Professional Documents
Culture Documents
100
FrogLog
www.amphibians.org News from the herpetological community
Regional Focus
South America
100 th
Edition
INSIDE
News from the ASG
Regional Updates
Global Focus
Recent Publications
General Announcements
Paintings of Ameerega yoshina (orange and red morphs) from a Field Guide to Aposematic Poison Frogs
And More..... (Dendrobatidae) of the Andean Countries: Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela © 2012 Ted R. Kahn
Specialist Group (ASG) announces the fifth annual award to recognize individuals
Nomination forms and supporting information can be found on the ASG web site at
REGIONAL UPDATE
20 Regional Updates 36 Colombian Amphibians: Cryptic Northwestern Andes of Colombia
24 Rediscovery of the endemic marsupial diversity and cryptic taxonomy 45 Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in
frog Gastrotheca gracilis and 38 First Adult Rediscovery, First Venezuela: Current Research and
conservation status of the genus Recording of Call, and Ecological Perspectives
Gastrotheca in NW Argentina Notes for Melanophryniscus 47 Atelopus Cruciger: Past, Present and
26 The conservation status of Amphibians macrogranulosus (Braun, 1973), Future in Venezuela
of Argentina Brazil
50 Museo de Zoología of Pontifi cia
27 Bolivian amphibian Initiative and the 40 Ecological Notes, Natural History Universidad Católica del Ecuador
conservation work in Bolivia and Conservation Summary of (QCAZ)
Melanophryniscus admirabilis (Di
29 Frogs from the end of the world: Bernardo et al. 2006), Brazil 51 Caring now for the future of the
conservation,alliances and people Ecuadorian frogs: The “Balsa de los
action in the Valdivian Coastal range 41 Field Guide to Aposematic Poison Sapos” Initiative
of Chile Frogs (Dendrobatidae)of the Andean
Countries: Colombia, Bolivia, 52 The Cutting Edge of Sustainability:
32 Darwin’s frogs in Chile Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela Cold Blooded Research in an
34 Conserving South Chile’s Imperiled Overlooked Hotspot
44 Nine New Species of Frogs and
Amphibian Fauna Toads Discovered at Reserva 54 Famous Atelopus frogs from Amazonia
Natural Mesemis-Paramillo in the
GLOBAL NEWS
56 Merging community ecology and 61 An Overview of ASG Regional Activities 65 Survey and monitoring of amphibians
phylogenetic biology in amphibian in Mainland China in Yatung of Tibet
research: How habitats shape anuran 62 Protecting the streamdwelling frog 66 Decline and Conservation of
trait communities and species’ life- Feirana taihangnicus in Central Amphibians: an Update
history traits China 69 Report on Lithobates vibicarius
58 Biology of Hibernation in 63 A public education program for (Cope, 1894) (Anura: Ranidae) in
Duttaphrynus melanostictus amphibian conservation from Parque Nacional del Agua Juan Castro
(Schneider, 1799) Shenyang Normal University Wildlife Blanco, Alajuela, Costa Rica
59 Multiple emergences of genetically Conservation Society in China
diverse amphibian infecting chytrids 63 Monitoring and habitat restoration
include a globalized hypervirulent of a newly discovered population of
recombinant lineage Onychodactylus fischeri in China
Recent Publications 71 | Meetings 85 | Internships & Jobs 85 | Funding Opportunities 87 | Author Instructions 93
With the current FrogLog format we are hoping to provide an insight into regional
activities and provide opportunities for individuals and groups to tell their stories. Claude Gascon
FrogLog articles range from detailed project updates and notes on the ecology of
species, to stories from the field, which often read like an adventure novel.
ASG Co-Chair
This edition is a prime example of what we are trying to achieve. The ASG Updates
provide a general overview of some of the projects in which we are currently
involved, specifically within the region of focus but also globally, allowing us to
highlight some of the upcoming projects of our partners, such as Amphibian Ark’s Phillip J. Bishop
“Leaping Ahead of Extinction” event this February 29th (see page 18).
Editorial Office
Conservation International
2011 Crystal Drive, Suite
500, Arlington, VA 22202
USA
Global
Amphibian Ark (AArk)
is pleased to announce
an exciting new inter-
national promotion, to
coincide with Leap Day
(February 29th) 2012.
The event is called
“Leaping Ahead of Ex-
tinction: A celebration
of good news for amphibians in 2012”, and the focus is
to promote institutions that are managing amphibian
rescue or supplementation programs. Read more on
page 18.
Madagascar
A New Amphibian Cap-
tive Breeding Center
Opens in Madagascar.
Led by the Mitsinjo As-
sociation, with support Nirhy Rabibisoa
web systems as well as knowledge of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria will be an
asset. All interns must have an advance level of English, both spoken and written. While
this is an unpaid internship, the intern will receive a copy of Threatened Amphibians of the
World at the end of the internship. For more information please contact Ariadne Angulo
- ariadne.angulo@iucn.org.
8 | FrogLog Vol. 100| January 2012
The Search for “Lost” Frogs Next Steps
By Robin D. Moore
O
n August 9, 2010, the Amphibian Specialist Group and
Conservation International, with support from Global
Wildlife Conservation, announced the launch of the
Search for “Lost” Frogs – an unprecedented global search for am-
phibian species not seen this century – some not seen in close to
two centuries! ASG members were pivotal in compiling the pre-
liminary list of 100 “Lost” species. Over the proceeding months,
thirty-three teams comprising 126 researchers were supported in
21 countries with one goal in mind: to find the lost amphibians.
Teams battled landslides and severe rains in Mexico, scoured
steamy jungles in the Ivory Coast and waded up rivers in Bor-
neo in an unprecedented unified global search for “Lost” species.
The Search for “Lost” Frogs captivated the public in a way that I never
imagined, with the initial announcement being picked up by some
150 news articles with over 200 million potential viewers. From
here interest in the search snowballed as regular updates from the
field spoke of the unwavering persistence and optimism required
to brave the elements in the name of science. While most teams,
after days and even weeks in the field, came home exhausted and
empty-handed, it wasn’t long before the good news started coming
in. Some fifteen species last seen between 15 and 136 years ago were
reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, India,
Mexico and Haiti – and as the first phase of the search neared its
close came the first “top ten” find: the Rio Pescado Stubfoot Toad in
Ecuador, Atelopus balios. A total of six press releases generated 650
news articles in 20 countries with over a billion potential viewers.
