First observation of facultative paedomorphosis in the Danube crested newt (Triturus dobrogicus Kiritzescu, 1903) and the occurrence of facultative paedomorphosis in two newt species from soda pans of the Danube-Tisza Interfluve (Kiskunság National Park, Hungary)

摘要

The first observation of paedomorphosis in Triturus dobrogicus and the occurrence of facultativeudpaedomorphosis in two newt species (T.dobrogicus and Lissotriton vulgaris) from soda pans of the Danube-udTisza Interfluve, Hungary are reported in this paper. Facultative paedomorphosis in soda pans occurred inud2010, a year with extremely high precipitation. The favorable environmental conditions created enabled newtudpopulations to extend their aquatic life stage in otherwise unsuitable (too saline), though fish-free habitats. Asudsuch, soda pans may provide a suitable aquatic environment for local newt populations in rainy years, andudfacultative paedomorphosis may be an important adaptation allowing early reproduction in the followingudyear possible in an environment that frequently dries out.