REPTILES FROM THE NATURA 2000 SITE "SĂRĂTURILE JIJIA INFERIOARĂ -- PRUT" (ROSCI0222).

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]