 5 (1.5%) - 5 1.5%
Coluber caspius 59 (17.8%) 26 (7.9%) 85 25.7%
Coluber najadum 17 (5.1%) 7 (2.1%) 24 7.3%
Coronella austriaca 7 (2.1%) 5 (1.5%) 12 3.6%
Elaphe longissima 13 (3.9%) 10 (3.0%) 23 6.9%
Elaphe quatuorlineata 9 (2.7%) 3 (0.9%) 12 3.6%
Elaphe situla - 1 (0.3%) 1 0.3%
Malpolon monspessulanus 24 (7.3%) 25 (7.6%) 49 14.8%
Natrix tessellata 17 (5.1%) 28 (8.5%) 45 13.6%
Natrix natrix 32 (9.7%) 35 (10.6%) 67 20%
Telescopus fallax 1 (0.3%) 4 (1.2%) 5 1.5%
Vipera ammodytes 17 (5.1%) 17 (5.1%) 34 10.3%
Vipera xanthina - 2 (0.6%) 2 0.6%
Amphibia and Reptilia 871
Beron page 871
during the 90s over a longer (10 years and more) period but the study covered a much
bigger area compared to Greece.
The classified occurrence of reptiles based on their distribution in 5 x 5 km squares
is presented in Table 4. With regard to the slight but obviously limiting climatic differenc-
T a b l e 4
Classified occurrence of reptiles in the Eastern Rhodopes
Category Bulgaria Greece Eastern Rhodopes
Very ra r e Telescopus fallax Lacerta praticola Lacerta agilis
Lacerta agilis Elaphe situla Lacerta praticola
Typhlops vermicularis Elaphe situla
Vipera xanthina Vipera xanthina
Elaphe quatuorlineata
Rare Ablepharus kitaibeli Telescopus fallax Eryx jaculus
Eryx jaculus Coronella austriaca Telescopus fallax
Ophisops elegans Anguis fragilis
Anguis fragilis Coluber najadum
Coronella austriaca Cyrtopodion kotschyi
Mauremys rivulata
Elaphe quatuorlineata
Locally Typhlops vermicularis Elaphe longissima Typhlops vermicularis
common Elaphe longissima Podarcis muralis Anguis fragilis
Cyrtopodion kotschyi Podarcis erhardi Coronella austriaca
Ophisaurus apodus Vipera ammodytes Elaphe quatuorlineata
Emys orbicularis Emys orbicularis Cyrtopodion kotschyi
Podarcis muralis Elaphe longissima
Lacerta trilineata
Coluber najadum
Vipera ammodytes
Natrix tessellata
Common Malpolon monspessulanus Ablepharus kitaibeli Coluber najadum
Podarcis erhardi Malpolon monspessulanus Podarcis muralis
Podarcis taurica Podarcis taurica Ablepharus kitaibeli
Natrix natrix Coluber caspius
Ophisops elegans
Ophisaurus apodus
Natrix tessellata
Widespread Testudo graeca Mauremys rivulata Ophisops elegans
species Coluber caspius Natrix natrix Vipera ammodytes
Testudo hermanni Lacerta trilineata Emys orbicularis
Lacerta viridis Testudo hermanni Podarcis erhardi
Testudo graeca Ophisaurus apodus
Lacerta viridis Mauremys rivulata
Natrix tessellata
Malpolon monspessulanus
Lacerta trilineata
Podarcis taurica
Natrix natrix
Coluber caspius
Testudo hermanni
Testudo graeca
Lacerta viridis
872 B. PETROV
Beron page 872
es in the Bulgarian and the Greek parts of the mountain, the overall size of the two areas
(251 vs. 80 squares) and the duration of the field surveys (ca. 2 vs. ca. 10 years), some
species apparently belong to another group when comparing the countries. For instance,
A. kitaibeli and O. elegans in Bulgaria are “rare” but “common” in Greece; M. rivulata is
“rare” and “widespread”. Some species (e.g. P. erhardii, P. muralis) are known to be very
common in adjacent areas but due to different reasons we suggest that their distribution in
the Eastern Rhodopes (especially in Bulgaria) is underestimated (i.e. they are more com-
mon in the region than indicated by the available field data). On the other hand, the
composition of the “widespread species” group in both countries is rather similar. The
majority of the species in this group are widely distributed within the region as a whole,
though their occurrence in the northern and southern parts of the mountain shows some
peculiarities. M. rivulata, N. natrix and L. trilineata were found to be far more common in
Greece than in Bulgaria. On the other hand, C. caspius is widespread in Bulgaria (found in
17.8% of the mountain) but less common in Greece (7.9%).
Both major herpetological studies (HELMER & SCHOLTE, 1985; PETROV et al.,
2001) showed that land tortoises are the most evenly and widely spread reptiles in the
Eastern Rhodopes. Tortoises are common in ca. 1/3 of the mountain territory (31.1%)
due to the high variety and mosaic distribution of the suitable habitats. In Bulgaria, apart
from the specific habitat segregation (mostly open, bushy fields for T. graeca and forested
areas or dense shrubs for T. hermanni) T. graeca was found in 58 squares, T. hermanni in 60
squares, sympatric occurrence was found in 33 of these squares (55%). However, we
presume that both species live together in at least 70% of the squares, so far more than
revealed by the available field data. In Greece, T. graeca was found in 45 squares, T. herman-
ni in 43 squares, sympatric occurrence was found in 34 of these squares (77%). T. graeca
was established to be far more common higher in the mountain (above 500m) than T.
hermanni. The latter was established as having higher density close to agricultural lands
and along the edges of the hills.
Discussion
The occurrence of some species is related to the presence/absence of specific habitats
(e.g. human settlements for C. kotchyi; forested areas for A. fragilis and E. longissima; warm
sandy soils for T. vermicularis; rocks and screes for T. fallax). No detailed data is available
for a particular set of environmental conditions, which could restrict or favor occurrence
for the rest of the species.
The distribution of O. elegans in Greece was suggested to be confined mostly by eco-
logical restrictions (e.g. competition with Podarcis spp.) as opposed to constraints due to
local climatic features (STRIJBOSCH & VAN DER WINDEN, 1999). In Bulgaria, this
lizard occurs mostly under 250 m of altitude (Byala Reka Valley, PETROV et al., 2001).
