identifier	taxonID	type	CVterm	format	language	title	description	additionalInformationURL	UsageTerms	rights	Owner	contributor	creator	bibliographicCitation
03BE87CBFF884A65B8887B74403FF9D0.text	03BE87CBFF884A65B8887B74403FF9D0.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Lissotriton vulgaris (Linneaus 1758)	<div><p>Smooth Newt Lissotriton vulgaris (Linneaus 1758)</p><p>Distribution (Figure 2). Included records from Artportalen: all reports (N=670), as there is no confusion species except the much rarer Triturus cristatus .</p><p>Widely distributed in the Southern Boreal; in a regular sampling grid covering the entire provinces of Gästrikland and Hälsingland, Sterner (2005) found the species in 42% of 111 squares in which randomly selected wetlands (&lt;1 hectare, presumed free from predatory fish) were investigated. In both these provinces there is a pattern of more widespread occurrence in coastal areas than farther inland. In a similar randomized survey of Medelpad and southern Ångermanland, Olofsson et al. (2008) recorded the species in 23% of 155 randomly selected small wetlands. In the southern Middle Boreal this species is seemingly more patchily distributed, especially in the northern parts of the range. There are only two known extant occurrences in the Northern Boreal: Akkan and Abborrberg (4 kms apart in Stensele parish) in Lycksele lappmark (Persbo et al. 2006, Anders Forsgren pers. comm.).</p><p>Interestingly, three of the northernmost occurrences are also the highest known from North Sweden (and in Sweden overall): Akkan and Aborrberg are both 520 m above sea level, and Jägarliden at 340 m (all in Lycksele lappmark; Persbo et al. 2006).</p><p>Offshore occurrence is known from two islands in Medelpad (Brämön and Alnön; Elmberg &amp; Ericsson 1983) and one in Hälsingland (Jättholmarna), indicating a fair dispersal capacity over brackish water. In coastal areas where the species occurs, many mainland records are very close to the sea (Elmberg 1995; Sterner 2005; Persbo et al. 2006; Olofsson et al. 2008). This pattern indicates a good general dispersal capacity, since such wetlands created by land uplift, are often less than 200 years old.</p><p>There are not any data to gauge large-scale changes in distribution during the last 50 years, but local extinctions due to fish introduction have been documented (Dolmen 1978; Elmberg &amp; Ericsson 1983; Persbo et al. 2006). One of these populations comprised neotenic individuals only (Långselberget, 460 m altitude, Stensele, Lycksele lappmark; Gislén &amp; Kauri 1959; Dolmen 1978; Elmberg &amp; Ericsson 1983). The northern distribution limit presented here runs farther north than in Gislén &amp; Kauri (1959). This discrepancy is, however, not due to a range expansion but rather because the species has been overlooked before.</p><p>Habitat and movements. Breeding habitats include tarns and small lakes in forested areas, as well as more or less permanent man-made wetlands (e.g., ponds, pasture pools, gravel pits). Tarns and lakes are usually oligoto mesotrophic, bordered either by floating Sphagnum mats or by moderately dense stands of aquatic grasses ( Phragmites australis, Phalaris arundinacea) or sedges ( Carex spp .) (Figure 11). The majority of known breeding wetlands are fishless (cf. Elmberg &amp; Ericsson 1983; Sterner 2005; Persbo et al. 2006) and lack connection to other wetlands by streams. Several of the occurrences away from the more continuous range are isolated, either high on forested hills or in large peat bog complexes. Breeding sites are usually permanent wetlands, but the species has been recorded in ephemeral rock pools on the Baltic coast (Elmberg &amp; Ericsson 1983; Aronsson et al. 2005; Figure 12).</p><p>Summer habits and habitats are little known, as very few observations are made away from the breeding wetlands. Adults can be seen in the latter long into June, sometimes to mid-July. It is thus possible that many remain aquatic for a large part of the summer. During field work at Galtström (Medelpad) August 1 st we found active adults on land as well as in a nearby breeding pond. Terrestrial habits in North Sweden are little known; most records on land have been made under logs or woody debris in damp spruce-dominated forest close to breeding sites. Terrestrial summer records have also been made under flat sheltering objects near man-made wetlands.</p><p>Hibernation habitats and habits in North Sweden have not been documented; it is not even known whether terrestrial or aquatic hibernation is the rule. However, aquatic hibernation was the only option in the neotenic population at Stensele in Lycksele lappmark, now extinct (Dolmen 1978).</p><p>Very little is known about seasonal movements. The almost total lack of observations of adults moving to or from breeding wetlands strongly suggests they spend much of their life in the latter or their close proximity.</p><p>Abundance estimates and trends. There are very little data on local abundance, and no indication that any breeding wetland holds more than 200 reproducing adults (e.g., Dolmen 1978; Elmberg &amp; Ericsson 1983; Sterner 2005; Persbo et al. 2006; Olofsson et al. 2008). Given the patchy distribution, it is unwise to suggest abundance estimates for larger areas. However, the surveys by Sterner (2005) and Olofsson et al. (2008), which covered a mere fraction of the suitable wetlands in the Southern Boreal, suggest there must be thousands of breeding wetlands in this region.</p><p>There are no indications of changes in abundance over the last 50 years, apart from local extinctions.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03BE87CBFF884A65B8887B74403FF9D0	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Elmberg, Johan	Elmberg, Johan (2023): Amphibians and reptiles in North Sweden: distribution, habitat affinities, and abundance (Classes: Amphibia and Reptilia). Zootaxa 5301 (3): 301-335, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1