The first phase of the Search for “Lost” Frogs concluded in Feb-
ruary 2011, but this did not deter researchers from continuing The original “Top Ten” Most Wanted poster. Three of the “Top Ten” have
already been found and there is still hope in finding others. This poster was a
their search. In June, some eight months after searches began fundamental tool in capturing the world’s media attention and provided a clear
for the species, the elusive rainbow toad of Borneo - Ansonia overview of the project to the general public.
The Rediscovery
After 15 years without records, a field party from Museo de
Zoología, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador led by San-
tiago Ron found in October 2010 the only know population of A.
balios in Ecuador. They received help from a family of peasants
who gave convincing accounts of recent sightings of the species. A
single adult individual was found during a nocturnal search. The
frog was along a river over a leaf 50 cm above ground. The indi-
vidual was apparently healthy.
Next Steps
Protecting the land where A. balios occurs is of high prior- Eduardo Toral-Contreras
ity because farmers, who have little awareness of the im-
portance of the population, currently own the land. We
are currently in discussions with partners about how we can ensure the protection of this habitat. The vegetation in the re-
gion is dominated by secondary forest and land devoted to agriculture and cattle rising. An additional priority is monitor-
ing the population to have a better understanding of its size and composition by reproductive stage and sex. Based on that in-
formation it could be determined if the population requires to be managed ex situ at the facilities of Balsa de los Sapos in Quito.
Next Steps
In the coming year field work will focus on gathering ecological information on the species, as part of an M.Sc. thesis by Mr.
Ong Jia Jet, a graduate student at UNIMAS under the supervision of Dr Das. In September, the Trustees of The Rufford
Small Grants Foundation approved a RSG grant of £5,500, towards a project entitled, “Ecology and conservation of Anso-
nia latidisca, the Bornean Rainbow Toad, at Gunung Penrissen, Sarawak, Malaysia”, to further understand the biology and ecol-
ogy of this unknown toad. This research will be key to determining the status and threats to the species. In addition, a small
group is being kept in the lab to make behavioral observations – to date the only calls known from the species have been from
this population. According to Dr Das the calls are somewhat low-pitched and are therefore may be hard to hear in the field.
The Rediscovery
In the early 1950s, Hula lake and surrounding marshes were drained as a
way of tackling malaria. Among other environmental problems, draining
the lake led to the near extinction of an entire ecosystem and the unique
endemic fauna of the lake, and in 1996 the Hula painted frog was de-
clared extinct by the IUCN. Only three adult Hula painted frogs had ever
been found. Two of these were collected into captivity in the 1940s, but the
larger one ate the smaller one, leaving just one specimen to remember the
species by. Subsequent expeditions to find the species were unsuccessful. © Professor Heinrich Mendelssohn, Tel-Aviv University.
Until, one morning in November 2011, Nature and Parks Authority warden Yoram Malka was conducting his routine patrol of the Hula
Nature Reserve when something jumped from under him. He lunged after it and caught it: he was holding in his hand a male frog - the
first Hula painted frog seen in over 50 years. Two weeks later a female was found in swampy weeds, twenty centimeters deep, and at
13 grams weighs only half of her male counterpart.
Next Steps
The rediscovery of the Hula painted frog has taken the species from being a symbol of extinction to a symbol of optimism in what is
clearly an important area for biodiversity. The frog lives within the Hula Reserve, and aquatic ecologist Dana Milstein believes that the
frog’s rediscovery is linked to environmental improvements in the reserve. According to Dr Milstein, “in recent years, the water quality
has improved, after they started to pour water from fish ponds and nearby springs into the reserve”. As conditions continue to improve
it is hoped that the frog will serve as an inspirational success story for ecological restoration; in the meantime, Nature and Parks aim
to assess the status of the frog within the reserve.
D
espite some recent remarkable discoveries of new species
(Manamendra-Arachchi and Pethiyagoda, 2005; Meegas-
kumbura and Manamendra-Arachchi, 2005), Sri Lanka
has already lost 21 species of amphibians, this is about half the
confirmed extinctions in the world. Nineteen of these Sri Lankan
amphibians belong to genus Pseudophilautus (Meegaskumbura et
al. 2007), all of which are terrestrial direct developers and many
of which are habitat specialists, often requiring the shade of a can-
Fig. 1. Ps. procax, a Critically Endangered, forest dwelling species, restricted to
opy covered forest for survival. Eighty six percent of the currently Eastern Sinharaja.
known 67 Pseudophilautus species described from Sri Lanka are
Fig. 2. Ps. papilosus, a Critically Endangered, forest Fig. 3. Ps. lunatus, a Critically Endangered, forest Fig. 4. Ps. simba, a Critically Endangered, leaf litter
dwelling species, restricted to Eastern Sinharaja. dwelling species, restricted to Eastern Sinharaja. dwelling species, restricted to Eastern Sinharaja.
Fig. 5. Ps. limbus, currently designated as Critically Fig. 6. Ps. poppiae, an Endangered, forest dwelling Fig. 7. Ps. ocularis, an Endangered, forest dwelling
Endangered, but has a wide extent of occurrence, species, restricted to Eastern Sinharaja. species, restricted to Eastern Sinharaja.
lowland to Rakwana hills.
Fig. 8. Ps. auratus, an Endangered, forest and open- Fig. 9. Ps. decoris, an Endangered, forest dwelling Fig. 10. Ps. regius, a Data Deficient species, lives in
area dwelling species, occur in Eastern Sinharaja. species, restricted to Eastern Sinharaja. open areas and has a wide distribution.
Fig. 16. Graph depicting daily fluctuation of relative humidity in Natural Forests (NF) Literature Cited
regenerating forests (RF), Grassland (GL) and Road-side (RS). Bahir M. M. Meegaskumbura M., Manamendra-Arachchi K. Schneider C.J. and
Pethiyagoda, R. 2005. Reproduction and terrestrial direct development in Sri Lankan
shrub frogs (Ranidae : Rhacophorinae : Philautus) Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Suppl.,
are Pseudophilatus rus (LC: least concern, IUCN category; Fig. 17), 12: 339-350.
Ps. hallidayi (VU; Fig.18) and Ramanella obscura (LC; Fig. 19); all Manamendra-Arachchi, K. & Pethiyagoda, R. (2005) The Sri Lankan shrub-frogs
of the genus Philautus Gistel, 1848 (Ranidae: Rhacophorinae), with description of 27
these species are not threatened. If these species already occurred new species. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement No. 12, 163–303.
in Eastern Sinharaja prior to 2004, we should have found them, Meegaskumbura M, Bossuyt F, Pethiyagoda R, Manamendra-Arachchi K, Bahir
M, Milinkovitch M.C, and Schneider C.J. 2002. Sri Lanka and Amphibian Hot Spot.
as they are common species where they occur (non threatened Science 298: 398.
