Acta Univ Latv (2007) 723: 47–52

A new Bombina bombina L. population “Demene” in Latvia, Daugavpils District

Abstract

Bombina bombina L. is a rare and protected Latvian and European animal. Before 2006, three Latvian Bombina bombina populations were known: the “Ilgas” and “Ainavas” populations in the Daugavpils District and the “Bauska” population in the Bauska District. On 21 June, 2006 we found a new Bombina bombina population in the vicinities of Demene in the Daugavpils District in the southeast part of Latvia. Eight localities were found with ~70 vocalizing males in total. This population “Demene” in 2006 is the largest population of Bombina bombina on the northern border of the distribution range of a species. Thus, the given largest Latvian population of Bombina bombina plays very important role in conservation of Bombina bombina in the Latvian and the European fauna.