Current distribution and genetic variability among the Pyrenean frog (Rana pyrenaica), an endangered Iberian endemism

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Main researcher: David Rodríguez Vieites (National Museum of Natural Sciences - CSIC)

Description: The aim of this project is to review the range of the Pyrenean frog, a restricted endemism that is found in this part of the Aragon and Navarre Pyrenees, and to collect critical data on the current situation to establish the basis for future conservation.

The programme includes meeting the following objectives:

1. Visit all the locations and neighbouring areas where in the past decade the species was said to be found, with a view to confirming whether they are still to be found there today and assess whether the species has suffered a reduction in its area of distribution over the last decade.

2. Collect data where the species is present, enabling predictive models of distribution to be produced. In addition, prepare bioclimatic models in order to determine which areas would be climatically suitable for the species and which allows extrapolation into the future in order to determine the possible impact of climate change on the species.

3. Collect tissue samples using non-invasive techniques (skin and saliva) to assess the genetic variability of the species.

4. Assess the genetic variability of the species using nuclear markers.

The project includes two phases: one, of intensive fieldwork in the area of distribution of the species; the other, office and laboratory work consisting of producing models and generating data and genetic analysis. With this data, the publication of two research papers in journals is expected.

Sponsors of Research and preservation of the Zoo: