The ferreret: Mallorca’s native amphibian
Although it might seem otherwise, I’m not a Martian. I’m Mallorcan, very Mallorcan indeed. I’m the ‘Ferreret’, a tiny native amphibian measuring just 3 or 4 centimetres in length, and I live in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains of Mallorca.
What is the ferreret?
I am a small toad of a species endemic to Mallorca; in fact, you will only find me on this island anywhere in the world.
Some call me the ‘Balearic toad’, but scientifically I am known as ‘Alytes muletensis’ and I am nocturnal, which is why I have very large eyes. I am brownish-green in colour with small spots that help me blend in well among the rocks. I weigh very little, just about 5 grams.
My common name, ‘Ferreret’, comes from the fact that the sounds I usually make resemble the hammer blows of a blacksmith at work. And in Mallorcan, the word ‘Ferreret’ means just that: ‘little blacksmith’.
Where does the ferreret live?
I have long limbs that help me climb the walls and rocks of my natural habitat, the gorges and caves of the Serra de Tramuntana.
During the day I hide in crevices between the rocks, wherever there is water, and at night I come out to feed. I hunt small insects, although I also like the plant matter I find around me.
Protected species
If you’re ever out and about and you see me… don’t try to catch me! … I am a protected species listed as ‘Endangered’ in the Spanish catalogue of threatened species.
Although the whole of Mallorca is incredibly beautiful, the Serra de Tramuntana perhaps stands out even more, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2011.
The Serra de Tramuntana is the natural habitat of this Mallorcan amphibian, the Ferreret, and the Balearic Government organised a recovery plan for this charming little creature. Several priority action areas were designated, such as: Torrent de Bálitx, Torrent de Pareis, Sa Fosca, Torrent de Mortitx …
Mallorca, a treasure trove of natural beauty
As you’ll see, Mallorca is renowned for its natural beauty as well as its cuisine and specialities. If you’d like to discover our most authentic flavours, you can explore our traditional Mallorcan products here.
