Amphibians and reptiles are among the most endangered
organisms worldwide - respectively about 35% and 20% (IUCN, 2022). Their
vulnerability is related to the insufficiency of ecologically optimal habitats
(climatic, physico-chemical, biocenotic) for development and reproduction.
The 9 species of amphibians and 7 reptiles from in the Lower Prut Area,
present important ecological links in the ecosystems specific to the given
area, and 5 and 3 species, respectively, are included in the Red Book of the
Republic of Moldova (2015). Thus, Pelobates fuscus is Critically Endangered
(CR), and pollution, and especially the drying up of lakes, would lead to the
extinction of the species. The vulnerable species (VU) of Triturus cristatus and
Lissotriton vulgaris will be quite affected, both by desiccation and by the lack
of oxygen during the summer period. The species Bombina bombina, Hyla
orientalis, Pelophylax ridibundus,Pelophylax lessonae and Bufo viridis have a
wider ecological valence, which makes them less threatened by climate
change, but remain linked to waters for reproduction. Reptiles prefer shady,
moist, swampy, aquatic habitats, etc., but they also need sufficiently sunny
places. The 3 endangered species (EN), such as Emys orbicularis, although it is
omnivorous, is very rarely encountered (RR); the species of Podarcis taurica,
Coluber caspius, Lacerta agilis, Lacerta viridis have a wider ecological valence
and show a weak vulnerability to climate change, and the dependence on
food resources of the Natrix natrix and Natrix tessellate makes them more
vulnerable to the drying up of water bodies. In order to reduce the negative
effects of climate change on vulnerable amphibians and reptiles, scientifically
substantiated interventions are needed to rebuild habitats, to form ecological
corridors connecting certain fragmented isoecohabitats, to expand the areas
occupied by threatened species in various sectors, both with optimal
conditions, as well as at the limit of extremes.