Using citizen science to protect threatened amphibian populations in Mediterranean urban spaces

Abstract

Over 40% of known amphibian species are threatened, with urbanization as one of the major threats to their continued survival. Conservation efforts to sustain viable amphibian populations within urban spaces may play a meaningful part in protecting amphibian species. To explore the factors that influence the viability of urban amphibian population in Mediterranean environments, we used a capture-recapture analysis applied to a large dataset collected in a multi-year citizen science program, focused on two Salamandra infraimmaculata populations within Haifa, and to a second dataset that we collected for two Bufotes variabilis populations within Jerusalem and at a nature reserve near it. Individuals of both species have individually-unique patterns of dorsal spots, which allowed for noninvasive recapture identification. Using the salamander dataset, we developed a length-based age-estimation method and discovered a prolonged period of increased vulnerability throughout their first years of life, even after reaching sexual maturity, a finding with important implications for management of such populations. Additionally, the shared conclusions from the two case studies indicate that the creation of fish-containing artificial water bodies in Mediterranean habitats can have highly detrimental impacts on amphibian populations. The study uncovered population-specific information, such as unknown breeding sites and population size estimates, of importance for their conservation, and demonstrates the utility of citizen science in study and conservation of urban ecology.