IUCN statuses also suggests this). However in 2005, Ps. rus was Meegaskumbura M. and Manamendra-Arachchi K. 2005. Description of eight new
species of shrub frogs (Ranidae : Rhacophorinae : Philautus) from Sri Lanka. Raffles
observed on the roadside to Morningside Bungalow; Ps. hallidayi Bulletin of Zoology Suppl. 12: 305-338.
was observed near Morningside Bunglow and R. obscura was ob- Meegaskumbura, M., Manamendra-Arachchi, K., Pethiyagoda, R. 2007. New
species amongst Sri Lanka’s extinct shrub frogs. Zootaxa, 1397: 1-15.
served in a regenerating forest patch; however at the time, their
Meegaskumbura, M., Meegaskumbura, S., Bowatte, G., Mandmendra-Arachchi,
population size was low. By 2011, Ps. rus, was very common and K., Pethiyagoda, R., Hanken, J. and Schneider C.J. 2010. Taruga (Anura:
Rhacophoridae), a new genus of foam-nesting tree frogs endemic to Sri Lanka.
occupied all habitat types; R. obscura and Ps. hallidayi were still a Ceylon Journal of Science (Biological Science), 39(2): 75-94.
small population. In 2011, a dramatic drop of Taruga fastigo (CR) Meegaskumbura, M. and Manamendra-Arachchi, K. 2011. Two new species of
shrub frogs (Rhacophoridae: Pseudopilautus) from Sri Lanka. Zootaxa 2747: 1-18.
(Meegaskumbura et al. 2010), and Ps. decoris population was also
observed.
Fig. 17. Ps. rus, a least concern species, which is a Fig. 18. Ps. hallidayi, a vulnerable species, inhabiting Fig. 19. Ramanella obscura, a least concern species
recent arrival at Eastern Sinharaja. rocky areas (also live close to human dwellings); a that often tolerates human made conditions well, a
recent arrival at Eastern Sinharaja. recent arrival at Eastern Sinharaja.
A
s local herpetologists we have witnessed the habitats of am-
phibians in Madagascar shrink due to pressure from forest
clearing, bushfire, slash-and-burn farming, mining, oil ex-
ploration and road construction.
Fortunately, there is now a critical resource to help the frogs fight Heterixalus punctatus in Madagascar. (© Photo by Devin Edmonds)
back: a new amphibian captive breeding center.
Boophis pyrrhus, Heterixalus betsileo, Heterixalus punctatus,
Led by the Mitsinjo Association, with support from Malagasy Blommersia blommersae, and Guibemantis sp.
authorities, IUCN’s Amphibian Specialist Group and a range of
other NGOs, construction of the captive breeding facility began in Until now, no one in Madagascar had the knowledge or capacity
November, 2010 through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to breed these frogs in captivity. As a result, the Mitsinjo team will
Conservation Endowment Fund. During the past 15 months, staff first focus on breeding common species that have similar habits
training and husbandry research on local frog species has been and habitats to threatened species as husbandry skills are devel-
conducted in collaboration with, and support from, Conservation oped. Once these captive-breeding techniques have been mastered,
International, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the Woodland Park Zoo, the team will deal with the more threatened species. This captive
Amphibian Ark, and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. breeding program also provides an opportunity to gather informa-
tion on the life history of these frogs.
The Mitsinjo captive breeding facility was constructed in response
to the growing threat of the chytrid fungus that has decimated am- There are many challenges to this kind of work. Besides the strict
phibian populations worldwide. hygiene standards and the
Although chytrid has not yet risk of disease transmission
been detected in Madagascar, between the frogs, feeding
seven of the country’s amphib- the frogs is an especially dif-
ian species are already desig- ficult skill to learn. Live food is
nated as Critically Endangered, critical for the frogs’ survival,
and therefore at high risk of but it can be difficult to deter-
extinction if disease outbreaks mine the precise quantity and
should occur. The amphib- nutritional balance that the
ian center will establish captive animals need. This skill is, of
populations of the most threat- course, crucial for the success
ened species as a reserve in case of the center. The team’s cap-
the fungus reaches the island. The Mitsinjo amphibian captive breeding facility in Andasibe, Madagascar.
tive breeding specialist has so
(© CI/Photo by Nirhy Rabibisoa) far trained six technicians to
Amphibians provide many im- caring for live frogs.
portant services to humans, such as controlling insects that spread
disease and damage crops, and helping to maintain healthy fresh- Although still in the early stages of this project; it is planned to
water systems. In 2008, CI-Madagascar organized the develop- eventually develop educational programs that will showcase the
ment of the Sahonagasy Action Plan (SAP), a national plan for am- value of Madagascar’s frogs and their habitats to local people, and
phibian conservation. This plan emphasized the emerging threat generate money through ecotourism.
posed by the chytrid fungus and the need to develop the capacity
within Madagascar to detect and monitor the disease, and to devel- In the coming year, the team hopes to increase the number of spe-
op in-country breeding facilities for disease-free frog populations. cies bred at the facility — bringing us all a step closer to safeguard-
Captive breeding will also help to combat the combined action of ing the future of these fascinating creatures.
habitat destruction, illegal and unsustainable collection for the in-
ternational pet trade, and the impacts of climate change. Author detials: Nirhy Rabibisoa is the Executive Secretary for
the ASG, Madagascar. Justin Claude is the technician lead at the
Mitsinjo Captive breeding Center (email: babakotokely@gmail.
The facility currently houses about 33 frogs representing six spe- com).
cies from the Andasibe region, namely: Mantidactylus betsileanus,
FrogLog Vol. 100 | January 2012 | 15
Protection of critical
amphibian habitat through
novel partnerships in
Colombia
By Robin D. Moore
O
ver the past six years the ASG has been supporting part- nership with the American Bird Conservancy allowed Fundacion
ners around the world to protect critical amphibian habi- ProAves to acquire the area, which had been slated for develop-
tat, combating habitat loss, one of the primary drivers of ment, and create El Dorado Reserve. Shortly after the creation of
amphibian declines and extinctions. The Global Amphibian As- the reserve two harlequin toad species - Atelopus laetissimus and
sessment highlighted Colombia as the country with the second A. nahumae – were found after 16 years without being recorded.
highest number of amphibian species in the world and the most Another more recent rediscovery within the Reserve, of the red-
threatened species and, as a result, it has been the focus of much crested tree rat (Santamartamys rufodorsalis) after 113 years
of our habitat protection efforts. We have worked with a variety of without being seen, is a reminder of how elusive nature can be.
