Chapter 25 Amphibians of Morocco, including Western Sahara

28 Pages·2016·0.59 MB·English

Basic and Applied Herpetology 27 (2013): 23-50
Chapter 25
Amphibians of Morocco, including Western Sahara: a status report
Ricardo Reques1,*, Juan M. Pleguezuelos2, Stephen D. Busack3, Philip de Pous4
1Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Sevilla, Spain.
2Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.
3North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
4Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, Departament de Producció Animal (Fauna Silvestre), Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain.
*Correspondence: Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Cl. Americo Vespucio, s/n, 41092, Isla de la Cartuja,
E-41092 Sevilla, Spain. Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]
Received: 10 January 2013; received in revised form: 30 September 2013; accepted: 21 October 2013.
Morocco has one of the highest rates (28.6%) of amphibian endemism among countries bordering the
Mediterranean Sea and, while large areas of Morocco are crucial for conserving amphibian biodiversity, some
areas are not afforded legal protection. We examine biodiversity, identify immediate anthropogenic threats, dis-
cuss critical habitat for the conservation of amphibian diversity and the role of currently protected areas in meet-
ing conservation goals within Morocco, Western Sahara included. The study area harbours 14 amphibian
species, eight of which are assigned to the categories of Endangered (Pelobates varaldii), Vulnerable (Salamandra
algira, Amietophrynus xeros, and Hoplobatrachus occipitalis) or Near Threatened (Pleurodeles waltl, Alytes maurus,
Bufo spinosus, and Barbarophryne brongersmai) using IUCN criteria at the regional level of the study area.
Habitat loss and degradation due to conversion of land for agriculture, urbanization, or industry are major
threats, but infrastructure for tourism, freshwater pollution by chemicals, introduction of non-native species to
aquatic ecosystems (Gambusia holbrooki), pathogens (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), road-kills, and natural
disasters (drought), are also rapidly increasing threats. In addition, consequences from global warming must also
be considered. The present Conservation Area Network (CAN) does not include distributional ranges of some
amphibian species, and a more complete CAN in Atlantic and desert areas is suggested. The northwestern
Atlantic, Rif-Middle Atlas, Central Atlantic, and Tiris regions should be considered priorities for conservation
because of amphibian endemism and/or the existence of isolated amphibian populations.
KKey words:amphibian decline; conservation planning; Morocco; survival threats; Western Sahara.
Los anfibios de Marruecos, incluyendo Sáhara Occidental: Informe sobre su situación. Marruecos posee una de las
tasas más elevadas de anfibios endémicos (28.6%) entre los países de la cuenca mediterránea y, a pesar de que exten-
sas áreas de Marruecos son fundamentales para la conservación de la biodiversidad de anfibios, otras zonas no gozan
de protección legal. En este estudio examinamos la biodiversidad, identificamos las amenazas antropogénicas más
inmediatas y discutimos el hábitat crítico para la conservación de la diversidad de anfibios y el papel de las áreas
actualmente protegidas en el cumplimiento de los objetivos de conservación en Marruecos, Sáhara Occidental inclu-
ido. El área de estudio alberga 14 especies de anfibios, ocho de las cuales se asignan a las categorías de En Peligro
(Pelobates varaldii), Vulnerable (Salamandra algira, Amietophrynus xeros y Hoplobatrachus occipitalis) o Casi
Amenazada (Pleurodeles waltl, Alytes maurus, Bufo spinosusy Barbarophryne brongersmai), utilizando criterios de la
UICN a nivel regional en la zona de estudio. La pérdida de hábitat y la degradación debido a la conversión de ter-
renos para la agricultura, urbanismo o industria son las principales amenazas, pero las infraestructuras relacionadas con
el turismo, la contaminación de agua dulce por productos químicos, la introducción de especies exóticas en los ecosis-
temas acuáticos (Gambusia holbrooki), la llegada de patógenos (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), los atropellos y los
desastres naturales (sequía), también son amenazas en rápido aumento. Del mismo modo, también deben tenerse en
cuenta las consecuencias del calentamiento global. La actual Red de Áreas de Conservación (CAN) no incluye ran-
This chapter should be cited as: Reques R., Pleguezuelos J.M., Busack S.D. & de Pous, P. (2013). Amphibians of Morocco, including Western Sahara:
A Status Report. Chapter 25 in Part 2. Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egyptin Vol. 11. Conservation and Decline of Amphibians: Eastern
Hemisphere of the seriesAmphibian Biology. Basic and Applied Herpetology27: 23-50. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11160/bah.13003/
