Distribution updates to amphibian and reptile fauna for the Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

Macedonia, as a part of the Balkan Peninsula, ranks among the most important regions in terms of amphibian and reptile biodiversity. Thus far, 14 amphibian and 32 reptile species have been found to occur in Macedonia, but with some exceptions among reptiles, the distribution of most of taxa is poorly understood and/or records have only rarely been published. We report here records on 10 amphibian and 28 reptile taxa from 85 different localities covering most of the habitats in Macedonia. Despite the field survey was conducted during two weeks in June 2014 only, we have recorded new distribution data for 22 reptile species.

Full text

Introduction
The Balkan Peninsula is considered to be a biodiver-
sity hotspot for European biotas (Gaston and David,
1994; Džukić and Kalezić, 2004; Griffiths et al., 2004;
Hewitt, 2011). However, many regions of the Balkans
are still poorly evaluated in terms of basic zoological
research, i.e. species distributions and their occurrence
patterns. Macedonia is an inland country situated in the
central part of the Balkans. The territory of Macedo-
nia covers an area of 25,713 km2 and includes several
important geomorphological units, such as the Vardar
River valley, the Helenides, the Dinaric range and the
Thrace-Macedonian massif within three main biogeo-
graphic-climate regions extending in the country: Al-
pine, Continental and Mediterranean (Král, 2001; Reed
et al., 2004; Melovski et al., 2013). For herpetofauna,
this part of the Balkans has presumably served as micro-
refugia for some species (e.g. Lacerta viridis complex,
Marzahn et al., 2016), as a contact zone of different
evolutionary lineages of species after the Last Glacial
Maximum (e.g., Triturus spp., Wielstra et al., 2014;
Natrix natrix, Kindler et al., 2013) or as a presumable
migration corridor for several Mediterranean elements
(e.g. Testudo graeca, Mediodactylus kotschyi, Platy-
ceps najadum, Zamenis situla; Crnobrnja-Isailović and
Aleksić, 1999; Tomović et al., 2014; Sterijovski et al.,
2014).
Species composition of amphibians and reptiles in
the Republic of Macedonia is fairly well known (e.g.
Gasc et al., 1997; Sillero et al., 2014, 2015) but the exact
distribution of most of the species in the country is not
very well documented. Based on present knowledge,
the fauna of Macedonia includes 14 amphibian species
and 32 reptile species with respect to current taxonomy
(sensu Speybroeck et al., 2010).
There were some recent advances on new records
published (e.g. Rot-Nikćević et al., 2001; Džukić et
al., 2005, 2008; Vukov et al., 2006; Sidorovska, 2010;
Žagar et al., 2013; Wielstra et al., 2014), especially for
Herpetology Notes, volume 9: 201-220 (2016) (published online on 14 October 2016)
Distribution updates to amphibian and reptile fauna for the
Republic of Macedonia
Marcel Uhrin1,*, Peter Havaš2, Martin Minařík3, Karel Kodejš3, Imrich Bugoš2, Stanislav Danko2, Tomáš Husák4,
Daniel Koleska4 and Daniel Jablonski5
1 Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, P.J.
Šafárik University, Moyzesova 11, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia.
2 Fauna Carpatica, Maďarská 5, 040 13 Košice, Slovakia.
3 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles Univer-
sity in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
4 Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology,
Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sci-
ences Prague, Kamýcká 129, CZ– 165 21 Prague 6, Czech
Republic.
5 Department of Zoology, Comenius University in Bratislava,
Mlynská dolina, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia.
* Corresponding author e-mail: marcel.uhrin@gmail.com
Abstract. Macedonia, as a part of the Balkan Peninsula, ranks among the most important regions in terms of amphibian and
reptile biodiversity. Thus far, 14 amphibian and 32 reptile species have been found to occur in Macedonia, but with some ex-
ceptions among reptiles, the distribution of most of taxa is poorly understood and/or records have only rarely been published.
We report here records on 10 amphibian and 28 reptile taxa from 85 different localities covering most of the habitats in Mace-
donia. Despite the field survey was conducted during two weeks in June 2014 only, we have recorded new distribution data
for 22 reptile species.
Keywords. Amphibia, Reptilia, new records, Balkan Peninsula, mapping, chorology.

Marcel Uhrin et al.
202
reptiles, where a comprehensive review has just recently
been provided (Sterijovski et al., 2014). However, there
are still species whose occurrence is poorly known.
Therefore, we present here the results of short but
extensive field study on amphibians and reptiles in the
country with a distribution updates for several species.
Material and methods
A herpetological field survey conducted across the
whole country was carried out during two weeks in
June 2014. Altogether, 86 localities representing most
regions of Macedonia (Table 1) were surveyed. We re-
corded the geographic coordinates (WGS84 system) and
altitude
of all visited localities as well as other relevant
faunistic data. The distribution data of individual species
or
species complexes are presented in Universal Trans-
verse Mercator (UTM) grid maps with the resolution of
squares of 10×10 km (Figures 1–3). All herpetological
findings were properly documented in the field and most
of them were photographed (individuals and habitats).
Records were compared with data presented in sum-
mary accounts (Gasc et al., 1997; Sterijovski et al., 2014;
Sillero et al., 2014, 2015) and with other works related
to regional herpetofauna (Džukić et al., 2005, 2008; Vu-
kov et al., 2006; Sidorovska, 2010; Jelić et al., 2013;
Žagar et al., 2013). Species identification followed Ar-
nold and Ovenden (2002), taxonomy and nomenclature
were adopted from Speybroeck et al. (2010), consider-
ing also recent taxonomical revisions pertaining to bat-
racho- and herpetofauna of this region (e.g. Wielstra et
al., 2013; Hedges et al., 2014).
Results and discussion
A list of all recorded species is presented in Table 1. In
total, we obtained 289 amphibian and reptile records of
38 species (79% of the total number of known species
of Macedonia). Ten of them were amphibians and 28
reptiles, which represent 64% and 85% of all species
known from Macedonia. In comparison with the results
of Sterijovski et al. (2014) we have found 62 new grid
records in a resolution of 10×10 UTM for 22 reptile spe-
cies (Figures 2 and 3).
Below we provide a list of recorded species (arranged
by taxonomic groups and families) with a number of
records given in parentheses after scientific taxa name
and with a short description of the species distribution
in the country and a list of new sites with information
on the site altitude. When appropriate, comments on the
circumstances of the record and/or biological, ecologi-
cal and biogeographical notes were added.
Amphibia
Salamandridae
Salamandra salamandra (Linnaeus, 1758) (N=4) (Tab.
1, Fig. 1)
Occurrence in Macedonia: According to reported cho-
rological data (Gasc et al., 1997; Sillero et al., 2014,
2015), fire salamanders are probably widespread mostly
in the mountain regions of the country.
Comments: We recorded fire salamanders at four sites;
three records were made at higher altitude (887, 929,
1,680 m) and one (Treska river Gorge; Figs 4A and 5A)
represented a relatively low elevation for this species in
the Balkans region (319 m; cf. Jablonski et al., 2013).
The latter site is situated out of the species range delin-
eated by available chorological data (Gasc et al., 1997;
Sillero et al., 2014, 2015).
Triturus sp. (N=1) (Tab. 1, Fig. 1)
Occurrence in Macedonia: From the genus Triturus
Rafinesque, 1815, two species occur in Macedonia,
T. ivanbureschi Arntzen & Wielstra, 2013 and T
macedonicus (Karaman, 1922), but accurate data on
their distribution are still lacking (Wielstra et al., 2014).
Both species have a contact zone of their ranges in the
eastern part of the country (Wielstra et al., 2014).
Comments: We recorded several newt larvae in Dojran
Lake, near Mrdaja village (153 m). Species affiliation
of the specimens was not possible to confirm but so far
only T. macedonicus was reported to occur in the vicin-
ity of Dojran Lake (Wielstra et al., 2014).
Bombinatoridae
Bombina variegata (Linnaeus, 1758) (N=5) (Tab. 1,
Fig. 1)
Occurrence in Macedonia: Probably a widespread spe-
cies over the entire country (Gasc et al., 1997; Sillero et
al., 2014, 2015).
Comments: We recorded yellow-bellied toads at five
sites in four 10×10 km quadrates in altitudes from 303
(Treska River Gorge) to 1,601 (Baba in Galičica Mts.)
metres. The record in the central part of the country
(Toplica village, 677 m) is situated out of previously
delineated range (Gasc et al., 1997; Sillero et al., 2014,
2015).
Pelobatidae
Pelobates syriacus Boettger, 1889 (N=2) (Tab. 1, Fig. 1)
Occurrence in Macedonia: Probably a widespread low-

land species, missing only from the mountain ranges in
the north of the country (Gasc et al., 1997; Sillero et al.,
2014, 2015). Data about the occurrence are concentrated
along the Vardar River including its tributaries and near
larger lakes (Dojran, Prespa and Ohrid regions; Džukić
et al., 2005, 2008).
Comments: We recorded P. syriacus at two previously
known localities (Dojran and Prespa Lakes) (Džukić et
al., 2008).
Bufonidae
Bufo bufo (Linnaeus, 1758) (N=8) (Tab. 1, Fig. 1)
Occurrence in Macedonia: Widespread in the eastern
and southern parts of the country (Gasc et al., 1997; Sil-
lero et al., 2014, 2015).
Comments: We recorded B. bufo at eight sites in the
regions of two large lakes (Dojran and Prespa Lakes)
and along the Vardar River valley prevailingly on lower
altitudes (120–854 m). Records near Glumovo (282 m)
and Dolna Matka villages (316 m) are situated out of
previously delineated range (Gasc et al., 1997; Sillero et
al., 2014, 2015) of this species in Macedonia.
Bufo viridis Laurenti, 1768 complex (N=6) (Tab. 1, Fig.
1)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The distribution pattern is
not yet fully known (Gasc et al., 1997; Sillero et al.,
2014, 2015).
Figure 1. Maps of the distribution of amphibian species. Records are presented in the 10×10 km UTM mapping quadrates cover-
ing the territory of Macedonia. Dark orange circles – our records; grey circle – data by Sidorovska (2010). For precise site data,
see Table 1.
Distribution updates to amphibian and reptile fauna for the Republic of Macedonia 203

Comments: We found specimen of this species com-
plex at six sites in Macedonia, among them record near
Dolna Matka village (352 m) is situated out of previ-
ously delineated species range in this region (Gasc et al.,
1997; Sillero et al., 2014, 2015). Because two species
of the “viridis” complex probably occur in the area of
Macedonia, B. variabilis (Pallas, 1769) in the eastern
part and B. viridis s. str. in the western part of the coun-
try (cf. Stöck et al., 2009), exact species affiliation is not
possible applying morphological identification only.
Hylidae
Hyla arborea (Linnaeus, 1758) complex (N=2) (Tab. 1,
Fig. 1)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The current distribution
knowledge is limited to eastern and southern parts of
the country (Sillero et al., 2014, 2015).
Comments: We recorded this species at two sites
(Nikolić village, Stenje village) near large lakes (Dojran
Lake and Prespa Lake). Hyla arborea s. str. occurs in
Macedonia; however, the occurrence of H. orientalis
Bedriaga, 1890, in the eastern part of the country could
not be excluded (cf. Stöck et al., 2012; Gvoždík et al.,
2015). The distribution status of the latter species is gen-
erally not well known.
Ranidae
Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771) (N=17) (Tab. 1,
Fig. 1)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The marsh frog is wide-
spread in different types of water habitats throughout
the whole country (Gasc et al., 1997; Sillero et al., 2014,
2015), similarly as in neighbouring countries (cf. Hax-
hiu, 1994; Krizmanić, 2008; Vukov et al., 2013).
Comments: Our observations (altogether 17 site records)
together with several exactly located records available
from Macedonia (Sidorovska, 2010) considerably sup-
plemented the pattern of distribution of this species pre-
viously delineated in 50×50 km quadrates only (Gasc et
al., 1997; Sillero et al., 2014, 2015).
Rana dalmatina Fitzinger, 1838 (N=4) (Tab. 1, Fig. 1)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The occurrence of the agile
frog in Macedonia is limited to the mountainous regions
on the eastern and western country borders (Gasc et al.,
1997; Sillero et al., 2014, 2015). The lack of occurrence
data from the central part of the country could be due
to the low level of surveillance since the species is
commonly widespread in neighbouring countries from
sea level to 1,500 metres (Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, and
Serbia: Haxhiu, 1994; Valakos et al., 2008; Jablonski,
2011; Stojanov et al., 2011; Vukov et al., 2013).
Comments: We recorded this species at four sites in two
regions, Dojran and Mrdaja villages near Dojran Lake
and near Magarevo village in Pelister Mts. Latter records
were made at altitudes of 1,286 and 1,626 metres, that
are relatively high compared with the altitude data from
Albania or Bulgaria (Haxhiu, 1994; Stojanov et al.,
2011).
Rana temporaria Linnaeus, 1758 (N=2) (Tab. 1, Fig. 1)
Occurrence in Macedonia: Precise data from Macedonia
are missing; the species is reported to occur in northern
mountain regions only (Gasc et al., 1997; Sillero et al.,
2014, 2015).
Comments: We reported this species at two already
known sites (Šar Planina Mt., Popovac Šapka,
2,241 m; Vrben village, 1,289 m) in the western part of
the country, where the species was recently reported
as common by Sidorovska (2010).
Reptilia
Testudinidae
Testudo graeca Linneaus, 1758 (N=7) (Tab. 1, Fig. 2)
Occurrence in Macedonia: A widespread species found
all over the country, with fewer records from the southern
parts (Sterijovski et al. 2014). Records from the western
part of the country should be considered carefully due to
the species range limit; records in neighbouring Albania
were considered doubtful (Haxhiu, 1998; Haxhiu and
Oruçi, 2001; Buskirk et al., 2001; Jablonski, 2011).
New records: Krivolak village (155 m), Kurija village
(167 m), Raec River gorge (211 m) (Fig. 4B).
Comments: We made altogether seven observations of
this species in the south-eastern region; new records
considerably supplement the pattern of known species
range in the south-eastern region of the country.
Testudo hermanni Gmelin, 1789 (N=20) (Tab. 1, Fig. 2)
Occurrence in Macedonia: A widespread and relative-
ly abundant species, absent in the highest mountains
(Ljubisavljević et al., 2014; Sterijovski et al., 2014).
New records: Gevgelija near Vardar River (58 m),
Gjavato village (58 m), Gorni Disan village (406 m),
Kosel village (770 m), Pretor village (854 m), Tikveš
Lake (290 m), Vataša village (350 m), Vataša village
(Luda Mara river) (401 m).
Comments: Hermann’s tortoise seems to be a common
Marcel Uhrin et al.
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Distribution updates to amphibian and reptile fauna for the Republic of Macedonia 205
Figure 2. Maps of the distribution of reptile species with new records. Records are presented in 10×10 km UTM mapping quad-
rates covering the territory of Macedonia and comparing with previously known species distribution patterns (grey colour; sensu
Sidorovska, 2010; Žagar et al., 2013; Sterijovski et al., 2014). Dark orange circles – records re-confirmed occurrence in quadrates
by new records of this study; red circles – new occupied quadrates based on our new records. For precise site data, see Table 1.

species in the country; we made twenty observations
covering the range provided by Sterijovski et al. (2014).
At four sites we recorded syntopic occurrence of T.
hermanni and T. graeca: Dedeli village, Kurija village,
Nikolić village and Pretor village.
Geoemydidae
Mauremys rivulata (Valenciennes, 1833) (N=1) (Tab.
1, Fig. 2)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The Balkan terrapin is prob-
ably a very rare species in Macedonia, where only a few
records are known from across the Vardar River valley
and in the surroundings of Dojran Lake (cf. Sterijovski
et al., 2014).
New record: Dedeli village (205 m).
Comments: We observed one killed adult female (Fig.
4C) ca. 1.6 km south of Dedeli village. This finding, to-
gether with records from Dojran Lake from 2010 (Žagar
et al., 2013) confirm the contemporary occurrence of
this rare species in this region.
Emydidae
Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758) (N=3) (Tab. 1, Fig. 2)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The range of the European
pond turtle in Macedonia is represented by scarce data
dispersed almost all over the country where species oc-
currence is limited to suitable water habitats and laying
sites (Sterijovski et al., 2014).
New records: Gevgelija near Vardar River (58 m), Ra-
dobor village (588 m).
Comments: Sterijovski et al. (2014) reported this spe-
cies for eleven UTM squares. We recorded it at three
sites, two of which could be considered as new.
Gekkonidae
Mediodactylus kotschyi (Steindachner, 1870) (N=6)
(Tab. 1, Fig. 2)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The species range in Mac-
edonia is limited to the Vardar River valley (Sterijovski
et al., 2014; Sillero et al., 2014, 2015). Outside this re-
gion only one observation was reported, from the west-
ern part of the country (Debar; Sidorovska, 2010).
New records: Krivolak village (120 m), Dolna Matka
village (309 m), Novo Konsko village (Konska reka
river) (198 m), Pepelište village (126 m) (Fig. 4D).
Comments: Our records at six sites supported the gen-
eral occurrence pattern (e.g. Sterijovski et al., 2014),
with the new record as the northernmost site at Dolna
Matka village.
Lacertidae
Algyroides nigropunctatus (Duméril and Bibron, 1839)
(N=3) (Tab. 1, Fig. 2)
Occurrence in Macedonia: A rare species with a south-
ern distribution limit between Ohrid and the Prespa
Lakes region and with a possibly isolated population
recorded in the Treska River valley (Sterijovski et al.,
2014).
Comments: We recorded this species in relatively high
abundance (tens of individuals) at three already known
sites (Dolna Matka village, Trpejca village, north of
Stenje village).
Lacerta trilineata Bedriaga, 1886 (N=18) (Tab. 1, Fig. 2)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The species is among the
most common representatives of Macedonian reptilian
fauna and is widespread all over the country (Sterijovski
et al., 2014).
New records: Asamati village (878 m), Gjavato village
(58 m), Nikolić village (288 m), Raec River gorge (211
m), Toplica village (577 m, 677 m).
Comments: We made observations at 18 different sites
in various parts of Macedonia which corresponded with
the previous view on the species distribution. Records
from new quadrates supplemented the species distribu-
tion mainly in the southern part of the country.
Lacerta viridis (Laurenti, 1768) complex (N=15) (Tab.
1, Fig. 2)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The green lizard is a com-
mon, abundant and widespread species in Macedonia
(Sterijovski et al., 2014).
New records: Gorno Perovo vilage (859 m), Kastiljo
(Pčinja River) (274 m), Nikolić village (160 m, 199 m),
Radobor village (580 m), Sveti Naum (695 m).
Comments: We documented this species at 21 sites
throughout the country; five new records contributed to
new data for five UTM quadrates. The species is locally
abundant; we observed tens of individuals in several
sites (Kurija village, Dolna Matka village, Nikolić vil-
lage, Radobor village, Stenje village).
Podarcis erhardii (Bedriaga, 1876) (N=5) (Tab. 1, Fig.
2)
Occurrence in Macedonia: Erhard’s wall lizard is
Marcel Uhrin et al.
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Distribution updates to amphibian and reptile fauna for the Republic of Macedonia 207
Figure 3. Maps of the distribution of reptile species with new records. See the legend to Figure 2 for more details.

