Rare Species in Latvia

Latvia is a country in Europe with many natural landscape. This country has quite a few rare species, which I have learned about during my current study there. I am studying Biology for a semester at Daugavpils University until the end of January 2022.

I had learned about a threatened bryophyte species that is Dicranum viride. These species can only be found in certain forests where the occupied trees would be marked down. This is done so that the trees can be avoided in being cut down thus the bryophyte would not die along with the tree. When I had gone to the field, it had taken quite a while to be able to identify the Dicranum viride on marked trees. They look similar to other bryophytes, but if you look long enough you will start to notice the difference.

In another lesson, I had learned about 3 rare native herpetofauna to Latvia that includes a frog, a salamander, and a turtle. Herpetofauna are faunas from the groups of amphibians and reptiles. The rare toad species there is Bombina bombina, with a distinguished characteristic of having red or orange spots on their belly thus their common name of fire bellied toad. Meanwhile the rare salamander species there is Triturus cristatus, where it also has spots like the fire bellied toad. Then the last rare species in Latvia is Emys orbicularis which is a turtle. This turtle can live for 100 years, but their young are threatened by the invasive species raccoon dog. On the field, trying to find these turtle for study purposes is hard.

I am able to learn a lot during my study in Latvia. The class would go to the field to learn when needed, so a lot of information is easier to understand. However, Latvia is currently under lockdown and there are no more outdoor classes until November 15. This situation would soon pass and I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy wherever you may be.