After continuous field searches it was just recently confirmed for the region of Mezek
(Gorata Ridge), where it lives on a forested slope between 300 m and 650 m of altitude
(TZANKOV, 2003). The latter locality is the highest known within the European range
of the species (in Greece it was found up to 500 m). Gorata Ridge was pointed to hold
remarkably high diversity of 6 lacertid species (TZANKOV, 2003).
Amphibia and Reptilia 873
Beron page 873
The most frequently encountered reptile in all types of habitats and within a broad
altitudinal range in the Eastern Rhodopes is the Green lizard (L. viridis) (BAKALOUDIS
et al., 1998; HELMER & SCHOLTE, 1985; PETROV et al., 2001). The most widespread
and abundant “land snake” in the Eastern Rhodopes is the Large whip snake (C. caspius,
25.7% of the territory). This is mostly due to its low ecological demands for specific
habitats, food source or climatic conditions. After Natrix natrix, the Montpellier snake (M.
monspessulanus) is the third most widespread land snake in the region, the occurrence of
which seems mostly restricted by the climate though its high adaptability and prominent
competitive behavior probably play certain role in the expansion of its range particularly
in Bulgaria (cf. BESHKOV & NANEV, 2002).
Land tortoises (Testudo spp.) were established to occur in high densities in many squares
all over the mountain. The region is known to shelter the richest and most compact popula-
tion of both species in Bulgaria (PETROV et al., 2004). A rough estimation showed that ca.
25% of the overall tortoise populations in Bulgaria live in the Eastern Rhodopes (PETROV,
2002). The Bulgarian part is therefore a subject of special conservation attention, because the
relative number of tortoises is rapidly declining due to poaching for food, medical purposes
or pet trade (cf. BESHKOV, 1993; PETROV et al., 2004). It is worth mentioning that the
record-size T. graeca known to date (carapax length: 389 mm; weight: 5.86-7 kg) was found in
the Bulgarian Eastern Rhodopes (BESHKOV, 1997). The largest specimen found in the
Greek part had 262 mm carapax length and weighed “only” 2.52 kg (HELMER & SCHOLTE,
1985). Amongst the possible reasons for the presence of such giant specimens (particularly
in Bulgaria) we can point the restricted human access (since the end of the Second World
War) and the weak infrastructural and agricultural development of the areas along the border.
There is no recent field record of Vipera aspis balcanica, which was found in 1933
close to Harmanli, Bulgarian Eastern Rhodopes (BURESCH & ZONKOW, 1934). Its
occurrence and systematic position was further discussed by BURESCH & BESKOV
(1965) who concluded that this snake could be considered extinct in Bulgaria.
Anothe r v i p e r, Vipera xanthina, is very rare in the Eastern Rhodopes, found in only
two squares in the Greek part (Loutros- HELMER & SCHOLTE, 1985; Avas- new record).
All 3 specimens were found on the southernmost slopes of the Eastern Rhodopes close to
the coastal plain in the vicinity of Alexandroupolis. Another record of this species comes
from Makri, which is the westernmost point of its distribution in mainland Greece and
in Europe as well (TIEDEMANN & GRILLITSCH, 1986).
Vipera berus bosniensis was not included in the present species list although it was
recorded for area of Didymoticho in Evros Province (CHONDRROPOULOS, 1989). In
Bulgaria and in the southern Balkans in general, the latter viper was found entirely only
in the mountainous zone above 700 m (cf. GASC et al., 1997). Its occurrence in the low
and dry region of Didymoticho is hardly possible and it has never been confirmed by
other intensive searches in this area. Under certain conditions, confusion with some of the
latter two hornless vipers is possible.
The diversity, distribution and abundance of many birds (especially the raptors) are
known to be closely related to the regional herpetological richness (cf. BAKALOUDIS et
al., 1998; HELMER & SCHOLTE, 1985). Amphibians (mainly frogs) and their larvae are
a significant food source for many species of birds associated with water such as Nyctico-
rax nycticorax, Ardeolla ralloides, Ardea purpurea, Egretta garzetta, Himantopus himatopus, Cico-
874 B. PETROV
Beron page 874
nia ciconia, etc. Lizards are very common prey in the diet of many buzzards (Buteo spp.)
and falcons (Falco spp.). Land tortoises are locally essential food for Aquila chrysaetos, A.
heliaca and to a lesser extent also for Neophron percnopterus, Aegypius monachus and Haliaetus
albicilla. Larger snakes such as C. caspius and M. monspessulanus together with N. natrix are
the most important prey for the Short-toed eagles (Circaetus gallicus) during the breeding
season in Dadia Forest Reserve. This eagle together with the Lesser spotted eagle (Aquila
pomarina), some buzzards and the falcons are the principal reptile-eating birds living in
the region studied (BAKALOUDIS et al., 1998). Thus reptiles are an essential element in
the food supplies of many species which are of considerable conservation value.
Conservation
For a long time the Eastern Rhodopes Mountain has been a region of low population
density, relative obscurity and weak economic development. The latter, together with the
mosaic distribution of a large variety of habitats and a particular climate, have favored the
abundance and even distribution of the rich local herpetofauna. Being water dependent in
terms of reproduction or living, amphibians are sensitive mostly to pollution, changes in the
water regime or substantial alteration of the aquatic ecosystems. Most reptile species of are
primarily vulnerable to habitat changes. Many species have small home ranges, little ability
and no instinct to migrate away from agricultural machinery or fire.
The majority of the amphibians and reptiles found in the Eastern Rhodopes are
listed in international conventions, red lists or national legislation acts (Table 5).
Threats due to recent regional development trends raise concerns and impose the
implementation of particular conservation activities (e.g. species action plans, management
plans) especially for the species with high conservation value. The impact of certain threats
on the population density and the distribution of amphibians and reptiles in the Eastern
Rhodopes is presented in Table 6.
