Atlas of amphibians and reptiles in the Moroccan section of the Mediterranean Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve: distribution patterns and habitat use

Abstract

This study presents the first comprehensive atlas of the distribution of amphibians and reptiles within the Moroccan section of the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean (IBRM). Data were gathered from literature reviews, museum collections, and extensive field surveys conducted between 2008 and 2019. A Geographical Information System (GIS) was utilized to generate updated distribution maps, assess species richness within a 10x10 km UTM grid, and analyse associations of species with habitat categories. A total of eight amphibian and 25 reptile species, representing five and 17 families, respectively, were recorded. Three distinct distribution patterns emerged for both taxonomic groups: widespread species, species restricted to specific environments, such as high-altitude areas or coastal environments, and species with limited and / or fragmented ranges. Seventeen areas of high species richness (N > 10 species) were identified across the study area. These areas consistently overlapped across both taxonomic groups and were primarily associated with Mediterranean-type habitats. While amphibians exhibited relatively homogeneous habitat preferences, reptiles demonstrated four distinct assemblages: species prefer mixed vegetation mosaics; species occupy forest-agriculture edges; species adaptable to diverse habitats and environments and species privilege open grasslands-rocky areas. The IBRM’s complex topography likely contributes to high levels of environmental diversity, supporting a remarkable proportion of Morocco’s herpetofauna: 60% of amphibian species and 25% of reptile species. These findings underscore the critical importance of the Moroccan IBRM for herpetofaunal conservation at the national and international levels.