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What do you think about my HerpetoArea about Sierra de Guadarrama National Park in Spain? Leave a comment! 

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What do you think about my HerpetoArea about Sierra de Guadarrama National Park in Spain? Leave a comment! 

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Useful sources and latest news:
Data bases for science research:
https://library.si.edu/research/databases-science-research
Fonozoo - scientific collection of animal sounds. It was created in 2002 by Dr. Rafael Márquez, CSIC researcher, with the aim of supporting the study of acoustic communication in animals.
http://www.fonozoo.com/index_eng.php?
Gbif.es - It main goal is to support Spanish biodiversity collections, institutions and projects in order to join GBIF network.
https://www.gbif.es/
European Journal of Taxonomy volume 500 - https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/index
- Journal of Biogeography - 21st Jan. 2019 - Complementing the Pleistocene biogeography of European amphibians: Testimony from a southern Atlantic species
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jbi.13515

VIDEO:

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Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación

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Presentación del Parque Nacional de la Sierra de Guadarrama

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In 2016 Reforesta association began the works in the areas of Manzanares el Real and Soto del Real thanks to the collaboration of volunteers and companies that financed the project that is saving many species of its extinction by creating pools for amphibians.
Picture: One of the pools created by Reforesta.

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Hyla molleri - bright green color with a dark lateral line and small size (up to 5 cm). It is often found in pools with abundant vegetation. Its distribution in the Sierra de Guadarrama is very uniform.
Picture: S. de Guadarrama NP

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Sierra de Guadarrama's NP vegetation is made up of distinct plant communities from the Central System. An important part of them are Guadarrama endemism. Among the most representative communities are the xerophyte pastures located on the summits of the Sierra.
Picture: Community of Madrid.

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Coronella austriaca - small size snake, between 50 and 60 cm overall length. The dorsal coloration is grey. On this background colour it has black spots forming transverse bars. A dark band from the nostrils to the neck is characteristic. It is a specie that adapts well to mountain areas living in grasslands with rocks.

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The forests of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) are part of the most emblematic tree formation of the Sierra de Guadarrama. It has a high biogeographical and genetic value, since the Sierra de Guadarrama pine is a sample of differentiated characteristics in relation to the other peninsular networks, such as the Pyrenees or Sierra Nevada.

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Tropical and subtropical coniferous forests

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Relative position to human settlements and industrialised regions

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Relative position to human settlements and industrialised regions

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As I mentioned in Biodiversity and Climate change padlet, the public usage of the park requires a regulation and tracking policy with the clear objective of granting the compatibility between the users’ enjoyment and the natural environment preservation. The excessive people concentration in certain locations irremediably leads to negative impacts either in the physical environment and in the fauna and flora. As a protected area the position of the park is a bit 'far' from human stettlements and industralised regions (fortunately). According to it, I would also like to mention that I found out that in November 2018, it was approved the new Master Plan for use and management (PRUG) of the National Park.  "It is a historic moment because we are finally going to regulate all uses, from livestock, hiking, climbing, agricultural or forestry. It is time to move forward and bet on the fauna and flora and enjoy the compatibility with human use in a rational and sustainable way", said the Madrid's Environment Minister.  More information: (Spanish only)
https://bit.ly/2H6w0j0

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Podarcis muralis - robust appearance, medium-sized lizard (up to 7 cm head-to-body length). The dorsal design is brown, with black lateral longitudinal bands. There is frequently an interrupted half back line formed by small black spots. The ventral coloration is clear, although it usually presents a dark puncture, bolder in the males.  On the sides, some blue scales usually appear.

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Common name - Rana pueyoi

Classification:
Kingdom –  Animalia
Phylum – Chordata
Class – Amphibia
Order – Anura
Family - Ranidae
Genus -  Rana

Temporal range: Early Miocene

Brief description:
Rana pueyoi is an extinct species of large frog from Early Miocene of Spain.

Picture: National Museum of Natural Sciences located in Madrid.

