Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Breeding phenology and larval distribution of amphibians in a Mediterranean pond network with unpredictable hydrology

  • Published:
Hydrobiologia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Understanding spatial and temporal breeding patterns in Mediterranean amphibian communities is urgent considering the rate of habitat loss. Breeding phenology and breeding habitat selection by amphibians were analysed through the monthly occurrence of larvae in a mosaic of 198 Mediterranean temporary ponds during three years. A generalized linear model (GLM) coupled with principal component analysis showed that, for almost all species, occurrence was significantly positively correlated to pond depth. In addition, pond openness negatively affected the presence of some species. Temporal breeding patterns varied among species. Some species exhibited flexibility in their breeding date (Pelobates cultripes, Pelodytes punctatus, Hyla meridionalis, Rana perezi), while others did not (Triturus marmoratus, Triturus helveticus, Bufo calamita). When faced with inter-annual hydrological variability, the first group had a more constant breeding success than the second. Variable hydrological conditions caused differential larval occurrence of species between years. These fluctuations might favour long-term persistence of the whole amphibian community. We finally discuss the implications of our results for the management of amphibian habitats in the Mediterranean region.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Accordi, F. A., A. Massarek & G. Nobili, 1990. Ecological responses in a population of smooth newts (Triturus vulgaris) in an unpredictable environment. Herp. J. 1: 509–513.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alvarez, J., A. Salvador, J. Martin & A. Gutierrez, 1990. Desarrollo larvario del sapo de espuelas (Pelobates cultripes) en charcas temporales del NW de la peninsula Iberica. Rev. Esp. Herp. 4: 9–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andreone, F., C. Giacoma, L. Cavallotto & H. Francillon-Viellot. 1990. Le cycle reproducteur de Triturus alpestris: influence des facteurs externes. In Alpine Ecol. & Biogeogr.: 331–340

  • Aragón, P., P. Lopez & J. Martín, 2000. Conspecific chemical cues influence pond selection by male newts Triturus boscai. Copeia 3: 874–878.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arak, A., 1988. Callers and satellites in the natterjack toad: evolutionary stable decision rules. Anim. Behav. 36: 416–432.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker, J. M. R. & T. Halliday, 1999. Amphibian colonization of new ponds in an agricultural landscape. Herp. J. 9: 55–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Banks, B. & T. J. C. Beebee, 1987. Factors influencing breeding site choice by the pioneering amphibian Bufo calamita. Holarct. Ecol. 10: 14–21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bardsley, L. & T. J. C. Beebee, 1998. Interspecific competition between larvae is not an important structuring force in mixed communities of Rana and Bufo on an English sand-dune system. Ecography 21: 449–456.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beebee, T. J. C., 1981. Habitats of the british amphibians (4): agricultural lowlands, and a general discussion of requirements. Biol. Conserv. 21: 127–139.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beebee, T. J. C., 1983. Habitat selection by amphibians across an agricultural land-heathland transect in Britain. Biol. Conserv. 27: 111–124.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beebee, T. J. C., 1985. Discriminant analyses of amphibian habitat determinants in south-east England. Amphibia-Reptilia 6: 35–43.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beebee, T. J. C., 1997. Bufo calamita. In Gasc, J. P., A. Cabela, J. Crnobrnja-Isailovic, D. Dolmen, K. Grossenbacher, P. Haffner, J. Lescure, H. Martens, J. P. M. Rica, H. Maurin, M. E. Oliveira, T. S. Sofianidou, M. Veith & A. Zuiderwijk (eds), Atlas of Amphibians and Reptiles in Europe. SEH & MNHN (IEGB/SPN), Paris: 120–121.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biggs, J., A. Corfield, D. Walker, M. Whitfield & P. Williams, 1994. New approaches to the management of ponds. Brit. Wildl.: 273–284.

  • Blaustein, A. R., L. K. Belden, D. H. Olson, D. M. Green, T. L. Root & J. M. Kiesecker, 2001. Amphibian breeding and climate change. Conserv. Biol. 15: 1804–1809.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blondel, J. & J. Aronson, 1999. Biology and Wildlife of the Mediterranean Region. Oxford University Press, Oxford: 315 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bons, J. & P. Geniez, 1996. Amphibiens et Reptiles du Maroc (Sahara occidental compris), atlas biogéographique: 320 pp.