03BE87CBFF8A4A6AB8887B86400FF9AC.text	03BE87CBFF8A4A6AB8887B86400FF9AC.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Triturus cristatus (Laurenti 1768)	<div><p>Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus (Laurenti 1768)</p><p>Distribution (Figure 3). Included records from Artportalen (N=320): due to risk of confusion with the more widespread Lissotriton vulgaris only records documented by a photograph or made by experienced observers have been included.</p><p>Widely distributed in the Southern Boreal; in a regular sampling grid covering the entire provinces of Gästrikland and Hälsingland, Sterner (2005) found the species in 21% of 111 squares in which randomly selected wetlands (&lt;1 hectare, presumed free from predatory fish) were investigated. It is more evenly distributed in Gästrikland than in Hälsingland, and in both provinces there is a clear pattern of more numerous occurrence in areas near the coast. In a similar randomized survey of Medelpad and southern Ångermanland, Olofsson et al. (2008) recorded the species in 3% of 155 randomly selected small wetlands. In coastal southern Medelpad the occurrence is more or less continuous (Aronsson et al. 2005), as it is in coastal Hälsingland and Gästrikland. In the Middle Boreal there are scattered records north to 63 oN, most of which from east-central Jämtland. A recent photo-documented record in NE Ångermanland suggests that the species may range further north along the coast than currently known. The only record from the Northern Boreal during the study period is a possibly disjunct occurrence in western Jämtland (Figure 3).</p><p>Although most known extant breeding sites are in coastal lowland, at least three are at 300–400 m altitude (Elmberg 1995; Olofsson et al. 2008). An extinct population at Långselberget (Lycksele lappmark (Middle Boreal)) was even higher, at 460 m.</p><p>Offshore occurrence is known from only one site in North Sweden (Kråkön, Hälsingland). However, several breeding wetlands on the mainland are very near the sea (Sterner 2005; Olofsson et al. 2008). This indicates a fair general dispersal capacity, since such wetlands, created by land uplift, are often less than 200 years old.</p><p>One local extinction has been documented in the Middle Boreal: the isolated occurrence in Lycksele lappmark, comprising only neotenic individuals, went extinct due to fish introduction in the 1960’s (Långselberget, Stensele; Gislén &amp; Kauri 1959; Dolmen 1978; Elmberg &amp; Ericsson 1983). There is not any indication that the general distribution has changed recently in North Sweden. Instead, the species has previously been much overlooked. It is more widespread, more numerous, and the range more extensive to the northwest than depicted in any previous source (cf. Gislén &amp; Kauri 1959; Elmberg 1995).</p><p>Habitat and movements. Most known breeding wetlands in North Sweden are small fishless tarns bordered by coniferous forest (e.g., Sterner 2005; Olofsson et al. 2008). These wetlands are generally oligotrophic and have floating mats of Sphagnum along the shore. However, in coastal areas a fair number of breeding sites of anthropogenic origin are known: farmland ponds, disused fishponds, peat quarries, gravel pits, and golf course ponds. Many of these are meso- to eutrophic and thus more resemble typical breeding habitats in South Sweden. Most known breeding wetlands are permanent, but some are more ephemeral, such as depressions in wet forest and rock pools near the Baltic (Olofsson et al. 2008).</p><p>Observations of moving or migrating individuals are exceedingly few. Their scarcity and location strongly suggest very limited movements away from breeding wetlands and imply a largely aquatic lifestyle in summer, too.</p><p>Summer habitat use is almost unknown; a few records of terrestrial adults have been made, mainly under woody debris or in brooks in old spruce-dominated forest near breeding wetlands. During field work at Galtström (Medelpad) August 1 st, we found active adults on land and in a nearby breeding pond, as well as hiding under woody debris in the upper part of the seashore littoral.</p><p>Nothing is known about hibernation habits in North Sweden, that is, whether terrestrial or aquatic. However, aquatic hibernation must have been the rule in the extinct neotenic population at Stensele in Lycksele lappmark (Dolmen 1978).</p><p>Abundance estimates and trends. There are not any data about local abundance. Given the patchy distribution, suggesting abundance estimates for larger areas is unwise. However, the surveys by Sterner (2005) and Olofsson et al. (2008), which covered a mere fraction of the suitable wetlands in the Southern Boreal suggest there must be several hundred breeding wetlands in this region.</p><p>There are no indications of changes in abundance over the last 50 years, apart from local extinctions.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03BE87CBFF8A4A6AB8887B86400FF9AC	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Elmberg, Johan	Elmberg, Johan (2023): Amphibians and reptiles in North Sweden: distribution, habitat affinities, and abundance (Classes: Amphibia and Reptilia). Zootaxa 5301 (3): 301-335, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1
03BE87CBFF854A69B8887B5A46B0F988.text	03BE87CBFF854A69B8887B5A46B0F988.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Bufo bufo (Linneaus 1758)	<div><p>Common Toad Bufo bufo (Linneaus 1758)</p><p>Distribution (Figure 4). Included records from Artportalen (N=1325): all reports have been included from the Southern, Middle, and Northern Boreal. However, in the Alpine region inexperienced observers may confuse this species with locally dark and short-limbed Rana temporaria . Therefore, only records of calling males, those made by known experienced observers or documented by pictures have been included from the Alpine region and adjacent uppermost parts of the Northern Boreal.</p><p>Widespread and common throughout the Southern and Middle Boreal, scarce but widespread in lower altitudes of the Northern Boreal north to Lule lappmark. The documented northern distribution limit runs near the Arctic Circle but could be farther north (Figure 4).</p><p>As expected, the highest records are from the southern part of the Scandic Mountains (580 m altitude; Tjovre, Jämtland). Farther north, the highest records in Lycksele lappmark are at 475 m, and at 270 m in Lule lappmark, where the northern range limit bends east towards Finland.