Can change of landscape composition increase interspecies competition Among Amphibians and Thus Decrease the body condition of the endangered bombina variegata?

This study investigates the effect of forest cover in close proximity to breeding ponds (N = 29) together with the effect of the presence or absence of other amphibian species on the residual body condition index of Bombina variegata (N = 106). PCA and ANOVA analysis showed that body condition index was higher in toads found in breeding ponds with higher forest cover within a radius of 50 m. This observation confirms the results of other authors. Other amphibian species (Bufo bufo, Rana temporaria, Triturus montadoni) occurred together with Bombina variegata mostly in ponds surrounded by larger deforested areas. Furthermore, the significantly lower body condition index of Bombina variegata was observed mostly in ponds occupied by other amphibian species (p<0.001). Results suggest that Bombina variegata is better adapted to shaded environments in comparison to other amphibians and therefore is able to achieve higher body condition in forest ponds not only due to higher nutrient availability and higher moisture but also decreased competition.