T a b l e 5
Protective status of the herpetofauna according to national and international leg-
islation
Species / Protective status ER BG GR 92/43 BERN CITES IUCN
Salamanders and newts 3 3 2 1 3 - 1
Frogs and toads 9 9 5 8 9 - 2
Terrapins 2 2 2 2 2 -1
Tortoises 2 2 2 2 222
Lizards 12 5 8 10 11 - -
Snakes 14 11 10 11 14 1 1
Tota l : 42 32 29 34 41 3 7
Legend: ER - number of species in the Eastern Rhodopes; BG - number of species protected under Biodiversity
Protection Act (since 2002); GR – Presidential Decree 67/1981 (FEK 23/A/30-1-81) for the protection of the
endemic flora and fauna.; 92/43 - Directive 92/43 of EEC; BERN - Bern Convention; CITES - Convention on
the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora; IUCN - 2003 Red List of Threatened
Species (www.redlist.org)
Amphibia and Reptilia 875
Beron page 875
In Bulgaria, the highest herpetological diversity was established in the valley of
the river Byala Reka- 26 species (7 amphibians, 19 reptiles, including O. elegans) and
along the river Arda between Studen Kladenets and Ivaylovgrad Dams- 23 species (7
amphibians, 16 reptiles, including T. fallax). Milder climate, habitat heterogeneity and
permanent water supply are supposed to favor this diversity. On the other hand, both
regions were the most regularly visited by different researchers and that undoubtedly
led to the discovery of nearly all species, which inhabit these areas. Part of the Byala
Reka Valley, which holds the richest regional herpetofauna, is legally protected (STOY-
CHEV & PETROVA, 2003).
In Greece, the highest herpetological diversity was found within the borders of the
strictly protected core areas of Dadia-Lefkimi Forest Reserve (27 species). The old, small-
scale cultural landscapes between Melia and Pilea also hold 27 species (including V. xanthi-
na) and around Nipsa, 25 species (including E. situla) were found (HELMER & SCHOLTE,
1985). The management of herpetologically rich habitats in terms of local biodiversity
conservation is considered essential in guaranteeing their long-term sustainability.
Acknowledgements
I thank B. Barov (BSPB-Sofia), S. Stoychev (BSPB-Haskovo), T. Ivanova (NMHN Sofia), T. Stefanov
(NMNH Sofia) and Hr. Hristov (Madjarovo), who helped in the field research and shared their field observa-
tions, and P. Beron (NMNH) who kindly provided unpublished data from Greece. N. Tzankov (Faculty of
Biology, University of Sofia) provided rich unpublished herpetological data. P. Stoev (NMNH Sofia) gave
valuable suggestions, which improved earlier versions of the manuscript. F. Bozarova precisely drew the base of
Figure 2. Maria Dimaki and Maria Panayotopulou helped me to present the protective status of the species
according to the Greek legislation. My sincere thanks go to H. Strijbosch (Nijmegen) who took part in the
research in 2002, provided unpublished data from Greece and kindly reviewed the manuscript.
T a b l e 6
Major groups of threats and their significance for the herpetofauna in the Eastern
Rhodopes
Species / Threats 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Salamanders and newts *** ** * * ** * *
Frogs and toads *** *** * * ** * *
Ter rapi ns *** ** * ** * * *
Tortoises * *** *** *** ** *** ***
Lizards * ** ** ** ** *** *
Snakes * ** ** ** ** *** **
Threats: 1 - Water pollution; 2 - Land management; 3 - Re-afforestation; 4 - Disturbance; 5 - Road’s net; 6 - Fires;
7 - Poaching and legal control
Impact scale: * - weak or no impact; **- medium impact; ***- strong impact
876 B. PETROV
Beron page 876
Appendix I
UTM (5 x 5 km) distribution of the amphibians in the Bulgarian Eastern Rhodopes (outline of literature
and original data) (without Bombina variegata, Bufo viridis, Hyla arborea and Rana ridibunda)
Salamandra salamandra- LF6702, LG4104, LG5104, LG7101, LG7103, LG7104, LG8002, LG8101, LG9101,
LG9103, MF0801, MF0803, MF1702, MF1801, MF1802, MF1803, MF2801, MG0103, MG0201, MG1104,
MG1203, MG2003, MG2004, MG2201;
Triturus vulgaris- LF7802, LF7804, LF7902, LG7003, LG7103, LG8003, LG8403, LG9103, LG9203, MF0803,
MF1803, MF2804, MF2903, MF2904, MG0403, MG1101, MG1102, MG2203;
Triturus karelini i- LG7403, LG8004, LG8401, LG8403, LG9203, MF2801, MF2804, MF2904, MF3802, MG0103;
Bufo bufo- LF7802, LF7804, LF8704, LF8902, LG4101, LG4102, LG4104, LG6104, LG7104, LG8002, LG8101,
LG8103, LG8403, LG9101, LG9103, MF0801, MF0803, MF1802, MF1803, MF2804, MF2903, MF2904,
MF3802, MG0101, MG0103;
Rana dalmatina- LF3904, LF9902, LG4004, LG4102, LG4104, LG5102, LG8004, LG8301, LG8303, LG9004,
LG9101, LG9103, MG0103, MG0201, MG1102, MG1203, MG1303, MG2004, MG2201, MG2203, MG7104;
Rana graeca- LG3004, LG4002, LG4002, LG4101, LG4104, LG5004, LG5103, MF0704, MF1702;
Pelobates syriacus- MG0403, MG1401.