</p><p><a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=20.038721&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=63.431946" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 20.038721/lat 63.431946)">Summertime</a> occurrence and reproduction are known from many far offshore islands along parts of <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=20.038721&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=63.431946" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 20.038721/lat 63.431946)">North Sweden’s</a> coast, indicating a very high dispersal capacity over brackish water. This is the only amphibian known from the tiny and extremely isolated islet Bonden (Ångermanland, 63°25’55.0”N, 20°2’19.4”E; Figure 4), more than 15 km from the mainland.</p><p>There are no indications of changes in distribution over the last 50 years. The more extensive occurrence to the north presented here (compared to in Gislén &amp; Kauri 1959) and the first records from Härjedalen do not represent range expansion but are merely due to the species having been overlooked there before. Note, however, that all older and also recently claimed records in the Alpine region (e.g., Holm 1921, Gislén &amp; Kauri 1959; Frislid &amp; Semb-Johansson 1981; Artportalen) are likely due to confusion with Rana temporaria . Based on current knowledge, the species does not occur in the Alpine region in North Sweden.</p><p>Habitat and movements. Breeding habitats include virtually all types and sizes of lakes, tarns, bogs, mires, ponds, and stagnant parts of streams and rivers (Figures 11, 14). The entire range from oligotrophic to eutrophic conditions is utilized, including strongly humic dystrophic wetlands. In barren oligotrophic wetlands, this is the most widespread anuran. As a consequence, it often breeds where there are predatory fish, for example Perca aquatilis Linneaus and Esox lucius Linneaus. Calling males and amplectant pairs are mainly found in nearshore shallow areas with sparse vegetation, but often in more exposed situations than is the case in Rana arvalis and R. temporaria . Calling males can be observed in rock pools and shallow brackish bays along the Baltic (Elmberg &amp; Ericsson 1982; Figure 12).</p><p>After breeding, toads move to summer foraging habitats, which are equally diverse, ranging from dry pine forest, mesic coniferous forest, and lush deciduous bottomland forest to natural grasslands, seashores, meadows, agricultural land, gardens, and parks (Figure 13).</p><p>In dry and warm summer weather this is the only amphibian commonly moving around in the open. Movements from summer habitats to hibernation sites can be noticeable on warm damp nights in early autumn but are not as synchronized and spectacular as in the Rana species.</p><p>Hibernation is usually aquatic, taking place in breeding wetlands or in nearby streams and rivers. Terrestrial hibernation has been documented in the Middle Boreal (Elmberg 1995) but based on current knowledge it must be considered as an exception from the rule. Hibernation in brackish water has been documented from northern Ångermanland (Elmberg &amp; Ericsson 1982).</p><p>Abundance estimates and trends. There are not any published data on local abundance, but a large number of roadside surveys of chorusing anurans in Ångermanland and Västerbotten in the 1980’s showed that Bufo bufo is often less numerous at the wetland level, but more widespread at the landscape level compared to Rana temporaria and R. arvalis . This difference is largely because it occurs in more truly oligotrophic conditions (Elmberg &amp; Ericsson 1982). Abundance estimates based on extensive field work in the Umeå area (Västerbotten, Middle Boreal) 1975–1994 run in the neighborhood of 400– 600 adults /km 2 in representative landscapes near the coast (Elmberg, unpublished). Lower densities are likely in the Northern Boreal region.</p><p>There are no indications of changes in abundance over the last 50 years.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03BE87CBFF854A69B8887B5A46B0F988	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Elmberg, Johan	Elmberg, Johan (2023): Amphibians and reptiles in North Sweden: distribution, habitat affinities, and abundance (Classes: Amphibia and Reptilia). Zootaxa 5301 (3): 301-335, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1
03BE87CBFF864A6EB8887B74410BF838.text	03BE87CBFF864A6EB8887B74410BF838.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Rana temporaria Linneaus 1758	<div><p>Common Frog Rana temporaria Linneaus 1758</p><p>Distribution (Figure 5). Included records from Artportalen (N=2000): a ubiquitous species for which all reported records have been included.Any rare confusion with Rana arvalis would not change the overall picture of distribution or abundance.</p><p>Widespread and abundant throughout the Southern Boreal, Middle Boreal, Northern Boreal regions, and in the Subalpine life zone. Widespread and locally common in the Low-Alpine zone. Scattered occurrences in the Mid-Alpine zone (Figures 15, 16).</p><p>Breeding sites in the Low-Alpine zone reach at least 840 m altitude in Lycksele lappmark (Elmberg 1991; Figure 17) and probably up to or above 1000 m further south in the Scandic Mountains. In other words, it is a widespread breeder well above treeline. In summertime adults have been observed at 1070 m in Åsele lappmark and Lycksele lappmark, and at up to 1400 m in Jämtland (Helagsfjället), all of which are in the upper part of the Mid-Alpine zone.</p><p>Occurrence and reproduction are known from several far offshore islands in the Baltic in the three northernmost coastal provinces (Norrbotten, Västerbotten, and Ångermanland), where distributed offshore equally widely as Bufo bufo . In the coastal provinces farther south, however, offshore occurrence is scarcer and concentrated to more nearshore islands. This may indicate a somewhat lower dispersal capacity over brackish water than in Bufo bufo .</p><p>There are no signs of changes in distribution during the last 50 years.</p><p>Habitat and movements. Spring migration of adult males to breeding ponds is largely nocturnal and often strongly synchronized, with up to 50% arriving within a few days (Elmberg 1990). Adult females arrive more gradually to breeding sites (Elmberg 1990). Juveniles emerge later than adults and are rarely seen before the spawning period is over.