The collection of amphibians from Madrid at the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales and its utility in conservation

Abstract

We present the revised catalogue of the amphibians deposited in the “Colección de Anfibios y Reptiles” of the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales that have been collected in the Comunidad Autónoma of Madrid. It consists of 2272 records of 18 species, including all species present in Madrid except Hyla meridionalis. We evaluate the collection on the basis of the representation of the specimens collected in relation with: 1) the present distribution of each amphibian species in Madrid, considering the number of UTM 10x10 km grid cells represented in the collection in relation with the total number of grids occupied by each species in Madrid; 2) the number of intraspecific subunits that are relevant from a conservation perspective (subspecies or groups of populations that are differentiated on ecological or genetic grounds) that are represented in the collection. Representation values range from 0% (Hyla meridionalis) to 50% (Triturus alpestris). We also include information on the conservation status of some populations from historical collection sites and conclude that at least 10 breeding sites have disappeared as a consequence of human activities, with the subsequent local extinction of their associated amphibian populations. We have also documented the disappearance of some species from unaltered areas. Finally, we discuss the utility of scientific collections in facing practical aspects of the management and conservation of endangered groups like amphibians.