  • Burnham, K. P. & D. R. Anderson, 1998. Model selection and inference: a practical information-theoretic approach. Springer, New York: 353 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Busack, S. D. & G. R. Zug, 1976. Observations on the tadpoles of Pelobates cultripes from southern Spain. Herpetologica 32: 130–137.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cogalniceanu, D., 1994. The relative importance of vision and olfaction in mate recognition in male newts (genus Triturus). Herpetologica 50: 344–349.

    Google Scholar 

  • Connell, J. H., 1979. Tropical Rain Forests and Coral Reefs as open Non-Equilibrium Systems. In Anderson, R. M., B. D. Tuner & L. R. Taylor (eds), Population Dynamics. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford: 141–163.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cooke, A. S., 1975. Spawn site selection and colony size of the frog (Rana temporaria) and the toad (Bufo bufo). J. Zool., Lond. 175: 29–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cooke, A. S. & J. F. D. Frazer, 1976. Characteristics of newt breeding sites. J. Zool., Lond. 178: 223–236.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cvetkovic, D., M. L. Kalezic & A. Dzukic, 1996. The crested newt (Triturus carnifex) in the Submediterranean: reproductive biology, body size and age. Ital. J. Zool. 63: 107–111.

    Google Scholar 

  • Degani, G. & D. Kaplan, 1999. Distribution of amphibian larvae in Israeli habitats with changeable water availability. Hydrobiologia 405: 49–56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Denver, R. J., N. Mirhadi & M. Phillips, 1998. Adaptive plasticity in amphibian metamorphosis: response of Scaphiophus hammondii tadpoles to habitat desiccation. Ecology 79: 1859–1872.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diaz-Paniagua, C., 1988. Temporal segregation in larval amphibian communities in temporary ponds at a locality in SW Spain. Amphibia-Reptilia 9: 15–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diaz-Paniagua, C., 1990. Temporary ponds as breeding sites of amphibians at a locality in Southwestern Spain. Herp. J. 1: 447–453.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diaz-Paniagua, C., 1992. Variability in timing of larval season in an amphibian community in SW Spain. Ecography 15: 267–272.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diaz-Paniagua, C., 1998. Reproductive dynamics of a population of small marbled newts (Triturus marmoratus pygmaeus) in southwestern Spain. Herp. J. 8: 93–98.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dixon, J. R. & W. R. Heyer, 1968. Anuran succession in a temporary pond in Colina, Mexico. Bull Southern California Acad. Sci. 67: 129–137.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gascon, C., 1991. Population-and community-level analyses of species occurrences of central Amazonian rainforest tadpoles. Ecology 72: 1731–1746.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamoumi, R. E., 1988. Etude de l'écologie et des cycles de reproduction de quelques Amphibiens anoures du Maroc (Maamora et Moyen-Atlas). Université Mohamed V, Rabat.

  • Hanski, I. & M. Gilpin, 1991. Metapopulation dyamics: brief history and conceptual framework. J. linn. Soc. Zool. 42: 3–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heyer, W. R., 1973. Ecological interactions of frog larvae at a seasonal tropical location in Thailand. J. Herpetol. 7: 337–361.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heyer, W. R., 1974. Niche measurements of frog larvae from a seasonal tropical location in Thailand. Ecology 55: 651–656.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ildos, A. S. & N. Ancona, 1994. Analysis of amphibian habitat preferences in a farmland area (Po plain, Northern Italy). Amphibia-Reptilia 15: 307–316.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jakob, C., 2001. Lebenszyklus einer mediterranen Triturus marmoratus Population (Urodela)-Auswirkungen von Klima und temporärem Habitat auf Reproduktion, demographische Populationsstruktur und Migrationsverhalten. PhD. Joh.-Gutenberg Universität, Mainz.

