Estimation of amphibian and reptile diversity in the Kurghalsky Wildlife Sanctuary

Abstract

Kurghalsky Wildlife Sanctuary occupies an extreme western position in the Leningrad Region (with the main city of St. Petersburg). The fauna of the Kurghalsky Wildlife Sanctuary is quite diverse and includes 6 species of amphibians and 5 species of reptiles. The core of herpetofauna is formed by several species (Lissotriton vulgaris, Bufo bufo, Rana arvalis, Rana temporaria, Anguis fragilis, Zootoca vivipara, Vipera berus) widely distributed in the boreal zone of Eurasia. It is enriched by a few subboreal species (Pelobates fuscus, Pelophylax ridibundus, Lacerta agilis, Natrix natrix), regionally rare in the taiga zone. The highest diversity of amphibians and reptiles (8 species) was registered in the boreal and intrazonal groups of plant communities such as the forb-grassy meadows, greenmoss and light pine heath forests. The greatest similarity of herpetofaunas is characteristic for communities of spruce and small-leaved forests (93%), small-leaved forests and meadows (93%), broad-leaved forests and bogs (89%), pine and spruce forests (88%) and small-leaved forests and bogs (83%). Differences in the species composition of the local herpetofaunas are associated with a tendency to depletion of the number of species in boreal communities: from coniferous and mixed forests to bogs, reed communities and beaches. The general depletion of herpetofauna of the north is associated primarily with the loss of subboreal elements. The diversity and relatively high density of amphibian and reptile populations indicate the good preservation of forest and coastal ecosystems.