24 REQUESETAL.
gos de distribución de algunas de las especies de anfibios, por lo que se sugiere una red de conservación más comple-
ta incluyendo zonas del Atlántico y el desierto. Las regiones del Atlántico Noroeste, Rif-Atlas Medio, Atlántico
Centro y Tiris deben ser consideradas prioridades de conservación debido a los endemismos presentes y/o la existen-
cia de poblaciones aisladas de anfibios.
Key words: amenazas para la supervivencia; declive de anfibios; Marruecos; planificación de conservación,
Sáhara Occidental.
Morocco (including Western Sahara), Morocco has only 14 of Africa’s 993
with an area of 705 850 km2, is biogeograph- amphibian species (Table 1) (IUCN, 2009).
ically within the Maghreb. In the north, mild One of these species, Pelobates varaldii, is
and wet winters alternate with long, hot and endemic but three other species, Discoglossus sco-
increasingly dry summers as one progresses vazzi, Alytes maurus, and Barbarophryne
southward and eastward. Annual rainfall averages brongersmai, may be considered quasi-endemic
950 mm in the north (Tangier), 430 mmalong because most of their distributional area is with-
the Atlantic Coast (Casablanca), and less in Morocco and only isolated populations are
than 100 mm in most of the Western Sahara. known from within Algeria. Morocco, therefore,
Four mountain ranges, the Rif (Jebel has almost exclusive responsibility for global
Tidighine, 2456 m), the Middle Atlas (Jebel
Table 1:Moroccan amphibian species.
Bou Naceur, 3356 m), the High Atlas (Jebel
Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at
4167 m) and the Anti-Atlas (Jebel Siroua, CCAUDATA
Salamandridae
3304 m) traverse the country from north to
Pleurodeles waltlMichahelles, 1830
south. The Sahara Desert begins south of the
Salamandra algiraBedriaga, 1883
Anti-Atlas and High Atlas and extends east
for more than 800 km and south for more ANURA
Alytidae
than 1000 km to 21º N latitude.
Alytes maurusPasteur and Bons, 1962
Morocco probably has the most complete Discoglossus pictusOtth, 1837
dataset regarding amphibian distribution and Discoglossus scovazziCamerano, 1878
Pelobatidae
status across northern Africa, and BONS &
Pelobates varaldiiPasteur and Bons, 1959
GENIEZ (1996), SCHLEICH et al. (1996),
Hylidae
MATEOet al.(2003), and GENIEZet al.(2004) Hyla meridionalisBöttger, 1874
have been relied upon heavily for summaries Bufonidae
Amietophrynus mauritanicus(Schlegel, 1841)
of distribution and habitat preferences. While
Amietophrynus xeros(Tandy, Tandy, Keith and
this manuscript was in review BEUKEMA et al. Duff-Mackay, 1976)
(2013) described a third subspecies within Bufotes boulengeriLataste, 1879
Salamandra algira(S. a. splendens) and provid- Barbarophryne brongersmai(Hoogmoed, 1972)
Bufo spinosusDaudin, 1803
ed natural history data separately for the three
Dicroglossidae
Moroccan subspecies; supplemental natural Hoplobatrachus occipitalis(Günther, 1858)
history data for other amphibian taxa are also Ranidae
Pelophylax saharicus(Boulenger, 1913)
provided throughout this paper.
STATUSOFMOROCCANANDWESTERNSAHARANAMPHIBIANS 25
conservation of these four amphibians. Table 2: Red List status (IUCN categories) for
Proximity to the Iberian Peninsula has provided amphibians of Morocco (PLEGUEZUELOS et al.,
2010). CR=Critically Endangered; EN=Endangered;
Morocco with the greatest European influence
VU=Vulnerable; NT=Near Threatened; LC=Low
on its amphibian fauna among all African
Concern; NSp=number of species; End=number of
countries; two species (Pleurodeles waltland Bufo endemic species; for comparative purposes global
spinosus) and some genera (Salamandra, data for the amphibians of the Mediterranean Basin
Discoglossus, Alytes, Pelobates, Pelophylax) are of are included (COXet al., 2006).
