Pelophylax perrzi (Lopez- Seoane. (Spain) 1885) Common name “The Perez’s Frog”
Class: Amphibia
Family: Ranidae.
Can be found in France, Portugal and Spain. Introduced into Madeira, Balearic and the Canary Islands.
Habitat: In a wide range of natural and man-made water environments, including both lotic (rapid moving fresh water) and lentic (still water) waters and can resist some degree of pollution and salinity. The natural habitats are temperate (mild temperature) forests and shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rivers, swamps, freshwater lakes and marshes. Also, can be found living on sandy shores, arable land and in urban areas. This species is not considered threatened by the I.U.C.N (International Union for Conservation of Nature).
Length: 40 to 70mm, males are smaller, some females can be found up and over 100mm (10 cm) in length. The males have stronger forelimbs, mainly depending on its surrounding habitat, the markings and colouring of the skin (can be smooth or rough) can vary on both sexes.
Diet varies on the availability of prey; Frogs are opportunistic predators. Generally, they will prey on a wide range of insects (Diptera) including, Coleoptera (Beetles) and Hymenoptera (Wasps, Bees, sawflies and ants) making up most part of their diet. Occasionally on vertebrates, including small mammals, when their general diet is not abundant, in some extreme conditions it is known that cannibalism can take place.
Males and females take around two to three years to reach sexual maturity. Most of the courting activity takes place inside or by the water. The reproductive period is long and calls can be heard all year round, in the warmer regions.
Females can layup to around seven thousand eggs, adhered to plants and rocks, but also can be found on the surface of water. The eggs hatch around 5 to 8 days and the metamorphosis stage usually takes between 8 to12 weeks. In the colder regions this can take considerably longer.
Tadpoles can also vary in length, usually between 60 to 70mm, although some have been recorded up to 111mm in length.
As with most wildlife its habitats are in decline and is vulnerable to the pollution in water, like chemicals used in agricultural; which has alarmingly affected certain populations to near extinction. It is also vulnerable to prolonged drought conditions. The introduction of exotic species is also a threat, especially other species of Northern species of the Rana Genus of frogs, (commonly known as the Holarctic frogs) that can hybridize with this species.
Pelophylax perrzi has been and is still hunted by humans, traditionally for food in many of its natural habitats; especially for the consumption of the legs of this species. This has obviously also lead to a dramatic decline in these regions.