Marcel Uhrin et al.
208
a common and locally abundant species in Macedonia
(Sterijovski et al., 2014).
New records: Kosel village (777 m), Pretor village (854
m).
Comments: We recorded this species at five sites only,
with two localities situated in new UTM quadrates. The
species was found at some sites in abundant (more than
ten observed individuals) populations (Pretor village,
Dolna Matka village).
Podarcis muralis (Laurenti, 1768) (N=18) (Tab. 1, Fig.
2)
Occurrence in Macedonia: As with the previous species,
the common wall lizard is widespread and found locally
abundant in Macedonia (Sterijovski et al., 2014).
New records: Kosel village (770 m), Ohrid (old town)
(729 m).
Comments: We recorded 18 sites in 12 quadrates, which
confirm the common occurrence of this species in
Macedonia.
Podarcis tauricus (Pallas, 1814) (N=4) (Tab. 1, Fig. 2)
Occurrence in Macedonia: Records of the Balkan wall
lizard are dispersed throughout the central and south-
western parts of the country (Sterijovski et al., 2014).
New records: Gevgelija near the Vardar River (58 m),
Pretor village (854 m).
Comments: We recorded this lizard at four sites within
three quadrates, two of them being new. Abundant pop-
ulations were observed, e.g. near Stenje village, where
the species occurred in synthopy with two other taxa
(Fig. 4E).
Zootoca vivipara (Lichtenstein, 1823) (N=1) (Tab. 1,
Fig. 2)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The viviparous lizard repre-
sents a Euro-Siberian faunal element with a range lim-
ited to the highest mountains in the northern and north-
western parts of Macedonia (Sterijovski et al., 2014).
Comments: We recorded this species at an only site
(Popova Šapka) in already known area at high elevation
(2,057 and 2,157 metres) at the Šar Planina Mt.
Scincidae
Ablepharus kitaibelii Bibron and Bory de Saint-Vin-
cent, 1833 (N=1) (Tab. 1, Fig. 2)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The scarcity of snake-eyed
skink distribution in Macedonia (Sterijovski et al.,
2014) was recently supplemented by one record from
2010 reported from the Dojran Lake region (Žagar et
al., 2013).
New record: Trojaci village (549 m).
Comments: Our observation in Trojaci village from
central Macedonia represents a new site outside the pre-
viously delineated range (Fig. 4F and 5C).
Anguidae
Anguis fragilis Linnaeus, 1758 complex (N=5) (Tab. 1,
Fig. 2)
Occurrence in Macedonia: Two species of slow worms
occur in Macedonia (Jablonski et al., 2016) where are
they considered as common (Sterijovski et al., 2014).
Comments: In total, we found this taxon on five sites in
the western part of the country at altitudes of 920–1,630
meters within the previously known range. Based on ex-
ternal morphology inspection only, these records could
not be assigned to any of two species of slow worms,
Anguis fragilis Linnaeus, 1758 s. str. and A. graeca
Bedriaga, 1881, which occur in this part of Macedonia
(Jablonski et al., 2016). However, according to the dis-
tribution pattern presented by Jablonski et al. (2016) we
can expect that both recorded localities in SW Macedo-
nia (Magarevo and Stenje villages) inhabits A. graeca.
Pseudopus apodus (Pallas, 1775) (N=2) (Tab. 1, Fig. 2)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The glass lizard has a very
limited range in Macedonia, with confirmed occurrence
in the southern part of the Vardar River valley, including
the region of Dojran Lake only, where it was confirmed
from at beginning of the herpetological research in the
country (Doflein, 1921) as well as recently (Sterijovski
et al., 2014).
Comments: We only re-confirmed the occurrence of
this species at two known sites in the vicinity of Dojran
Lake (Nikolić village, Nov Dojran).
Typhlopidae
Xerotyphlops vermicularis (Merrem, 1820) (N=2) (Tab.
1, Fig. 3)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The range of the worm snake
in Macedonia is limited to the Vardar River valley and
isolated occurrences in the north-east part (Sterijovski
et al., 2014).
New record: Baltalija village (332 m).
Comments: Large numbers of individuals were
recorded near Nikolić village. At the new locality in
Baltalija village, one dead specimen was found on the
road.

Distribution updates to amphibian and reptile fauna for the Republic of Macedonia 209
Figure 4. Some representatives of batrachofauna and herpetofauna from Macedonia. A – Salamandra salamandra, a juvenile
individual from the Treska River Gorge near Dolna Matka village. B – Testudo graeca, an adult individual from Krivolak village.
C – Mauremys rivulata, an adult female killed near Dedeli village. D – Mediodactylus kotschyi, an adult individual from Krivolak
village. E – Podarcis tauricus (bottom), P. erhardii (middle), P. muralis (top), adult individuals occurring in syntopy near Stenje
village (Prespa Lake). F – Ablepharus kitaibelii, an adult male from Trojaci village. G – Eryx jaculus, a subadult individual from
the Kurija village vicinity. H – Elaphe quatuorlineata, an adult female from Gevgelija near the Vardar River.

Marcel Uhrin et al.
210
Site name Date Coordinates
N/E
Altitude
[m a. s. l.]
Salamandra salamandra
Triturus sp.
Bombina variegata
Pelobates syriacus
Bufo bufo
Bufo viridis
complex
Hyla arborea complex
Pelophylax ridibundus
Rana dalmatina
Rana temporaria
Testudo graeca
Testudo hermanni
Mauremys rivulata
Emys orbicularis
Mediodactylus kotschyi
Algyroides nigropunctatus
Lacerta trilineata
Lacerta viridis complex
Podarcis erhardii
Podarcis muralis
Asamati village (Prespa Lake) 8. 6. 2014 40°58' 21⁰03' 880 1*
Baba (Galičica Mt.) 8. & 10. 6. 2014 40°57' 20°49' 1,600 9 1
Babuna village 5. 6. 2014 41°41' 21°48' 172 1 >10 1
Baltalija village 7. 6. 2014 41°37' 22°15' 333 2
Bibaj (Korab Mt.) 9. 6. 2014 41°43' 20°37' 1,175 >5
Bilbil Kamen (Bitola) 7. 6. 2014 41°02' 21°18' 676
Brli kamen (Galičica Mt.) 10. 6.2014 40°57' 20°48' 1,353 >10
Bučište village 6. 6. 2014 41°56' 22°11' 387
Carina village 8. 6. 2014 40°57' 20°53' 1,053 1
Crkvino village 5. 6. 2014 41°39' 21°48' 276–356 1 2 >10
Crničani village 6.–8. 6. 2014 41°14' 22°38' 176–256 >10 1 1
Dedeli village 1 7. 6. 2014 41°16' 22°36' 165 1 1
Dedeli village 2 5. 6. 2014 41°16' 22°36' 205 1*
Dervenska klisura Gorge 7. 6. 2014 41°37' 22°17' 371
Dojran (Nov Dojran, Star Dojran) (Dojran Lake) 6.–8. 6. 2014 41°12' 22°42' 143–178 1 >10 1 8 1 1
Dolna Matka village 1 (Treska River Gorge) 6., 7. & 9. 6. 2014 41°57' 21°17' 296–450 1 1 2 >10* >10
Dolna Matka village 2 (Treska River Gorge) 9. 6. 2014 41°56' 21°18' 296–450 1 1 1 >10 1 >10
Frangovo village 9. 6. 2014 41°08' 20°37' 752 >10
Gevgelija (Vardar River) 9. 6. 2014 41°09' 22°30' 58 >5 1* 3*
Gjavato village 8. 6. 2014 41°10' 22°32' 58 2* >5*
Gjavato village (Vardar River) 9. 6. 2014 41°11' 22°31' 60 1 3
Glumovo village 9. 6. 2014 41°59' 21°19' 282 1
Gorna Bela Crkva village 11. 6. 2014 41°03' 21°01' 862
Gorni Disan village 9. 6. 2014 41°24' 22°06' 406 1*
Gorno Perovo village 8. & 11. 6. 2014 41°01' 20°59' 859 2*
Heraclea Lyncestis (Bitola) 12. 6. 2014 41°00' 21°20' 614–630 >5
Kalin Kamen (Sveta voda) (Osogovski Planini Mts.) 6. 6. 2014 42°11' 22°23' 1,285 1 >5
Kastiljo (Pčinja River) 5. 6. 2014 41°50' 21°41' 274 1*
Koritski rid (Galičica Mt.) 8. 6. 2014 40°58' 20°48' 1,353–1,422 1
Table 1. A review of amphibian and reptile records from Macedonia (June 2014). An asterisk (*) represents a new species site for Macedonia as compared with previously published data (for
details see the species accounts in the text).

Table 1. Continued.
Distribution updates to amphibian and reptile fauna for the Republic of Macedonia 211

6LWHQDPH 'DWH &RRUGLQDWHV
1(
$OWLWXGH
>PDVO@
6DODPDQGUDVDODPDQGUD
7ULWXUXVVS
%RPELQDYDULHJDWD
3HOREDWHVV\ULDFXV
%XIREXIR
%XIRYLULGLVFRPSOH[
+\ODDUERUHDFRPSOH[
3HORSK\OD[ULGLEXQGXV
5DQDGDOPDWLQD
5DQDWHPSRUDULD
7HVWXGRJUDHFD
7HVWXGRKHUPDQQL
0DXUHP\VULYXODWD
(P\VRUELFXODULV
0HGLRGDFW\OXVNRWVFK\L
$OJ\URLGHVQLJURSXQFWDWXV
/DFHUWDWULOLQHDWD
/DFHUWDYLULGLVFRPSOH[
3RGDUFLVHUKDUGLL
3RGDUFLVPXUDOLV
.RVHOYLOODJH      
.UDMQDSORV*DOLþLFD0W                       !
.UDWRYR.UDWRYVNDUHND5LYHU    
.ULYD3DODQND.ULYDUHND5LYHU                       
.ULYRODNYLOODJH   ±   !   
.XULMDYLOODJH               !      !  
/HVNRHFYLOODJH    
0DJDUHYRYLOODJH,]YLGQLFD3HOLVWHU0WV                       !
0DYURYL$QRYLYLOODJH     ! 
0DYURYL$QRYLYLOODJH                       !
0RLQYLOODJH   ± 
0UGDMDYLOODJH'RMUDQ/DNH     !  !    !            
0UGDMDYLOODJH'RMUDQ/DNH     
0U]HQFLYLOODJH   ±                    
1DVHOED'DPMDQ    
1LNROLüYLOODJH'RMUDQ/DNH   ±        !         ! !  
1LNROLüYLOODJH'RMUDQ/DNH    
1RYR.RQVNRYLOODJH.RQVNDUHND5LYHU                       
2KULGROGWRZQ    !
2UDãDFYLOODJH                       
2WHãHYRYLOODJH3UHVSD/DNH   ± 
3HSHOLãWHYLOODJH                       
3LUDYDYLOODJH    
3RNUYHQLNYLOODJH3UHVSD/DNH                       
3RSRYDâDSNDâDU3ODQLQD0W   ±  
3RSRYDâDSNDâDU3ODQLQD0W             !          
3RSRYDâDSNDâDU3ODQLQD0W   
 !
3UHWRUYLOODJH3UHVSD/DNH           !    !       ! !
5DERUFLYLOODJH   



