Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography
Open Access

Abstract

Four amphibian and three reptile species inhabit Yakutia, Amphibians: Salamandrella keyserlingii-Northern border of the species range runs along river valleys to Tit-Ary Island (River Lena), in Lower Yana and Indigirka Rivers - to 71° N. In 1970s, number of Siberian salamanders in summer period was 7-10 individuals for 1 m² in Lena Valley. At the last, the species number decreased and 1-3 individuals for 100 m of coastline were registered at the same region. Rana arvalis inhabits Lena valley and her tributaries. Northern border of the species range runs to 60° N, 124° E. The number is 1-15 individuals for 1/hа. Rana chensinensis is distributed in southern Yakutia by Aldan River and its tributaries valleys. The species goes to 60° N. The number is 15-20 individuals for 1 hа. All these three species are included to Yakutia Red Data Book. Rana amurensis is distributed on all Yakutia from West to East. It was discovered in north from 68° in valleys of rivers Lena, Yana, Indigirka аnd in the most northern point in Upper Yana region (71° N) and Reptiles: Lacerta vivipara is widely distributed in taiga zone of Yakutia. The northern border of the species range is 145° E in Indigirka basin. The number in Central Yakutia is low (single individuals were registered). Vipera berus by Lena valley, the species goes to 60° N. The number is 0.4 ind./hа. All mentioned reptiles included to Red Book of Yakutia. At the last years, Gloydius halys was registered regularly in mouth of Tokko River. Coming to Yakutia of this species is an important evidence of climate warming. Although the reptile and amphibian populations were stable in early 80s, up to date they are low and reducing, even in such mass to lately as Rana amurensis. Rana arvalis, Rana chensinensis, Gloydius halys go northward.

Biography

Victor Timopheevich Sedalischev is the Senior Science Researcher in Institute for Biological Problems of Cryolithozone under Siberian Department of Russian Academy for the Sciences. He is the leading Researcher of small mammals, amphibians and reptiles of Republic Sakha (Yakutia). He is the author of more than 200 scientific papers and is expert in herpetology and ecology.

E-mail: stershik@mail.ru