International partners to support local partner Fundacion ProAves
in the creation of six new protected areas, safeguarding more than El Dorado provided an effective model for the protection of amphib-
two-dozen threatened amphibian species. ian habitat through a novel partnership, and was soon followed up
with the creation of another 530 hectare Reserve home to 11 threat-
Our first project was developed in December 2005 when we were ened amphibian species in the Central Cordillera in Colombia. The
approached with an opportunity to create a new 650 hectare Re- Reserve, named La Forzoso, is once again owned and managed by
serve in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Identified by the Alli- Colombian partner Fundación ProAves. Habitat protection is often
ance for Zero Extinction (www.zeroextinction.org) as the second opportunistic, and a third Reserve was created in response to an
highest priority site for species conservation, containing six threat- emergency situation for two highly threatened poison-dart frogs.
ened amphibians and three birds found nowhere else, the site Twenty hectares of habitat critical for the species was acquired and
was a clear priority for protection. Swift action and a novel part- a new Reserve, named Ranita Dorada or “Little Golden Frog” after
one of the species it was designed to pro-
tect, was successfully created. It encom-
passes an isolated wet subtropical forest
fragment in a region dominated by cof-
fee and pasturelands in the department
of Tolima. This important and timely
project was born out of a partnership
between the ASG, IUCN Netherlands,
Dendrobatidae Nederland, Conservation
International, and Fundacion ProAves.
More recently, the ASG has supported the
creation of a new 1,175 hectare reserve
for a species of red-eyed toad believed to
be new to science. With its habitat in the
process of being cleared for cattle ranch-
ing upon its discovery, the species could
have been lost before it was even de-
scribed. Fundación ProAves approached
the ASG with the opportunity to support
the acquisition and protection of the
species’ core habitat. Swift and decisive
New Granada Cross Banded treefrog, Smilisca phaeota, in the Choco of Colombia. Photo: Robin Moore / iLCP. actions led to the purchase of 1,175 hect-
16 | FrogLog Vol. 100| January 2012
Glass frog, Nynphargus grandisone. Robin Moore / iLCP
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Argentina
The recent history of Amphibian
conservation in Argentina shows a mosaic
of disappointing results and others who
provide high expectations. The first
collective action took place in late 1990,
when the majority of the then active
batracologists met in three workshops Screenshots from www.
which resulted in the assessment of the youtube.com of Argentina’s
conservation status of amphibians in public television shows
discussing amphibian
the country, followed by the analysis of
conservation with Regional
threats and a more comprehensive look ASG Chair Dr. Esteban
on those species that had been categorized Lavilla. Links to these and
as Data Deficient (Lavilla et al., 2000; other videos can be found
2002; Lavilla, 2001). These local actions in the literature cited list.
were followed by the meetings sponsored
by the Global Amphibian Assessment that
culminated in a workshop in Puerto Madryn
in October 2003, ending in the subsequent
dissemination of its results via world wide
web.
Shield
populations continue to decline, become
Peru’s Amphibian Specialist Group currently
locally extirpated, or become extinct in the
has over 20 members, but the estimated
wild. This has been the case of one such
The present Brazilian Red List was number of herpetologists working in the
new species, Atelopus patazensis (Venegas
published in 2003 and 2004. The Brazilian country is somewhere between 150 and 200
et al. 2008), which was originally found
government is currently coordinating the people. With such a growing community of
in 1999 in a montane region in northern
assessment of all Brazilian vertebrates professionals working on the amphibians
Peru. Analysis of skin tissue from deceased
(over 7,000 species), which is planned to and reptiles of Peru a logical next step
individuals confirmed the infection by the
be finished by 2014. IUCN methodology would be to give a voice to this community,
fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
is being followed for all assessments with and to help inform and coordinate research
(Bd). Individuals of this species, which
workshops being facilitated by at least one and conservation actions, increase capacity
had not been seen for over ten years, were
Red List Authority. building and outreach through the creation
recently found in the type locality (IUCN
of a professional society with a focus on
The amphibian assessments (~900 species) SSC Amphibian Specialist Group 2011).
Peruvian herpetofauna.
are being carried out by a partnership Other Atelopus species haven’t been seen
between the National Centre for Research In this regard we would like to report that after similar periods, even though intensive
and Conservation of Amphibians and the long-awaited Asociación Peruana de surveys in suitable habitat have been
Reptiles (RAN-ICMBio) and the scientific Herpetología (APH; Peruvian Association undertaken (Catenazzi et al. 2011).
community. The scientific coordinator of Herpetology) was legally established
Amphibian populations at other montane
is Celio F. B. Haddad, a professor in 2011. The APH’s mission is to promote
regions of Peru have also experienced
at Universidade Estadual Paulista. those scientific activities that facilitate the
dramatic declines, as highlighted in a
Assessments are planned to be carried out development of knowledge on amphibians
study recently published by Catenazzi
in four workshops, three of which have and reptiles in Peru and contribute to the
et al. (2011). These declines, which were
already occurred in 2010 and 2011. After advancement of international herpetology.
documented based on intensive surveys
the last workshop, which is planned for The APH’s founding members are associated
between 1999 and 2009 in a national park,
June 2012, the complete list of Brazilian with several academic institutions, including
were more pronounced in stream-dwelling
endangered amphibians will be published. universities in four different regions in
and arboreal species than in terrestrial
Peru, as well as non-profit organizations
In the first workshop, carried out in October, species. Infection with Bd was implicated
and natural history museums, and 90%
2010, 21 researchers from 15 academic in the observed species’ disappearance and
of them are ASG members. We expect
institutions assessed 91 species presently population declines in the national park and
that the interactions among members
considered endangered in at least one red other montane regions in Peru (Catenazzi
of the APH will increase opportunities
list (IUCN, Brazilian list or state lists), as et al. 2010; Catenazzi et al. 2011).
for collaboration among both national
well as a few Data Deficient (DD) species. and foreign colleagues, development In spite of this news, one challenge that
In the second workshop, held in June, 2011, of research proposals and study plans remains a top priority is to increase the
25 specialists from 18 academic institutions throughout the country. We also see the capacity to document Peru’s amphibian
assessed 254 species, many of them DD APH as a potential catalyst for increasing diversity—and biodiversity in general.
