Rana dalmatina and R. latastei: habitat selection, fluctuation in egg clutch deposition and response to exceptional floods in northern Italy

A ten year census was carried out on Rana dalmatina and R. latastei egg masses deposited in 36 reproductive sites in a 10-hectare area, subject to periodic flooding, on the banks of the Ticino River. The vegetation type surrounding reproductive sites was noted. There were no signs of decline in the populations of either frog species. The number of egg clutches fluctuated widely from year to year but no correlation between clutch number and either flooding or climate parameters were detected. R. dalmatina preferred partly open areas for reproductive sites, whereas R. latastei selected areas characterized by hygrophilous vegetation and a high tree canopy.