Results of the first batrachian survey in Europe using road call counts

Within the last 20 years, there have been extensive efforts to monitor populations of calling amphibians, especially in North America. One such initiative involves use of volunteers in conducting road call counts. To date, no attempt has been made to test the efficacy of this technique in Europe. This paper summarizes research involving road call counts in the Biharugra Landscape Protected Area, Körös-Maros National Park, Hungary. Seven of Hungary's 12 anuran species were identified in the study area using this method and an additional 3 species were detected by complementary visual encounter surveys. Limitations, including variations in species calling radii, extraneous noise, and program resource requirements should be considered when designing similar volunteer-based road call count protocols for other regions. However, this method should be of value in many areas in Hungary and Central Europe, due to its low cost, accessibility of volunteers, and value in accurately detecting most anuran species (including Bombina bombina and Hyla arborea - both IUCN Red Data Book species).