Jose W. Valdez , Jeremy Dertien, Haruna Fimmel, Tim Eric Kaufmann, Carolin Kremer, Leonie Schilling, Lena Hartmann, Isabell Hummel, Horst Uellendahl, Asha Majeed, Henrique M. Pereira

Amphibians are among the most globally threatened vertebrates, with habitat loss and degradation being the primary drivers of their decline. While natural wetlands are essential for amphibian survival, artificial habitats can also play a significant role as refuges, especially in human-altered landscapes. This study examines the role of artificial waterbodies in supporting amphibian populations within villages and human-disturbed areas of Peneda-Gerês National Park (PNPG) in northern Portugal, a unique protected area recognized for its rich natural and cultural heritage. We conducted surveys across 162 natural (ponds, streams, stream pockets, caves) and artificial (tanks, drains, fountains, cave-like structures), waterbodies, to assess species richness, abundance, and breeding activity in human-altered landscapes within PNG. A total of ten amphibian species were observed, with natural waterbodies showing higher species richness and occupancy rates. The Iberian frog (Rana iberica) was the most abundant species, found primarily in natural habitats, where it bred exclusively. Although the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) was also most common in natural waterbodies, it bred across a wide range of both natural and artificial waterbodies. In contrast, the endemic Bosca’s newt (Lissotriton boscai) and the marbled newt (Triturus marmoratus) were more prevalent in artificial waterbodies, particularly in historic water tanks. These water tanks, traditionally used for laundry and water storage in local villages, were crucial for these amphibians, with approximately two-thirds occupied and over a quarter serving as breeding sites for four different species—supporting more species than all the natural waterbodies combined. These findings emphasize the need to integrate the conservation of both natural and artificial aquatic habitats to sustain amphibian biodiversity, particularly in human-altered landscapes like PNPG. As climate change diminishes natural breeding sites, artificial waterbodies can offer crucial refuges that complement natural habitats, playing a vital role in protecting both biodiversity and the region's cultural heritage.