New data on the distribution of Darevskia pontica (Lantz and Cyrén, 1919) (Reptilia: Lacertidae) in Romania: filling a significant gap

The distribution of the meadow lizard, Darevskia pontica, in Romania is still inadequately documented. In the light of new distribution data reported here and gleaned from the literature, the species is more widely distributed in the country. The distribution seems to be continuous in southern Romania, even if fragmented and associated with extant woodland patches. The present distribution pattern could be the result of extensive deforestation process in the area, which isolated this forest lizard to remnant patches, as already indicated in the literature

New data on the distribution of <em>Darevskia pontica</em> (Lantz and Cyrén, 1919) (Reptilia: Lacertidae) in Romania: filling a significant gap

The distribution of the meadow lizard, Darevskia pontica, in Romania is still inadequately documented. In the light of new distribution data reported here and gleaned from the literature, the species is more widely distributed in the country. The distribution seems to be continuous in southern Romania, even if fragmented and associated with extant woodland patches. The present distribution pattern could be the result of extensive deforestation process in the area, which isolated this forest lizard to remnant patches, as already indicated in the literature

Old views and new insights: taxonomic revision of the Bukovina blind mole rat, Spalax graecus (Rodentia: Spalacinae)

As a result of their rather uniform external appearance and gross cranial morphology, the systematics of blind mole rats has been hotly debated over the last century; however, the separation of the large-bodied and small-bodied blind mole rats at the genus level (Spalax and Nannospalax, respectively), suggested earlier on morphological grounds, is strongly supported by recent molecular biological evidence. The species of Spalax have so far been distinguished from each other by cranial traits only, especially the outline of sutures of the cranium, and the shape and relative size of the nasal and parietal bones. Based on mitochondrial DNA sequences (with the widest taxonomic and geographic coverage so far) and detailed anatomical comparisons of museum specimens, we herewith provide a revision of the taxonomic and phylogenetic status of the westernmost representative of the genus, Spalax graecus s.l. We clarify that antiquus and istricus – presently regarded as synonyms of graecus – are well-defined species, and they together form a separate clade within Spalax. The robustness of our conclusions is supported by the combined evidence of morphology, multilocus phylogeny, species distribution, and taxon history (species congruence with past tectonic and climate events)

Applying genomic data in wildlife monitoring: Development guidelines for genotyping degraded samples with reduced single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels

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Perpetuating ambiguity: a review of Garden Dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) records from Romania

Published records of species are often uncritically cited by other authors. However, when such records are based on uncertain data, reproducing them can misrepresent species distribution or conservation status. This, in turn, may result in misguided management decisions for threatened taxa. While still widely distributed in southwestern Europe, eastern populations of the Garden Dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) are small and isolated, and the species has seen a serious decline in recent decades. Given the patchy nature of this eastern range, as well as a general confusion regarding its Romanian presence, our study aimed at critically reviewing all Garden Dormouse records from this country. The mammal collections of several Romanian museums were inspected for Garden Dormouse specimens, and literature data were reviewed to assess the validity of records. Aspects such as presence of voucher specimens, photographic or biometric evidence, type of record, ecological or behavioural data were considered when analysing published records. Eleven museum specimens and 31 literature records of alleged E. quercinus were identified. All museum specimens were re-determined as being forest dormice (Dryomys nitedula). None of the publications provided either photos, measurements or detailed description of individuals, which might have excluded confusion with the Forest Dormouse. Another peculiar aspect was the frequent lack of Forest Dormouse records, even in regions where the species is presently known to occur. In conclusion, our study failed to detect unambiguous evidence of past or present Garden Dormouse occurrence in Romania, which raises new questions about the range and status of this species

Perpetuating ambiguity: a review of Garden Dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) records from Romania

Published records of species are often uncritically cited by other authors. However, when such records are based on uncertain data, reproducing them can misrepresent species distribution or conservation status. This, in turn, may result in misguided management decisions for threatened taxa. While still widely distributed in southwestern Europe, eastern populations of the Garden Dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) are small and isolated, and the species has seen a serious decline in recent decades. Given the patchy nature of this eastern range, as well as a general confusion regarding its Romanian presence, our study aimed at critically reviewing all Garden Dormouse records from this country. The mammal collections of several Romanian museums were inspected for Garden Dormouse specimens, and literature data were reviewed to assess the validity of records. Aspects such as presence of voucher specimens, photographic or biometric evidence, type of record, ecological or behavioural data were considered when analysing published records. Eleven museum specimens and 31 literature records of alleged E. quercinus were identified. All museum specimens were re-determined as being forest dormice (Dryomys nitedula). None of the publications provided either photos, measurements or detailed description of individuals, which might have excluded confusion with the Forest Dormouse. Another peculiar aspect was the frequent lack of Forest Dormouse records, even in regions where the species is presently known to occur. In conclusion, our study failed to detect unambiguous evidence of past or present Garden Dormouse occurrence in Romania, which raises new questions about the range and status of this species

New data on the distribution of Eastern spadefoot toad Pelobates syriacus Boettger, 1889 (Anura: Pelobatidae) in the Pannonian Plain

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