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Common name -

Titanochelon bolivari

Classification:
Kingdom – Animalia
Phylum – Chordata
Class – Reptilia
Order – Testudines
Family - Testudinidae
Genus -  Titanochelon

Temporal range: Spain & Portugal Miocene.

Brief description: The information about the European giant fossil tortoises has been greatly increased in recent years, based on the description of new material and the revision of previously published specimens. A genus with a wide paleobiogeographic and stratigraphic distribution, Titanochelon, has recently been described, containing all large testudinids from the European Neogene record. Its type species, Titanochelon bolivari, was described in the Spanish record. The presence of this species outside this country had not been justified. In this paper we present and describe fossil material of large testudinids from several sites in the Lisbon District (Portugal), from lower (Quinta da Barbacena; MN4), middle (Charneca do Lumiar and Quinta da Farinheira; MN5) and upper (Aveiras de Baixo; MN9) Miocene levels. This study allows us to confirm the presence of Titanochelon in the Portuguese record and justify, for the first time, the presence of Titanochelon bolivari outside Spain. Furthermore we are able to discuss the geographical and temporal distribution of the large tortoises in the middle Miocene of Europe, a relevant period for the diversity and evolution of this clade.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08912963.2016.1261134

More information:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267392457_New_generic_proposal_for_the_European_Neogene_large_testudinids_Cryptodira_and_the_first_phylogenetic_hypothesis_for_the_medium_and_large_representatives_of_the_European_Cenozoic_record

Picture: National Museum of Natural Sciences located in Madrid.

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Phylogenetic tree 1 - Alytes obstetricans

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Phylogenetic tree 1 - Alytes obstetricans

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Here I introduce you an herpetologist of the National Museum of Natural Sciences located in Madrid.
Profile: https://bit.ly/2GJOk2f
Scientific publications:
http://www.beb-mncn.es/index.php/ignacio-de-la-riva-198/publications

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Phylogenetic tree 2 - Lacerta schreiberi

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Phylogenetic tree 2 - Lacerta schreiberi

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Theme 2. Amphibian's species table and protection status at Sierra de Guadarrama National Park

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Theme 2. Amphibian's species table and protection status at Sierra de Guadarrama National Park

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Theme 2. SOS Anfibios Guadarrama Project.

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Theme 2. SOS Anfibios Guadarrama Project.

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I found a very interesting project about amphibians who live in my area, Sierra de Guadarrama.
About the project: They intend to recover and strengthen populations of amphibians in the Sierra de Guadarrama affected by the fungal disease Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which has had devastating effects on this animal group. Since they detected the disease in Peñalara (the first case in Europe), they have been studying its dynamics, both in the natural environment, and through laboratory experiments. This research has pioneered mitigation techniques that we now can apply in the wild.
More info: https://www.parquenacionalsierraguadarrama.es/en/sos-anfibios/proyecto-sos

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The museum where I work as a journalist: National Museum of Natural Sciences located in Madrid, Spain. www.mncn.csic.es

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Expert in behaviour and conservation of amphibians. Responsible for the joint management with the Community of Madrid of the Centre for Captive Breeding of Threatened Amphibians of the Guadarrama Mountains and since 1999 has been monitoring the amphibian populations in the Peñalara Massif. He also works at the National Museum of Natural Sciences located in Madrid.
https://bit.ly/2SpQa9N

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Marta is the curator of the Amphibians and Reptiles collection at the National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC). The collection has more than 55,000 specimens of which about 35,000 are amphibians and 20,000 reptiles. Most of them belong to the Spanish fauna, both peninsular and insular, although also specimens of the European fauna are conserved, as well as significant samples of other more exotic faunas, where Spain had in past political influence as the case of Philippines, Central and South America, Northwestern Africa or the Gulf of Guinea.
More info: https://bit.ly/2H20cMv

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Mesotriton alpestris - Introduced specie, classified as extinction risk status at the Community of Madrid level and country wide as vulnerable status.

