Once thought to exist only in fossil records, the Mallorcan midwife toad (Alytes muletensis) has defied the odds. Nestled in the craggy canyons of the Serra de Tramuntana, this tiny amphibian fights for survival against a host of threats. Now, thanks to an unusual alliance involving conservationists, local authorities, and even a brewery, the toad’s future looks a little brighter.
Who Are These Tiny Survivors?
Endemic to Mallorca, the Mallorcan midwife toad is one of the last vestiges of the island’s ancient fauna. Sharing the landscape with the iconic sargantanas (a native lizard), it is a living relic that predates human settlement in the Balearic Islands. Despite their resilience, these toads are now classified as “endangered” due to habitat loss, climate change, and invasive predators like the viperine snake.
“This is one of the most endangered species of Balearic fauna,” explains biologist Malena Bibiloni. Among the main threats are predation by introduced species, such as the viperine snake (Natrix maura).”
“Populations in the inaccessible karst canyons of the Serra are dwindling, largely due to habitat degradation and the impact of climate change on water sources.”
What Makes Them Special?
Measuring just 34–38 mm, these diminutive toads are easily overlooked. Olive-toned with brown spots, they are uniquely adapted to their environment. But it’s their unusual reproductive strategy that stands out: females compete for males, a rare reversal of the usual mating dynamics. Once paired, the male carries fertilized eggs on his back, nurturing them through the critical early stages of development.
Discovered alive in 1979, decades after being identified in fossil form, these toads are a modern conservation marvel.
The Unlikely Heroes: A Zoo, a Government, and a Brewery
The Mallorcan midwife toad owes much of its survival to an ambitious partnership involving the Barcelona Zoo, the Balearic government, and private supporters. Under a renewed agreement, conservationists are breeding the species in captivity and reintroducing them to the wild. This initiative has already seen nearly 100 toads released into a protected finca in the Serra de Tramuntana.
Even the iconic brewery Damm has joined the effort, providing resources to fund habitat restoration and long-term monitoring. This collaboration demonstrates that saving an endangered species requires creativity, commitment, and diverse partners.
The Future Hangs in the Balance
Will the efforts of scientists, officials, and beer enthusiasts be enough to save this pint-sized pioneer? With climate change threatening to dry up their mountain pools, the stakes are high. For now, though, the Mallorcan midwife toad is hopping toward hope — one croak at a time.
By Stefan Rairayan
Photos: frogblogmanchester, Gert Jan Verspui
