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The hidden inhabitant of our sands, a master of camouflage and silent survival
The western spadefoot toad (Pelobates cultripes) is an anuran that inhabits the Iberian Peninsula and some areas of southern France. Its unique characteristics and behavior make it a fascinating inhabitant of our ecosystems.
Physical characteristics and adaptations
Medium-sized, it is notable for its robust and rounded appearance. Males usually measure between 6 and 9 centimeters, while females, which are somewhat larger, can reach up to 10-11 centimeters. Its coloration, as in most anurans, is variable, generally featuring brownish-gray-greenish tones with irregular darker spots that provide excellent camouflage in its natural environment. Its skin is relatively smooth compared to other toads, with some scattered warts.
One of the most distinctive features of the western spadefoot toad, and the one that gives it its name, is the presence of a horny protrusion, similar to a nail or a spur, on the heel of its hind legs. This black or dark brown "spade" is an essential tool for its survival. Thanks to it, among other things, this toad is able to dig quickly into sandy or soft ground, burying itself backward with alternating movements of its hind legs. This ability allows it, for example, to take refuge underground from extreme temperatures—both the scorching summer heat and the winter cold—and to hide from potential predators.
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Habitat and distribution
The western spadefoot toad is a species endemic to southwestern Europe, found mainly on the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and in a coastal strip of southern and western France.
It shows a special preference for sandy, loose, or marly soils, where it can use its spades to hide easily. It can be found in a wide variety of ecosystems, from coastal dunes and marshes to inland areas, including dehesas, pine forests, dry-land crops, or even areas slightly modified by human activity.
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Life cycle and behavior
As an amphibian, the western spadefoot toad has a life cycle that includes an aquatic (larval) phase and a terrestrial (adult) phase. They are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular creatures. During the day, or in times of prolonged drought, they remain buried in the ground, sometimes at considerable depths, reducing their metabolic activity to conserve energy and moisture (estivation).
The breeding season usually coincides with the rains of autumn or early spring, depending on the region and weather conditions. During this period, adults emerge from their shelters and head to bodies of water. The male's mating call is very characteristic, emitting a deep, repetitive sound, generally while underwater. The amplexus (mating embrace) is lumbar, where the male holds the female in front of her hind legs (Rana-Sutra: Amplexus in the world of anurans | Ideas Medioambientales). The female usually deposits a thick gelatinous cord that can contain thousands of eggs (between 1,000 and 7,000), tangling it in aquatic vegetation.
Diet and predators
As adults, the western spadefoot toad is an active predator that feeds on a wide range of terrestrial invertebrates. Its diet includes beetles, earthworms, small mollusks, ants, and spiders, among other small prey. They primarily hunt by stalking their prey at night.
For its part, the western spadefoot toad is preyed upon by various animals throughout all stages of its life cycle. Its eggs and tadpoles are consumed by aquatic insects, dragonfly larvae, grass snakes, water birds, and fish (especially introduced exotic species).
Despite their secretive behavior, adults can fall victim to nocturnal birds of prey, storks, snakes, foxes, or wild boars.
Conservation measures
Conservation measures are linked to those for other Iberian anurans. One of the most important is the protection and restoration of their habitats, especially temporary wetlands and breeding water bodies. This includes creating new water sources and properly managing existing ones.
Controlling invasive exotic species, mitigating the impact of infrastructure such as roads, and properly managing agricultural intensification are also fundamental.
Finally, scientific research into their ecology, demographics, and the threats they face, along with environmental education programs to raise public awareness about the importance of amphibian conservation, are key tools for ensuring the future of this species and the biodiversity it represents.
SOURCES:
https://www.vertebradosibericos.org/anfibios/identificacion/pelculid.html
https://www.regmurcia.com/servlet/s.Sl?sit=c%2C365%2Cm%2C1036%2C&r=ReP-4273-DETALLE_REPORTAJESABUELO
https://escueladenaturalistas.com/2014/02/13/el-sapo-de-espuelas-pelobates-cultripes/
The western spadefoot toad, threatened by urbanization on the Malaga coast | Quercus Magazine
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