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Contemporary chorology of the spadefoot toads (Pelobates spp.) in the Balkan Peninsula

Abstract:

Based upon data from our own investigations and known chorological data sources, we present locality data (toponymy, elevation and source) of spadefoot toads (Pelobates fascus and P. syriacus) distribution from the Balkan Peninsula region and adjacent areas. It is an attempt to develop the first accessible database on the present and historical records of spadefoot toads distributions in this part of Europe. We also analysed patterns of their elevation data. Spadefoot toads have much larger altitudinal ranges in the Balkans than was previously thought. The spadefoot toads are generally lowland amphibians in the Balkans, with a significant inverse correlation between presence and increasing altitude for both species, though in some parts these toads can be encountered in relatively high altitude habitats.