The European-important species of Bombina bombina: ecological demands and threats
Full title: The European-important species of European fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina): ecological demands and causes of threat
Field of study: Zoology
Supervisor: Mgr. Marie Kotasová Adámková, Ph.D.
Official entry:
The European fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) is a species of European importance requiring specific habitats with shallow and well-sunlit backwaters. However, like many other species of amphibians, this toad is threatened by the loss, fragmentation, and degradation of suitable habitats due to human activity. Fire-bellied toad populations are thus negatively affected by drainage of the landscape, intensification of agriculture, water pollution, and inappropriate modifications of water bodies and their banks. As in a large part of Europe, the fire-bellied toad is also protected by legislation in our territory, and at the same time it is also included in the national Red List as an endangered species. As a species listed in the Habitats Directive in Appendices II and IV, it is the subject of protection for many sites of European significance. However, the progressive degradation of habitats very often also affects locations with a status of protection, which are threatened with imminent extinction without proper care. The aim of the bachelor's thesis is: (i) to prepare a comprehensive literature review on the ecological requirements of the European fire-bellied toad, its distribution and the status of European populations; (ii) to evaluate the trends in the development of the fire-bellied toad populations in the territory of the Czech Republic over the last 70 years, using available data, and (iii) to carry out season-long monitoring at the EVL Travní dvůr model site, aimed at evaluating the distribution of the species at the site in relation to the characteristics of the surrounding environment. Based on the knowledge gained, (iv) the causes of the threat will be presented, and the possibilities of their elimination will be discussed. The topic is intended for students at the beginning of the 3rd semester, as field monitoring will take place during the 4th semester of the bachelor's studies.