This European endemic species, restricted to the Iberian Peninsula, is listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution and presumed large population.

This species is restricted to southern and eastern Portugal and western and central Spain, from 100-1,300 m asl (Gasc et al. 1997, Pleguezuelos 1997, Pleguezuelos et al. 2002, Godinho et al. 1999, Arnold 2003, Malkmus 2004).

This species can be locally common in suitable habitat, and is more abundant in the western part of its range. Population declines have been observed in Spain, potentially because of introduced predators. Due to ongoing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat and predation by invasive species, the population is suspected to be decreasing. On the contrary, potential distribution of predicted suitability by Maxent model suggest that climate change would contribute to population range increase (Rodriguez-Rodriguez et al. 2020).

This species is closely associated with meadows and open oak (Quercus) forests, most often in sandy areas. It is not very adaptable. Reproduction and larval development generally takes place in temporary waterbodies (most often stream habitats), occasionally in permanent waterbodies; larval development is relatively long in this species and may last more than one season. Clutch size varies from 28-149 eggs (Pinya and Pérez-Mellado 2014).

The main threats are the loss of suitable Mediterranean forest habitat, the introduction of predatory fishes (Alvarez and Martin 2000) and Louisiana Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), and the loss of suitable aquatic habitats through pollution, canal construction, dams, and urbanization. A potential future threat is chytridiomycosis, which has already affected the related Alytes obstetricans in Spain.

There are no records of this species being utilised.

Conservation Actions In-Place
This species is known to occur in Cabañeros and Doñana National Parks, in Spain, and is listed on Appendix II of the Bern Convention, and on Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive. It is protected by national legislation in Spain and is recorded in a number of national and sub-national Red Data Books.

Conservation Needed
Further habitat protection is required, as is continued protection by existing protected areas.

Research Needed
Given the potential future threat of chytridiomycosis this species should be monitored closely.