European origin. Because of greater habitat
diversity, higher rainfall, and lower rates of evap- CCRENVUNTLC NSp End
oration, amphibian species richness is highest in
the north while large areas within the Sahara Morocco, Anura 1 2 3 6 12 1
Morocco, Caudata 1 1 2 0
lack amphibians (BAHAELDINet al., 2008).
Morocco, Amphibia 1 3 4 6 14 1
The global conservation status of Moroccan
Mediterranean, Amphibia 2 13 13 17 61 106 68
amphibians has been assessed quite recently
(Table 2; see also COX et al., 2006) and while
large areas of Morocco are crucial to conserving in northern wetlands and mountains, but these
amphibian biodiversity (Table 3), many signifi- habitat types are not always well-represented in
cant areas are not afforded legal protection the current Conservation Area Network (CAN,
(RONDININIet al., 2006; DEPOUSet al., 2011). MINISTÈRE DE L’AGRICULTURE, 1994).
Threatened amphibian species and populations Currently, no amphibian species is legally pro-
are found in southern desert and savannah, and tected in Morocco.
Table 3:Precipitation and attributes of the distributional ranges of amphibians in Morocco (including
Western Sahara). See text for procedure.
Species Range within Percentage of global Precipitation
Morocco (km2) range within Morocco Minimum Maximum Mean
Alytes maurus 5 500 ~95 700 > 2000 995.7
Amietophrynus mauritanicus 395 300 47.88 < 100 2000 466.1
Amietophrynus xeros 12 300 0.21 < 100
Barbarophryne brongersmai 95 100 ~ 95 250 600 293.7
Bufo spinosus 183 200 1.16 500 > 2000 541.9
Bufotes boulengeri 438 600 22.44 250 > 2000 441.9
Discoglossus pictus 5 300 2.22 150 600 270.6
Discoglossus scovazzi 190 600 ~ 95 350 2000 614.9
Hoplobatrachus occipitalis 525 0.01 < 100
Hyla meridionalis 240 900 31.67 300 2000 580.8
Pelobates varaldii 7 000 100 600 800 710.7
Pelophylax saharicus 398 300 28.21 < 100 2000 463.7
Pleurodeles waltl 60 500 14.11 500 2000 733.2
Salamandra algira 10 800 48.74 800 > 2000 943.9
All Species 441.8
Morocco 413.1
26 REQUESETAL.
Figure 1: Major habitats utilized by amphibians at the regional level (from PLEGUEZUELOSet al., 2010).
In the following pages amphibian biodiver- of uncultivated sandy soil next to temporary
sity in Morocco is examined, the most impor- ponds; DEPOUSet al.(2012) provided 134 geo-
tant habitats (Fig. 1) and the role of protected referenced localities. Spawning sites are ephemer-
areas are discussed, and immediate threats to al ponds and dayas (Fig. 3a); modified habitats
this biodiversity are identified. It is hoped that are avoided, and it is the most stenoecious
this information will assist environmental and Moroccan amphibian (BEUKEMA et al., 2013).
conservation planning in Morocco by identify- The northernmost locality is a small, forested
ing non-random threats to diversity in terms of area just south of the Tangier airport, easternmost
species’ associations or ecological preferences. localities are Khemisset and south of Ouezzane,
In addition, this treatment provides important and the southernmost locality is in the vicinity of
information on a group of terrestrial verte- Oualidia. Suitable areas for this species along
brates under-represented in the CAN of most most of the Moroccan Atlantic coastline, into the
countries and frequently neglected in conserva- Souss Valley and southwards, and discontinuous-
tion policy (MILNER-GULLANDet al., 2006). ly along the Mediterranean coast east to the
Algerian border, potentially do exist.
