FIGURE 17 in Amphibians and reptiles in North Sweden: distribution, habitat affinities, and abundance (Classes: Amphibia and Reptilia)

FIGURE 17. Rana temporaria is the only amphibian breeding in alpine heath habitats well above tree line in the Scandic Mountains of North Sweden. Among the variety of wetland types available, chorusing and spawning invariably take place in shallow ponds with moderate to sparse vegetation. Despite high altitude and latitude, a short annual activity period, and a cool overall climate, breeding ponds enjoy constant daylight, high insolation and thus warm up rapidly. Kraipe, Lycksele lappmark, 820 m altitude, Low-Alpine zone. Photo: Johan Elmberg.