Table 1. Continued.
Marcel Uhrin et al.
212

6LWHQDPH 'DWH &RRUGLQDWHV
1(
$OWLWXGH
>PDVO@
6DODPDQGUDVDODPDQGUD
7ULWXUXVVS
%RPELQDYDULHJDWD
3HOREDWHVV\ULDFXV
%XIREXIR
%XIRYLULGLVFRPSOH[
+\ODDUERUHDFRPSOH[
3HORSK\OD[ULGLEXQGXV
5DQDGDOPDWLQD
5DQDWHPSRUDULD
7HVWXGRJUDHFD
7HVWXGRKHUPDQQL
0DXUHP\VULYXODWD
(P\VRUELFXODULV
0HGLRGDFW\OXVNRWVFK\L
$OJ\URLGHVQLJURSXQFWDWXV
/DFHUWDWULOLQHDWD
/DFHUWDYLULGLVFRPSOH[
3RGDUFLVHUKDUGLL
3RGDUFLVPXUDOLV
5DEURYRYLOODJH                       
5DGRERUYLOODJH ±  ± !   ! 
5DHF5LYHUJRUJH                       
5DQNRYFHYLOODJH   ±  
5LEQLFDYLOODJH   ±                    
5LEQLFDYLOODJH    
5RVRPDQYLOODJH                       
5RWLQRYLOODJH     
6RILODULYLOODJH.ULYD/DNDYLFD5LYHU ±          !            
6WHQMHYLOODJH ±  ±    ! !   ! ! !
6WHQMHYLOODJH               !    !   ! !
6YHWL1DXP    !  !
âXUOHQFLYLOODJH3UHVSD/DNH                       
7LNYHãNR(]HUR/DNH     
7RSOLFDYLOODJH   ±                    
7RSROþDQLYLOODJH    
7UHEHQLãWDYLOODJH                       
7UQRYDFYLOODJH     
7UQRYRYLOODJH3HOLVWHU0W                       
7URMDFLYLOODJH    
7USHMFDYLOODJH   ±                !    !
9DODQGRYRYLOODJH    
9DWDãDYLOODJH/XGD0DUD5LYHU ±                      
9DWDãDYLOODJH/XGD0DUD5LYHU     
9RMQLNYLOODJH                       
9RMQLNYLOODJH.ULYDUHND5LYHU     
9R]DUFLYLOODJH&UQDUHND5LYHU                       
9UEHQYLOODJH ±  ±   !
1RRIVLWHV                      
1RRIVSHFLPHQ    ! ! !   ! !  !  !   ! ! ! ! ! !


Table 1. Continued.
Distribution updates to amphibian and reptile fauna for the Republic of Macedonia 213
Table 1. Continued.
Site name Date Coordinates
N/E
Altitude
[m a. s. l.]
Podarcis tauricus
Zootoca vivipara
Ablepharus kitaibelii
Anguis fragilis complex
Pseudopus apodus
Xerotyphlops vermicularis
Eryx jaculus
Malpolon insignitus
Natrix natrix
Natrix tessellata
Coronella austriaca
Dolichophis caspius
Elaphe quatuorlineata
Platyceps najadum
Telescopus fallax
Zamenis longissimus
Zamenis situla
Vipera ammodytes
Asamati village (Prespa Lake) 8. 6. 2014 40°58' 21⁰03' 880 1* 1*
Baba (Galičica Mt.) 8. & 10. 6. 2014 40°57' 20°49' 1,600
Babuna village 5. 6. 2014 41°41' 21°48' 172
Baltalija village 7. 6. 2014 41°37' 22°15' 333
1* 1*
Bibaj (Korab Mt.) 9. 6. 2014 41°43' 20°37' 1,175
Bilbil Kamen (Bitola) 7. 6. 2014 41°02' 21°18' 676
1
Brli kamen (Galičica Mt.) 10. 6.2014 40°57' 20°48' 1,353
Bučište village 6. 6. 2014 41°56' 22°11' 387
1*
Carina village 8. 6. 2014 40°57' 20°53' 1,053
Crkvino village 5. 6. 2014 41°39' 21°48' 276–356
1
1
Crničani village 6.–8. 6. 2014 41°14' 22°38' 176–256 1 1* 1 1
Dedeli village 1 7. 6. 2014 41°16' 22°36' 165
1*
Dedeli village 2 5. 6. 2014 41°16' 22°36' 205
Dervenska klisura Gorge 7. 6. 2014 41°37' 22°17' 371
1*
Dojran (Nov Dojran, Star Dojran) (Dojran Lake) 6.–8. 6. 2014 41°12' 22°42' 143–178 1 1 2* 1 1
Dolna Matka village 1 (Treska River Gorge) 6.,
7. & 9. 6. 2014 41°57' 21°17' 296–450
1*
2 1
Dolna Matka village 2 (Treska River Gorge) 9. 6. 2014 41°56' 21°18' 296–450
Frangovo village 9. 6. 2014 41°08' 20°37' 752
Gevgelija (Vardar River) 9. 6. 2014 41°09' 22°30' 58 >10* 1*
Gjavato village 8. 6. 2014 41°10' 22°32' 58
1*
Gjavato village (Vardar River) 9. 6. 2014 41°11' 22°31' 60
Glumovo village 9. 6. 2014 41°59' 21°19' 282
Gorna Bela Crkva village 11. 6. 2014 41°03' 21°01' 862 1 1
Gorni Disan village 9. 6. 2014 41°24' 22°06' 406
Gorno Perovo village 8. & 11. 6. 2014 41°01' 20°59' 859 1* 1
Heraclea Lyncestis (Bitola) 12. 6. 2014 41°00' 21°20' 614–630
1
Kalin Kamen (Sveta voda) (Osogovski Planini Mts.) 6. 6. 2014 42°11' 22°23' 1,285 1
Kastiljo (Pčinja River) 5. 6. 2014 41°50' 21°41' 274
Koritski rid (Galičica Mt.) 8. 6.2014 40°58' 20°48' 1,353–1,422 1

Table 1. Continued.
Marcel Uhrin et al.
214
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0UGDMDYLOODJH'RMUDQ/DNH    
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0U]HQFLYLOODJH   ± 
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1LNROLüYLOODJH'RMUDQ/DNH   ± 
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1RYR.RQVNRYLOODJH.RQVNDUHND5LYHU     
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2KULGROGWRZQ      
2UDãDFYLOODJH    
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2WHãHYRYLOODJH3UHVSD/DNH   ±  
3HSHOLãWHYLOODJH    
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3LUDYDYLOODJH      
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3RNUYHQLNYLOODJH3UHVSD/DNH    
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3RSRYDâDSNDâDU3ODQLQD0W   ±    
3RSRYDâDSNDâDU3ODQLQD0W     
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3RSRYDâDSNDâDU3ODQLQD0W   
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3UHWRUYLOODJH3UHVSD/DNH    !
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5DERUFLYLOODJH       


