Diversity and Conservation Status of Amphibians and Reptiles in Rudnik Mountain (Central Serbia)

The Rudnik mountain region in central Serbia is rich in many habitats, including forests, meadows, pastures, rocky surfaces, and numerous springs and aquatic ecosystems. All of these environments are suitable for the majority of animal species, including amphibians and reptiles. However, there has been insufficient research on the amphibian and reptile species in this region. We conducted a field study on Rudnik Mountain in 2021 to compile a comprehensive inventory of amphibian and reptile species. We determined the presence of species by first-hand observations of adult or larval forms, identifying distinctive markings, and detecting groups of deposited eggs or larvae. A total of 8 species of amphibians and 12 species of reptiles were recorded. The data gathered during this research are preliminary, although they make a substantial contribution to the understanding of the fauna in this region. According to national legislation, three of the recorded species are without any protection, three of them are classified as protected, and the other species are classified as strictly protected. Various factors, principally caused by human activities, contribute to the decline in the number of these species populations. Undoubtedly, there are methods available to safeguard the populations of various animal groupings, such as promoting education, conducting further scientific research, implementing long-term monitoring, and restoring certain habitats.