Ecology of amphibians and aquatic reptiles

Description of impact

The Mediterranean region is a point of high biological diversity and includes complex communities of aquatic reptiles and amphibians. Yet these communities are severely threatened by the enormous anthropogenic pressure these habitats are subjected to, including new threats such as the spread of exotic species and emerging diseases. This group of organisms plays a key role in the trophic interactions of water bodies, particularly in Mediterranean temporary ponds. The objectives of this line of research would be: 1. Assess the impact of exotic species on native amphibian and reptile communities. 2. Analyze the environmental factors that determine the state of native populations of amphibians and reptiles and / or favor the expansion of exotic species, such as the painted frog or the red-eared turtle. 3. Study the ecological requirements of particularly sensitive and / or endemic species, such as the Iberian woodpecker, the collared snake and the pond turtle.