MSc student (Adv. Günter Gollmann)
Unit for Theoretical Biology, Department of Evolutionary Biology
University of Vienna

Abstract

The European Green Toad, Bufotes viridis (Laurenti, 1768) is a species with an endangered population, in Austria it is considered as vulnerable and in Vienna as critically endangered.

The primary habitat of the green toad are open steppes, with loose soil substrates and little vegetation. For reproduction B. viridis needs ponds in an early succession state. This species, however, successfully inhabits heavily anthropogenically altered habitats.

The Donaufeld is not only the home of the European Green Toad but at the same the

there are also other amphibians like the Common Toad (Bufo bufo). The population of the European Green Toad in Donaufeld has only been known for a few years and is already threatened by multiple scheduled construction projects. Therefore, the data acquisition is very important because it is uncertain if the artificially created ponds will be maintained or saved.

The aim of this study is to determine the status and population size of B. viridis in

Donaufeld, using capture-recapture studies at identified breeding sites. There are reports of residents and a documented population of B. viridis in the mentioned area. Multiple overrun individuals were reported and documented, additionally, several live individuals were observed.