Italian agile frog
Source: K Grossenbacher
The Italian agile frog (Rana latastei) is a rather small, brown frog, living in the plains of the Po river, including its northern tributaries up to southern Switzerland and to Istria (Croatia) in the East. The habitat of this frog typically consists of small streams, rivers or lakes with moist deciduous forests, some swampy ground and a lush herbaceous groundcover. Once widespread over the region, Rana latastei is now restricted to only a few sites of about 90 relict populations (80 in Italy, 6 in Switzerland, 4 in Croatia), often isolated from each other. The main causes for this dramatic decline have been the clearing of riparian forests and drainage of wetlands. Although several populations are living within protected reserves, current management practices are not concerned with efficiently safeguarding the species. A recovery programme based on habitat creation and restoration might improve the situation for this endangered species. Map 9.16 - Changes in the distribution of the Italian agile frog (Rana latastei) Source: A Stumpel, personal communication
Source: A Stumpel, personal communication