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Abstrakt

Predation is an important factor influencing amphibian reproductive success; however, its seasonal dynamics at breeding sites remain poorly understood. Particular attention has recently been paid to the invasive raccoon (Procyon lotor), which has been expanding throughout Central Europe and has been identified as an important amphibian predator in several invaded regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seasonal activity of potential amphibian predators at breeding sites using camera trapping, compare it with amphibian activity, and assess the role of the invasive raccoon within the predator community. Monitoring was conducted at two important wetland localities in the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area and the Chropyňský luh National Nature Reserve (Czech Republic). Predator activity recorded by camera traps was compared with the seasonal dynamics of amphibian occurrence. A total of 6,746 predator records were obtained. Significant positive correlations with amphibian activity were found for the grey heron (Ardea cinerea), weasels (Mustela spp.), Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), and raccoon (Procyon lotor), whereas the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) showed a negative correlation, and the wild boar (Sus scrofa) showed no significant seasonal association. Although direct predation events were recorded only occasionally, camera trapping proved to be a useful method for assessing predator activity and seasonal overlap with amphibian breeding. The results highlight the invasive raccoon as a potentially important source of predation pressure on amphibian populations and provide practical support for targeted management, including systematic monitoring and population control of raccoons at valuable amphibian breeding sites as part of integrated amphibian conservation.