Biometrics
Average length: 5 cm.
Curiosities
This is an endemic species of the Iberian Peninsula native to Portugal and Spain, occurring exclusively in these countries.
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- Rã-ibérica (Rana iberica)
Iberian frog
(Rana iberica)
Class Amphibia, Order Anura, Family Ranidae
General description
The Iberian frog is olive in colour, but the dorsal area can show orange or even reddish tones. The most distinguishing feature is a dark streak that runs from the nostrils to the eyes, accompanied by a white line over the upper lip. It may have small, irregular, black or light spots on the back. Its head has a pointed snout and large, prominent eyes. The skin of the Iberian frog is mostly smooth, with small granules in the dorsal region. It has two folds on the back that extend from the eye to the back of the body, well separated and parallel.
Feeding
This species is mostly insectivorous. It feeds on small invertebrates such as beetles, flies, spiders, opiliones, snails, insect larvae, etc.
Behavior
The Iberian frog is active both during the day and at night. It is an agile frog, jumping quickly into the water when disturbed, swimming swiftly. The female lays her eggs in water, attached to aquatic plants or rocks. After hatching, the tadpoles feed on aquatic plants and, after about three months, metamorphose into a juvenile frog.
In Portugal
This frog is distributed across the Northwest of Portugal, but has isolated populations, with a dispersed distribution in other areas of the country. It occurs between sea level and altitudes of 1900 meters, in Serra da Estrela. The Iberian frog’s main habitat is mountainous areas, streams with abundant vegetation present on the banks, and within deciduous forests or marshes. However, it can occur in other types of habitats, from ponds, lakes, and wet meadows. It is an endangered species due to habitat loss and destruction, pollution of waterways, intensive agriculture, and unsustainable forestry practices.