COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE TROPHIC SPECTRUM

OF TWO Bombina bombina POPULATIONS FROM DOBRUDJA, ROMANIA

Noémi Szeibel, Nicoleta R. Radu, Ilie C. Telcean,

Gabriela Toth, Dorin Dărăban

ABSTRACT

In order to compare the trophic spectrum of two populations of Bombina bombina from Dobrudja region, Romania, we analyzed the stomach contents of 95 fire-bellied toads at Sarighiol de deal (Tulcea County) and at Vadu (Constanţa County). Comparing the diet composition of the individuals in the two studied locations, we found differences determined by the sex of the individuals and by the environmental conditions. Studying the trophic spectrum, we identified vegetal remains, shed skin and 1287 animal preys. The most frequently consumed prey taxa are Coleopterans. The weight of aquatic and terrestrial preys varies depending on the environmental conditions, showing a more balanced value at Vadu, than at Sarighiol de deal.