Abstract
The present study describes the habitats, life cycle, larval growth, burrowing behavior and terrestrial adaptation of spadefoot toads (Pelobates syriacus) in Israel based on observations and data collected over more than 30 years in northern Israel. The distribution area in Israel is from the north in the Upper Galilee and Golan Heights (annual rainfall range of 500–1000 mm) to the southern coastal plain (annual rainfall of about 250 mm). Among the 51 different breeding places of amphibians, only ponds where water is available for a few months of the year were used by spadefoot toads and metamorphosed populations were found around these ponds. The larvae underwent metamorphosis during the summer and autumn in northern Israel, and during the spring in central and southern Israel. The percentage of toads burrowing was negatively correlated to soil moisture levels, i.e., greater burrowing behavior occurring under dry conditions. Plasma concentrations of electrolytes and urea increased during burrowing. The burrowing behavior helps the spadefoot toads survive in this area at the southern border of its distribution. Spadefoot toads are highly specialized and have a narrow ecological niche that selects for lower levels of diversity.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.