Table 1. Continued.
Distribution updates to amphibian and reptile fauna for the Republic of Macedonia 215
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5DQNRYFHYLOODJH   ±  
5LEQLFDYLOODJH   ±                  
5LEQLFDYLOODJH    
5RVRPDQYLOODJH                     
5RWLQRYLOODJH   
6RILODULYLOODJH.ULYD/DNDYLFD5LYHU ±                    
6WHQMHYLOODJH ±  ± !     
6WHQMHYLOODJH    !                 
6YHWL1DXP      
âXUOHQFLYLOODJH3UHVSD/DNH                     
7LNYHãNR(]HUR/DNH   
7RSOLFDYLOODJH   ±                  
7RSROþDQLYLOODJH     
7UHEHQLãWDYLOODJH                     
7UQRYDFYLOODJH   
7UQRYRYLOODJH3HOLVWHU0W                     
7URMDFLYLOODJH     
7USHMFDYLOODJH   ±          !        
9DODQGRYRYLOODJH     
9DWDãDYLOODJH/XGD0DUD5LYHU ±                    
9DWDãDYLOODJH/XGD0DUD5LYHU   
9RMQLNYLOODJH                     
9RMQLNYLOODJH.ULYDUHND5LYHU   
9R]DUFLYLOODJH&UQDUHND5LYHU                     
9UEHQYLOODJH ±  ± 
1RRIVLWHV                    
1RRIVSHFLPHQ   !     !    !        


Erycidae
Eryx jaculus (Linnaeus, 1758) (N=1) (Tab. 1, Fig. 3)
Occurrence in Macedonia: This species is very rare in
Macedonia, with only six recorded quadrates without
any recent records (Sterijovski et al. 2014). Historically,
this species was recorded in central Macedonia, in the
Babuna River gorge, Bašino village (both Veles region)
and Ulanci village in the Gradsko region (Dimovski,
1971; Sterijovski et al., 2014).
New record: Kurija village (166 m).
Comments: The historical record from Ulanci village
(Dimovski, 1971) is the closest to our new record lo-
cated near Kurija village. One subadult specimen (male,
ca 30 cm) was found on a local road in a dry habitat with
soft soil conditions (Fig. 4G).
Psammophiidae
Malpolon insignitus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1827)
(N=13) (Tab. 1, Fig. 3)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The distribution of the East-
ern Montpellier snake is probably not yet well docu-
mented; most records were so far from the eastern part
of the country (Sterijovski et al. 2014).
New records: Baltalija village (333 m), Dedeli village
(164 m), Dervenska klisura gorge (371 m), Gjavato vil-
lage (58 m), Gorno Perovo village (859 m), Mojin vil-
lage (151 m), Mrzenci village (84 m), Naselba Damjan
(480 m), Orašac village (330 m), Raec River gorge (211
m), Valandovo (143 m).
Comments: Many new records found with our survey
suggest that species’ distribution in the country is still
under-estimated. Only two of our 13 observations were
situated in previously known UTM quadrates; thus, our
findings considerably supplement the view on the spe-
cies range in Macedonia. Almost all of our records (10)
were specimens found killed on the road, thus we can
assume that the detectability of live individuals is dif-
ficult. It could be the main reason behind the poor distri-
butional knowledge on this species.
Natricidae
Natrix natrix (Linnaeus, 1758) (N=12) (Tab. 1, Fig. 3)
Occurrence in Macedonia: A common and an abundant
species widely distributed throughout the whole coun-
try but lacking from the southern part (Sterijovski et al.
2014).
New records: Asamati village (878 m), Dolna Matka
village (309 m), Mrdaja village (153 m), Pretor village
(854 m), Star Dojran (156 m), Sveti Naum (694 m).
Comments: Four of the 12 records present observations
in new quadrates. Among these records, the most sur-
prising are the observations near Dojran Lake, which
is a region with a long-term tradition of herpetological
research (for review see Sterijovski et al., 2014); only in
2010 was the occurrence of this species confirmed here
by Žagar et al. (2013).
Natrix tessellata (Laurenti, 1768) (N=8) (Tab. 1, Fig.
3)
Occurrence in Macedonia: A widespread and relatively
common species all over the country with a scattered
distribution pattern (Sterijovski et al., 2014).
New records: Crničani village (226 m), Mavrovi Anovi
village (926 m), Mrdaja village (153 m), Sofilari village
(Kriva Lakavica river) (258 m), Sveti Naum (694 m).
Comments: During the survey, a total of seven records
were made with five records in quadrates where the oc-
currence of the species was not previously known.
Colubridae
Coronella austriaca Laurenti, 1768 (N=2) (Tab. 1, Fig.
3)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The smooth snake is a com-
mon species in Macedonia distributed across the coun-
try (Sterijovski et al., 2014).
Comments: We made two observations that only con-
firmed previously known species occurrence in the
north-eastern and south-western parts of the country.
Dolichophis caspius (Gmelin, 1789) (N=14) (Tab. 1,
Fig. 3)
Occurrence in Macedonia: This is a common snake
species in Macedonia occurring throughout the country
(Sterijovski et al., 2014).
New records: Bučište village (387 m), Leskoec village
(739 m), Naselba Damjan (480 m), Rabrovo village
(344 m), Trebeništa village (725 m).
Comments: We recorded the Caspian whip snake at 14
sites; in eight quadrates we confirmed previously re-
ported observations, while five records are in new UTM
quadrates. We have observed frequent cases of road
kills in this species (53% of all finds).
Elaphe quatuorlineata (Bonnaterre, 1790) (N=3) (Tab.
1, Fig. 3)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The range of the four-lined
snake in Macedonia is distributed in two distinct parts;
Marcel Uhrin et al.
216