in the Brazilian and IUCN red lists. In the ASG activities. We look forward to seeing During recent years, roughly half of the
third workshop, held in December, 2011, 22 a significant growth in membership during recently described species were found at
researchers from 14 institutions assessed the forthcoming years, once the society’s mid to high elevations in montane forests
285 species, most of them Least Concern basic physical infrastructure is established. or puna grasslands, whereas most of the
(LC) in the IUCN red list. As a result of these Given that the APH is a new not-for-profit remaining species have been found in
workshops, 630 Brazilian amphibians were organization, its current main constraint to lowland Amazon forests. The increased
already assessed: one Extinct, 14 Critically become fully functional is start-up funding application of integrative approaches,
Endangered, 8 Endangered, 17 Vulnerable, and completion of financial paperwork. namely combining molecular phylogenetics,
27 Near Threatened, 146 DD, 406 LC, and Once the financial setup is complete, an morphology, bioacoustics, and ecology
11 Not Assessed. announcement will be made on various (Padial and De la Riva 2009; Brown et al.
listservers and membership applications 2011; Funk et al. 2011), will improve our
Marcio Martins1 (Co-Chair) Brazil will then be more than welcome to endorse knowledge of as yet-undocumented cryptic
and Guiana Shield Amphibian the society in the near future. species richness in the country.
Specialist Group ,Yeda Bataus2, Célio
Another, general interest news pertains Recent studies suggest that amphibian
F. B. Haddad3, and Vera Luz2 to the discovery and description of species richness is grossly underestimated
1)Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, new species: about 20 new amphibian (Fouquet et al. 2007; Vieites et al. 2009),
Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-090 São Paulo SP, Brazil. species living in Peru were described and one study in particular suggests that one
2) Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Répteis during the past two years (2010−2011). such hotspot for cryptic species richness is
e Anfíbios-RAN/ICMBio, 74605-090 Goiânia GO, Brazil. These new species belong to nine frog the Amazon basin (Funk et al. 2011). After
3) Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, genera, with Atelopus, Bryophryne, Brazil, Peru is the second country with the
Universidade Estadual Paulista, 13506-900 Rio Claro SP, Brazil.
Hypsiboas, Gastrotheca, Pristimantis, and largest expanse of Amazonian forest (about
Ranitomeya containing two or more new 61% of the country is comprised of Amazonian
taxa (AmphibiaWeb 2011). It is particularly rainforests; IIAP 2011), so the implications
noteworthy that a total of nine new species for its biodiversity and its conservation are
of harlequin frogs (Atelopus) found in Peru considerable. There are many so-called
have been described during the past ten widespread Amazonian species which could
years (2002−2011). Though we primarily potentially harbour cryptic species that may
FrogLog Schedule
January - South America
March - Europe, North Africa and West Asia
May - North and Central America and the Caribbean
July - Sub Saharan Africa
September - Mainland Asia
November - Maritime Southeast Asia and Oceania
T
he three species of Gastrotheca known in Argentina are species, extensive cattle raising, oil prospection and exploitation,
strictly endemic to NW subtropical Yungas Andean forests and development of civil engineering projects (Lavilla et al. 2000;
(Lavilla & Heatwole, 2010), limited to the eastern slopes of Lavilla, 2001; Brown et al. 2006; Lavilla & Heatwole, 2010).
the Andes between 700 and 2600 m.s.l. (Akmentins et al. 2011).
These frog species have the southernmost distributional range In order to evaluate the conservation status of the genus Gastroth-
of the neotropical marsupial frogs of the family Hemiphractidae eca in Argentina, we have conducted surveys since 2007 employing
(Frost, 2011). These frogs are highly cryptic, habitat specialist spe- standard inventory techniques for forest-dwelling frogs. Field work
cies, associated with rock crevices and tree hollows (Laurent et al. has been conducted in the historic area of distribution of the three
1986). species. In February 2011 we located tadpoles and metamorphs of
G. gracilis (Fig. 1) in a well surveyed locality on the road to Tafí
According to the first global evaluation, G. christiani was assessed del Valle, Tucumán province. Almost simultaneously with the re-
as Endangered, and both G. gracilis and G. chrysosticta as Vul- discovery in Tucumán, tadpoles of G. gracilis were registered at the
nerable. Their assessment was largely based on the extent of oc- type locality in La Banderita, Catamarca province by a colleague (J.
currence less than 5000 km2, that all individuals are registered in N. Lescano, pers. comm.). These findings represent the first record
fewer than five locations, and persisting decreases in the extent and of G. gracilis after 20 years (Akmentins et al. 2011).
quality of its habitat (IUCN, 2011).
Current status of the other two species of marsupial frogs is un-
The conservation status of the Argentinean marsupial frogs is a known. There is particular concern with regards to G. christiani,
matter of major concern due to a sudden lack of records in the past which is the only Argentinean species with complete development
two decades, and also due to the increasing threats reported in the of the larvae in the dorsal pouch of the females (Laurent, 1986).
Yungas Andean forest such as, selective logging of valuable woody The concern for this species is mainly due to a well documented
species, clear cutting of primary forest and afforestation with exotic case of extirpation of a reproductive aggregation near Calilegua
Figure 1. Juvenile of
Gastrotheca gracilis
rediscovered in Barranca
del rio Los Sosa, Argentina
on 21 February, 2011 after
20 years of no records of
the species in the historic
locality. Photo: Mauricio
Akmentins.
T
en years after the first assessment of the amphibians of
Figure 1. Results of the last assessment of the
Argentina (Lavilla et al. 2000), thirty batrachologists from
conservation status of the amphibians of Argentina
different academic institutions covering the whole country (empty bars), compared to those of 2000 (filled bars).
conducted a new workshop to reevaluate the status of the amphib-
ian fauna, using new compiled taxonomic information, geographic
distribution, and ecological data on the species diversity. Of the 175
species of anuran amphibians in Argentina, 73 were assessed as ei-
ther threatened or Data Deficient (DD) during the workshop. This
represented a 10% decrease in the number of species in these cat-
egories, compared to the previous assessment in 2000, primarily
due to a decrease in the number of DD species (Fig. 1). The decline
in DD species illustrates the substantial increase in research over
the last 10 years on areas and species previously poorly or com-
pletely unknown in Argentina. However it should also be noted that
there was also an increment in the number of Critically Endangered
and Endangered species (Fig. 1).