IIUCN RED LIST STATUSOF MOROCCAN ESCORIZA & BEN HASSINE (2013) have
AMPHIBIANS (2009) reported a newly-discovered population of
Pelobates varaldii, represented by a tadpole
Endangered from one of 21 ponds surveyed in March
2013, in the Ben Slimane region. They sug-
Pelobates varaldii: The Moroccan spadefoot gest this population likely demonstrates the
toad (Fig. 2a), an endemic, is locally distributed relictual nature currently found in a formerly
within the northwestern coastal plain among continuous distribution through northern
cork oak and other forested habitat and in areas Morocco’s Atlantic coastal plain.
STATUSOFMOROCCANANDWESTERNSAHARANAMPHIBIANS 27
a b c
d e f
FFigure 2: Portraits of some Moroccan amphibians: (a) Pelobates varaldii (Mamora cork oak forest). (b)
Salamandra algira(Yebel Musa). (c) Alytes maurus(Chefchaouen). (d) Discoglossus scovazzi(Beni Snassene). (e)
Amietophrynus xeros(Atar, Mauritania). (f) Bufotes boulengeri(Aïn Leuh). Photo credits: (a) P. de Pous, (b) S.
Yubero, (c) S.D. Busack, (d) R. Reques and (e & f) J.M. Pleguezuelos.
Current major threats to survival derive lophotus rather than P. clarkii [fide John
from loss and degradation of habitat due to Cooper, North Carolina State Museum, in
conversion of suitable land to pasture for, litt., October 2010]) in a pond east of
and water pollution by, livestock. Survival is Larache (35.08122°N, 6.06908°W) signals
contingent upon sandy soil, and industrial an additional threat to this and other
farming is expanding into coastal areas (DE species. Invasive crayfish present an
POUS et al., 2012). Populations are often increasingly serious threat to aquatic
restricted to temporal ponds where hydro- organisms, including amphibian larvae,
periods may not be sufficient for comple- wherever they become established (COOPER
tion of larval development (developmental & ARMSTRONG, 2007).
period is unstudied, but is dependent upon Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a globally
water depth, temperature, and availability of distributed fungus responsible for chytrid-
food; four to six months is likely). Tadpoles iomycosis and mass mortality among amphib-
remaining in permanent bodies of water are ians worldwide (HEATWOLE, 2013), has
disappearing because of introduced predato- recently been reported from P. varaldii in
ry fish (Gambusia holbrooki; see also Morocco. One of ten larvae sampled in April
SALVADOR, 1996 and STUART et al., 2008) 2009, from ± 20.5 km SE Larache
and sudden draining during the larval peri- (35.038110°N, 6.029248°W) demonstrated a
od. Additional discovery (November 2008, 0.4-genome equivalent infection intensity of this
DE POUS et al., 2012) of an indeterminate pathogen (ELMOUDENet al., 2011). This finding,
species of Procambarus (photographic docu- while suggesting a low prevalence of infection,
mentation is suggestive of P. [Ortmannicus] warrants additional investigation. Populations of
28 REQUESETAL.
aa b
c d
e f
g h
STATUSOFMOROCCANANDWESTERNSAHARANAMPHIBIANS 29
these amphibians are decreasing and there is warranted (STEINFARTZ et al., 2000; DUBOIS
urgent need for conservation and manage- & RAFFAËLLI, 2009; BEUKEMA et al., 2010,
ment; additional protected areas within its 2013). Salamandra algira populations occur-
current range, coupled with management ring within the Rif and northern border of
actions for conservation, are needed to miti- the Middle Atlas have been partitioned into
gate continued population reduction. two subspecies, S. a. splendens Beukema, de
The Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Pous, Donaire-Barroso, Bogaerts, Garcia-
Endangered (EDGE) program at the Zoological Porta, Escoriza, Arribas, El Mouden &
Society of London (http://www.edgeofexistence. Carranza 2013 and S. a. tangitana Donaire-
org/) recently listed P. varaldiiat number 36 on Barroso & Bogaerts 2003. Some populations
their global amphibian top 100. of Salamandra are ovoviviparous (DONAIRE-
BARROSO & BOGAERTS, 2003a; BEUKEMA et
VVulnerable al., 2013). Viviparous populations from the
Tingitane Peninsula have also been proposed
Salamandra algira: The range of the for species status (as S. tingitana; DUBOIS &
North African fire salamander (Fig. 2b) is RAFFAËLLI, 2009). The population in Beni
widely fragmented throughout northern, Snassen is assigned to S. algira spelaea, which
rather wet, mountain ranges in Morocco and is more related to the Algerian populations.
Ceuta, Spain (MARTÍNEZet al., 1997; ESCORIZA The species is locally common in the western
et al., 2006; BOGAERTSet al., 2007; ESCORIZA and central Rif Mountains as well as in the
& COMAS, 2007; BEUKEMA et al., 2010, Middle Atlas (FAHDet al., 2006; BEUKEMAet
2013). Recent morphological, genetic, and al., 2010, 2013), in habitat associated with
ecological studies suggest that there are dif- humid, montane areas of Atlas Cedar
ferent genotypes and phenotypes with parap- (Cedrus atlantica), Pyrenean Oak (Quercus
atric distributions within Moroccan pyrenaica), and mixed forest (Abies, Cedrus,
Salamandra, and further taxonomic study is Pinus, and Quercus) with an abundance of
montane streams (MARTÍNEZ-MEDINA,
2001) (Fig. 3b), and has been cited in caves
Figure 3:Habitats for some of Morocco’s amphibian (AELLEN, 1951; DONAIRE BARROSO &
species. (a) Nufar pool, Kasr-el-Kebir; P. varaldii. (b)
BOGAERTS, 2001). Salamandra algira occurs
Stream, Talassemtane, Bab Taza; S. algira, A. maurus,
between 100 and 2100 m above sea level.
and B. spinosus. (c) Temporary pond, Asilah.
Populations are threatened by habitat loss
Breeding habitat, P. waltl. (d) Urban habitat,
Chefchaouen, S. algira, A. maurus, D. scovazzi, due to the agriculture of Cannabis sativa in
and P. saharicus. (e) Spur of the Anti-Atlas, west the Rif, deforestation, alteration and chan-
of Agdz; B. brongersmai. (f) Lanasser pool, Rif nelization of water, overgrazing by livestock
Mountains, H. meridionalis, A. mauritanicus,
throughout its range and, locally, by road-kill
and P. saharicus. (g) Fort Bou Cherif, B. boulengeri.
(TAIQUI, 1997; TAIQUI & MARTÍN-
(h) Dayet Sjri, Merzouga, Tafilalt, A. mauritanicus.
CANTARINO, 1997). The pet trade, climatic
Photo credits: (a) D. Donaire, (b & f) R. Reques, change, and the chytrid fungus are emerging
(c & d) S.D. Busack, (e, g, & h) J.M. Pleguezuelos. concerns (BOGAERTS, 2007).
30 REQUESETAL.
NNear Threatened genetic analysis shows that A. maurus pre-
sents low levels of mtDNA variability with
Pleurodeles waltl: The Sharp-ribbed newt is no clear geographical structuring (DE POUS
distributed mainly throughout the coastal plain et al., 2013). Its current, fragmented range is
of northwestern Morocco (GARCÍA-PARISet al., likely a result of increasing temperatures
2004; BEUKEMAet al., 2013) within a roughly throughout the Quaternary, as a fossil record
triangular area connecting the Tingitane likely attributable to A. maurus suggests a
Peninsula, Souk Jemaa des Oulad Abbou, and much wider historical distribution (BEUKEMA
Anosseur, but three recorded localities et al., 2013; DE POUS et al., 2013).
(Talamrhecht, Safi, Île d'Mogador) fall outside Populations in the Chefchaouen district
this area. In general, P. waltl inhabits ponds, are threatened by pollution due to human
lakes, ditches, and slow-moving streams with activity (Fig. 3d) and by introduction of the
non-permanent water (Fig. 3c) and adjusts invasive Eastern mosquito fish (Gambusia
to habitat modified by cultivation (BEUKEMA holbrooki) (DONAIRE-BARROSOet al., 2009a).