Bluish-colored back and orange belly, with a size of 7 to 12 cm. It is present in much of Europe territory, although in the Peninsula it lives only in the Cantabrian Mountains. The population of the Peñalara Massif, according to genetic studies, comes from specimens from Lake Ercina (Picos de Europa), introduced irresponsibly in the eighties. Since then, it has been expanding, displacing native species.

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Iberolacerta cyreni - Native specie, Guadarrama area endemism; classified as vulnerable at the community of Madrid level.

It is a robust medium-sized lizard that can reach 8 cm head-to-body length. The tail is almost twice the length of the body, with alternating wide and narrow rings. The dorsal design is variable, from brown with darker longitudinal lateral bands to bright green with dots or uneven irregular black spots. The ventral coloration is a mixture of blue and green or whitish, without pigmentation or just some dark spots in the more lateral scales rows.

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Once again (as in BioAreas) HerpetoAreas have shown this digital tool’s potential to spread science around the world. Biolearners are now working with them and I have compared my work to some of them that already have content. From my point of view the most interesting thing is fauna comparisons with other areas which are very far from my area; South Africa or Israel. There you can find species that don’t live in my area. I find it very interesting. It’s also important to read about the geography of the places to understand the biodiversity that you can find there.  The pictures that the learners are uploading are also very useful: they are nice and in general, they give me the opportunity to find more information about that animals or places. As far as content is concerned, I think that learners are given ‘deeper’ information about the herpeto fauna that live in the area and it’s more focused and concrete than in the CC Biodiversity module. I’m really enjoying it!

Picture: Me in a botanical garden in The Phillippines.

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A hundred specimens of common midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans) were set free in the Peñalara Natural Park (Sierra de Guadarrama NP). This act is part of the recovery plan for the species, since the midwife toad is in danger of extinction due to the condition caused by the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.

This initiative is part of a conservation project, directed by Jaime Bosch of the National Museum of Natural Sciences, which focuses on the monitoring of the species as well as the reintroduction in suitable areas and actions that help to mitigate the disease caused by the fungus.

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Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC)

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Suelta de ejemplares de sapo partero común en la Laguna de Peñalara.

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Theme 2. Assessing the problem  - my hypothesis

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Theme 2. Assessing the problem  - my hypothesis

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Yes, I think that they are connected. I’m going to build my hypothesis on the following argument: the effect of climate change on organisms in Europe is a combination of all the previous 4 options but it is mainly driven by the second one. The statements given create a ‘scenario’ that makes you imagine the organism’s situation after the several changes in global average temperature (glacial periods and interglacial periods) and also taking into account the strong evidence that in Europe (the Iberian, the Italian and the Balkan) have high numbers of endemic species whereas endemism in northern European areas is practically non-existent (proved by scientists). They became extinct, they moved to warmer areas for food, they moved to warmer ecosystems…etc. It is said that everything that happens has a consequence. The extreme weather caused (in the past, in the present and in the future) an impact in animals and plants. Probably the glaciation and interglaciation periods moved them to act as a result of survival looking for the more suitable scenario (moving southwards and recolonizing northern areas in that periods) It’s not as easy as it sounds but it makes sense ‘in general’ and taking into account this happened several times. I live in Spain (one of the three peninsulas) and yes, data are there, all three peninsulas have endemics in high numbers whereas endemism in northern European areas is practically non-existent.

After assessing it I was curious about it and I wanted to know more so  I also read:  Comparative phylogeography and postglacial colonization routes in Europe. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1046/j.1365-294x.1998.00289.x

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This year 'World Wildlife Day' (the 3rd or March) was celebrated under the theme “Life below water: for people and planet" It was a great opportunity to raise awareness about the breathtaking diversity of marine life, the crucial importance of marine species to human development, and how we can make sure it will continue to provide these services for future generations. Were you involved?

https://wildlifeday.org/

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Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. By Daniel Alfonso de Lucas.

