Taxonomy
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Rani dae
Genus: Pelophylax
Species: Pelophylax perezi
Conservation Status of the Species in Portugal and Worldwide
Portugal
World
Features and
Habits
In terms of size, it is 5 to 10 cm long. Regarding its characteristics, the most noticeable is its green color with dark stripes; however, it can also be brownish. It has a white or cream-colored belly. Only males have vocal sacs. Females are generally larger than males.
It is most active during the day, but is also active on warmer, more humid nights. In winter it hibernates, burying itself in mud or other damp areas. In summer it spends most of its time near water's edges on rocks in the sun. It feeds mainly on insects and larvae, while the tadpoles feed on algae. Reproduction occurs between March and July. Males produce a distinct call to attract females. After mating, the eggs are laid in streams and ponds attached to aquatic plants. The tadpoles hatch after 1 to 2 weeks and complete metamorphosis in 1 to 3 months.
In terms of interaction with humans, it is very common and visible even in urban areas, such as parks, being well accustomed to human environments; however, they quickly flee into the water.
Habitat and Distribution
It frequents freshwater aquatic habitats such as ponds, lakes, streams, and also parks and gardens. Especially watercourses with weak or completely still currents. It prefers banks with aquatic plants such as water lilies and reeds to hide. It is the most common frog and amphibian in Portugal, and is generally present throughout the territory, practically in any freshwater aquatic environment in the country, especially humid lowland areas and rarely in dry and mountainous areas. More common in the Central and Southern regions, for example in areas near the Ria de Aveiro, Mondego Estuary, Tagus Estuary, Sado Estuary, Alqueva and Ria Formosa.
Places where I have photographed this species so far.
All Photographs Taken
