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Using citizen science to protect threatened amphibian populations in Mediterranean urban spaces
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  • Omer Darel,
  • Olga Rybak,
  • Asaf Ben Levy,
  • Gabi Kolodny,
  • Tamar Kis-Papo,
  • Nirit Lavie Alon,
  • Rotem Vidan,
  • oren kolodny
Omer Darel
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
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Olga Rybak
Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel
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Asaf Ben Levy
Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel
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Gabi Kolodny
Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel
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Tamar Kis-Papo
The Israeli Ministry of Education
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Nirit Lavie Alon
Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel
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Rotem Vidan
Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel
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oren kolodny
Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Corresponding Author:orenkolodny@gmail.com

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Abstract

Over 40% of amphibian species are threatened, urbanization being a major threat to their 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 urban Salamandra infraimmaculata populations, and to a second dataset of two Bufotes variabilis populations in an urban park and in a nearby nature reserve. Individuals of both species have individually-unique patterns of dorsal spots, allowing 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. Additionally, the two case studies suggest 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 conservation importance, and demonstrates the utility of citizen science in study and conservation of urban ecology.
29 Nov 2024Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
09 Dec 2024Submission Checks Completed
09 Dec 2024Assigned to Editor
13 Dec 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned