Taking care of the aquatic habitat of the Iberian painted frog.

 

Raquel Asensio

Small-sized frog: between 45 and 50 mm (up to 80 mm).

The females are a slightly smaller size than the males. Its dorsal colouring is very variable and may include brownish, yellowish-brown, pinkish, greenish or near-black tones, with uniform, dappled patterns or lengthwise stripes.

It has two lateral glandular cords which extend down the whole of the back from the eyes.

The belly is whiteish or yellowish in colour and smooth.

Its head is flat, almost as long as it is wide, and it has a sharp-pointed snout.

When illuminated, the pupil of the eye is heart-shaped.

It has three palmar tubercles, and the males have well-developed membranes on their hind limbs.

Habitat

Normally in small bodies of standing water such as ponds or springs and streams.

If they are in water courses, they prefer calmer or shallower areas.

Divaqua actions for improvement of the frog’s aquatic habitat:

Restoration of springs and wetlands

Isolation of bodies of water through fencing to prevent trampling

Recovery and improvement of springs

Creation of a water tray with permanent water and ramps for amphibians

Improvement of riverbanks and reduction of diversion effects

Planting of riparian woodlands

Restoration of river sections

Improvement of river connectivity

Removal of barriers and dams

Breeding males have nuptial pads on the toes of their forelimbs and the gular region.

DIURNAL

Juveniles are more diurnal

Reproductive season (October-May)

NOCTURNAL

The adults have mainly nocturnal habits

Rapid development after occlusion: between 3 weeks and 2 months

Metamorphic individual close to bodies of water

425–1520 eggs laid on the bottom of ponds