Reptiles in south-west Ukraine

Study Extent

Odesa Oblast, Ukraine

Sampling

We collected all species of the class Reptilia in the Odesa Oblast (south-west Ukraine). A herpetological field survey conducted across the whole area was carried out during 2014–2022 (every expedition was around 3–7 days and 3–5 people) from April to September. Field works were conducted throughout the day (8–10 hours of active field work) whenever weather conditions were seemingly optimal for surveying as many species as possible. Field surveys were primarily based on different selected transects of various lengths or by targeted species searches, covering all types of habitats. We employed the line transect method, recorded and identified all reptiles found roughly 5 m on both sides of the pathway. We collected data with dipnetting, netting, trawling of water bodies, stone-flipping and other refugia searches, and visual searching. Observations were documented with digital photographs of individuals when possible and surrounding habitats. Captured animals were released at the capture site. We recorded coordinates and altitude for all observations using hand-held GPS.

Quality Control

Species identification was based on Arnold & Ovenden (2002) and followed the taxonomy of Speybroeck et al. (2020).

Method steps

1. Field surveys (expedition around 3–7 days)
2. Collected data (transect method)
3. Documented observations (photographs of individuals and recorded coordinates and altitude)
4. Release animals at the capture sites

1. Reptilia
   rank: class

Odesa Oblast, Ukraine