danube danube danube species found central eastern europe basin danube river tributaries smaller slender body genus like males develop conspicuous tail breeding season half year longer adults live slow flowing river margins lakes ponds reproduction takes place males perform courtship display females lay eggs individually leaves aquatic plants larvae develop months water reaching remainder year live land habitats usually forests considered threatened danube populations declined significantly reason mainly habitat loss species protected law european_union taxonomy danube described variety northern later considered subspecies genetic analysis supported recognition separate species species complex northern likely sister species according molecular phylogenetic study based mitochondrial dna analysis nuclear dna gives conflicting results sister relationship separated populations distribution habitats described subspecies later genetic study support distinction forms description measuring centimetres long total danube smallest species slender body species adapted swimming narrow head relatively short limbs body shape evolved increase number rib bearing highest number danube sides dark brown black spots white belly orange red usually yellow orange yellow small medium sized black sharp edges like males develop crest tail breeding phase high usually starts eyes nostrils feature males breeding season bluish white stripe tail distribution habitats danube found areas distribution central eastern europe basin easternmost austria czech_republic small southeast slovakia hungary northern croatia marginally northern serbia east romania southeast ukraine region includes middle danube river tributaries including lower danube danube delta separated basin area northern occurs central ranges southern romania northern bulgaria small parts southern region southern ukraine delta small area distribution southern ukraine reported isolated danube basin suggested areas connected glacial maximum level black_sea metres lower today range extend lower basins bug rivers addition northern north danube range borders italian west balkan south compared species danube adapted life river system frequently occurs flowing water fish typical breeding sites slow flowing river margins lakes flooded larger ponds ditches provided abundant underwater vegetation available land phase live deciduous forests meadows behaviour ecology danube longest aquatic phase genus adults breeding sites february march usually stay months occasionally stay longer return water autumn males court females display body movements gained female interest guide deposit ground female takes eggs internally female lays eggs season folded individually leaves aquatic plants larvae develop months reach leave water water land largely nocturnal aquatic habitats hide vegetation land use structures logs rocks small animal cover feed mainly different invertebrates water prey smaller predators include birds snakes grass snake mammals threats conservation population danube declined significantly assessed conservation status near threatened main threat habitat destruction humans especially drainage pollution species loss breeding ponds decreasing spring rain southern range possibly global warming seen threats like listed convention appendix capture disturbance killing trade destruction habitats prohibited
Danube crested newt