EDP Foz-Tua: Amphibians (nocturnal transects): Ecological Monitoring Program [2012-2016]

Description

The dataset contains records of amphibians (Amphibia) collected in the lower valley of the River Tua and included in the Ecological Monitoring Program (2011-2017) of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the Foz Tua Hydroelectric Dam, promoted by EDP – Energias de Portugal, S.A. Data were collected in the autumn (November) of 2012-2016, during field visits to eight sampling transects located in favourable habitats within a 5-km radius buffer around the Tua valley directly or indirectly affected by the Foz-Tua dam and in a control area in the Douro sub-basin (Ferradosa stream). The presence of individuals was assessed through direct observation, with the aid of torches.

Methodology

Study extent

The data were collected within a 5-km buffer around the Tua lower valley (Northeast Portugal), up to 45 km from the mouth and in Ferradosa stream (Douro sub-basin), in the municipalities of Carrazeda de Ansiães, Vila Flor, Alijó and Mirandela.

Sampling

Sampling was designed to cover potential areas of nocturnal occurrence of amphibians (roads, tracks) in and around the lower Tua valley affected by the Foz-Tua dam, including the reservoir area. A representative sample of transects was set up at a gradient of distance from the river mouth (in the reservoir, in a close control area (i.e., in the Tua, upstream the reservoir) and in a distant control area (outside the Tua valley). Each transect was visited once autumn (November) of 2012 to 2016. The transects were performed by car at a constant speed of 20km/h whenever the appropriate conditions (rainy nights or nights with high air and soil relative humidity) were present. Artificial light devices (torches and bulbs) were used to help detect individuals. For each observation, the species identity, number of individuals, development phase/state and, if possible, where possible, the sex, were recorded

Quality control

All identifications were performed by qualified technicians

Taxonomic range

Purpose

This dataset is part of a broader initiative whereby the company EDP - Energias de Portugal S.A. will made available biodiversity data collected during impact assessment and biological monitoring studies.

Kingdoms covered include: Animalia.

Geographic range

The data were collected within a 5-km buffer around the valley of the River Tua (Northeast Portugal), up to 45 km from the mouth, in the municipalities of Carrazeda de Ansiães, Alijó, Vila Flor and Mirandela.

Australian states covered include: VIla Real, Bragança.