Zum Einfluß der Witterung auf die Körpergröße und Kondition der Erdkröten (Bufo bufo) im Amphibienvorkommen Talstraße in Halle/S.

Abstract

Grosse, W.-R.; Hempel, S.: On the impact of weather on size and condition of the common toads (Bufo bufo) at the (amphibian occurrence) locality “Talstrasse” in Halle/Saale. - Hercynia N.F. 37 (2004): 249 – 264.The study site is located in the Saale valley in NW-Halle. During the years 1996 to 2004 seven amphibian species could be determined at a semi-natural area of the city floodplain (Triturus vulgaris, Bufo bufo, Pelobates fuscus, Rana temporaria, Rana arvalis, Rana kl. esculenta, Rana ridibunda). In the years 1998 to 2004 141 female common toads and 700 male common toads were biometrically recorded. The number of big and heavy female toads clearly increased during that period. In 2004 the biggest and heaviest of all female toads was caught. It was 165 mm in size and 145 g in weight. Male toads were always smaller than females and showed no continuous growth in size. The biggest and heaviest male toad was caught in 1998 and was 91 mm in size and 88 g in weight. Temperature and precipitation during the summer months 1997 to 2003 fluctuated strongly at the study site. A clear increase in temperature was registered since 2000. An impact of increasing temperature on biometry and condition couldn’t be proved statistically. No statistical prove could be made for correlation of the weather of previous year’s summer and common toad condition in the following spring.