Appendix II
UTM (5 x 5 km) distribution of the reptiles in the Bulgarian Eastern Rhodopes (outline of literature and
original data) (without Lacerta viridis)
Testudo hermanni- LF5904, LF6701, LF6702, LF6902, LF6903, LF6904, LF7802, LF7902, LF7904, LF8804,
LF8903, LG3004, LG4004, LG4101, LG4103, LG4104, LG5002, LG5003, LG5004, LG5102, LG5103,
LG5104, LG6003, LG6101, LG6103, LG6204, LG7103, LG7202, LG7203, LG8002, LG8003, LG8004,
LG8101, LG8103, LG8403, LG9002, MF0803, MF0804, MF0903, MF1704, MF1801, MF1802, MF1803,
MF1804, MF1901, MF1902, MF1903, MF2801, MF2804, MF2903, MF2904, MG0004, MG0102, MG0103,
MG0104, MG0201, MG1101, MG1201, MG1203, MG1401;
Testudo graeca- LF5804, LF5903, LF6702, LF6901, LF6903, LF6904,LF7802, LF7804, LF7902, LF7904, LF8804,
LF8902, LF8903, LF9802, LF9803, LF9901, LF9902, LF9903, LF9904, LG4104, LG5002, LG5004, LG6202,
LG7003, LG7004, LG7101, LG7103, LG8003, LG8004, LG8101, LG8103, LG8104, LG8403, MF0803,
MF0903, MF1704, MF1801, MF1802, MF1803, MF1804, MF1902, MF1903, MF2801, MF2803, MF2804,
MF2903, MG0101, MG0103, MG1001, MG1101, MG1201, MG1203, MG1401, MG2002, MG2004,
MG2201, MG2204;
Emys orbicularis- LG9201, MF1802, MF1803, MF1901, MF2804, MG0102, MG1102, MG1104, MG1204,
MG2201, MG2204, MF2804, MG1101, MG2903;
Mauremys rivulata- MF0903, MF1803, MF2802, MF2804, MF2903, MG1104, MG1204, MG2201, MG2204;
Cyrtopodion kotschyi- MF1803, MF2801, MF2804, MF2903, MF2904, MG0103, MG0403, MG1101, MG1102,
MG1103, MG1401, MG2003, MG2204;
Anguis fragilis- LG4104, MG0403, MG1101, MG1103, MG1201, MG1401;
Ophisaurus apodus- LF6702, LG9002, LG9103, MF1901, MF2804, MF2903, MG0103, MG0403, MG1103,
MG1401, MG2002, MG2203, MG2204;
Lacerta trilineata- LG6203, LG9002, LG9103, MF1803, MF2801, MF2803, MF2804, MG0101, MG0103,
MG0403, MG1204, MG1401, MF1803, MG2201, MG2202, MG2203;
Ophisops elegans- MF1803, MF2801, MF2803, MF2804, MF2903, MG2201;
Podarcis erhardi- LF5901, LF5903, LF5904, LG4104, LG5104, LG6101, LG6103, LG7104, LG9002, LG9103,
MF1801, MF1802, MF1803, MF2801, MF2804, MF2903, MF2904, MG1101, MG1103, MG1104, MG2002,
MG2003, MG2201, MG2203;
Podarcis muralis- LF5901, LF5903, LF5904, LF6701, LF6702, LG3004, LG4101, LG4104, LG5002, LG5004,
MF0801, MF0803, MF1801, MF2903, MF2904, MG0103;
Podarcis taurica- LF6702, LF7802, LF8804, LF8903, LF9803, LG6101, LG6103, LG6204, LG7202, LG8004,
MF0803, MF0804, MF1801, MF1802, MF1803, MF2804, MF2903, MF2904, MG0003, MG0403, MG1102,
MG1103, MG1104, MG1201, MG1303, MG1401, MG2002, MG2003, MG2201, MG2203, MG2204;
Ablepharus kitaibeli- MF1801, MF1802, MG1004, MG1203, MG2201.
Typhlops vermicularis- LG8004, MF2804, MF2904, MG0103, MG0403, MG1101, MG1103, MG1401, MG2204,
MG2301, MG2302;
Amphibia and Reptilia 877
Beron page 877
Eryx jaculus turcicus- LG9401, MG0103, MG0403, MG1401, MG2204;
Coluber caspius- LF5804, LF5904, LF6702, LF6902, LF6904, LF7802, LF7804, LF7902, LF7903, LF7904, LF8704,
LF8902, LF8904, LG4104, LG5101, LG5301, LG6001, LG6101, LG6102, LG6202, LG7101, LG7103, LG7104,
LG7203, LG7403, LG8002, LG8003, LG8004, LG8102, LG8102, LG8103, LG8303, LG8401, LG8403,
LG9103, LG9203, MF0804, MF1802, MF1803, MF1902, MF2801, MF2804, MF2904, MG0101, MG0103,
MG0104, MG0201, MG0403, MG1001, MG1004, MG1101, MG1103, MG1104, MG1401, MG2001,
MG2002, MG2201, MG2202, MG2203;
Coluber najadum- LF6702, LF6804, LF7904, LF8902, LG5302, LG7104, LG7403, LG8004, LG8401, LG9103,
MF1801, MF1803, MF1804, MF2804, MG0403, MG1401;
Coronella austriaca- LF9803, LG4004, LG4103, LG7403, LG8401, MG0403, MG1401;
Elaphe longissima- LF6903, LF7902, LG4003, LG4004, LG7001, LG7104, LG8002, LG8102, MF2903, MG0103,
MG1104, MG1301. MG2201;
Elaphe quatuorlineata- LG7104, LG7401, LG7403, LG8401, LG8403, MG0001, MG0003, MG1401, MG2204;
Malpolon monspessulanus- LG7104, LG8003, LG8102, LG8401, LG9001, LG9302, MF1801, MF1802, MF1803,
MF1904, MF2801, MF2804, MF2903, MF2904, MG0103, MG0403, MG1401, MG2001, MG2003, MG2004,
MG2201, MG2202, MG2203, MG2204;
Natrix tessellata- LF6902, LG3004, LG4101, LG4104, LG6001, LG7102, LG7103, LG8102, LG8301, LG8303,
LG8403, MF1803, MF2804, MG0101, MG0103, MG2203, MG2204;
Natrix natrix- LF9802, LG3004, LG4101, LG4104, LG5104, LG7101, LG7103, LG7104, LG8003, LG8102,
LG8202, LG8203, LG8303, LG8304, LG9102, MF0804, MF1801, MF1802, MF1803, MF2801, MF2803,
MF2804, MF2903, MG0403, MG1002, MG1102, MG1104, MG1203, MG1401, MG2201, MG2203,
MG2204;
Telescopus fallax- MG0103;
Vipera ammodytes- LF7804, LG3004, LG4101, LG4103, LG5002, LG5004, LG7103, LG8303, MF0803, MF1803,
MF2902, MF2904, MG0103, MG0403, MG1401, MG2001, MG2003.
References
ARNOLD E., OVENDEN D. 2002. A field guide to the reptiles and amphibians of Britain and Europe.
Harper Collins Publishers, London, 288 pp.
BAKALOUDIS D., VLACHOS C., HOLLOWAY G. 1998. Habitat use by short-toed eagles Circaetus gallicus
and their prey during the breeding season in Dadia Forest (north-eastern Greece). – Journ. Appl. Ecol.,
35 (6): 821-828.
BESHKOV V. 1993. On the distribution, relative abundance and protection of tortoises in Bulgaria. - Chelo-
nian Conservation and Biology, 1 (1): 53-62.