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Fonozoo - FCW Frog Calls of the World Sound List!!!

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Fonozoo - FCW Frog Calls of the World Sound List!!!

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Fonoteca Zoológica is a scientific collection of animal sounds. It was created in 2002 by Dr. Rafael Márquez with the aim of supporting the study of acoustic communication in animals. The department is located in National Museum of Natural Sciences (Madrid). Talking about frogs...they have 1020 species in their database! Amazing! http://www.fonozoo.com/fnz_ranas_mundo_familia_eng.php#player75184

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Iberolacerta cyreni
The Iberian rock lizard, which has a restricted distribution in alpine habitats of several mountain ranges in central Spain (Sierras de Guadarrama, Gredos and Béjar), is a good model for the study of the physical (thermal biology) and biological (predator avoidance and competition) factors that set altitudinal limits. This strictly alpine species is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List because its small extent of ocurrence and the acute fragmentation of its range.

Thermal constraints may limit the physiology and behaviour of ectotherms because of the high thermal dependence of metabolic functions. The adaptive mechanisms of thermoregulation and the cost of confronting thermal constraints were studied in the Cyren’s Rock Lizard. Semicontinuous monitoring of body temperature (T b) in the laboratory indicated that the preferred temperature range for this population (T pref) was lower than those found for most lacertid lizards, and field body temperatures of active animals in summer were even lower than T pref. Overall these results, together with distribution of field operative temperatures (T e), indicate that I. cyreni is an active and relatively accurate thermoregulator, although limited by thermal constraints in their habitat. Laboratory experiments in contrasting thermal environments showed that even under thermally restricted conditions, lizards achieved their T pref by modifying their thermoregulatory behaviour, principally through changes in space use, basking time, and body posture. However, these behavioural adjustments to reach the T pref have associated costs, and lizards spent 80% of their time in thermoregulation when tested under low radiation conditions, which in the wild would limit the scope for other activities and eventually increase predation risk. The results suggest that thermoregulatory behaviour may play an important role in coping with global climate change, hence predictions of the effects of climate warming on lizards inhabiting cold habitats should take into account the buffering role of behavioural thermoregulation.
(this information comes from S. Aguado, F. Braña, more documentation next to this box)

More:
- Measures up to 8 cm (3.1 in) snout-to-vent, 24 cm (9.4 in) including the tail.
- Diet: the diet of I. cyreni is composed mainly of invertebrates such as insects or spiders.
- Habitat: the natural habitats of I. cyreni are temperate forests , temperate shrubland, temperate grassland, rocky areas, and plantations.

Picture: ResearchGate

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Theme 3. (documentation) The effects of thermal biology and refuge availability on the restricted distribution of an alpine lizard

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Theme 3. (documentation) The effects of thermal biology and refuge availability on the restricted distribution of an alpine lizard

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Camila Monasterio, Alfredo Salvador, Pablo Iraeta and José A. Díaz.

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Theme 3. (documentation) Thermoregulation in a cold-adapted species (Cyren’s Rock Lizard, 'Iberolacerta cyreni'): influence of thermal environment and associated costs.

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Theme 3. (documentation) Thermoregulation in a cold-adapted species (Cyren’s Rock Lizard, 'Iberolacerta cyreni'): influence of thermal environment and associated costs.

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S. Aguado, F. Braña
http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/cjz-2014-0096#.XH5nrMBKiM8

Geographic range Iberolacerta cyreni. Source: IUCN

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Spanish researches and the University of Chile analyzed how the nature of the source of sound affects the propagation of the pairing calls of the Iberian midwife toad and what is the range of that vocalizations in their natural habitat. Their results were published in the Journal of Acoustical Society of America:
Call Transmission Efficiency in Native and Invasive Anurans: Competing Hypotheses of Divergence in Acoustic Signals
https://bit.ly/2SM8WIS

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Distribution atlas and conservation status of amphibians in
Comunidad de Madrid

