Herpetofauna of Sevastopol city (southwestern Crimea): species composition, zoogeographic analysis, landscape-zonal distribution, current status and protection

Abstract

This work summarizes information on the distribution and status of the populations of amphibians and reptiles of the city of Sevastopol. Data obtained over a quarter of a century were refined by a targeted herpetological examination of the entire territory of Sevastopol (over 1000 km2 ) in 2018 and early 2019. Most species of amphibians and reptiles known in Crimea are recorded from the Sevastopol Region, with the exception of some taxa that inhabit only or mainly plains environments (Pelobates vespertinus, Eremias arguta, and Lacerta agilis exigua). Most taxa included in the Red Book of Sevastopol, to date, retain stable populations. Apparently, Vipera renardi has disappeared from the region. Analysis of the taxon chorotypes indicates a dominance of species of Mediterranean (sensu lato) origin. The mild climate of the southwestern part of the Crimean Peninsula determines the unique spatial distribution of the most thermophilic reptile species (Mediodactylus danilewskii, Pseudopus apodus, and Zamenis situla) and, in particular, their wide distribution on the northern macroslope of the Crimean Mountains and (or) the highest elevations in Crimea. The zoning of the territory of Sevastopol, according to herpetological data, made it possible to identify eight districts that differ clearly in species composition and population density of background and rare species. On a national scale, the territory of Sevastopol is important for the conservation of the genetic diversity of species such as Triturus karelinii, M. danilewskii, Ps. apodus, Z. situla, Dolichophis caspius, and Elaphe sauromates. Currently, the state of the populations of T. karelinii, Emys orbicularis, and El. sauromates is most alarming. Scientifically important natural and some synanthropic (in the Khersonesos of Taurida) populations of M. danilewskii, as well as relic populations of the Crimean endemic Lacerta agilis tauridica, require close attention. The “Baydarskyi”, “Cape Aya” and “Laspi” state regional wildlife sanctuaries play the most significant role in preserving the herpetofauna of the region, covering the upper part of the Chernaya River basin (Main Range) and the extreme southwestern part of the Southern Coast of Crimea, as well as the Mekenzievskoe Forestry in the foothills.

Keywords

• amphibians
• reptiles
• population status
• specially protected natural area
• crimean peninsula