Based on observations and data collected over more than 30 years in northern Israel, this study describes the habitats, life cycle, larval growth, burrowing behavior, and terrestrial adaptation of spadefoot toads (Pelobates syriacus) in Israel. In Israel, the distribution area extends from the north in the Upper Galilee and Golan Heights (annual rainfall range of 500–1000 mm) to the south in the coastal plain (annual rainfall of about 250 mm). Among the 51 different amphibian breeding locations, Spadefoot toads used only ponds where water was available for a few months of the year, and metamorphosed populations were found around these ponds. The larvae metamorphosed in northern Israel during the summer and autumn, and in central and southern Israel during the spring. The percentage of toads burrowing was negatively correlated with soil moisture levels, indicating that burrowing behavior is more prevalent in dry conditions. Electrolyte and urea concentrations in plasma increased while burrowing The burrowing behavior of spadefoot toads helps them survive in this area near the southern limit of their range. Spadefoot toads have a highly specialized ecological niche that favors lower levels of diversity.
Author (S) Details
Gad Degani
Faculty of Science and Technology, Tel Hai Academic College, Tel-Hai, Israel and MIGAL-Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel.
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