In the Moscow region, zoologists are preparing to undertake field studies aimed at estimating the population size of Red List amphibians belonging to the common spadefoot group. This plan was reported by Radio 1, citing the press service of the Moscow Region’s Ministry of Ecology. The ministry also noted that scientists will subsequently develop conservation measures to safeguard this rare amphibian species, reflecting a broader regional effort to protect biodiversity.
According to officials, the common spadefoot is listed in the Moscow Region Red Book. Its numbers have shown a decline since the middle of the previous century. During the early 2000s, spadefoot populations could be found in nine districts surrounding Moscow, yet more recently sightings have been limited to Lukhovitsy, Kolomna, and Voskresensky. These statements came from Tikhon Firsov, who heads the region’s Ministry of Ecology, emphasizing the species’ precarious status and the need for targeted monitoring and protection strategies.
The spadefoot resembles a brown frog in general shape, but it features a noticeably more rounded body. Its pupils are vertical rather than round, a trait that helps differentiate it in the field. The amphibian’s skin carries a distinctive odor that contributes to its defense mechanism, deterring potential predators and underscoring the species’ adaptation to its environment. This odor, along with other physical characteristics, makes field identification a practical challenge for researchers conducting surveys and ecological assessments.
In related regional developments, researchers in the Moscow region are planning expeditions to locate a rare spider known as the South Russian tarantula. The species has not been observed in the area since 1994, and the expeditions aim to document any surviving individuals and collect data to inform conservation decisions. The anticipated findings could shed light on the regional distribution of this arachnid and its ecological role within local habitats.
Preliminary notes indicate that the tarantula grows to about five centimeters in length and is not considered a threat to people. While encounters with this species are uncommon, observers are advised to exercise caution and respect wildlife while surveying habitats and recording observations. The information gathered from these expeditions will contribute to a clearer understanding of the region’s arachnid diversity and help guide future protection measures for ancient and fragile ecosystems.
There were other contemporaneous reports that highlighted wildlife-related incidents, including a case involving a passenger who faced legal consequences after attempting to transport a substantial number of poisonous frog specimens. Such incidents underscore the importance of proper handling, regulatory compliance, and public awareness when dealing with potentially dangerous wildlife in light of regional conservation efforts and biodiversity research.