Tastier than thought? Telemetric research reveals predation on the poisonous yellow‐bellied toad <scp><i>Bombina variegata</i></scp>

Łaciak, Małgorzata; Adamski, Paweł; Bielański, Wojciech; Ćmiel, Adam M.; Lipińska, Anna M.; Łaciak, T.; Zając, Tadeusz

doi:10.1002/ecy.3996

Cited by 2 publications

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“…).The density of B. variegata in the study area was minimal as a result of deforestation, continuing urbanization and the abandonment of traditional agriculture. The aim of the conservation measures was to set up a series of stepping stones (twin and new ponds; Figure1c) to facilitate re-colonization of the area separating the disjunct population of B. variegata in the north of the study area (the Tarn ow Plateau) from its main range in the Beskid Niski Mountains to the south(Figures 1b & 1c;Łaciak et al, 2015). The areas of the isolated northern population and the edge of the very large population in the Beskid Niski Mountains were comprehensively surveyed in 2011 before the new measures were introduced.…”

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Small monsters: Insect predation limits reproduction of yellow‐bellied toad Bombina variegata to ponds in their earliest successional stage

Łaciak

Zając

Adamski

et al. 2022

Aquatic Conservation

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1. The disappearance and deterioration of amphibian breeding habitats is a major cause of their global extinction. In Europe, this problem affects the yellow-bellied toad Bombina variegata, which inhabits small ponds in the early stages of succession, where no predatory invertebrate species normally occur. Nonetheless, as habitats, small temporary ponds are highly endangered, a situation that is intensifying with urban spread. 2. A system of 13 pairs of artificial ponds was constructed in 2012 for the breeding of B. variegata with the aim of reconnecting disjunct populations. During the 2 years of the study, one of the twin ponds was regularly cleared of emergent vegetation and invertebrates. The survival rates of the tadpoles released in the cleared and uncleared ponds were analysed.3. The survival rate of the tadpoles released into the cleared ponds was higher than of those introduced into the uncleared ones. Tadpole survival rates were also higher in new, single ponds, constructed in 2013.4. The lower survival rates of the introduced tadpoles are best explained by the presence of predatory aquatic invertebrates, particularly the large diving beetle Dytiscus marginalis. Experimentally obtained consumption rates indicate that oneDytiscus larva is capable of destroying a typical clutch of B. variegata tadpoles within a few hours, much faster than any of the other insect predators tested.5. The impact of freshwater invertebrates on tadpoles is frequently studied but rarely quantified. For conservation measures to be effective, quantitative standards need to be applied that describe the impact of predation in a predictable manner.6. Construction of artificial small ponds is broadly accepted as an important conservation measure compensating for the disappearance of natural amphibian breeding sites. This function of artificial ponds may be substantially enhanced by the periodic removal of invertebrate predators.

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confidence: 99%

Small monsters: Insect predation limits reproduction of yellow‐bellied toad Bombina variegata to ponds in their earliest successional stage

Łaciak

Zając

Adamski

et al. 2022

Aquatic Conservation

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show abstract

“…To date, the literature on yellow‐bellied toads has often cited desiccation, overheating, and predation as threats to breeding sites (Csanády et al, 2020; Łaciak et al, 2022; Reyer & Barandun, 1997; Schäefer et al, 2018). Moreover, there are data indicating that toads breeding in puddles on dirt roads may be killed by vehicles that use them (Elzanowski et al, 2009; Łaciak et al, 2023). For this reason, breeding habitats on dirt roads are sometimes regarded as ecological traps.…”

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Extreme rainfall flushes out tadpoles of the yellow‐bellied toad Bombinavariegata from its breeding ponds

Adamski,

Łaciak

2023

Ecology

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Tastier than thought? Telemetric research reveals predation on the poisonous yellow‐bellied toad Bombina variegata

Cited by 2 publications

References 20 publications

Small monsters: Insect predation limits reproduction of yellow‐bellied toad Bombina variegata to ponds in their earliest successional stage

Small monsters: Insect predation limits reproduction of yellow‐bellied toad Bombina variegata to ponds in their earliest successional stage

Extreme rainfall flushes out tadpoles of the yellow‐bellied toad Bombinavariegata from its breeding ponds

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