</p><p>Breeding habitats range from ponds and bogs above treeline (Figure 17), through any type of wetland and lake in lower biotic regions, to sheltered shallow brackish bays of the Baltic (Elmberg et al. 1979). They further range from wetlands in pristine forest to landfill swamps, flooded disused gravel pits and quarries, and man-made ponds in residential areas. The entire range from the most oligotrophic to the most eutrophic conditions is utilized for breeding (Figures 11, 14). This is the most frequently encountered anuran breeding in barren rock pools along the Baltic seashore (Figure 12). Calling males and spawn clumps are usually found in shallow and well vegetated situations, that is, less exposed than eggs of Bufo bufo and Rana arvalis . Females remain in breeding wetlands only until they have deposited their eggs, whereas adult males remain as long as there are receptive females around, or longer (Elmberg 1990).</p><p>Dispersal from breeding sites to nearby summer foraging habitats is gradual and not very conspicuous. Since Rana temporaria is so widespread and abundant, summer foraging habitats are extremely diverse, from alpine heath, open coniferous forest to dense bottomland woods along the major rivers (Figures 15, 18). The highest summer densities are observed in abandoned fields and grassy meadows along lakes, rivers, and seashore, but also in deciduous forests with well-developed undergrowth (Figure 13). Close to nothing is known about movements and home range in summer. Autumn migration to hibernation sites is usually conspicuous and synchronized, triggered by rains or mild cloudy conditions.</p><p>Hibernation in North Sweden is aquatic. It may take place in breeding wetlands if not prone to developing anoxic conditions in winter. However, in most cases Rana temporaria migrate to spend the winter in nearby welloxygenated streams and rivers. There they seek shelter on the bottom in nearshore aquatic vegetation, but they will move to deeper water later in winter if the ice sheet expands downwards or if the water level recedes. Hibernation has also been observed in springs and natural wells in closed forest, as well as in brackish water in the Baltic (Elmberg et al. 1979). Terrestrial hibernation in the boreal is known from Norway (Frislid &amp; Semb-Johansson 1981) and Finland (Pasanen &amp; Sorjonen 1994) and may occur in North Sweden, although it has not been documented. Experimental work in Finland strongly indicates that the species cannot survive more than a few days of freezing temperatures at the most (Pasanen &amp; Karhapää 1997), making it a much less likely terrestrial hibernator than Rana arvalis .</p><p>Abundance estimates and trends. Throughout the 1980’s I studied two populations in Umeå, Västerbotten, at breeding sites encircled by built-up urban areas (Tvärån: 63°49’50.9”N, 20°13’38.4”E and Bölesholmarna: 63°49’31.4”N, 20°14’6.7”E). <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=16.373056&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=65.83445" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 16.373056/lat 65.83445)">The</a> summer foraging habitat surrounding these ponds comprises mid- to late successional riparian deciduous woodland (2.5 and 15 hectares, respectively; Figure 18). <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=16.373056&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=65.83445" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 16.373056/lat 65.83445)">Counts</a> of calling males at both sites and drift fence catch data from the <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=16.373056&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=65.83445" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 16.373056/lat 65.83445)">Tvärån</a> site permitted accurate estimates of population size (Elmberg 1990). <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=16.373056&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=65.83445" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 16.373056/lat 65.83445)">Accordingly</a>, the density of adult frogs in these summer habitats averaged 65–75/hectare (i.e., 6500–7500/ km 2). <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=16.373056&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=65.83445" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 16.373056/lat 65.83445)">In</a> the 1990’s the isolated and far offshore island <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=16.373056&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=65.83445" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 16.373056/lat 65.83445)">Stora Fjäderägg</a> in Västerbotten (63 o 48’N 21 o 00’E; area ca 170 hectares) was subject to a census of spawn clumps in all its wetlands (Stefan Andersson, personal communication). <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=16.373056&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=65.83445" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 16.373056/lat 65.83445)">Supposing</a> an even sex ratio and that each female laid one egg clump, the island’s population was 1200 adults (both sexes), that is, 7/hectare (700/km 2). The density of adults in summer habitat on Low-Alpine heath well above treeline (Kraipe, Lycksele lappmark; 65°50’4.0”N, 16°22’23.0”E; altitude 780 m; Figure 17) was estimated at 2–4/ hectare (200–400/km 2) in a population studied by me for several years in the late 1980’s.</p><p>The abundance estimates from the two Umeå sites are remarkably similar and probably close to the maximum occurring in North Sweden. Stora Fjäderägg and Kraipe, on the other hand, both represent suboptimal habitats. I propose that an abundance of 600 adults /km 2 is a realistic average value for North Sweden, from the Southern Boreal up to and including the Subalpine zone.</p><p>There are no indications of changes in abundance during the last 50 years.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03BE87CBFF864A6EB8887B74410BF838	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Elmberg, Johan	Elmberg, Johan (2023): Amphibians and reptiles in North Sweden: distribution, habitat affinities, and abundance (Classes: Amphibia and Reptilia). Zootaxa 5301 (3): 301-335, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1
