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The Meadow and Steppe viper, Vipera ursinii-renardi complex is a well-studied group that is divided into several morphological subspecies. In this study, we combine the analyses of two mitochondrial genes with 9 microsatellite markers to compare both phylogenetic signals. Whereas the signal is similar between both genomes within most subspecies, the relative relationships between subspecies are more differentiated. Moreover, the nuclear phylogenetic reconstruction supports genetic homogeneity within V. u. macrops (in contrast to mtDNA). Both genetic portions show an unexpected differentiation between a population from Bistra Mountain and other V. u. macrops populations. Globally, the microsatellite markers suggest high genetic diversity in most subspecies, even in V. u. rakosiensis which is highly threatened; only V. u. macrops showed a limited genetic diversity. Within lowland subspecies, the differentiation between populations is globally limited compared to the distance between them (except in some populations of V. u. moldavica). The limited differentiation might be the consequence of a recent isolation (few decades) of previously large populations. Nevertheless, the only way to maintain this genetic diversity and to avoid an increase in genetic differentiation between populations in the future is to recreate suitable habitats and reconnect the populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tracked yearly variation in breeding phenology in relation to weather parameters in a common European toad population from the southeastern part of its range. Phenological data were collected from 2001 to 2003 and from 2011 to 2017 and compared to open-access daily weather data from a nearby weather station. Data analysis revealed no significant effect of weather on initiation of breeding and a negative relationship between mean daily humidity and mean cloud cover on the duration of breeding season (P = 0.03). Further analysis showed a decreasing trend in breeding season humidity in the past 70 years. Our results predict a tendency toward longer toad breeding seasons in years with drier winter/spring. A projected decrease in humidity in this region could prolong toad breeding season, potentially exposing adults to higher predation. Therefore, the scenario of further decline in our study population should be considered and conservation measures planned accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed the diet composition of adult Common Toads (Bufo bufo) in Europe to define their general diet preferences with the use of data collected in Serbia and published data from Great Britain, Spain, France, Poland, Hungary, Belarus, and Bulgaria. We also addressed the potential correlation between adult body size and prey size, and sex-based food niche partitioning in adults as suggested by the pronounced sexual size dimorphism in this species. Analysis revealed that European Common Toads feed most frequently on insects, e.g., Coleoptera and Hymenoptera (Formicidae), but food diversity may vary among regions. A number of other invertebrate taxa were included in the diet, though usually in frequencies less than 0.1. The results suggest that the Common Toad is neither a feeding generalist, nor a myrmecophagous specialist, as some bufonids are proclaimed to be. In-depth analysis of samples from Serbia revealed no correlation between the body size of toads and the number of prey ingested, a positive correlation between toad body size and prey size due to sexual size dimorphism, high overlap of dietary preferences, and concordance in the distribution of various prey types between males and females. Furthermore, males consumed small prey items in higher proportions than did females, but the opposite was found for medium-size prey, which suggests possible dietary niche partitioning in prey size rather than in taxonomical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein we present the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) based phylogeography of the dice snake (Natrix tessellata) in Eastern Europe and The Balkans. Eight haplotypes were identified. Phylogenetic reconstruction has showed 3 major clades: 1) Greece, 2) Balkans, Central and Eastern Europe, 3) Eastern Europe (Ukraine and Russia only). Our data are in concordance with the results of other studies of the species' phylogeography. The northernmost isolated population of the dice snake in Lipetsk province, Russia have no differences from neighboring Ukrainian populations and seems to be the result of recent colonization during the Holocene climatic optimum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]