Abstract
Forty-one amphibian habitats of various types in northern Israel were examined, in which water availability ranged from one month in the year to all year round. Larvae of all six species of amphibians native to the region, Salamandra salamandra, Triturus vittatus (Urodela), Hyla arborea, Bufo viridis, Rana ridibunda and Pelobates syriacus (Anura), were studied. The distribution of the species was governed by biotic and abiotic factors in the habitats, but not by the type of water body. Thus, larvae of all six species were found in temporary winter ponds, but only Salamandra and Bufo in streams and springs during the winter, and Rana during the summer. Ambient temperature, duration of water availability and elevation of the water body were major factors in species distribution. Species distribution also varied according to season. Species diversity increased from winter to summer. The growth rate of small larvae was found to be slower than that of larger larvae.
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