03BE87CBFF834A6DB8887DB34028FD4C.text	03BE87CBFF834A6DB8887DB34028FD4C.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Rana arvalis Nilsson, Viviparous Lizard 1842	<div><p>Moor Frog Rana arvalis Nilsson 1842</p><p>Distribution (Figure 6). Included records from Artportalen (N=650): as confusion with Rana temporaria is possible, reports from the Alpine region, the Northern Boreal region and all offshore sites were included only if substantiated by photos, concern calling males, or made by known experienced observers. Reports from the Southern and Middle Boreal were all included.</p><p>Widespread and common in the Southern and Middle Boreal. For unknown reasons more abundant in landscapes with flatter topography (Sterner 2005; Elmberg 2008), a pattern also noted in Finland (Terhivuo 1981). Widespread but less common in the Northern Boreal, scarce in its higher parts. The northernmost Swedish record is at Kulijärvi, Torne lappmark (67° 50’ N, 21° 40’ E; Elmberg 1984). Previous records from the Alpine region (e.g., Elmberg 1995) are now considered as unconfirmed and not valid.</p><p>The highest known records are very close to the border between the Northern Boreal and the Alpine regions: 580–600 m altitude at Danasjö-Abborrberg (Lycksele lappmark; Anders Forsgren personal communication) and 510 m at Årjep Kuossåive (Lule lappmark; Elmberg 1995; shown as an isolated occurrence in Figure 6).</p><p>Offshore occurrence of this species in the Baltic is a puzzling topic. Before the period covered here, Curry-Lindahl (1956) collected specimens on Haparanda Sandskär (Norrbotten), an island situated a staggering 32 km from the mainland. It has not been found there since. There are several recent reports in the Artportalen reporting platform (see Methods) from the offshore Holmön archipelago (Västerbotten), but none is convincingly documented. To conclude, there are no recent records of this species on truly offshore islands anywhere along the Baltic coast of North Sweden. This suggests a much lower dispersal capacity over brackish water than in the two other anuran species.</p><p>There are no indications of changes in distribution over the last 50 years. It should be noted, though, that the true range and abundance in North Sweden was grossly underestimated until the 1970’s (Gislén &amp; Kauri 1959 versus Elmberg 1978; 1984; 1995; 2008). The near-Alpine record from Härjedalen presented here (Figure 6; photograph in Artportalen) is the first from the province.</p><p>Habitat and movements. Spring migration usually starts 5–10 days later than in Rana temporaria (Elmberg 2008) . Adult male Rana arvalis migrate to breeding sites in a strongly synchronized fashion during a few nights, whereas adult females have a more protracted spring migration. Juveniles are rarely seen before the end of the breeding season.</p><p>Breeds in a wide variety of wetland habitats: open mires, grassy bogs, forest lakes, flooded riverine meadows, deciduous bottomland forest swamps, and shallow brackish bays of the Baltic (Elmberg et al. 1979; Elmberg 2008; Figures 11, 14). Anthropogenic breeding sites include eutrophic ponds in agricultural settings as well as flooded disused gravel pits and quarries. Breeding Rana arvalis have an affinity for more richly vegetated wetlands than do the other two anurans, although spawning per se generally occurs in somewhat deeper water than in Rana temporaria (Elmberg 2008; cf. Ruuth 2017). Females remain in the breeding wetlands only until they have deposited their eggs, whereas adult males stay as long as receptive females are around, or longer (Elmberg 2008).</p><p>Dispersal from breeding sites to nearby summer foraging habitats is gradual and not very conspicuous. Summer habitats are varied, yet more restricted to well-vegetated and damp conditions than in Rana temporaria . In effect, Rana arvalis are rarely encountered in coniferous forest in summer, but more often in lush deciduous forest with a rich understory (Figure 18). However, most spend the summer in natural meadow-like habitats along lakes, rivers, and seashore, or in open grassy or willow-dominated habitats in forest clearings (Figure 13). Although there are not any quantitative data from North Sweden to verify the claim, it appears that Rana arvalis spend the summer closer to breeding sites than do Rana temporaria and Bufo bufo (cf. Čeirâns et al. 2021). In some areas and habitats of the interior north, such as open mires, adults appear to be semi-aquatic, spending most of the summer on grassy shores of breeding wetlands (Elmberg 2008; Figure 14).</p><p>In North Sweden, movement in summer has only been studied anecdotally by individual mark-recapture, suggesting a high degree of site fidelity (Elmberg 2008; see Ruuth 2017 for a telemetry study in nearby Finland documenting habitat preferences and movement distances).</p><p>Autumn migration to hibernation sites is sometimes conspicuous and synchronized, triggered by rains or mild cloudy conditions, and generally occurs a week or two earlier than in Rana temporaria .</p><p>Hibernation in North Sweden is aquatic, taking place in slow-flowing streams and rivers close to breeding sites, but sometimes in the latter or in nearby lakes. There, Rana arvalis seek out and settle in protective dense near-shore aquatic vegetation, thus often hibernating alongside Rana temporaria and Bufo bufo . Note, though, that this species is extraordinarily cold-hardy and that terrestrial hibernation has been documented in Finland and Russia (Ruuth 2017; Berman et al. 2020). This may occur in North Sweden, too, although it has not yet been documented.</p><p>A fuller treatment in English of the ecology and natural history of Rana arvalis in North Sweden is found in Elmberg (2008).