Water chemistry, zooplankton and benthos in small lakes within the distribution area of the rare European pool frog Pelophylax lessonae (Camerano) in Norway

Abstract

In June 2018, water chemistry, benthos and zooplankton were investigated in 7 small lakes/ponds within the key area of the European pool frog Pelophylax lessonae (Camerano) in Norway. The geographic distribution of the Norwegian population is minor, limited to a very few small lakes in the county of Agder in southernmost Norway. Since the species is thermophilic, reproduction success only occurs in warm summers. Accordingly, the pool frog is one of the most rare vertebrates in Norwegian fauna, classified as critically endangered in the Norwegian red list. A breeding program is today established in order to rescue this species.The article deals with potential biotope challenges most relevant for the recruitment success of the pool frog in Norway, primarily related to physical, chemical and biological conditions in surface water. In addition, terrestrial biotope challenges and potential effects of low genetic diversity in the very small Norwegian population are discussed.