  • Jakob, C., G. Poizat, A. J. Crivelli & M. Veith, 2002a. Larval growth variation in marbled newts (Triturus marmoratus) from temporary Mediterranean ponds. Amphibia-Reptilia 23: 359–362.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jakob, C., A. Seitz, A. J. Crivelli & C. Miaud, 2002b. Growth cycle of the marbled newt (Triturus marmoratus) in the Mediterranean region assessed by skeletochronology. Amphibia-Reptilia 23: 407–418.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jehle, R. & J. W. Arntzen, 2000. Post-breeding migrations of newts (Triturus cristatus, T.marmoratus) with contrasting ecological requirements. J. Zool., Lond. 251: 297–306.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joly, P., 1971. Les cycles sexuels de Salamandra (L.) I. Cycle sexuel des mâles. Ann. Sci. 13: 451–504.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joly, P. & C. Miaud, 1993. How does a newt find its pond? The role of chemical cues in migrating newts (Triturus alpestris). Ethol. Ecol. Evol. 5: 447–455.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joly, P., C. Miaud, A. Lehmann & O. Grolet, 2001. Habitat Matrix effects on pond occupancy in newts. Biol. Conserv. 15: 239–248.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krone, A., 1992. Erfahrungen mit dem Einsatz von Lichtfallen für den Nachweis von Amphibien. Rana 6: 158–161.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuzmin, S. L. & I. G. Meschersky, 1987. Feeding dynamics of the smooth newt during the ontogenesis. Zool. Zh. 66: 75–84.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laan, R. B. & Verboom, 1990. Effects of pool size and isolation on amphibian communities. Biol. Conserv. 54: 251–262.

    Google Scholar 

  • Langton, T. & J. A. Burton. 1997. Amphibians and Reptiles – Conservation management of species and habitats. 96 pp.

  • Laurila, A., 1998. Breeding habitat selection and larval performance of two anurans in freshwater rock-pools. Ecography 21: 484–494.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lethinen, R. M., S. M. Galatowitsch & J. R. Tester, 1999. Consequences of habitat loss and fragmentation for wetland amphibian assemblages. Wetlands 19: 1–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lizana, M., R. Márquez & R. Martín-Sánchez, 1994. Reproductive biology of Pelobates cultripes in Central Spain. J. Herpetol. 28: 19-27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Loman, J., 1988. Breeding by Rana temporaria; the importance of pond size and isolation. Mem. Soc. Fauna Flora fenn. 64: 113–115.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malkmus, R., 1995. Die Amphibien und Reptilien Portugals, Madeiras und der Azoren: Verbreitung, Ökologie, Schutz. Die neue Brehm-Bücherei, Heidelberg: 192 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malmgren, J., 2002. How does a newt find its way from the pond? Migration patterns after breeding and metamorphosis in great crested newts (Triturus cristatus) and smooth newts (T. vulgaris). Herp. J. 12: 29–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marnell, F., 1998. Discriminant analysis of the terrestrial and aquatic habitat determinants of the smooth newt (Triturus vulgaris) and the common frog (Rana temporaria) in Ireland. J. Zool., Lond. 244 pp.

  • Martens, H., 1984. Die Temperatur als Verbreitungsfaktor für Kammolch (Triturus cristatus) und Marmormolch (Triturus marmoratus). Dipl. Joh.-Gutenberg Universität, Mainz.

  • Médail, C., H. Michaud, J. Molina, G. Paradis & R. Loisel, 1998. Conservation de la flore et de la végétation des mares temporaires dulcaquicoles et oligotrophes de France méditerranéenne. Ecol. Medit. 24: 119–134.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miaud, C., D. Sanuy & J. N. Avrillier, 2000. Terrestrial movements of the natterjack toadBufo calamita (Amphibia, Anura) in a semiarid agricultural landscape. Amphibia-Reptilia 21: 357–370.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morand, A. & P. Joly, 1995. Habitat variability and space utilization by the amphibian communities of the french Upper-Rhone floodplain. Hydrobiologia 300/301: 249–257.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morin, P. J., 1981. Predatory Salamanders reverse the outcome of competition among three species of anuran tadpoles. Science 212: 1284–1286.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morin, P. J., 1983. Predation, competition, and the composition of larval anuran guilds. Ecol. Monogr. 53: 119–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Newman, R. A., 1989. Developmental plasticity of Scaphiopus couchii tadpoles in an unpredictable environnment. Ecology 70: 1775–1787.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oertli, B., D. A. Joye, E. Castella, R. Juge, D. Cambin & J. B. Lachavanne, 2002. Does size matter? The relationship between pond area and biodiversity. Biol. Conserv. 104: 59–70.