Literature Cited
Habitat loss was the main threat to amphibians in Argentina ten Akmentins, M. S., Pereyra, L. C. & J. Lescano (2009). Primer registro de una
población asilvestrada de rana toro (Lithobates catesbeianus) en la provincia de
years ago (Lavilla, 2001), and although there are new pressures and Córdoba, Argentina. Notas sobre la biología de la especie. Cuadernos de herpetología
differential risks depending on the groups, this, and similar factors 23: 25-32.
Akmentins, M. S. , L. C. Pereyra & M. Vaira. (2011). Using sighting records to
like ecosystem degradation, disturbance and destruction continue infer extinction in three endemic Argentinean marsupial frogs. Animal Conservation
leading the ranking of threats. In many cases habitat destruction doi:10.1111/j.1469-1795.2011.00494.x
Arellano, M. L., M. Agostini, R. Herrera, M. Steciow, E. O. Lavilla & D. Barraso
has occurred recently or is ongoing, making it challenging to ascer- (2006). Nuevo hallazgo de quitridiomicosis en el noreste de la provincia de Buenos
tain the magnitude of the impact on amphibian populations (Vaira, Aires. VII Congreso Argentino de Herpetología, Corrientes: 124.
Arellano, M. L., D. P. Ferraro, M. M. Steciow & E. O. Lavilla (2009). Infection
2003; Fox et al. 2005; Barrionnuevo & Ponssa, 2008; Vaira et al. by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in the yellow belly frog
2011). The production and exportation of commodities, such as soy (Elachistocleis bicolor) from Argentina. Herpetological Journal, 19: 217-220.
Barraso, D.A., R. Cajade, S.J. Nenda, G. Baloriani, & R. Herrera (2009).
beans, between 2001-2003 played a significant role in helping Ar- Introduction of the American bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus (Anura Ranidae)
gentina overcome a deep economic crisis. These activities however in natural and modified environments: an increasing conservation problem in
Argentina. South American Journal of Herpetology 4, 69–75.
also had a direct impact on the environment and provide an ad- Barrionuevo, J. S. & M. L. Ponssa (2008). Decline of three species of the genus
ditional complexity to regional conservation efforts. Telmatobius (Anura: Leptodactylidae) from Tucumán Province, Argentina.
Herpetologica 64: 47–62.
Barrionuevo, S. & S. Mangione (2006). Chytridiomicosis in two species of
Invasive alien species in Argentina certainly pose a threat although Telmatobius (Anura: Leptodactylidae) from Argentina. Diseases of Aquatic
Organisms 73: 171-174.
no detailed studies have yet been undertaken, there have however Brunetti, A. E. (2008). Telmatobius oxycephalus (NCN). Predation.
been a few reports on predation by trout and bullfrog (i.e. Sanab- Herpetological Review 39: 462 – 463.
Fox, S. F., J. H. Yoshioka, M. E. Cuello & C. Úbeda (2005). Status, distribution,
ria et al. 2005; Pereyra et al. 2006; Brunetti, 2008; Akmentins et and ecology of an endangered semi-aquatic frog (Atelognathus patagonicus) of
al. 2009; Barraso et al. 2009). The chytrid fungus has also been Northwestern Patagonia, Argentina. Copeia 2005: 921-929.
Fox, S. F., A. L. Greer, R. Torres-Cervantes & J. P. Collins (2006). First case of
detected in several species tested by histological determination ranavirus-associated morbidity and mortlity in natural populations of the South
(i.e. Herrera et al. 2005; Arellano et al. 2006; 2009; Barrionuevo American frog Atelognathus patagonicus. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 72: 87-92.
Ghirardi, R., J. N. Lescano, M. S. Longo, G. Robledo, M. M. Steciow & M. G.
& Mangione, 2006; Fox et al. 2006; Ghirardi et al. 2009; 2011), Perotti (2009). Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Argentina: first record in
and the need for further studies is evident. Finally, for most of the Leptodactylus gracilis and another record in Leptodactylus ocellatus. Herpetological
Review, 40: 175-176.
species at risks the available information is limited, but the declines Ghirardi, R., M. G. Perotti, M. M. Steciow; M. L. Arellano & G. Natale (2011).
and disappearances reported (i.e. Barrionuevo & Ponssa, 2008; Potential distribution of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Argentina: implications
in amphibian conservation. Hydrobiologia 659: 111-115.
Akmentins et al. 2011) show the need to make quick decisions and Herrera, R. A., M. M. Steciow & G. S. Natale (2005). Chytrid fungus parasitizing
the wild amphibian Leptodactylus ocellatus (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in Argentina.
suggests the need to prioritize certain actions and focus on selected Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 64: 247–252.
areas. Lavilla, E. O. (2001). Amenazas, declinaciones poblacionales y extinciones en
anfibios argentinos. Cuadernos de herpetología 15: 59-82.
Lavilla, E. O. et al. (2000). Categorización de los Anfibios de Argentina.
It is clear that much research remains to be done, but also the time Categorización de los Anfibios y Reptiles de la República Argentina. E. O. Lavilla, E.
Richard & G. J. Scrocchi (eds). S. M. de Tucumán, AHA: 11-34.
left to accomplish such tasks is limited. To obtain the information,
Pereyra, M.; D. Baldo & E.R. Kraukzuc (2006). La “rana toro” en la selva atlántica
immediate intensive monitoring is needed to address quantitative interior Argentina: un nuevo problema de conservación. Cuadernos de Herpetología
20 (1): 37-41.
amphibian population fluctuations and to examine the present-day
Sanabria, E. A.; L. B. Quiroga, F. Arias & R. Cortez (2010). A new species
status of Argentinean amphibians, as indicated by the recent ap- of Rhinella (Anura: Bufonidae) from Ischigualasto Provincial Park, San Juan,
Argentina. Zootaxa, 2396: 50–60
praisal. These results will be published soon, in a special number
Vaira, M. (2003). Report of a breeding aggregation extirpation of an endemic
of Cuadernos de Herpetología; in the meantime, the results of the marsupial frog, Gastrotheca christiani, in Argentina. Froglog 60: 3.
last assessment of the amphibians of Argentina, compared to those Vaira, M., L. Ferrari & M. S. Akmentins (2011). Vocal repertoire of an endangered
marsupial frog of Argentina, Gastrotheca christiani (Anura: Hemiphractidae)
of 2000 are summarized in Figure 1. Herpetology Notes 4: 279-284.
