Vig Károly: Zoological Research in Western Hungary. A history (Szombathely, 2003)
Phylum Vertebrata 171 summed up the Hungarian distribution of the Alpine crested newt (T. carnifex — TARTALLY et al 2001). GYÖRGY О. DELY presented the species as a new subspecies of the crested newt in the Hungarian fauna (Triturus cristatus camifex), the specimen having been collected from the water of a 'pond' at Oriszentpéter (Galambszer) on June 26, 1967 by ISTVÁN SZABÓ. DELY'S work in 1967 made it probably that the species (then seen as a subspecies) was present in the West Hungarian border region (DELY 1967). Later, 26 specimens of the new taxon were obtained while collecting common newts (Г. vulgaris) (DELY 1970-71). In 1997, a larva was found in a small pond in Alsó-erdő (Lower Wood), Kőszeg, followed by several mature examples in the same place in 1998. In 2001, the species was also found at Őriszentpéter (Keserűszer), in almost the same location as DELY had discovered it in 1967. Both populations constitute actual breeding communities. This is a currently endangered, protected species in Hungary, where its populations live on the eastern edge of its distribution, making them extremely fragile and deserving of the utmost protection. A survey of the stocks and locations of the Alpine newt (Triturus alpestris) in Hungary began in 1998. It was found to be distributed in the West Hungarian border region at eight locations in the Őrség and Vendvidék districts (MOLNÁR et al. 2001). To study the distribution of the yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) and fire-bellied toad (B. bombina) in the Őrség, external morphological features of 39 toad specimens from different localities of the Őrség National Park were examined by JUDIT VÖRÖS (2002). Although В. variegata can usually be found in the hilly regions of Hungary (i.e. over 300 metres above sea level), the climate of the Őrség is affected by the Alpine Foothills, and hence can offer a suitable habitat for B. variegata. However, the author's examinations did not confirm that hybridization of toads occurred there, despite the climatic and ecological potential for it. Despite earlier occurrence data for B. bombina (DANKOVICS 1995), this has not been confirmed by subsequent collection or observation. The specimens examined all proved to belong to the B. variegata species and their phenetic classification yielded no evidence of mixing along any temporary zone of contact and hybridization between the species within the Őrség National Park.
