Breeding populations of Bombina orientalis Boulenger, 1890 (Amphibia Anura Bombinatoridae) in degraded urban habitat in Vladivostok, Russia

Abstract

Most amphibian species are declining, and while the causes of such decline are multiple, environmental pollution is one of the most important. Bombina orientalis Boulenger, 1890 (Amphibia Anura Bombinatoridae), is known to be sensitive to pollution. However, we report here that the species breeds in highly polluted water within the city of Vladivostok, Russia. The species was found at the same site for two consecutive years, although in lower numbers in the second year. The resilience of B. orientalis to pollution is not consistent with other populations within the range of the species, and is therefore important in the frame of conservation.