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Distribution atlas and conservation status of amphibians in
Comunidad de Madrid

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Successful management and conservation planning depend upon the availability, integration
and updating of information provided by different disciplines. This paper compiles relevant information for the conservation of amphibians in Comunidad de Madrid. They obtained chorological information from 1384 sampling localities throughout the region of Madrid, and reviewed relevant scientific literature for the management of  amphibian populations in this area. We found at least one amphibian species in 70,3% of sampled localities. Results are illustrated in distribution maps of all 18 species found: Salamandra salamandra, Pleurodeles waltl, Mesotriton alpestris, Lissotriton boscai, Triturus marmoratus, Triturus pygmaeus, Alytes obstetricans, Alytes cisternasii,
Discoglossus galganoi, Discoglossus jeanneae, Pelobates cultripes, Pelodytes punctatus,
Hyla arborea, Hyla meridionalis, Bufo bufo, Bufo calamita, Rana iberica and Rana perezi.
Distribution maps are presented in five-kilometer side UTM grids cells. They compare and integrate our results with previous studies and outline groups of populations representing independent management units, for which we propose risk categories according
to the criteria established by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) at the regional level. Finally, they point out the main threats for the survival of
amphibian populations and discuss possible actions to improve their conservation status.

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Solano 2006 Anfibios Comunidad de Madrid_

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Salamandra salamandra
Fire salamander- They are black, with yellow spots and can reach 20 cm whole length. The Peñalara Massif (Sierra de Guadarrama National Park) contains very abundant populations that, however, are in regression due to the same disease the common midwife toad suffers.

The skin is thin, permeable to water, serves as a respiratory membrane, and is well-supplied with glands. The fire salamander's primary alkaloid toxin,  samandarin, causes strong muscle convulsions and hypertension combined with hyperventilation in all vertebrates. The poison glands of the fire salamander are concentrated in certain areas of the body, especially around the head and the dorsal skin surface.

Fire salamanders live in central Europe forests and are more common in hilly areas.

The diet of the fire salamander consists of various insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs, but they also occasionally eat newts and young frogs.

They are behaviorally active at temperatures as low as 1 °C, and aestivate at temperatures above 16 °C. Infrared thermography indicates limited thermoregulation opportunities for these nocturnal amphibians. Temperature affects resting heart rate, causing metabolic depression above 11 °C, and metabolic compensation below 8 °C: heart rate at 3 °C is 224% the expected heart rate. Thus, salamanders operating at low temperatures during periods of peak behavioral activity are able to maintain a higher metabolic rate than the rate expected in absence of compensation. This compensatory mechanism has important ecological implications, because it increases estimated seasonal heart rates. Increased heart rate, and thus metabolism, will require higher caloric intake for field-active salamanders. Thus, it is important to consider a species performance breadth over the entire temperature range, and particularly low temperatures that are ecologically relevant for cold tolerant species such as salamanders. (This information comes from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4888306/

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I have been visiting the MNCN's (National Museum of Natural Sciences located in Madrid) collection and it was a great experience!

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Here Marta Calvo (curator) is showing us different specimens of the collection. Tania (on the right) is also a Biolearner!
Visit her padlet! https://padlet.com/tania_geo00/TaniaGHerpeto

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I would like to show you one jar of the collection. The curator told usthat this jar contains the first evidence of an amphibian affected by the fungal disease Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. It's from 1875.

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I don’t identify myself as a politician but… at the end of the day… they do have the power to make decisions and implement them. As far as the problem put forward in:  Extinction Risks and the Conservation of Madagascar's Reptiles. There are several ways to face and fight against it from different sectors of society, but something else, and something powerful is needed:

-  In the case of trade and human consumption:  stronger laws and fines.

-  In the case of threatened species and extinction: Act as soon as possible taking into account the knowledge and expertise of researchers worldwide. They know the animals and how to preserve them. Let them tell us the better options to save the species from extinction.