BESHKOV V. 1997. Record-sized tortoises, Testudo graeca ibera and Testudo hermanni boettgeri, from Bulgaria. -
Chelonian Conservation and Biology, 2 (4): 593-596.
BESHKOV V., NANEV K. 2002. Amphibians and reptiles in Bulgaria. Pensoft, Sofia - Moscow, 120 pp.
BURESCH I., BESHKOV V. 1965. Wird die Giftschlange Vipera aspis L. in Bulgarien angetroffen? - Bull. Inst.
zool. mus., 18: 5-30.
BURESCH I., ZONKOW J. 1934. Untersuchungen über die Verbreitung der Reptilien und Amphibien in
Bulgarien und auf der Balkanhalbinsel. Teil II: Schlangen (Serpentes). - Mitt. Königl. Naturwiss. Inst.
Sofia, 7: 106-188. (In Bulgarian, summ. Germ.).
CHONDRROPOULOS B. 1989. A checklist of Greek reptiles. II. The snakes. – Herpetozoa, 2 (1/2): 3-36.
ENGELMANN W-E., FRITZSCHE J., GUNTHER R., OBST F. 1993. Lurche und Kriechtiere Europas.
Neumann Verlag, Radebeul, 440 pp.
GASC J.-P., CABELA A., CRNOBRNJA-ISAILOVIC J., DOLMEN D., GROSSENBACHER K., HAFFNER
P., LESCURE J., MARTENS H., MARTINEZ J., RICA P., MAURIN H., OLIVEIRA M., SOFIANI-
DOU T., VEITH M., ZUIDERWIJK A. (eds.). 1997. Atlas of Amphibians and Reptiles in Europe. Soc.
Europ. Herp., Mus. Nat. Hist. Natur., Paris, 496 pp.
HELMER W., SCHOLTE P. 1985. Herpetological research in Evros, Greece - proposal for a biogenetic reserve.
Soc. Europ. Herp., Conserv. Comm., 142 pp.
878 B. PETROV
Beron page 878
JEROEN S. 2004. Herpetological trip in northern Greece 30 April - 14 May 2004. - Belgian task group “HYLA”,
http://users.skynet.be/stefanie.delarue/greece2004.htm.
MIHOV S. 2002. Field guide for the amphibians in Bulgaria. Bulg.-Swiss Biodiv. Conserv. Progr., Burgas
Coastal Wetlands Project, Nature series, 2: 46 pp.
NESSING R. 1989. Zur Vorkommen der Zauneidechse Lacerta agilis bosnica Shreiber, 1912 in Süd-Bulgarien.
– Salamandra, 25 (2): 120-121.
PETROV B. 2002. Review of the reptiles (Reptilia) in the Eastern Rhodopes. - In: Project report, Assessment of
existing information on biodiversity in the Eastern Rhodopes. Bulg. Soc. Protect. Birds, UN Devel.
Progr., p. 12.
PETROV B., BESHKOV V., POPGEORGIEV G., PLACHIISKI D. 2004. Action plan for conservation of
tortoises in Bulgaria. Bulg. Soc. Protect. Birds, Bulg. Biodiv. Found., Nat. Mus. Natur. Hist., 58 pp. (In
Bulgarian, summ. Engl.).
PETROV B., HRISTOVA S., HRISTOV H.. 2002. First record of the Cat snake Telescopus fallax Fleischmann,
1831 (Reptilia: Serpentes) in the Eastern Rhodopes Mt., Bulgaria. - Hist. nat. bulg., 15: 143-146.
PETROV B., STOEV P., BESHKOV V. 2001. Review of the species composition and distribution of Amphib-
ians (Amphibia) and Reptiles (Reptilia) in the Eastern Rhodopes Mt. – Hist. nat. bulg., 13: 127-153. (In
Bulgarian, summ. Engl.).
STANEV S. 1973. Annual air temperature. - In: Galabov Zh. (ed.). Atlas of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria.
General Direction of Geodesy and Cartography, Sofia, 51.
STOYCHEV S., PETROVA A. 2003. Protected areas in Eastern Rhodopes and Sakar mountains. – Bulg. Soc.
Protect. Birds, Sofia, Conservation Series, Book 7, 49 pp.
STRIJBOSCH H., HELMER W., SCHOLTE P. 1989. Distribution and ecology of lizards in the Greek province
of Evros. - Amphibia-Reptilia, Leiden, 10: 151-174.
STRIJBOSCH H., VAN DER WINDEN J. 1999. Ecological restrictions in Ophisops elegans (Sauria: Lacertidae)
of mainland Greece. - Contributions to the zoogeography and ecology of the Eastern Mediterranean
region, 1: 237-242.
TIEDEMANN F., GRILLITSCH H.. 1986. Zur Verbreitung von Vipera xanthina (Gray, 1849) in Griechenland
(Serpentes: Viperidae). – Salamandra, 22 (4): 272-275.
TZANKOV N. 2003. Sympatric distribution of six lacertid lizards. – Xth Scientific Session- 20-21.11.2003,
University of Sofia, Faculty of Biology, Book of abstracts, Bulvest 2000, Sofia, 41 p.
Author’s address:
Boyan Petrov
National Museum of Natural History
Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
1, Tzar Osvoboditel Blvd.
1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
E-mail: boyanpp@nmnh.bas.bg
Херпетофауна (Amphibia и Reptilia) на Източните Родопи
(България и Гърция)
Боян П. ПЕТРОВ
(Р Е З Ю М Е)
Статията обобщава всички данни за видовото разнообразие и разпространението на
земноводните и влечугите в Източните Родопи. Освен преглед на литературните данни са добавени
множество нови находища за някои от видовете. Установени са 12 вида земноводни (11 в България,
12 в Гърция) и 30 вида влечуги (27 в България, 28 в Гърция). Високото херпетологично разнообразие
се дължи на мозаичното разпространение на голям брой природни местообитания, мек климат,
Amphibia and Reptilia 879
Beron page 879
ниска степен на урбанизизация и слабото икономическо развитие. Разпространението на видовете
е класифицирано според относителната им срещаемост в 331 5 х 5km квадрати, от които 251 са
в България и 80 в Гърция. В зависимост от разпространението им видовете са групирани в пет
групи: много редки (Pelobates syriacus, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta praticola, Elaphe situla), редки (Bombina bombina,
Eryx jaculus, Telescopus fallax), обикновени на места (Rana graeca, Elaphe quatuorlineata, Cyrtopodion kotschyi,
Elaphe longissima), обикновени (Coluber najadum, Podarcis muralis) и широко разпространени (Rana dalmatina,
Triturus vulgaris, Salamandra salamandra, Coluber caspius, Testudo hermanni, Testudo graeca, Lacerta viridis). За
много от видовете са обсъдени причините за тяхното присъствие/отсъствие, относителната
численост и хабитатните им предпочитания. Природозащитният статус на видовете и
заплахите за херпетофауната също са дискутирани. Няколко района в България (напр. долината на
Бяла река и долината на р. Арда между Маджарово и Студен кладенец) и Гърция (напр. резервата
Дадя и около Мелиа и Пилеа) са посочени като територии с високо херпетологично разнообразие.
