ntroduction: In this article, we present a literature review of modern, most common, and useful methods of amphibian tracking. Amphibians are the most sensitive group of animals and near 41 % of species are under the risk of extinction. Therefore, the research of spatial movements of amphibians is one of the most topical tasks of modern herpeto­logy. The information about the use of space is needed for practical protection of sensitive species of amphibians, for planning of protected areas, estimation of the potential danger for some groups of animals when designing infrastructure objects, such as roads. The movement studies gained popularity and have been undertaken since the second part of the 20th century. Such growth in the number of studies is related to the recent advances in radio-electronic technology that contributed to the creation of a range of instruments for automatic or semi-automatic tracking of individual animals. Unfortunately, most of such methods are still too expensive for scientists from developing countries. Thus, classical methods are still widely used. Results: We describe six methods of amphibians tracking: radioisotope tracking, automated radio telemetry, harmonic direction finding, radio frequency identification, fluorescent powder, spool tracking. Each of these methods allows collecting detailed information about spatial movements of individuals. Many of these tracking methods require using of a special tag, which is attached to an animal and used for its further detection. Different types of tags have identical functions but are based on different principles of use. Two of the described methods do not require using of tags and are cheap. These are fluorescent powder and spool tracking. In the article, we provide many links to grant programs and places where special equipment can be found. Conclusions: As a result of literature review, we created a table with concise information about all the described methods. Using this table one can choose the best method for an experiment. Keywords: amphibians, radiotelemetry, fluorescent powder, radioisotope tracking, spool tracking

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In the paper we discuss migration dynamics, biometry and stopover ecology of Ruff (Philomachus pugnax Linnaeus, 1758) in the Cholgini ornithological reserve. Also the observations, made in other regions of the western Ukraine, were used in the analysis. Th e base materials for this paper were collected during 1995-2012 by West-Ukrainian ornithological station, by conducting regular bird counts, ringing and taking measurements of migrating waders using standard methods. During Ruff spring migration two major waves of passage occured: the first one is from the end of March till early April and the second - from the end of April to the end of May. Th e average number of a flock was equal 12 individuals. In the autumn passage dynamics of two waves can also be seen. Th e fist wave is observed in July with the peak in the middle of month. Second wave occurs in August and in fist two decades of September, with maximum bird numbers in the end of August. Th e passage dynamic of Ruff in the Cholgini reserve is very similar to the dynamic in other continental staging sites. Significant difference was found in the wing length between the adult and juvenile Ruff s. Th e potential flight range of juvenile females was 3236 km, juvenile males - 2380 km, adult females - 2740 km.