-  Education and values: education is a powerful tool, and if well-used, can make big changes. Let’s talk to the society as the politicians we are. To the schools, to the universities… let’s spread the importance of the conservation of those species that live in our island.

-   Concerning habitats:  We can’t close the area where the reptiles live but we can protect them and preserve them. Limiting the entrance and even closing off some specific areasto the general public. It would help us to not disturb the animals, to study them and to analyze their behavior. That would help us protect them as best as possible.

Picture: United Nation

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Theme 4. Information and explanations of my findings in the academic literature

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Theme 4. Information and explanations of my findings in the academic literature

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- Post-fire regeneration of P. pinaster Ait. in Sierra de Guadarrama: modelling of initial density and survival. Info: http://revistas.inia.es/index.php/fs/article/view/872
- Restoration of Mountain Ecosystems: The Natural Park of Peñalara.
Info: http://www.rsehn.es/cont/publis/boletines/80.pdf
- A mountain recovered. At the heart of Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.

https://www.europarc.org/communication-skills/pdf/case_studies/Guadarrama%20National%20Park_A%20Mountain%20recovered,%20SP.pdf
- Socioeconomic Indicators for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Climate Change in National Parks: An Analysis of the Sierra de Guadarrama National

Park (Spain).
https://zaguan.unizar.es/record/70240/files/texto_completo.pdf

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Going back to module 1, here I post some of the information that I found about sigins of climate change in Sierra de Guadarrrama N.P.

A first assessment of a senior resercher of  the National Museum of Natural Sciences located in Madrid, Spain, after our conversation: "Mountain areas are greater and greater restricted, where you can still find the same pattern and diversity of aquatic life species similar to those of 40 years or more ago." A. G. Valdecasas

In the years 2008-2009 were compared the populations of aquatic macroinvertebrates in relation to the ones from the seventies. These latest data came from a doctoral thesis, which carried out a detailed inventory of aquatic invertebrate species along an altitudinal gradient in the Lozoya River.The goal was to detect a possible rise of populations as a result of a warming of the water temperature, and their move to the highest altitudinal zones, in order to adapt to the temperature rise.
Main conclusions
- For 85 taxa compared, 30% have increased their altitudinal range, 45% remained on the same dimension, 10% dropped in their distribution, and 17% did not had available data in some previous periods to compare with. It is worth noting also the presence of new species, as opposed to the decade of the 70, led by molluscs, odonata and caddis flies, in particular of the genus Setodes and species such as Oecetis testacea and Hydroptila vectis. Thirty species common to the two periods, and not reaching the range peak studied in 1977-1978, were selected. There has been a statistical test for these 30 species resulting in a significant increase (p<0.005) of the average altitude of 136 meters for these populations.
It has been concluded that the altitudinal rise is due to an increase in the annual average water temperature of 0.88 ±0.1 oC. These results are extrapolated to all the rivers in the Sierra de Guadarrama. Everything points to the fact that there are a number of ecological changes in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain river ecosystems that must be taken into account, among other things, for the adaptive management of river ecosystems.

I wanted to know more about climate change but flora related. I foud some information (March, 2018) about possible signs of CC:
"Reforesta technicians have observed flowering ash trees at the beginning of November, when they usually flourish in March-April. Holm oaks have also been seen, when their flowering season is April-May, and it is surprising to see these trees with flowers and acorns at the same time". This phenomenon is due to the fact that that autumn, besides being wet, it was very warm; According to the data published by the AEMET (State Meteorological Agency), September, November and, especially October, have registered in the Community of Madrid temperatures above the average of the reference period, 1971-2000, and in the series of precipitation from the 1981-2010 period, there is a decrease in the rainfall registered in many seasons with respect to the previous reference period, 1971-2000".

This is also happening in 2019 or even more. The last part of the winter has been very warm.

