Scientists Surprised to Find Mediterranean Frog Participates in Underground Adventures
Posted on April 30, 2013
The Mediterranean anuran frog Rana iberica, commonly known as Iberian brown frog, is usually found in streams. Scientists were surprised to find the frogs participating in underground adventures. A new study published here in the journal Subterranean Biology confirms the first report of Rana iberica reproduction in a cave-like habitat. The frog can be seen climbing up the wall of a drainage gallery in Serra da Estrela Natural Park in the above image.
Dr. Goncalo M. Rosa, lead author of the study, said in a statement, "The unusual sighting of R. iberica motivated a series of subsequent visits that started in 2011 up until December 2012 to understand the use of this artificial subterranean habitat by this species. All life stages were observed in the gallery during the study period, particularly adults, which were observed every month of the year."
The Iberian brown frog has been spotted in the galleries standing on the ground or in crevices, swimming underwater and even climbing up the walls. The scientists also found evidence of mating activity, and batches of eggs were found stuck to submerged rocks in the subterranean stream. Recently hatched tadpoles were also observed. The galleries are used by other amphibians as well, and larvae of the fire salamander Salamandra salamandra gallaica have been recorded twice while preying on brown frog tadpoles.