The herpetofauna of the Ebro delta became well known in the early 80s of last century. It is during this period that the first fieldwork and data collection were performed to analyze the distributions of species, or began to take shape several doctoral thesis on specific species or communities of lizards. These thesis have allowed to study and publish in the 90s scientific papers on different aspects of the biology of the Iberian green frog (Pelophylax perezi), the spiny-footed lizard (Acanthodactylus erythrurus), the large psammodromus (Large Psammodromus), the viperine water snake (Natrix maura) or Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni). Moreover, during that decade and up-to-date have been developed more general studies on the community of amphibians and reptiles present on the island of Buddha, or on demography and distribution of spiny-footed lizard. Also during the same period was performed continuously monitor populations of aquatic turtles (Emys orbicularis and Mauremys) and terrestrial (Testudo hermanni) of the Ebro Delta.
Based on this preliminary information stage, during 2004 and 2005, the Natural Park of Ebro Delta promoted systematized prospective studies, especially in the delta area, in order to supplement the information available and to update knowledge on distribution and conservation status of amphibians and reptiles in the delta.
This book summarizes and discusses current knowledge achieved through specific studies indicated, based on literature review and fieldwork.
The herpetofauna of the Ebro delta became well known in the early 80s of last century. It is during this period that the first fieldwork and data collection were performed to analyze the distributions of species, or began to take shape several doctoral thesis on specific species or communities of lizards. These thesis have allowed to study and publish in the 90s scientific papers on different aspects of the biology of the Iberian green frog (Pelophylax perezi), the spiny-footed lizard (Acanthodactylus erythrurus), the large psammodromus (Large Psammodromus), the viperine water snake (Natrix maura) or Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni). Moreover, during that decade and up-to-date have been developed more general studies on the community of amphibians and reptiles present on the island of Buddha, or on demography and distribution of spiny-footed lizard. Also during the same period was performed con ... Read more