Miguel Á. Ortega, president of Reforesta, "in the short term a dramatic situation for our forests due to climate change is not foreseeable, but there are already clear signs that we have begun to follow the path that leads to greater deforestation, which will have serious consequences. We need to be aware of this and that authorities and citizens take very seriously the immediate adoption of rigorous policies of mitigation and adaptation to climate change".

More: (Spanish, sorry!)
https://www.ambientum.com/ambientum/cambio-climatico/el-cambio-climatico-afecta-a-la-vegetacion-de-la-sierra-de-guadarrama.asp

https://elpais.com/ccaa/2017/03/09/madrid/1489043663_385540.html

https://elpais.com/ccaa/2017/06/17/madrid/1497709942_510927.html

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Theme 4. Technologies and flora threaten species

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Theme 4. Technologies and flora threaten species

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The populations condition of certain flora threaten species is one of the N.P working lines.
Besides fauna traking, it has been also designed for mobile devices an application for the singular flora atlas; compiling data of several threaten species. The objective is to obtain the maximum possible data on the threaten species populations localization, through the Forests Guards and the technical staff of the National Park.

https://www.parquenacionalsierraguadarrama.es/en/conservacion/monitoring/228-threaten-flora-species-tracking

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Theme 4.  Possible signs of degradation in previously rich areas of Sierra de Guadarrama National Park

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Theme 4.  Possible signs of degradation in previously rich areas of Sierra de Guadarrama National Park

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Almost all impacts are caused by an excessive number of visitors practicing their activity in areas that do not support so much use. For example: riding bikes. One bike is ok but dozens of them are a big problem and it was a very common activity in the park during weekends.

After reading a lot of information about the National Park and its situation (past-present), it's important to point out that one of the premises of the park is, "knowing before taking action". For this reason it is essential to them to quantify and investigate certain phenomena, one of the most obvious being the impact of public use. They have an project focused on the understanding, the evaluation, and the analysis of impacts evolution in identified areas. It will allow them to know the degree of impact according to a parameters range, such as the soil compaction and loss, plant species indicative of the deterioration, damage to the plants, disturbance to wildlife, etc. Related to this topic I would like to mention the complete dismantling and ecological restoration of an alpine ski resort called Valcotos. Created in 1969, it caused the destruction and alteration of valuable ecosystems and unique formations.

When the impacts on the ground are as severe as to require urgent and somehow important proceedings, they consider necessary to make a roads diversion or even to temporary close pathways or areas in order to avoid stepping on and permit regeneration. As they mention, in most cases these closures are temporary until the degraded area retrieves or the necessary equipment to minimize the impact is installed. They also close some areas to protect species nesting or breeding. In these cases, the closure or the regulation takes the time necessary to grant  the passage of visitors will not endanger the reproduction.
Example:
In their website they explain that the Peñalara Lake suffered numerous impacts until the mid 90’s of the past century, when its ecologic restoring took place.
It had a deplorable state of conservation. The area accumulated garbage, the lake suffered recurrent eutrophication episodes and the banks were tremendously eroded. In addition, an exotic fish specie, the Arctic char, had been introduced and caused the disappearance of many aquatic species living in this lake.
Since then, they control and study different aspects.The limnology monitoring is made on a monthly basis, to evaluate the environment recovery and to dispose of an early alert system for other impacts or alterations in those ecosystems.

Picture: Valdecotos ski resort (Sierra de Guadarrama NP)

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Hundreds of students went to the streets to ask for measures against climate change. Did you know this action called  «Fridays for Future» ? Did your country celebrate it?
Picture: ABC

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Here you can see a picture of my last visit to Sierra de Guadarrama National Park. We did an excursion to Peñalara lake in a sunny day. Amazing walk and views!

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I have been checking other biolearnes padlets and as far as this theme is concerned, I would like to mention that there are common factors according to one of the topics suggested 'Possible signs of degradation in previously rich areas': some expamples are the impact of the public use, fires and highways.

