ZooNotes

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https://doi.uni-plovdiv.bg/handle/store/3
ISSN: 1313-9916

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Browsing ZooNotes by Subject "amphibians"

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    Batrachophagy of the Eastern Grass Snake, Natrix natrix (Linnaeus, 1758), in Bulgaria: published data and new records
    (Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski", 2026-05-12) Mitrevichin, Emanil; Sakelarieva, Lidia; Peshev, Hristo; Gorzdanov, Atanas; Pulev, Alexander
    The food spectrum of Natrix natrix in Bulgaria remains understudied, despite the few works on this topic. We summarize all data reported in the literature on the batrachophagy of the species in the country and provide 17 new observations. The results indicated that N. natrix has a wide food spectrum and may feed on at least 11 amphibian species. Pelophylax ridibundus was the most preferred prey. Rana dalmatina and Bufo bufo were also important components of the diet. In some areas, Salamandra salamandra may be more frequent prey for N. natrix than previously thought. However, most of the amphibian species, including Triturus ivanbureschi, Bombina variegata, Pelobates balcanicus, and Rana temporaria, were consumed less frequently. These findings can have important implications for the conservation of the species. Yet, further research on the feeding ecology of N. natrix in Bulgaria is needed to better understand its ecological requirements and to support effective conservation planning.
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    New data on the batrachofauna of South Park, Sofia (Bulgaria) – species composition, distribution, and conservation threats
    (Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-06-27) Grozdanov, Atanas; Sokolov, Anton; Petrov, Petar; Dimitrov, Dimitar; Atanasov, Vasil; Peshev, Hristo; Mitrevichin, Emanuil
    Although some amphibians are found in human settlements, they have been rarely studied in detail. Here we provide information on the batrachofauna of South Park Sofia. Six species were registered, and most of the species populations were in stable condition. Further, some of them increased their number and density. However, some conservation threats to the populations of the species were identified. The most significant threats were the presence of an invasive taxon and artificial ponds with vertical borders, which act as ecological traps. In this regard, some recommendations were made to minimise the negative impact on the batrachofauna in the park.
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    Notes on the herpetofauna in the northwestern foothills of the Pirin Mountains, south-western Bulgaria
    (Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski", 2025-07-02) Mitrevichin, Emanuil; Sakelarieva, Lidia; Peshev, Hristo; Pulev, Alexander
    Bulgaria’s herpetofauna has been studied for more than a century. Yet, little information is available on the herpetofauna in the northwestern foothills of the Pirin Mts. Here we present information about eight amphibian and ten reptile species that occur in the area. One of the amphibian species, Bufotes viridis, had not been found until the present study. Road traffic was identified as the biggest threat to the populations of some species.