Terentjev's Frog

This species is morphologically very similar to the Marsh Frog (R. ridibunda). Snout relatively sharp. Eyes small: their diameter is comparable to the diameter of tympanum. Inner metatarsal tubercle small, 2.3-3.8 mm. Ratio first toe/inner metatarsal tubercle 3.8-5.0. Male resonators dark-gray. Green tints prevail in dorsal coloration. Dark-brown spots of the dorsal pattern less numerous than in the Marsh Frog; light mid-dorsal line exist in all individualsRana ridibunda is considered now as a complex of species, whose study is in progress. Morphological differences of R. terentievi and R. ridibunda sensu stricto are unstable, and the species status was determined on the basis of genetic differences. The genetic distance between R. ridibunda and R. terentievi (D = 0.293) is comparable to that between other studied species of this complex. Therefore, according to the current taxonomy of these frogs, R. terentievi should be of the same validity as other species of this complex. However, a final decision on its status can be made only after complex taxonomic revision of the Rana ridibunda group.

The species inhabits plains and mountain areas of Southern Tajikistan (southerly from the Gissar Ridge): environs of settlements Obi-Garm, Shaartuz, probably near Dushanbe City and other areas. It probably also lives in the lower reaches of the Amu-Darya River and in Northern Afghanistan. In the valley near Obi-Garm Settlement, the species was recorded in puddles and swamps near warm springs.

In all probability, it is not a rare species. The frogs, earlier identified as Rana ridibunda, are known to be common in the rivers of southern Tajikistan. Nevertheless, ecological data on frogs identified as R. terentievi are very scarce. In the valley near Obi-Garm Settlement, the hibernation finishes probably in April. In the valley of the Vakhsh River, the hibernation is finished in late February - early March. Frogs hibernate on land: in holes, old tree roots and in rodent burrows. It should be noted that the terrestrial hibernation of the relative species, R. ridibunda is known in different parts of its range. Reproduction takes place in March. The frog feeds on insects and, in fisheries, fish fry.

The frog does not avoid anthropogenic landscapes. In particular, it occurs in fisheries.

Pelophylax terentievi, commonly known as Terentjev's frog or Central Asian pond frog, is a species of frog in the family Ranidae. It is found in Xinjiang, China and Tajikistan, and possibly in Afghanistan.

Its natural habitats are swamps and hot deserts. Its status is insufficiently known.