Restoring water points and habitats for amphibians in Spain’s Riaza River Natural Park

A frog peeking out of water and green plants

Amphibians are the most threatened vertebrate group globally, with around 41% at risk of extinction largely due to climate change, habitat loss, and pollution. These threats are particularly severe in Mediterranean regions like the Riaza River Natural Park in Spain, where amphibians face water scarcity and increased UV radiation. Amphibians are bioindicators of environmental health and are critical for ecosystems and agriculture as pest controllers, but they are often overlooked due to the complexity of their life cycles and a general lack of public awareness.

WWF Spain, with support from the Wildlife Adaption Innovation Fund, aims to mitigate the threats amphibians face by restoring and creating water points, improving structures that are dangerous for amphibians, and promoting good agricultural practices in the Riaza River Natural Park. Habitat restoration activities will include the creation of amphibian shelters, improvement of water quality, removal of excess and invasive vegetation, and the construction of fences to protect the water points.

The project will also engage 100 volunteers from local communities to raise awareness around the park’s amphibian population and to help carry out the habitat restoration activities. Communication efforts aim to reach 50,000 people, promoting amphibian conservation and the importance of healthy ecosystems.