</p><p>Abundance estimates and trends. Throughout the 1980’s I studied a population in Umeå, Västerbotten, at a breeding site encircled by built-up urban areas (Tvärån: 63°49’50.9”N, 20°13’38.4”E). <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=20.227333&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=63.830803" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 20.227333/lat 63.830803)">The</a> summer foraging habitat surrounding this pond comprises mid- to late successional riparian deciduous woodland (2.5 hectares; Figure 18). <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=20.227333&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=63.830803" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 20.227333/lat 63.830803)">Counts</a> of calling males and drift fence catch data permitted accurate annual estimates of the breeding population. <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=20.227333&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=63.830803" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 20.227333/lat 63.830803)">Accordingly</a>, the density of adult frogs in the summer habitat was 35–60/hectare (3500–6000/km 2), depending on year. <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=20.227333&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=63.830803" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 20.227333/lat 63.830803)">These</a> densities represent a habitat that is probably among the most benign for this species in <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=20.227333&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=63.830803" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 20.227333/lat 63.830803)">North</a> Sweden. A more likely average abundance for <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=20.227333&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=63.830803" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 20.227333/lat 63.830803)">North</a> Sweden in general is in the interval 400– 700 adults /km 2, with the lower densities in the <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=20.227333&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=63.830803" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 20.227333/lat 63.830803)">Northern Boreal</a> and the hilly parts of the Southern Boreal. These landscape level abundance estimates are fairly similar to those for Rana temporaria, a notion supported by impressions from roadside surveys of calling anurans in the interior of North Sweden (Elmberg 1984).</p><p>There are no indications of large-scale changes in abundance over the last 50 years (Elmberg 2008).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03BE87CBFF834A6DB8887DB34028FD4C	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Elmberg, Johan	Elmberg, Johan (2023): Amphibians and reptiles in North Sweden: distribution, habitat affinities, and abundance (Classes: Amphibia and Reptilia). Zootaxa 5301 (3): 301-335, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1
03BE87CBFF824A6DB8887E3A46E0F8CC.text	03BE87CBFF824A6DB8887E3A46E0F8CC.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Zootoca vivipara (Jacquin 1787)	<div><p>Viviparous Lizard Zootoca vivipara (Jacquin 1787)</p><p>Distribution (Figure 7). Included records from Artportalen (N=775): all reports have been included, as there are not any confusion species.</p><p>Widespread and common in the Southern, Middle, and Northern Boreal. Widespread but scarce in the Subalpine zone. Locally occurring above treeline in the Low-Alpine zone in favorable microclimates.</p><p>As expected, the highest known occurrences in the Scandic Mountain range are gradually lower towards the north: 1000–1050 m altitude in Härjedalen (Sånfjället and Flatruet), 740 m in Pite lappmark (west of Vuoggatjålme), and 690 m in Lule lappmark (Vastenjaure).</p><p>There is just one record from a truly far offshore island (Stora Fjäderägg, Västerbotten; Figure 7; Elmberg 1995). Although common in seashore habitats on the mainland along the entire Baltic coast of North Sweden, there are surprisingly few records even from nearshore islands. An exception may be the archipelago in southern Norrbotten, where the species occurs on some outer islands (e.g., Stor-Räbben and Vargön, green offshore area in Figure 7; Stefan Andersson, personal communication). For North Sweden as a whole, this indicates a limited dispersal capacity over brackish water.</p><p>There are no indications of changes in distribution over the last 50 years.</p><p>Habitat and movements. Found in almost any habitat offering a combination of basking sites and protective low vegetation. Favored natural habitats are forest edges and clearings, stony slopes, rock outcrops, sandy areas, and shores of lakes, rivers and the sea (Figures 12, 14). It often occurs among Juniperus communis, Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum nigrum and other plants typical of dry sun-exposed conditions. Closed forest, tall grass, and wet habitats are avoided. Anthropogenic habitats are widely used, for example clearings under powerlines, clear-cuts, edges of fields and meadows, stone walls, cairns, and roadsides (Figures 13, 19).</p><p>There have not been any dedicated studies of this species in North Sweden. As far as known, it spends the entire annual activity period in the habitats mentioned above. Daily and annual movements are not known but appear very limited. Subterranean hibernation sites are found in or close to the summer habitat, usually in south-facing situations.</p><p>Abundance estimates and trends. There are not any published abundance data, but estimates based on extensive field work in the Umeå area (Västerbotten) 1975–1994 run in the neighborhood of&gt; 500 adults /km 2 in representative landscapes near the coast (Elmberg, unpublished) .</p><p>There are no indications of changes in abundance over the last 50 years.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03BE87CBFF824A6DB8887E3A46E0F8CC	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Elmberg, Johan	Elmberg, Johan (2023): Amphibians and reptiles in North Sweden: distribution, habitat affinities, and abundance (Classes: Amphibia and Reptilia). Zootaxa 5301 (3): 301-335, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1
03BE87CBFF9F4A70B8887DB346B0FA8F.text	03BE87CBFF9F4A70B8887DB346B0FA8F.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Anguis fragilis Linneaus, Grass Snake 1758	<div><p>Slow Worm Anguis fragilis Linneaus 1758</p><p>Distribution (Figure 8). Included records from Artportalen (N=360): as there are not any confusion species all reports have been included.</p><p>Common and widespread in the Southern Boreal and the coastal southern part of the Middle Boreal. From Medelpad and northwards all records have been made within 60 km of the Baltic coast.</p><p>The vast majority of records is from coastal areas or low altitudes in river valleys. Nevertheless, there are several records from above 300 m altitude in Hälsingland and Ångermanland, and a photo-documented occurrence at 425 m in Medelpad (15 km SW of Stöde).</p><p>Although most common near the coast, the total lack of records from offshore islands in North Sweden indicates poor dispersal capacity over brackish water.</p><p>There are no indications of changes in distribution during the last 50 years. Note, though, that the northernmost occurrence presented in the map (Figure 8; lower Byske River valley and the adjacent Tåme area to the north (Västerbotten)) became publicly known as late as 1989, despite the species having been known locally since at least the 1920’s (Södermark 1989). This occurrence has long been regarded as a disjunct population (Elmberg 1995) and perhaps the result of anthropogenic spread, but recent records around Skellefteå have gradually closed the previously supposed 70+ km distribution gap.</p><p>Habitat and movements. In North Sweden this is the only reptile regularly encountered in closed forest, particularly in mesic stands with scattered deciduous trees and protective undergrowth. However, the most widely used habitats are fairly open, yet with denser undergrowth than those preferred by Vipera berus and Zootoca vivipara: forest edges, natural grasslands, shores, and rock outcrops. Most sightings of Anguis fragilis are made in anthropogenic habitats such as clear-cuts, fields, meadows, roadsides, and near recreational buildings (Figures 13, 19).</p><p>Although it is the only reptile in North Sweden frequently seen active in cloudy weather, its general habits are seclusive. Shelter is typically found under flat stones, haystacks, compost piles, sheet metal, woodpiles, and tarps, in other words often under man-made objects. This habit may facilitate inadvertent anthropogenic spread.</p><p>Daily and annual movements have not been studied, including any seasonal variation in habitat affinity.</p><p>Subterranean hibernation sites are most likely found in or very close to the summer habitat, but nothing is known about hibernation habits in North Sweden.</p><p>Abundance estimates and trends. There are not any published abundance data, but estimates based on extensive field work in the Umeå area (Västerbotten) 1975–1994 run in the neighborhood of&gt; 200 adults /km 2 in landscapes with mixed habitat near the coast (Elmberg, unpublished, Stefan Andersson, personal communication) .</p><p>There are no indications of changes in abundance over the last 50 years.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03BE87CBFF9F4A70B8887DB346B0FA8F	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Elmberg, Johan	Elmberg, Johan (2023): Amphibians and reptiles in North Sweden: distribution, habitat affinities, and abundance (Classes: Amphibia and Reptilia). Zootaxa 5301 (3): 301-335, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1
03BE87CBFF9F4A77B888787B47A6FD4C.text	03BE87CBFF9F4A77B888787B47A6FD4C.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Natrix natrix (Linneaus 1758)	<div><p>Grass Snake Natrix natrix (Linneaus 1758)</p><p>Distribution (Figure 9). Included records from Artportalen (N=200): all reports from Gästrikland, Hälsingland, and coastal Medelpad (where widespread). Reports from other areas have been included only if documentation was available. This species and black morph Vipera berus are widely confused, even among naturalists.</p><p>Occurs throughout the Southern Boreal. Widespread and fairly common in Gästrikland and coastal Hälsingland, local and scarce in interior Hälsingland and coastal Medelpad. There is a disjunct well-documented record at 480 m altitude in central Härjedalen, in the Northern Boreal region (Figure 9). This is by far the highest known record, whereas the 2 nd to 4 th highest in North Sweden were all made at 180 m or lower. For the former extraordinary record there is no obvious suspicion of anthropogenic spread. However, well-documented records north of the present range (filled black circles in the map) can all be suspected to have anthropogenic origin, and none represents permanent presence or a reproducing population.</p><p>Although the species is an excellent swimmer there are just two records on offshore islands off the Baltic coast of North Sweden (Limön and Eggegrund, both in Gästrikland).</p><p>For the period 1900–1950, Gislén &amp; Kauri (1959) listed many records in the Middle and Northern Boreal, far north and west of the known present range. Several were well documented, but it is not known whether those occurrences were relicts from a previously wider natural distribution, or the result of anthropogenic activities such as long-distance transport of hay and manure (Elmberg 1995). As late as the late 1960’s there were confirmed records in several places around Umeå (Västerbotten, Middle Boreal; Stefan Ericsson personal communication), an area where the species has not been documented since. During the last 50 years, though, there have not been any indications of changes in distribution.</p><p>Habitat and movements. Found in open places providing shelter, such as tall field layer vegetation, cairns, stone walls, ditches, and heaps of plant debris. Typical habitats are shores of ponds and lakes, but also edges of fields and pastures. It is not known if habitat use varies over the annual activity period, but adult females must find suitable oviposition sites in early summer. This likely forces them to move considerable distances, probably through less typical habitats. All known oviposition sites in North Sweden were in composts, manure heaps or livestock fodder stacks (Löwenborg 2009; Mattias Hagman &amp; Simon Kärvemo, personal communication).</p><p>Although movements have not been studied in North Sweden, Natrix natrix are frequently seen crossing roads before and after oviposition (adult females) and after hatching in late summer (juveniles). This mobility sadly leads to many being killed by cars.</p><p>Nothing is known about hibernation habits in North Sweden, but communal hibernation at suitable south-facing sites is likely, as farther south in Sweden.</p><p>Abundance estimates and trends. There are not any data about abundance in North Sweden, nor any indications of changes in abundance over the last 50 years.</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03BE87CBFF9F4A77B888787B47A6FD4C	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Elmberg, Johan	Elmberg, Johan (2023): Amphibians and reptiles in North Sweden: distribution, habitat affinities, and abundance (Classes: Amphibia and Reptilia). Zootaxa 5301 (3): 301-335, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1
