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European reptiles are among the most threatened groups of animals. For most of them are protected, reptiles may act as umbrella and flagship species in certain areas. The Natura 2000 site "Sărăturile Jijia inferioară -- Prut" (ROSCI0222) is such an area that, despite its conservation status, is largely exposed to human activities and alterations. Thus, the aim of this study is to update the knowledge on local reptiles. Therefore, we carried out field surveys in the site perimeter, from April to August, 2018 and from March to July, 2019. We identified five reptile species (Emys orbicularis, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta viridis, Coronella austriaca, and Natrix natrix) that are typical for the major relief forms of the area. Four of the identified species are strictly protected according to European and national regulations, whereas the standard data form of the area lists only one species. Hence, the management plan of the site should consider all the strictly protected species as the standard data form fails to reflect the actual richness of the reptile assemblages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, snakes are among the most threatened vertebrate groups. The Moldavian meadow viper (Vipera ursinii moldavica) is a critically endangered subspecies of Vipera ursinii, a species which is also endangered throughout its entire fragmented European range. V. u. moldavica has been previously recorded from several locations in Eastern Romania but was only known to have survived in two main habitats. In this paper, we present the first field records of the Moldavian meadow viper from a habitat in which the species was previously known from a single dead specimen collected by a local person more than a decade ago. In total, five live specimens (two adult females, one adult male and two immature individuals) and one freshly-killed immature individual were found in this site. Habitat characteristics and conservation issues are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adder ( Vipera berus berus) is a very widespread but threatened taxon in Romania. The southern slopes of the Southern Carpathians represent the subspecies' southern range limit and the distribution of the adder in this area is scarcely known due to a lack of recent surveys. Here we present a new record for the adder in the Southern Carpathians, which represents the first known observation of the adder in Argeş County. The record is based on two live specimens observed in July 2008, near the village of SAtic, on the east bank of the Damboviţa River, within the boundaries of the "Piatra Craiului" National Park. Ecological and conservation aspects for V. b. berus at its southern range limit are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dealul lui Dumnezeu is one of the Moldavian sites (the other one is Valea lui David) from where the Moldavian meadow viper (Vipera ursinii moldavica) has been recorded in the past, and which is currently inhabited by a viper population. The Moldavian meadow viper is a species of European Community interest whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of protection according to European Union environmental regulations. The population of Vipera ursinii moldavica from Dealul lui Dumnezeu is comparable to the one previously studied from Valea lui David in regard to structure, morphology, assessment of environmental stress based on asymmetry observed during the measurement of bilateral traits, and local threats. Steppic plant communities and several other species (one orthopteran, four amphibian, three reptile, and four bird species) recorded from the study area are of Community interest and need strict protection or/and require the designation of special areas of protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of a study conducted in Iaşi County, Romania, an area for which data regarding the distribution of the herpetofauna has previously remained incomplete. Thirteen species of amphibians (Salamandra salamandra, Lissotriton vulgaris, Triturus cristatus, Pelobates fuscus, Hyla arborea, Bombina bombina, Bombina variegata, Bufo bufo, Bufo viridis, Pelophylax ridibundus, Pelophylax lessonae, Rana dalmatina and Rana temporaria), nine reptile species (Emys orbicularis, Anguis fragilis, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta viridis, Natrix natrix, Coronella austriaca, Zamenis longissimus, Vipera berus and Vipera ursinii)and hybrids between B. bombina and B. variegata and between P. ridibundus and P. lessonae (Pelophylax kl. esculentus) were recorded in the 62 investigated localities in Iasi County. Salamandra salamandra is recorded for the first time in the area, east of the Siret river, being situated at its eastern distribution limit for Europe. Among the most important results of our study is the identification of a new locality for one of the rarest European reptiles, Vipera ursinii. One amphibian (Lissotriton montandoni) and one reptile (Elaphe sauromates) have previously been recorded in our study area but we were unable to reconfirm their presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]