Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia, 19() 1974
Observations on the Phenology and Ecology of Amphibia in the Region of Częstochowa
Abstract:
This paper presents the results of ten-year investigation on the phenology and ecology of 11 amphibian species occurring in the Częstochowa region (51°N, 19°E, altitude — 200-400 m a.s.l.). Identical observations were carried out in five different sites at the same time. The area covered by study was about 50 sq. km. Attention was given to the biological succession of all the main stages of the 11 amphibian species: the beginning of active life, mating season, development of embryos and larvae, active life after the mating season, autumn migrations and hibernation. The dependence of the time of phenological phenomena upon meteorological conditions varying from year to year was also investigated. The optimum temperatures, most favourable to the biological processes of particular species, were determined. Much attention was given to the mating season and to the causes and conditions of spring and autumn migrations. The minimum and maximum periods of hibernation are given in tables. The observation material is illustrated with phenograms, tables and graphs.