    Google Scholar 

  • Papayannis, T. & T. Salathé. 1999. Les zones humides méditerranéennes à l'aube du 21e siècle. Tour du Valat, Arles. 136 pp.

  • Paton, W. C. & W. B. Crouch, 2002. Using the phenology of pond-breeding amphibians to develop conservation strategies. Conserv. Biol. 16: 194–204.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pavignano, A., 1990. Niche overlap in tadpole populations Pelobates fuscus insubricus and Hyla aborea at a pond in north western Italy. Bull. Zool. 57: 83–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pavignano, I., C. Giacomo & S. Castellano, 1990. A mulitvariate analyses of amphibian habitat determinants in North-western Italy. Amphibia-Reptilia 11: 311–324.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearce, F. & A. J. Crivelli. 1994. General characteristics of Mediterranean Wetlands. MedWet, Arles. 88 pp.

  • Perennou, C., 2001. Life: conservation of temporary pools. Biological station of the Tour du Valat, Arles.

  • Phillips, R. A., D. Patterson & P. Shimmings, 2002. Increased use of ponds by breeding natterjack toads, Bufo calamita, following management. Herp. J. 12: 75–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Podloucky, R., 1986. Some implications of fish-rearing for amphibians. Herp. News 1: 6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reh, W. & A. Seitz, 1990. The influence of land use on the genetic structure of populations of the common frog Rana temporaria. Biol. Conserv. 54: 239–249.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roff, D. A., 1992. The evolution of life histories. Theory and analysis. Chapman & Hall, New York. 535 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rowe, C. L. & W. A. Dunson, 1995. Impacts of hydroperiod on growth and survival of larval amphibiens in temporary ponds of Central Pennsylvania. Oecologia 102: 397–403.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salvador, A. & L. M. Carrascal, 1990. Reproductive phenology and temporal patterns of mate access in Mediterranean anurans. J. Herpetol. 24: 438–441.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salvidio, S. & J. Y. Quero, 1987. Observations sur l'activité de Pelobates cultripes, Bufo calamita et Bufo bufo dans la mare du Grand Travers (Herault). Bull. Soc. herp. Fr. 41.

  • Schoorl, J. & A. Zuiderwijk, 1981. Ecological isolation in Triturus cristatus and Triturus marmoratus (Amphibia: Salamandridae). Amphibia-Reptilia 3: 235–252.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scoccianti, C., 2001. Amphibia: Aspetti di ecologia della conservazione (Amphibia: aspects of conservation ecology). WWF Italy, Firenze. 430 pp.

  • Semlitsch, R. D., D. E. Scott & J. H. K. Pechmann, 1988. Time and size at metamorphosis related to adult fitness in Ambystoma talpoideum. Ecology 69: 184–192.

    Google Scholar 

  • Semlitsch, R. D., 1998. Biological delineation of terrestrial buffer zones for pond-breeding salamanders. Conserv. Biol. 12: 1113–1119.

    Google Scholar 

  • Serrano, L., 1996. Influence of groundwater exploitation for urban water supply on temporary ponds from the Donana National Parc (SW Spain). J. env. Manag. 46: 229–238.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinsch, U., 1988. Temporal spacing of breeding activity in the natterjack toad, Bufo calamita. Oecologia 76: 399–407.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinsch, U., 1992. Structure and Dynamic of a Natterjack toad metapopulation (Bufo calamita). Oecologia 90: 489–499.

    Google Scholar 

  • Snodgrass, J. W., J. W. Ackerman, A. L. Bryan & J. Burger, 1999. Influence of hydroperiod, isolation, and heterospecifics on the distribution of aquatic salamanders (Siren and Amphiuma) among depression wetlands. Copeia 1: 107–113.

    Google Scholar 

  • Snodgrass, J. W., M. J. Komorowski, A. L. Bryan & J. Burger, 2000. Relationships among isolated wetland size, hydroperiod, and amphibian species richness: implications for wetland regulations. Conserv. Biol. 14: 414–419.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spieler, M. & K. E. Linsenmair, 1997. Choice of optimal oviposition sites by Hoplobatrachus occipitalis (Anura: Ranidae) in an unpredictable and patchy environment. Oecologia 109: 184–199.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spieler, M. & K. E. Linsenmair, 1998. Migration patterns and diurnal use of shelter in a Ranid frog of a western african savannah: a telemetric study. Amphibia-Reptilia 19: 43–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • StatSoft. 2002. STATISTICA. In. StatSoft 6.