880 B. PETROV
Beron page 880
... Natural history. The new subspecies inhabits similar habitats as B. v. scabra, being found in various aquatic sites such as mountain brooks, rivers, ponds, natural and artificial lakes or water-filled ruts and puddles (Petrov 2004). The type series was found in drinking throughs, a valuable habitat for this subspecies as it is for B. v. scabra in northwestern Greece (Denoël 2004). ...
... nov. was reported widespread over the eastern Rhodopes of Greece and Bulgaria (Petrov 2004), but due to its much smaller distribution than that of B. v. scabra, it may be more vulnerable. In Greece, it is abundant above 200m (Strachinis 2024). ...
... nov. is essentially restricted to the Rhodope Mountains and their foothills (from sea level up to 1600 m a.s.l.) in southeastern Bulgaria, northeastern Greece, and the adjacent part of Turkish Thrace (Global Biodiversity Information Facility 2024). In Greece, it was documented eastward up to the National Forest Park of Dadia -Lefkimi -Soufli close to Evros (Maritsa) River which makes the border with Turkey(Petrov 2004; Valakos et al. 2008; Kret and Poirazidis 2015;Pafilis and Maragkou 2020;Strachinis 2024). In Bulgaria, population isolates exist east of the Rhodopes, namely in Sakar Mountain and perhaps Strandzha Mountain near the Black Sea(Boev et ...
Article
Full-text available
The Balkan Peninsula hosts a great proportion of Europe’s biodiversity, and this is well illustrated by amphibian richness and endemism. Among them, the yellow-bellied toad Bombina variegata has been a model in ecology and evolution, but several aspects of its phylogeography and taxonomy remain surprisingly poorly understood. In this study, we combine cytochrome b DNA barcoding data (1238 individuals from 355 localities), mitogenome phylogenetics (17.2 kb), gene-based nuclear phylogenetics (3.7 kb from four gene fragments) and multilocus phylogenomics (4759 loci / ~554 kb obtained by double digest Restriction Associated DNA sequencing; ddRAD-seq) to re-assess the diversification of B. variegata, and revisit its nomenclatural history to assign scientific names to phylogeographic lineages. The analyses support four major lineages, one assigned to B. v. variegata (Carpathians and northwestern ranges), one assigned to B. v. pachypus (Apennine Peninsula), and two assigned to B. v. scabra (Dinarides, Hellenides and Balkanides vs. the Rhodope mountains). Spatiotemporal patterns of diversification suggest a role for a Late Miocene marine incursion in the Pannonian Plain (Paratethys) as the initial trigger of divergence, followed by a vicariance event in the Apennines and a “sky island” process of Pleistocene differentiation in the Balkan Peninsula. As it reached the Dinarides during the Late Pleistocene, B. v. variegata potentially hybridized with B. v. scabra and captured its mitochondrial DNA, which resulted in a massive cyto-nuclear discordance across all northwestern European populations. Finally, we show that the two lineages of B. v. scabra significantly differ in morphology and ventral coloration patterns, and describe the Rhodope lineage as a new subspecies.
... Contaminated agricultural areas are largely to blame for the global loss of anuran species (Petrov, 2004). The removal of herpetofauna from the environment will disrupt prey-predator dynamics, algae dwellers, and invertebrate populations. ...
Article
Full-text available
Pakistan has reported twenty-four amphibian species, nine of which are endemic to the country. Amphibians in Pakistan are diverse, falling into four families: Dicroglossidae, Microhylidae, Bufonidae, and Megophryidae. The current study was carried out to investigate the amphibian fauna of several localities in District Abbottabad. From June 2019 to August 2020, a field survey was undertaken in District Abbottabad. Total dissolve solvent (TDS), Dissolve solvent (DO), Electrical Conductivity (EC), PH, Humidity, and Temperature (C) of several water bodies were also measured. A total of 100 specimens from the District were collected and stored in a 10% formalin solution. This study discovered that five species of anurans, i.e. Duttaphrynus stomaticus, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, and Nanorana liebigii are members of the Bufonidae and Dicroglossidae families, respectively. Morphometric measurements were made using a non-digital vernier caliper with a resolution of 0.05 mm. HW, HL, SVL, TFL, THL, TBL, HnL, TD, END, IND, IOD, ED, LF, LH, FAL, LHU, UEW, PL, and PW were all measured. This research discovered that D. melanostictus and E. cyanophlyctis were also found but in lower numbers than D. stomaticus. The District had the lowest amount of H tigerinus as well as N. liebigii records. There is need to discovered more amphibians fauna in the District Abbottabad and all over Pakistan to update the identification keys of Amphibians.
... They help to maintain the food web's balance by eating a variety of insects and providing food for a variety of avian and mammalian species. Furthermore, they recycle nutrients from aquatic to terrestrial environments, and removing these creatures from any ecosystem will disrupt predator Prey dynamics, invertebrate populations, leaf litter decompositions, nutrient cycling and algae communities, but their population is rapidly dwindling due to a variety of anthropogenic activities [4,5]. Overgrazing, harvesting, deforestation, soil erosion, desertification, invasive species, and chemical contamination all contribute to biodiversity loss and degradation [6][7][8][9][10]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Amphibians play a significant role in the ecosystem by providing different ecological services. The study was conducted in Haripur city from cultivated, non-cultivated and road side areas by using direct and indirect methods. During the present study 93 specimen were collected. Out of which 15 species of amphibians belonging to 3 families and 9 genera were identified by preserving them in 70% ethanol. Diversity was found out by using Simpson Diversity Index (SDI) and its shows 24% similarities and 76% differences among frogs and 7% similarities while 93% differences among toads. Haripur city is the natural habitat for amphibians that's support breeding and survival. So more areas of district should be explored and genetic makeup of species of amphibians should be studied in future.
