Distribution of the yellow belly ringer in Auvergne Rhône Alpes

The yellow belly ringer (Bombina variegata) is a small anurous amphibian (between 3 and 6 cm) easily recognisable by its black ventral stains on a yellow-orange background. Considered common in France at the beginning of the 20th century, today’s observations show that it has undergone, and is still undergoing, a rapid decline on a European scale. In Luxembourg, it is on the verge of extinction (last wild individuals reported in the late 1980s); in Germany, the species remains only by a few relictual populations; in Austria and Italy, it is in sharp decline. In France too, it is reported to be declining or even extirpated in many regions. Several causes are formulated, usually common to other amphibian species and mainly related to human activities: degradation or disappearance of wetlands, fragmentation of habitats, modification of practices... Paradoxically, the Yellow-bellied Sonner is strongly linked to humans and its activities: forestry and agriculture mainly. This situation led the Ministry in charge of ecology to consider it a priority to carry out conservation actions of the Yellow-bellied Sonner. That is why a National Action Plan for this species was drawn up for the period 2011-2015 and extended until 2018. In the current stocktaking phase, it needs to be revised for the period 2019-2029. Considering that our region occupies a strategic place for this species (present in the 12 departments), DREAL Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes entrusted in 2017 the realisation of a synthesis of the regional challenges to CEN Auvergne and LPO Rhône-Alpes, historical facilitators of the former regions. This summary proposes a state of play of the species that identifies the problems and threats against it and proposes the main strategic axes for its preservation.