03BE87CBFF984A75B8887E3A473EFDE0.text	03BE87CBFF984A75B8887E3A473EFDE0.taxon	http://purl.org/dc/dcmitype/Text	http://rs.tdwg.org/ontology/voc/SPMInfoItems#GeneralDescription	text/html	en	Vipera berus (Linneaus 1758)	<div><p>Adder Vipera berus (Linneaus 1758)</p><p>Distribution (Figure 10). Included records from Artportalen (N=1250): all reports have been included. Any confusion between melanistic Vipera berus and Natrix natrix would not affect the distribution pattern.</p><p>Common and widespread in the Southern and Middle Boreal. Widespread and locally common in the Northern Boreal, where often found in areas of varied topography with south-facing slopes that offer early snowmelt and dependable hibernacula (Andersson 2003; Figure 20). Scattered observations have been made in the Subalpine and Low-Alpine zones (Curry-Lindahl 1975; Frislid &amp; Semb-Johansson 1981; Elmberg 1995).</p><p>The highest reported occurrences show a slightly decreasing altitude from south to north: 940 m in Härjedalen (Flatruet), 900 m in Jämtland (Oviksfjällen), 720 m in Lycksele lappmark (Kraipe), but 820 m in Lule lappmark (Aktse). Most of these concern south-facing sites in the upper Subalpine zone, but also above treeline in the Low-Alpine zone. In the upper reaches of the river Lilla Luleälv (Lule lappmark) there are many records in the Aktse and Tarradalen areas (e.g., Cederberg 1974), suggesting widespread occurrence in the Subalpine zone there.</p><p>Widespread and locally abundant on many offshore islands along much of the Baltic coast of North Sweden (Figure 10), as is the case across the sea in Finland (Terhivuo 1981). An illustrative example is the Holmön archipelago in Västerbotten, where this species is abundant on islands&gt; 10 km from the mainland. This implies high dispersal capacity over brackish water.</p><p>There are no indications of large-scale changes in distribution over the last 50 years.</p><p>Habitat and movements. Males typically emerge from hibernation two weeks before females. Mating occurs near the hibernaculum, after which snakes disperse to summer habitats. The latter are largely the same as those of Zootoca vivipara: forest edges, forest clearings, stony slopes, rock outcrops, shrubbery, and shores of lakes, rivers, and the sea (Figure 12). In the vast interior of North Sweden summer habitats also include margins of bogs and mires (Figure 14). Areas providing a combination of basking sites and hiding places are favored. Anthropogenic habitats are widely used, too, for example clearings under powerlines, clear-cuts, edges of fields and meadows, and stone walls (Figures 13, 19). Very rarely found in closed forest, but sometimes in mature pine forest with natural gaps and clearings. It also occurs regularly in dense Juniperus communis thickets and in tall grass, where prey animals are likely to be found.</p><p>There are not any telemetry data available from North Sweden, but judging from field observations Vipera berus appears to be more mobile in summer than are Zootoca vivipara and Anguis fragilis . However, Andersson (2003) reported from the Northern Boreal that pregnant females may remain close to the hibernaculum throughout summer. The distance from summer habitats to hibernation sites can be up to 2 km (Andersson 2003), a journey during which Vipera berus can be found in other habitats.</p><p>Hibernation usually occurs in open south-facing locations with abundant crevices and underground access. Typical sites are talus slopes, stony moraine ridges (cf.Andersson 2003) and screes in the forest landscape (Figure 20), but also cairns if big and deep enough. Good hibernation sites are always well-drained and can attract individuals from a large surrounding area. There are reports from North Sweden that a single hibernaculum can host hundreds of individuals (Frislid &amp; Semb-Johansson 1981).</p><p>Abundance estimates and trends. There are not any published abundance data, but estimates based on extensive field work in the Umeå area (Västerbotten) 1975–1994 run in the neighborhood of 50– 100 adults /km 2 (<a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=21.0&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=63.8" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 21.0/lat 63.8)">Elmberg</a>, unpublished). A mark-recapture study on the far offshore island <a href="https://tb.plazi.org/GgServer/search?materialsCitation.longitude=21.0&amp;materialsCitation.latitude=63.8" title="Search Plazi for locations around (long 21.0/lat 63.8)">Stora Fjäderägg</a> (Västerbotten; 63 o 48’N, 21 o 00’E; area ca 170 hectares) suggests an average abundance of ca. 0.6 adults/hectare (60/km 2) (Stefan Andersson, unpublished). However, studies by Stefan Andersson on the mainland suggest that abundance estimates for larger areas are particularly difficult to make in this species; adults occur within a certain radius of hibernacula, but between the latter there may be large areas of good summer habitat more or less devoid of adders.</p><p>There are not any true monitoring data for any period of the last 50 years, but recurrent visits to known sites of occurrence in southern Västerbotten indicate a steady and significant drop in abundance from the late 1970’s to the present day (Elmberg, unpublished).</p></div>	https://treatment.plazi.org/id/03BE87CBFF984A75B8887E3A473EFDE0	Public Domain	No known copyright restrictions apply. See Agosti, D., Egloff, W., 2009. Taxonomic information exchange and copyright: the Plazi approach. BMC Research Notes 2009, 2:53 for further explanation.		MagnoliaPress via Plazi	Elmberg, Johan	Elmberg, Johan (2023): Amphibians and reptiles in North Sweden: distribution, habitat affinities, and abundance (Classes: Amphibia and Reptilia). Zootaxa 5301 (3): 301-335, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5301.3.1