... The presence of the species in our survey area was expected, as the area falls within the species' geographical range limits and its habitat type. To the best of our knowledge, there are a large number of published records in southern Bulgaria (Petrov, 2004;Petrov et al., 2006) and some from north-eastern Greece (Valakos et al., 2008;Pafilis & Maragou, 2020) (Fig. 2). ...
... Along the northeastern coast of Greece M. xanthina can in exceptional cases move up to 10-15 km inland. Herpetological surveys have ruled out the potential presence of this viper in the mountainous areas of the Eastern Rhodopes (Helmer & Scholte, 1985;Petrov, 2004). In the Evros region (Northeastern Greece) it is sympatric with Vipera ammodytes replacing it in flat coastal stretches (Cattaneo & Cattaneo, 2013). ...
Article
Full-text available
The Montivipera xanthina (Gray, 1849) complex (Serpentes Viperidae) consists of two divergent species groups, the xanthina group with a western distribution (Western Turkey, Northeastern Greece), and the bornmuelleri group (albizona, bornmuelleri, bulgardaghica, wagneri) with a more eastern distribution (Central-eastern Turkey, Syria, Lebanon). New evidence suggests that the xanthina group’s well-documented search for coastal habitats is dictated by intrinsic factors. Therefore, the author deems it appropriate to distinguish these western Anatolian populations of Montivipera xanthina with the subgeneric name Planivipera n. subgen., which would separate this group of vipers with their different ecology from the true mountain vipers of the Turkish inland (bornmuelleri group)
... There is a dearth of information regarding the distribution of most amphibians in most parts of Pakistan because of less consideration by the scientific community (15)(16)(17) . They have an estimated one-quarter of all classified vertebrates, but their existential threat caused due to hostile conditions because of pollution, habitat loss, deforestation, urbanization and fragmentation (18) . ...
Article
Full-text available
Objectives: The present study was conducted to review the biodiversity of Amphibians, their decline in population and conservation. Methods/Statistical analysis: This study was done by reviewing the previous papers on biodiversity of Amphibians and available literature on various search engines. Findings: Species of amphibians estimated worldwide reveals 7481 species consisting of three orders, Salientia (Anura), Urodela (Caudata) and Apoda (Gymnophiona). The Salientia contains 6577, Urodela (Caudata) entail 698 species of both land and aquatic inhabitants and Apoda (Gymnophiona) virtually blind and nonmotile animals include 206 species. However, the population of Amphibians is reduced in Pakistan because of dry conditions and is a prominent indicator of climatic change. In Pakistan, the dominating population of Amphibians is Salientia (Anura), consisting of 21 species, 12 genera, and 4 families. Due to anthropogenic activities like the use of pesticides and fertilizers, deforestation, pollution, fragmentation and urbanization affects the amphibians. For conservation and protection, serious initiatives may be mediated to manage the situation. Application/Improvements: The present study will be helpful to conserve the diversity of Amphibians in the region and present findings may be useful in future studies.
... Reptiles are important member of food chain and play significant role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Anthropogenic activities a re depleting their popula tion day by day (Petrov, 2004). ...
Article
Full-text available
This study was conducted in selected sites of District Bahawalnagar namely, Shaheed Chowk, Chak40/F, Chak 163/7R and Fareedkot Tiba between March 2019 and August 2019. Sampling techniques included recording of burrows, flooding, burrow exaction, noose traps and pit fall traps were used to capture Uromast yx hardwickii. During this survey 150 individuals were captured from study area for morphological measurement and population estimation. Te average snout to vent length (SVL) of male, female and juveniles were (172.50 ± 19.71) mm, (155.50 ± 18.72) mm and (86.25 ± 11.72) mm respectively. The average weight of male, female and juvenile was (93.06 ± 8.56) g, (88.16 ± 7.95) g and (40.16 ± 4.30) g respectively. The relative abundance (Pi) of males, females and juveniles were 0.53, 0.33 and 0.13. Indian spiny tailed lizard (U. hardwickii) has been listed in the IUCN Red list and CITES. Major threats to the species in the study area are increase in urbanization, habitat fragmentation, illegal hunting for meat and fat. In this regard strict implementation of the Wildlife act is needed to protect the wildlife of Punjab. Furthermore, comprehensive surveys are required in throughout Punjab to declare conservation status of U. hardwickii.
Article
Full-text available
The study was conducted from September 2019 to September 2020 and was the first attempt on the Herpeto Fauna of District Buner. We have reported 37 species of Herpeto fauna including 5 Amphibians species and 32 Reptilian species. The Amphibians includes Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799), Duttaphrynus stomaticus (Lutken, 1864), Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (Schneider, 1799), Hoplobatrachus tigurinus(Daudin, 1803) and Sphaerotheca breviceps (Schneider, 1799). The Reptiles include (Aspideretes gangeticus (Cuvier, 1825), Calotes versicolor (Daudin,1802), Laudakia badakhshan (Anderson and Leviton, 1969), Laudakia himalyana(Steindachner,1869), Laudakia nuristanica (Anderson and Leviton, 1969), Laudakia pakistanica(Baig, 1989), Eublepharis macularius (Blyth, 1854), Agamura persica (Dumeril, 1856), Cyrtopodion kachhense (Stoliczka, 1872), Cyrtopodion potoharense (Khan, 2001), Hemidactylus brookii (Gray, 1845), Hemidactylus flaviviridis(Ruppell, 1835), Hemidactylus leschenaultii (Dumeril and Bibron, 1836), Mesalina watsonana(Stoliczka, 1872), Ophisops jerdonii(Blyth, 1853), Ablepharus grayanus(Stoliczka, 1872), Eutropis dissimilis (Hallowel, 1860), Scincella Himalayana (Gunther, 1864), Eurylepis taeniolatus(Blyth, 1854), Varanus bengalensis(Daudin, 1802), Varanus flavescens(Hardwicke and Gray 1827), Amphiesma stolatum(Linnaeus, 1758), Lycodon striatus (Shaw, 1802), Oligodon arnensis (Shaw, 1802), Platyceps rhodorachis(Jan, 1865), Platyceps ventromaculatus (Gray and Hardwicke, 1834), Ptyas mucosus(Linnaeus, 1758), Spalerosophis schirazianus(Jan, 1865), Xenochrophis piscator(Schneider, 1799), Bungarus caeruleus(Schneider, 1801), Naja oxiana(Eichwald, 1831) and Echis carinatus (Schneider, 1820).In the current research the turtle Aspideretes gangeticus was first time reported from Ghurghushtu tehsil Khudokhail District Buner. Natural zone was dominant ecological zone on species richness leading by cultivated zone however urban zone have the least species richness.