et al., 2013); populations are quite fragmented In the Middle Atlas some breeding localities
and are declining throughout the country in the Jebel Bou Iblane region are within pro-
(BEJAet al., 2009). tected areas (site of bio-ecological interest,
This species is Near Threatened because priority 1) but pressure from cattle grazing,
of a general decline in population numbers deforestation, canalization of mountain-
(almost 30% over ten years) and widespread water, and soil erosion are increasing threats
loss of habitat (BEJA et al., 2009). Main outside of protected areas (DONAIRE-
threats to survival are agrochemical pollution BARROSO et al., 2006). Additional threats to
and eutrophication caused by livestock, loss this species include the potential spread of
of aquatic habitat through drainage, and loss recently detected chytrid fungus (EL
and fragmentation of terrestrial habitats MOUDENet al., 2011) as well as the effects of
(BAHA EL DIN et al., 2008). climatic change. Due to its reduced distribu-
tion (about 30 known localities in an area of
Alytes maurus: The Moroccan midwife less than 5000 km2), the species has been list-
toad (Fig. 2c) is often found in association ed as Near Threatened (DONAIRE-BARROSO
with larvae-bearing populations of S. algira et al., 2009a).
(DONAIRE-BARROSOet al., 2006; BEUKEMAet al.,
2013). It has a discontinuous distribution Barbarophryne brongersmai: The genus
throughout humid areas in montane-karst Barbarophryne was recently published
and forested areas (mainly Q. pyrenaica) close (BEUKEMA et al., 2013) to reduce polyphyly
to water sources in the western and central within the “green toad group” by removing
Rif Mountains (Fig. 3b) between 200 and this species from the genera Bufo, Bufotes, or
2050 m above sea level (Jebel Tazekka) (see Pseudepidalea to which it has been variously
DE POUS et al., 2013). Its distribution in the assigned. Brongersma’s toad is found from 5 m
Middle Atlas is poorly known (LIBIS, 1985; to 1000 m above sea level in suitable habitat
DONAIRE-BARROSO et al., 2006). A recent south of Casablanca (HOOGMOED, 1972;
STATUSOFMOROCCANANDWESTERNSAHARANAMPHIBIANS 31
GENIEZ et al., 2000; BEUKEMA et al., 2013) 2001; ZANGARI et al., 2006). Abundant in
where it inhabits semiarid areas of Argania sub-humid and humid bioclimatic zones, but
spinosa, Euphorbia, grass-like vegetation, and also in semiarid zones around Casablanca,
ploughed fields. Temporary ponds where it this frog inhabits temporal and ephemeral
breeds are generally located in rocky areas ponds of fresh or slightly brackish water and
(Fig. 3e), and the species has been observed montane streams (BEUKEMA et al., 2013).
in artificial bodies of water (GARCÍA-MUÑOZ Localized loss of breeding sites through agri-
et al., 2009). It is threatened by increased cultural development in inland areas and
aridity and pollution and drainage of breed- increasing salinity in lagoons are the main
ing habitat throughout much of its range. threats (SALVADOR et al., 2009); it is pre-
Although present in the Parc National de sumed that the species can resist light modi-
Souss-Massa, the species is probably in fication of its habitat by deforestation.
decline, and at a loss rate of almost 30% over Chytrid fungus, B. dendrobatidis, recently has
ten years makes it close to qualifying for been reported from D. scovazzi at two locali-
Vulnerable status (SALVADOR et al., 2006). ties in Tétouan Préfecture. One metamorphic
Populations in the Souss Valley, Ifni, and individual sampled in November, 2006, from
Low Draa and Tekna regions, and those in Agnane (near Tétouan at 35.535881°N,
northern Western Sahara, are being nega- 5.386177°W) presented an infection intensi-
tively affected by the proliferation of cisterns ty of 29.9 genome equivalents and one adult
being built to water cattle. Toads, attracted sampled in February, 2007, approximately
by the humidity, fall into these underground 18.5 km SE Larache (35.043940°N,
cisterns and die when these watering struc- 6.046156°W) presented an infection intensity
tures dry up (GARCÍA-MUÑOZ et al., 2009). of 60.3 genome equivalents (ELMOUDENet al.,
One-meter-deep decantation chambers linked 2011). Additional research regarding the
to these cisterns are frequently used by actual extent of the distribution of this fun-
breeding toads and, while post-metamorphic gus is of paramount importance.
