Gazelle : The Palestinian Biological Bulletin (ISSN 0178 – 6288) . Number 84, December 2008, pp. 1-18. | Page 8

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localized but small populations. It is a threatened species in Palestine. The species is
possibly extinct in Jordan.

Syrian or Eastern Spadefoot Toad, young specimen. Foto: Paolo Mazzei.
http://www.amphibiainfo.com/gallery/anura/pelobatidae/pelobates/syriacus/pelobates_syr
iacus_mazzei.jpg
Habitat and Ecology: It is a largely fossorial species. Terrestrial habitats occupied are
generally open uncultivated lands such as light forests, steppe (and steppe-like habitats),
semi-desert, rocky areas and mountain valleys. It probably avoids the forest belt and is
distributed in open landscapes, and is generally less selective than Pelobates fuscus in
terms of soil preference, inhabiting not only soft soils suitable for a fossorial life
(although they are preferred), but also solid, rocky soils, particularly friable clay with
pebbles.
The overall population numbers appear to be low due to patchy distribution of this
species. However, local density reaches 5-7 adults per 4000-5000 m2. Pelobates syriacus
is active at night and displays nightly site-fidelity. The burrows are made in the same
manner as the Common Spadefoot burrows. The species also uses rodent burrows and
holes under stones. In steppes and semideserts, where the summer air temperatures
sometimes exceed +40ºC, the spadefoot occurs in deep holes with water, along
riverbanks and in oases. It probably spends hot and dry periods in the soil, i.e. aestivation
is possible. Droughts lead to mass mortality, which may influence population abundance.
Eastern Spadefoots hibernate in soil, in plant debris, and below tree roots and large rocks.
As a rule, they hibernate singly, but sometimes groups of 2-6 individuals are found.
Reproduction occurs from February to mid-May, depending on latitude. Spawning sites

Gazelle – Number 84 – December 2008