the western and the central part, with most records from
along the Vardar River valley. An additional region
lies in the Ohrid and Prespa regions, where only a few
records have been reported (Sterijovski et al., 2014).
New record: Gevgelija near the Vardar River (58 m).
Comments: We recorded a new locality of the species
occurrence in the southernmost part of the Vardar River
region (Fig. 4H and 5D).
Platyceps najadum (Eichwald, 1831) (N=2) (Tab. 1,
Fig. 3)
Occurrence in Macedonia: Platyceps najadum has
a distinct distribution in Macedonia, with most records
situated in the eastern part of the country (Sterijovski et
al., 2014).
New record: Mrzenci village (84 m).
Comments: We confirmed this species at two sites in the
south only. Mrzenci village near the Vardar River is
a new site reported from this part of the species range.
Telescopus fallax (Fleischmann, 1831) (N=1) (Tab. 1,
Fig. 3)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The cat snake is very rare
in Macedonia, being confirmed in only eight mapping
quadrates (Sterijovski et al., 2014). Records near the
Dolna Matka village represent the northern distribution
limit for the species in Macedonia.
Comments: Our record (two observations) confirmed
species occurrence near the Dolna Matka village (Tres-
ka River Gorge), where T. fallax was recorded only re-
cently in 2009 (Sterijovski et al., 2014). Probably the
range of this species is not yet fully known due to its
rarity with only occasional finds.
Zamenis longissimus (Laurenti, 1768) (N=6) (Tab. 1,
Fig. 3)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The Aesculapian snake be-
longs among the most common reptiles in Macedonia,
Figure 5. Localities of selected batrachofauna and herpetofauna records from Macedonia. A – Treska River Gorge near Dolna
Matka village as a habitat of Salamandra salamandra, Podarcis erhardii, Algyroides nigropunctatus and Telescopus fallax. B
– Vicinity of Dojran Lake near Nikolić village as a habitat of Lacerta viridis complex, Podarcis muralis, Pseudopus apodus and
Vipera ammodytes. C – New locality of Ablepharus kitaibelii near Trojaci village. D – New locality of Elaphe quatuorlineata
from Gevgelija.
Distribution updates to amphibian and reptile fauna for the Republic of Macedonia 217

with most of the data concentrated in the western and
northern parts of the country (Sterijovski et al., 2014).
New record: Popova Šapka (1279 m).
Comments: We recorded this species at six sites. They
well confirmed the distribution patterns of the species in
the western part of Macedonia. Our new record is from
a higher elevation in the north of the country.
Zamenis situla (Linnaeus, 1758) (N=1) (Tab. 1, Fig. 3)
Occurrence in Macedonia: According to published
data (Sterijovski et al., 2014), the range of the species
in Macedonia is limited to the region along the Vardar
river. Considering the overall species range, occurrence
in the western part of the country cannot be excluded
(cf. Sillero et al., 2014, 2015).
Comments: We recorded the leopard snake at a single
site in the Treska River Gorge (Dolna Matka village).
This observation confirmed species occurrence in the
area ten years after the last record (Sterijovski et al.,
2014).
Viperidae
Vipera ammodytes (Linnaeus, 1758) (N=6) (Tab. 1, Fig.
3)
Occurrence in Macedonia: The nose-horned viper
belongs among the most common reptile species in
Macedonia (Sterijovski et al. 2014), with a very wide
altitudinal distribution (from sea level up to more than
2,000 m) and with a peak around 400–800 m (Jelić et
al., 2013).
New record: Asamati village (878 m).
Comments: We recorded this species at six sites at alti-
tudes from 190–1,418 m; two records in new quadrate
supplement the distribution knowledge in the western
part of the country.
Conclusion
During the short field surveillance we were able to
confirm the occurrence of almost the entire batracho-
and herpetofauna of Macedonia, only seven species
were not observed (Ichthyosaura alpestris, Lissotriton
vulgaris, Rana graeca, Lacerta agilis, Hierophis gemo-
nensis, Vipera berus, and V. ursinii). On the other hand,
despite the shortness of our field work, we reported here
several significant additions and confirmations to cho-
rological data on the amphibian and reptile fauna of the
country.
New species site records are constantly being added to
the known species’ ranges, indicating that the full distri-
bution of many of them is still not sufficiently known.
Our updates on the distribution of amphibians and rep-
tiles in Macedonia showed that limits of ranges of sev-
eral species are present there (e.g. Eryx jaculus, Xero-
typhlops vermicularis) and thus the special care should
be taken to preserve their habitats. Therefore, further ef-
forts should primarily focus, in particular, on the study
of current distribution status and potential habitats of,
e.g. Emys orbicularis, Mauremys rivulata, Mediodacty-
lus kotschyi, Pseudopus apodus, Algyroides nigropunc-
tatus, Zootoca vivipara, Eryx jaculus, H. gemonensis,
Telescopus fallax, Zamenis situla and V. ursinii, which
are considered to be extremely rare reptile species of
Macedonia (Sterijovski et al., 2014). This is also true for
all amphibian species occurring in the country because
of scarcity of recent data and only limited available cur-
rent records (e.g. Sidorovska, 2010).
As shown above, several of our data confirmed the
occurrence of many species at sites where they have
never been reported before (e.g. Pelophylax ridibun-
dus, Testudo graeca, M. rivulata, M. kotschyi, Lacerta
spp., E. jaculus, Malpolon insignitus). In the case of E.
jaculus, our new record confirmed this rare species in
central Macedonia after more than forty years. Also in
some wide-spread and common species, like e.g. Lac-
erta viridis complex, M. insignitus, Natrix tessellata, we
were able to find additional new data that contributed to
filling the missing gaps in their distribution maps.
Historically, some species were recorded at single lo-
calities without subsequent confirmations (e.g. E. jacu-
lus near Skopje or T. fallax near Tetovo; Radovanović,
1964; Grillitsch and Grillitsch, 1999). The distribution
patterns of M. rivulata, P. apodus or H. gemonensis are
interesting in view of the limited records in the southern
part of the country (cf. Sterijovski et al., 2014), even
though their overall distribution in other regions of the
Balkans extends more northerly (e.g. in Croatia; see Sill-
ero et al., 2014). An explanation for this occurrence can-
not be clearly provided yet. A specific question remains
the distribution and borders of contact zones of morpho-
logically uniform species complexes detected by genet-
ics which do not allow their determination in the field
(e.g. Triturus ivanbureschi / macedonicus, Hyla arbo-
rea / orientalis, Bufo viridis / variabilis, Anguis fragilis /
graeca). We cannot precisely identify these distribution
areas here but an extensive field study in combination
with an analysis of molecular data would be necessary
for understanding the general biogeographical patterns
of batracho- and herpetofauna of Macedonia as well as
whole central Balkans.
Marcel Uhrin et al.
218

Acknowledgements. We thank Bogoljub Sterijovski (Republic
of Macedonia) and Nikolay Tzankov (Bulgaria) for their support
in our field records assessment. The work of DJ was supported by
the Comenius University grant UK/20/2014 and a grant of the Sci-
entific Grant Agency of the Slovak Republic VEGA 1/0073/14.
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