Re-introduction of the Mallorcan midwife toad, Mallorca, Spain

Griffiths, Richard A. and Garcia, Gerardo and Olivier, J. (2008) Re-introduction of the Mallorcan midwife toad, Mallorca, Spain. In: Soorae, P.P., ed. Global re-introduction perspectives: Re-introduction case studies from around the globe. IUCN/SSC Re-introduction Specialist Group, Abu Dhabi, pp. 54-57. ISBN 9782-831711133. (Access to this publication is restricted)

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Abstract

The Mallorcan midwife toad (Alytes muletensis, Sanchíz & Alcover, 1977) or ferreret was first described in the 1970s as Baleaphryne muletensis from upper Pleistocene fossils, and was considered extinct. The discovery of live tadpoles in 1980 led to further research which confirmed the species as extant and endemic to Mallorca (Mayol & Alcover, 1981). Subfossils suggest that the species was once widespread across the island, but today it is confined to a few gorges within the Serra de Tramuntana mountains in the north-west part of the island. There are currently about 34 populations within the mountains and adjacent areas (16 original wild populations plus 18 re-introductions). These are largely isolated from each other by physiographic barriers, but there is little evidence of any inbreeding depression. Re-introduction of captive bred toads started in 1989 and it is estimated that about 25% of the wild toads stem from captive bred stock. The successful re-introduction program contributed to the downgrading of the species from ‘Critically Endangered’ to ‘Vulnerable’ in the Global Amphibian Assessment of 2004. There is little evidence that wild populations are continuing to decline, but the recent discovery of chytridiomycosis in four populations gives cause for concern.

Item Type:	Book section
Additional information:	Prepared by the IUCN/SSC Re-introduction Specialist Group in conjunction with the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi, UAE and the Denver Zoological Foundation, USA
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GN Anthropology
Divisions:	Faculties > Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation
Depositing User:	James Chaffin
Date Deposited:	02 Nov 2009 09:28
Last Modified:	21 May 2014 11:18
Resource URI:	https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/23168 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)