T
he level of Bolivian biodiversity is very high and,
looking at amphibians, we see that the country
holds more than 270 species of which more
than 60 are endemic and 34 are listed as threatened
on the IUCN Red List and 54 in the Bolivian Red Book
of Bolivian vertebrates* (Aguayo 2009, IUCN 2011).
The Bolivian Highlands do not hold too many species
but a high percentage are endemic to the country and Figure 1. Telmatobius culeus a critically endangered amphibian. Photo: Arturo Muñoz.
a high number are also endangered. Our knowledge
about these amphibians is very poor and in some situations they Capacity building is another area where we are working. Through
are known just from the type specimens. There are several threats amphibian conservation workshops we are training students,
facing the Bolivian amphibians mainly in terms of loss of habitat, young biologists, veterinarians and those working in related fields.
pollution, exotic species, harvesting and recently Chytrid. We are also working directly with stakeholders in the field and also
in our facilities. We have organized training workshops designed
The Bolivian Amphibian Initiative was created to work for the specifically for park rangers and local community members who
conservation of Bolivian amphibians with a focus on high Andean also take part in our fieldwork. Some of the stakeholders are now
species. A major aim of the initiative is to increase the data on en- working very closely with us and are providing very important data
dangered amphibians in Bolivia through fieldwork focused on mon- to the project.
itoring and protection. We are monitoring populations, together
with local communities, throughout the year to better understand Courses designed mainly for Bolivian biologists and students have
the dynamics of these species. These data are providing us with in- brought together more than 45 people from different areas of
teresting information - some species are in good condition but oth- Bolivia and other countries such as Peru and Brazil. We also co-
ers which were once common such as Telmatobius yuracare, Tel- organized and supported the international amphibian conservation
matobius espadai, Telmatobius edaphonastes, are no longer being course in 2009 at Lake Titicaca and the amphibian husbandry and
found. We are also working conservation course which
with new methods to moni- took place this year in Ar-
tor some species - this is the gentina organized by Durrell
case with the Critically En- Wildlife Conservation Trust,
dangered Titicaca water frog Asociación Latinoamericana
Telmatobius culeus, where de Parques Zoológicos y
we are combining different Acuarios, fundación Temai-
methods for this completely ken and Amphibian Ark. This
aquatic frog. These methods course provided us with an
are providing us with data opportunity to share our suc-
that will allow us to priori- cesses and failures with other
tize our efforts in amphib- projects who might face simi-
ian conservation in Bolivia. lar situations.
From a total of more than
40 localities assessed all Raising awareness is one of
across Bolivia we focused our primary objectives and
in the Andean area where we are working closely with
Figure 2. Capacity building, the high Andean amphibian conservation course 2011.
most of the endangered spe- Photo: Arturo Muñoz. some local communities
cies are present. From the where we have different edu-
different areas we visit, we cational activities. As they are
are collecting Chytrid samples to see the real situation in the whole also part of the project this will have a better impact once we start
of Bolivia that will allow us to take the next steps. working towards changing attitudes towards conservation.
*The Bolivian Red Book of Bolivian vertebrates uses similar classification terms to the IUCN Red List however the selection criteria are different hence the variation in Red List
and Red Book numbers.
We organize educational activities in different schools in the cit- Working together with other organizations and conservationists is
ies and small towns where we show students the amphibian world. very important and this is the reason why we are joining efforts
Another way to inform people about amphibians is through the with some national and international institutions such as Durrell
Natural history Museum, Alcide d’Orbigny, through which we have Wildlife Conservation Trust which is supporting us with its experi-
about 700 visitors per month. Here we have our amphibian exhibi- ence and we are also coordinating our work with Denver Zoo on the
tion with information and interactive games relating to amphib- Critically Endangered Telmatobius culeus. We are working with
ians, and also show the work that the Bolivian Amphibian Initiative different internships, volunteers and thesis work with national and
is developing. Media is an important way to publicize the amphib- international universities as well as people who want to support the
ian situation and we make full use of Bolivian newspapers, general conservation of Bolivian amphibians. All of this will allows us to
magazines, telephone cards, calendars, books and postcards, radio have a greater impact towards the important work of saving these
and TV programs where we share all aspects of the current am- species.
phibian situation. We are also using the media through our website
http://bolivianamphibianinitiative.org and blog http://boliviana- Author details: Museo de historia Natural Alcide d’Orbigny,
P.O.Box 843, Cochabamba, Bolivia, hyla_art@yahoo.com
mphibianinitiative.blogspot.com which gives the latest news from
the project.
Literature cited
Aguayo, R. 2009. Anfibios. Pp.
92-224, En: Aguirre, L. F., R. Aguayo,
J. A. Balderrama, C. Cortez, T. Tarifa
& O. Rocha O. (Eds.), Libro rojo de
la fauna silvestre de vertebrados
de Bolivia. Ministerio de Medio
Ambiente y Agua, La Paz, Bolivia.
IUCN 2011. IUCN Red List
of Threatened Species. Version
2011.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>.
Downloaded on 11 December 2011
T
he evergreen forests of the Coastal range of Chile (35º45’S– In an effort to develop a long-term conservation partnership, in-
43º20’ S) are extremely valuable because their highly en- cluding scientific research, practical species identification, and
demic flora and fauna document ancient relationships with community education dedicated to saving the Valdivian coastal
Australia and New Zealand dating back to the early Tertiary. Geo- amphibians and to preserve their habitat, the Centro de Estudios
logical studies have shown that this area had wide ice-free areas y Conservación del Patrimonio Natural (www.cecpan.org), the
during periods of the Pleistocene and Quaternary glaciations (Hi- Environmental Secretary of Región de Los Ríos (www.mma.gob.
nojosa et al. 2006) providing areas in which the biota may have cl), and herpetologists from the Universidad Austral de Chile, are
represented the sources for the recovery of regional biodiversity developing a monitoring program for the purpose of establishing
following deglaciation (Nuñez et al. 2011). Unfortunately, it is also population and habitat baselines and trends of amphibians in the
one of the most under-protected areas of Chile, particularly the Valdivian Coastal rainforests.
