MONITORING OF REPTILIA OF THE ODESSA REGION

Abstract

The similarities between exothermic animals, such as amphibians and reptiles, inexorably bind them together. Species of both classes occupy similar habitats and are equally vulnerable to changes in their habitat. Therefore, all species of amphibians and reptiles are vulnerable to global threats that are directly related to changes in their habitats (forests, steppes, meadows); drainage of wetlands; pollution of reservoirs (rivers, lakes, ponds) with chemical and agricultural effluents. Declining animal populations are difficult to detect; therefore, long-term studies of natural populations are generally considered indispensable for understanding normal trends and fluctuations in populations.

There are 11 species of reptiles in the Odessa region: 3 species of lizards, 7 species of snakes and 1 species of turtles. There are 3 invasive reptile species in the region.

Most species of reptiles in the Odessa region are on the lists of animals subject to strict protection under Annex II of the Berne Convention; have the status in the Red list of the Odessa region, as vulnerable and disappearing. Some species have the status of endangered in the Red Book of Ukraine.

To save endangered species of reptiles, you need to protect the environment where these animals live. One of the solutions to this problem is the creation of special "biodiversity zones". This status will protect the unique habitats of endangered species.