toads can probably climb the vertical
walls, adults are less likely to escape in this Discoglossus pictus: The western limit of
manner (L. García-Cardenete, personal distribution for the common painted frog is
communication). unclear. In Morocco apparently it is limited
to a strip from the Cap des Trois Fourches
LLeast Concern Peninsula (Melilla included) to Morocco’s
northern border with Algeria and possibly
Discoglossus scovazzi: The white-bellied extending westward beyond the Moulouya
painted frog (Fig. 2d) inhabits suitable habitat Basin (BEUKEMA et al., 2013). It breeds in
in Morocco and the Spanish territory of most types of still water, including temporal
Ceuta at elevations from near sea level to ponds, marshes, and brackish water. Habitat
2650 m above sea level in the High Atlas alteration, including changes in traditional
Mountains (see Fig 9 in BEUKEMA et al., land-use and urbanization (BOSCH et al.,
2013) (DUBOIS, 1982; MARTÍNEZ-MEDINA, 2009), is its principal threat.
32 REQUESETAL.
Hyla meridionalis: Mediterranean treefrogs tus based on mitochondrial DNA (see STÖCK
are widely distributed throughout the western et al., 2006, 2008; BEUKEMA et al., 2013).
Mediterranean (TEJEDO & REQUES, 2002); Inhabiting forested areas, shrubland, dry
northern Mediterranean locations appear to grassland, semi-desert, and desert at eleva-
have been colonized recently from Africa tions from near sea level to 2670 m above sea
(RECUERO et al., 2007; but see STÖCK et al., level (Fig. 3g), Boulenger’s toad is one of
2012). Widespread in Morocco from coastal the most widespread amphibians in
wetlands to montane habitats, it inhabits most Morocco. The main threat facing the species
areas adjacent to still or moving water (Fig. 3f); appears to be loss of breeding habitat through
current gaps in its apparent range in many drainage of wetlands, management of natural
parts of northeastern Morocco and the water sources, and water pollution (IUCN,
Middle-Atlas and High Atlas are likely due to 2006). In the southern belt of its Moroccan
a lack of distributional research (BEUKEMAet al., distribution B. boulengeri is the species most
2013). Loss of terrestrial and aquatic habitats likely to die inside modern underground cis-
is the major threat, but populations remain terns built for watering cattle (L. García-
locally abundant. One of ten H. meridionalis Cardenete, personal communication).
larvae sampled in April, 2009, approximately
18.5 km SE Larache (Tétouan Préfecture; Bufo spinosus: The common toad is a
35.043940°N, 6.046156°W) demonstrated a European species with genetically distinct
395.9 genome equivalent infection intensity relictual populations in Morocco (GARCÍA-
of the fungus B. dendrobatidis (EL MOUDEN PORTA et al., 2012). Isolated populations are
et al., 2011). found along Mediterranean mountains and
in other mountains except the Anti-Atlas
Amietophrynus xeros: The desert toad (Fig. 2e) (FAHDet al., 2006; BEUKEMAet al., 2013). It
has been recorded from the extreme south of inhabits very humid areas near permanent
Western Sahara. The population found in water, mostly in mountainous regions (Fig. 3b),
temporal pools at Aouadi, a well close to Wadi and attains an elevation of 2750 m on Jebel
Aïn Ascaf, is probably relictual and adversely Tinergouet in the High Atlas. Populations
impacted by regional drought; in areas near might be locally impacted by deforestation,
and within Adrar Atar (Mauritania) the species water pollution, and draining of traditional
is always present around natural, temporal, breeding places (IUCN, 2006). While not
small reservoirs. Listed as Least Concern at threatened at the global level (AGASYANet al.,
the global level, at the regional level of 2009), at the regional level of Morocco it
Morocco it could be considered Vulnerable can be considered Near Threatened
(PLEGUEZUELOSet al., 2010). (PLEGUEZUELOS et al., 2010).
Bufotes boulengeri: Previously considered a Amietophrynus mauritanicus: The Mauritanian
member of the Palearctic green toad complex toad is a Maghrebian endemic with a wide
as Bufo viridis, this toad (Fig. 2f) has been distribution from the northern Sahara Desert
recently reassigned independent species sta- to the Mediterranean coast, but its presence