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Theme 5.  Business plan of a local voluntary organisation which aims to protect the local herpetofauna

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Theme 5.  Business plan of a local voluntary organisation which aims to protect the local herpetofauna

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Here I post a text with an example of a local voluntary organisation that I would create in my HerpetoArea. What do you think?

Because there is no planet B

Do you like reptiles and amphibians? They are disappearing. In B ecause there is no planet B we love them and we want them alive. Do you join us?

How many times have you heard/read - “Reptiles and amphibians are disappearing”? Probably this is not the first time. But…

- Have you ever think of it carefully?

- Do you imagine life without those animals?

-  Are you aware that the next generations (maybe the one of your kids or your grandsons) won’t know them as you do now?

It sounds shocking but it’s real. If the answers to the questions make you feel sad, continue reading. There’s still hope for some of them. Let’s work together to stop it.

In the last decade, there's been a dramatic decline in amphibian and reptile populations in Europe. We work in Sierra de Madrid area but the ‘business plan’ of our voluntary organization could be spread to other areas in your city, region or country. We trust in citizen science and we don’t see the future without it.

Mission: Fight against amphibians and reptiles disappearance.

The challenge: saving biodiversity and reducing humanity’s ecological footprint for a society where people and nature live in harmony.

The Project:

There are four strategies that are focused on the most important challenges that we face in Madrid.
Strategy 1 – Conservation, protected areas and invasive species.

- Strategy 2 – Environmental education and dissemination

- Strategy 3 – Research and aquatic systems regeneration

- Strategy 4 – Citizen Science

Actions:

- Carry out specific conservation actions of certain areas of reproduction of amphibians that are now in an advanced process of degradation in Sierra de Madrid. Work on projects for the creation of artificial ponds that serve as new points of reproduction and can favor the connection between isolated populations.
- We intend to recover and strengthen populations of amphibians affected by the fungal disease Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which has had devastating effects on this animal group. We are in contact to researchers to support theirs investigations.

- Disseminate public information to the society and going to the schools to explain the role of amphibians and wetlands in the biological balance of nature and the necessity to protect them.

- Increase knowledge, at all levels, about amphibians and reptiles. For this action we count with the collaboration of experts and researchers.

- Prevent the introduction of invasive species and control the ones that are already introduced as one of the most effective method to avoid irreversible damage.

- Create protocols of actions when visiting Sierra de Guadarrama (for tourists and pet’s owners and) and spread the importance of biosafety. A poor biosafety could put amphibians and reptiles at risk. For example:

Tips for tourists and pet’s owners: - Avoid contact with wild animals, - Remove all organic material from your boots, - Wash your hands after handling your pet, - Exotic pets should have a health certificate, - Pets may carry diseases even if they don’t look ill, - Do not leave exotic pets in nature, they shouldn’t be released into the wild. – Respect nature as much as you can.

Biosafety tips:  - Always use gloves when working with animals, - Use disinfectants to clean your equipment, - Don’t reuse gloves and only touch them when absolutely necessary, - Clean your clothes, boots and your car’s wheels.

- If you can’t join us but you would love to collaborate in specifics moments, you can be also very useful as an ‘amphibian’s & reptile’s observer’. We consider that citizen science is irreplaceable and valuable. Send us pictures, reports or any important data related to our programs if you visit Sierra de Madrid area. We are building a database that allows us to measure impacts and different aspects or the local herpetofauna.

Human resources: Our staff is voluntary and we are open to collaborations. We have different programs and lines of work and research where you could help. Every profile is useful and team work is one of our strength. There is no age needed, any person could help. The more points of view we have, the better.

Get involved!

Your help is essential to us. Our aim is clear but we can only reach it with continued help and support from donors, scientists, partners, local communities and governments. We need incomes to develop urgent actions and future projects. That’s why we are open to crowdfunding. We have a commitment with the society and all financial activity will be public to be as transparent as possible.

Your help is needed! Do not turn your head and enjoy nature.

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A must see!

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Why are frogs disappearing? - Kerry M. Kriger