Common Name: Western European Spadefoot Toad, Iberian Spadefoot Toad, Spanish Spadefoot Toad, and Wagler’s Spadefoot Toad
Scientific Name: Pelobates cultripes
Family: Pelobatidae – European Spadefoot Toad Family
Locations: France, Portugal, and Spain
Size: 4.9 inches (12.5 cm)
The Western European Spadefoot Toad gets its name due to the distinct spades on its rear feet, which serve a vital purpose in its underground lifestyle. These specialized spades allow the toad to burrow down into the ground, reaching depths of over 7 inches, where it finds shelter from predators and extreme weather conditions. Typically, they prefer habitats characterized by sandy soils or loosely compacted earth, as these conditions facilitate easier digging. The toad is primarily nocturnal, which makes it quite elusive for those trying to observe it in its natural habitat; however, they often emerge to the surface after rainfall, when the moist conditions promote their activity.
The Western European Spadefoot Toad breeds from October to May. The male toad will call from temporary pools to attract the female frogs. The female toad will sometimes call too. Once the female toad selects a mate, the male will grasp the female toad behind in amplexus. The female toad will then lay her eggs and the male toad will fertilize them. The female toad will lay between 1000 – 4000 eggs. The tadpoles take 4 to 6 months to complete their metamorphism.
The Western Spadefoot Toad is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This iconic species, known for its unique burrowing behavior and ability to thrive in arid environments, is facing significant threats as its natural habitat is being rapidly destroyed for more urban development, leading to fragmentation and loss of suitable breeding sites. Additionally, introduced species, such as the Louisiana Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and the Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki), pose a further risk by preying on the vulnerable tadpoles and eggs, which drastically decreases their population and hampers their ability to recover. Conservation efforts are urgently needed to protect not just the Western Spadefoot Toad but the delicate ecosystems they inhabit, ensuring that future generations can experience these fascinating amphibians in their natural surroundings.