Carpathian Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences

In Vâlsan River natural protected area we identified 11 amphibian species (Salamandra salamandra, Triturus cristatus, Ichthyosaura (Mesotriton) alpestris, Lissotriton vulgaris, Bombina variegata, Hyla arborea, Bufo bufo, Rana dalmatina, R. temporaria, Pelophylax ridibundus, P. lessonae), the hybrid Pelophylax kl. esculentus and seven reptile species (Lacerta agilis, L. viridis, Podarcis muralis, Zootoca vivipara, Anguis fragilis, Natrix natrix, Zamenis longissimus). The green frogs are present here at higher altitudes than was usually recorded in Romania. They reach altitudes of 900 m a.s.l., in areas with coniferous forests. P. lessonae and P. kl. esculentus was encountered only in high areas. Despite its statute as a protected area, the amphibians and reptiles from the region are under a strong anthropogenic pressure, being affected by deforestation, road and direct mortality, road works.