Article
Full-text available
We summarise the distribution of the two species of the genus Natrix occurring in Bulgaria, based on records from 147 peer-reviewed publications, grey literature, and data repositories, combined with unpublished data. This is the first extensive mapping for N. natrix; records fall in 560 cells of the 10-km MGRS/UTM grid, of which 102 cells (18.2%) were with published information we could not confirm with new data, 175 (31.2%) were with published and confirmed, and 283 (50.5%) were with new localities. For N. tessellata we increased the number of cells with records by 64% compared to the 2011 mapping, by identifying 445 cells with localities: 162 cells (36.4%) were previously published and unconfirmed, 152 (34.1%) were published and confirmed, and 131 (29.4%) were with new data. Gross climatic conditions for records with exact locations were assigned following the Köppen-Geiger classification; the distribution for both species does not seem to be highly correlated to climate as they were found in 9 of the 12 Köppen-Geiger classes present, only missing from the 3 classes that are limited to high elevations in Bulgaria and account for less than 1% of the area. The vertical distribution of the observations supports our knowledge that the species are most numerous at lower elevations (92.4% of records were <1000 m above sea level for N. natrix and 92.6% were <500 m for N. tessellata). Higher elevations and some lowlands remain relatively understudied and future sampling will likely reveal new localities for both species.
Article
Full-text available
The first Aegean wall lizard, Podarcis erhardii, documented on Paros Island, Cyclades, Greece
Article
Full-text available
In the westernmost parts of its distribution area Ophisops elegans has to share its potential habitat with a number of other lacertid species, which are absent for the greater part in the more central parts of its distribution area. This higher biotic stress is added to stronger physiological constraints posed by lower temperatures. These factors restrict its possibilities adn probably eventually cause the distribution limit.
Article
Full-text available
During a field study in 1983-1984 in a 200 km 2 study area in the south of Evros province (Greece) the presence of 11 lizard species was established. For every species a distribution map within the area is supplied. In different parts of the area thc lizards formed different species combinations. Ophisops elegans appeared to vicariate in certain terrains with both Podarcis erhardii and P. taurica. By studying habitat selection and activity patterns of all species data on spatial and temporal niche segregation could be obtained. The activity patterns of all species were strongly influenced by exposition and altitude. In some species a strong altitude influence was also measured on growth and some other life history data. Some pairs of morphologically or ecologically related species are compared in more detail. Some species occurred in very high densities (Lacerta viridis up to 500, Ablepharus kitaibelii up to 1100 ind./ha). Tail loss frequencies of all species are given. For many birds of prey they formed an essential food source.
Article
Full-text available
The area surrounding and including Dadia Forest, north‐eastern Greece, is well known for its diversity of breeding raptors, including many species of conservation concern. Dadia Forest has been exploited by humans for many centuries, but more recent social and economic changes have stimulated proposals that the forest should be subject to habitat management to protect the fauna of the region. We examined the distribution of reptiles over nine different habitat types with a view to assessing the importance of these habitats for foraging by short‐toed eagles Circaetus gallicus. In addition, data on the diet of the species were collected from direct observations at nests. The short‐toed eagle relies heavily on snakes for food. The most important prey species was the grass snake Nutrix natrix, although the Montpellier snake Malpolon monspessulunus and large whip snake Coluber jugularis also featured prominently as prey items at certain nests. Montpellier snakes and large whip snakes were distributed across all habitat types, but grass snakes were concentrated in areas of mainly intensive, but also non‐intensive, cultivation. Analysis showed that short‐toed eagles concentrated their foraging efforts in three habitat types: intensive and non‐intensive cultivation and grasslands. Grass snakes were abundant on cultivated land but relatively scarce on grassland. Forested areas were largely avoided by foraging eagles. The data show that for the short‐toed eagle the distribution and abundance of prey items on the ground does not reflect food availability. The possible effect of changes in habitat management on the short‐toed eagle population in Dadia is discussed, in particular the establishment of exclusion zones that could result in progressive canopy closure.
Article
Remark: this isn't the "real"atlas! This is a book Review of the Atlas; the author of the book Review is Tim Halliday.
Review of the reptiles (Reptilia) in the Eastern Rhodopes Assessment of existing information on biodiversity in the Eastern Rhodopes
PETROV B. 2002. Review of the reptiles (Reptilia) in the Eastern Rhodopes. -In: Project report, Assessment of existing information on biodiversity in the Eastern Rhodopes. Bulg. Soc. Protect. Birds, UN Devel. Progr., p. 12.
Zur Verbreitung von Vipera xanthina (Gray, 1849) in Griechenland (Serpentes: Viperidae)
TIEDEMANN F., GRILLITSCH H.. 1986. Zur Verbreitung von Vipera xanthina (Gray, 1849) in Griechenland (Serpentes: Viperidae). – Salamandra, 22 (4): 272-275.
Action plan for conservation of tortoises in Bulgaria
  • Petrov B Beshkov V
  • Popgeorgiev G
PETROV B., BESHKOV V., POPGEORGIEV G., PLACHIISKI D. 2004. Action plan for conservation of tortoises in Bulgaria. Bulg. Soc. Protect. Birds, Bulg. Biodiv. Found., Nat. Mus. Natur. Hist., 58 pp. (In Bulgarian, summ. Engl.).
On the distribution, relative abundance and protection of tortoises in Bulgaria
BESHKOV V. 1993. On the distribution, relative abundance and protection of tortoises in Bulgaria. -Chelonian Conservation and Biology, 1 (1): 53-62.