  • Stoefer, M. & N. Schneeweiss, 1999. Zeitliche und räumliche Aspekte beim Schutz von Amphibien in der Agrarlandschaft des Barnims. Rana 3: 41–48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Strijbosch, H., 1979. Habitat selection of amphibians during their aquatic phase. Oikos 33: 363–372.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tejedo, M., 1988. Fighting for females in the toad Bufo calamita is affected by the operational sex ratio. Anim. Behav. 36: 1765–1769

    Google Scholar 

  • Tejedo, M. & R. Reques, 1994. Plasticity in metamorphic traits of natterjack tadpoles: the interactive effects of density and pond duration. Oikos 71: 295–304.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thioulouse, J., D. Chessel, S. Dolédec & J.-M. Olivier, 1997. ADE-4: A multivariate analysis and graphical display software. Stat. Comput. 7: 75–83.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tonne. 1954. Besser bauen mit Besonnungs-und Tageslichtplanung. Karl Hoffmann Verlag. 34 pp.

  • Trabaud, L., 1998. Historique de la création de la Réserve Naturelle de Roque-Haute et sa végétation. Ecol. Medit. 24: 173–178.

    Google Scholar 

  • Utsunomiya, Y., T. Utsunomiya, S. Katsuren & M. Toyama, 1983. Habitat segregation observed in the breeding of five frog species dwelling in a mountain stream of Okinawa Island. Ann. Zool. Jap. 56: 149–153.

    Google Scholar 

  • Verrell, P. A., T. R. Halliday & M. L. Griffiths, 1986. The annual reproductive cycle of the smooth newt (Triturus vulgaris) in England. J. Zool., Lond. 210: 101–119.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vilter, A. & V. Vilter, 1963. Mise en évidence d'un cycle reproducteur biennial chez le triton alpestre de Montagne. C. R. Acad. Sci., Paris 157.

  • Warburg, M. R., 1997. Ecophysiology of Amphibians inhabiting xeric environments, Berlin. 180 pp.

  • Wellborn, G. A., D. K. Skelly & E. A. Werner, 1996. Mechanisms creating community structure across a freshwater habitat gradient. Ann. Rev. Ecol. Syst. 27: 337–363.

    Google Scholar 

  • Werner, E. E. & M. Peek, 1994. Direct and indirect effects of predators on two anuran species along an environmental gradient. Ecology 75: 1368–1382.

    Google Scholar 

  • Werner, E. E. & K. S. Glennemeier, 1999. Influence of forest canopy cover on the breeding pond distributions of several amphibian species. Copeia 1: 1–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiggins, G. B., R. J. Mackay & I. M. Smith, 1980. Evolutionary and ecological strategies of animals in annual temporary pools. Arch. Hydrobiol. 58: 97–206.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilbur, H. M., P. J. Morin & R. N. Harris, 1983. Salamander predation and the structure of experimental communities: anuran responses. Ecology 64: 1423–1429.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilbur, H. M., 1997. Experimental ecology of food webs: complex systems in temporary ponds. Ecology 78.

  • Woodward, B. D., 1982. Tadpole competition in a desert anuran community. Oecologia 54: 96–100.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Station biologique de la Tour du Valat, le Sambuc, 13200, Arles, France

    Christiane Jakob, Gilles Poizat & Alain J. Crivelli

  2. Abteilung Ökologie, Institut für Zoologie, Johannes – Gutenberg Universität Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany

    Michael Veith & Alfred Seitz

Authors
  1. Christiane Jakob
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Gilles Poizat
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Michael Veith
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Alfred Seitz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Alain J. Crivelli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Jakob, C., Poizat, G., Veith, M. et al. Breeding phenology and larval distribution of amphibians in a Mediterranean pond network with unpredictable hydrology. Hydrobiologia 499, 51–61 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026343618150

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026343618150

Search

Navigation