Suborder: Mesobatrachia
Number of Genera: 1 – Pelobates
Number of Species: 4 – Western Spadefoot Toad (Pelobates cultripes), Common Spadefoot Toad (Pelobates fuscus), Eastern Spadefoot Toad (Pelobates syriacus), Moroccan Spadefoot Toad (Pelobates varaldi)
The family Pelobatidae is the European Spadefoot toads but they aren’t just found in Europe, they are also found in Asia and Northern Africa. The family only has one living genus Pelobates, which has only four species. They have a kertonized spade on their foot that is used for digging.
Western Spadefoot Toad (Pelobates cultripes) is found only in France, Spain, and Portugal. It is listed as Near Threatened.
Common Spadefoot Toad (Pelobates fuscus) is the most widespread Spadefoot Toad in the family. It is found from France all the way to Russia and Kazakhstan. Its also fairly easy to find because its listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red list.
Eastern Spadefoot Toad (Pelobates syriacus) is found in Southeastern Europe and the northern parts of the Middle East. It’s spade is a yellowish color.
Moroccan Spadefoot Toad (Pelobates varaldi) as the name suggests, is found in Morocco, and the only Spadefoot Toad that is found in Africa. It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List.
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