On the presence of Rana (Pelophylax) lessonae in south-western Romania: distribution, biogeographical signification and status

During 2006 and 2007 we encountered in south-western Romania four populations of Rana lessonae. Their determination was made on the basis of both the morphological and chromatic features. All of the pool frog records in Romania are found at the proximity of the species’ general range; being practically in connection with it. Thus, aside from the glacial refuge from Italy, the populations from south-western Romania are amongst the most southerly populations of the species at entire Europe level, making up the south-eastern limit of its range. The populations from south-western Romania seem to be isolated from the other populations from Romania both geographically, ecologically (temperature and humidity), and as habitat type (mountain brook). It can therefore be theorized that the species Rana lessonae had in south-western Romania a secondary glacial refuge.