Amphibians Of The Atlantic Coast Of The Province Of Cadiz: Distribution, State Of Conservation And Localities Of Greater Interest For Its Conservation

During the hydrological years 2006/07, 2007/08 and 2008/09, in the Atlantic littoral of Cadiz province, a thorough research of natural and artificial aquatic environments where amphibians reproduced was carried out. From the data obtained, and using a scale 1 x 1 km, the distribution of current species was determined, paying special interest to the endemic species of Andalucia, sorting them based on the risk of becoming extinct, and identifying the grids where amphibians could be better preserved. In the study area, the Iberian paisley frog (Pelodytes ibericus) showed the highest reproductive extension. The Pygmy marbled newt (Triturus pygmaeus) presented the greatest risk of becoming extinct in the area of study. This species combined a restricted distribution, the use of few reproductive habitats and a moderately extended larval period. By contrast, the Iberian green frog (Pelophylax perezi), the Stripeless treefrog (Hyla meridionalis) and the Western spadefoot toad (Pelobates cultripes) showed the lowest risk of extinction among the species analysed. To conclude, three grids UTM 1 x 1 Km were identified as special interest for amphibian preservation: 29SQA5731, 29SQA6709, and 29SQA4858. The fragmentation is among the largest threat over amphibian populations in the area of study.