Valdivian Coastal area (40–42°S), in which deforestation, drain- Why is it important to conserve these species?
age, animal husbandry, and contamination of rivers are causing
rapid forest degradation and irreversible destruction of the original Worldwide, amphibians are declining, often as a consequence of
habitat. Worse, hydroelectric dams, paper industry, fast growth ex- degradation or loss of habitat. Similar is occurring in the Valdivian
otic plantation, and the development of extensive roads to increase Coastal range, where too little is known about their amphibians,
tourism, are currently some of the most important problems facing making it then difficult to quantify the effects of such losses. Insue-
the Valdivian Coastal rainforests. tophrynus acarpicus (Critically Endangered, IUCN 2011) inhabits
a narrow geographic range (about 40 km2) without protected ar-
Nowadays, this region provides habitat for 23 frog species (38% of eas, and where the human population is currently expanding and
the amphibian biodiversity of Chile; Rabanal and Nuñez 2009), all strongly modifying the environment. Eupsophus migueli (Endan-
of which are strongly associated with native forest environments, gered, IUCN 2011) was abundant in the past but nowadays is a rare
and four of them (Alsodes norae, Eupsophus migueli, Insuetophry- species. Loss and fragmentation of habitat due to forestry activities
nus acarpicus, and a new species of Eupsophus (E. aff. roseus, cur- and the introduction of livestock and exotic arboreal species are
rently submitted article) are limited only to the Valdivian coastal currently considered the most significant threats to this species.
range (see map). Finally, due to the recent description, most aspects of the biology
and population status of Alsodes norae and E. aff. roseus remain
unknown, but due to them both inhabiting similar environments
and therefore sharing the same risks of I. acarpicus and E. migueli
(although they are not syntopic), their conservation status could
potentially be at least Endangered.
Action plans: baselines, awareness, and education
C
hilean amphibians are is caused by a chytrid fungus
characterized by their named Batrachochtrium den-
uniqueness. Compared drobatidis. (Úbeda et al. 2010,
with other countries, Chile is Veloso et al. 2010). Chytrids
ranked eleventh for its num- were only discovered recently
ber of endemic species and in Chile in a known chytrid
thirteenth in percentage of vector: Xenopus leavis (Solis
endangered or extinct am- et al. 2010) and in native spe-
phibian species (Stuart et al. cies (Bourke et al. 2011a), in-
2008). Within Chilean fauna, cluding R. darwinii (Bourke
amphibians have the highest et al. 2010a). In the contrary,
level of endemism (69%) and up to now, no R. rufum has
the highest rate of threatened been found infected with
species (36.2%) (Stuart et al. chytrids at collection material
2008). Furthermore, almost (Bourke et al. 2010a). Habi-
one-third of Chilean amphib- tat destruction on the other
ian species are included as hand, is a frequent cause of
evolutionarily distinct and amphibian population de-
globally endangered (EDGE clines worldwide (Alford and
2011). Rhinoderma darwinii. Photo: Johara Bourke. Richards 1999). In the case of
Darwin’s frogs, they inhabit
Darwin’s frogs (Rhinoderma spp.) are an example of a unique and a cool temperate rainforest named “Valdivian forest”. This forest
endangered Chilean amphibian. They are characterized by a nasal is one of the five biodiversity hotspots of South America, which
prolongation, dorsal leaf-like colors and patterns, and most of all is being rapidly destroyed and is threatened with the conversion
a unique brood system, in which males brood their offspring after to other land uses, particularly plantations of introduced species
hatching in their vocal pouch. Such a sophisticated brood system is (Neira et al. 2002). Recent studies have found that Rhinoderma
only comparable with the Australian gastric brooding frogs (Rheo- spp. most plausible cause of decline is habitat destruction. Results
batrachus spp.), which brood their offspring in their stomachs. showed that R. rufum distribution match the areas where the larger
Unfortunately Rheobatrachus spp. are already extinct (Hero et al. cities are conglomerated, as well as most of the Chilean cultivation
2004). Darwin’s frogs probably will experience the same tragic end, land and a high degree of anthropogenic disturbance, which is well
because currently Rhinoderma spp. are endangered and declining mirrored in high human footprint score (Bourke et al. in press).
(Young et al. 2001), while R. darwinii is classified by IUCN as Vul- In addition, R. darwinii occurrence records are limited to non-
nerable, its only sister species R. rufum is considered by IUCN as anthropogenically modified areas (Bourke et al. in review).
Critically Endangered (IUCN 2011), but it has not been seen since
1980 by Penna and Veloso (1990). Due to Darwin’s frogs serious situation, the Rhinoderma Project
started surveying for Rhinoderma spp. in 2001. Unfortunately no
Some likely causes to explain the decline of Rhinoderma spp. are R. rufum were found and just a few populations of R. darwinii.
habitat destruction and diseases such as chytridiomycosis, which Later on, between 2006 and 2011, R. darwinii populations were
D
iscussions began in 2007 that led to the es-
tablishment of the Darwin’s Frog Conserva-
tion Initiative (DFCI), a joint effort of the
Atlanta Botanical Garden, the National Zoo of Chile,
personnel from the Center for Advanced Studies of
Ecology and Biodiversity at the Catholic University of
Chile, Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff, The
University of Texas at Tyler, and Greentracks, Inc.
The DFCI seeks, among other things, to elucidate the
reasons behind declines of Darwin’s Frogs (Rhino-
derma spp) and other amphibians endemic to Chile’s
temperate humid forests. Goals include attempts to
curb the declines using techniques such as: (1) de-
Darwin’s Frogs, Rhinoderma darwinii, are declining across their range. The Chile Darwin’s Frog,
velopment of captive assurance colonies with ex-situ Rhinoderma rufum, has not been seen since the late 1970s. Two independent conservation efforts
breeding of endangered amphibians in Chile, (2) currently exist for R. darwinii that entail captive breeding of the frogs, one in Concepción and one in
monitoring of diseases in wild populations to better Santiago. Photo: Danté Fenolio.
inform policymakers and conservation authorities in
Chile, and (3) education of the public regarding problems confront- conservation assistance. A grassroots effort harnessing local en-
ing Chilean amphibians. Ultimately, we aim to furnish informa- thusiasm and pride is an important part of the equation. Remov-
tion about declining amphibians (including the spread of emergent ing individuals of an endangered species from the range country
infectious amphibian disease) and to provide conservation options. might involve exposure to new pathogens in the host country. This
Another goal is to establish the Darwin’s Frog as a flagship species, complicates the prospects of returning captive bred individuals to
bringing attention to the plight of all of South Chile’s endangered the range country for reintroduction should that become an option.
amphibians. This is not a condemnation of past captive reproduction efforts
in host countries. Rather, we feel that as the collective amphib-
We have developed a captive breeding facility in Chile. Many con- ian conservation community has learned through its experiences,
servation projects have removed amphibians from the range country range-country breeding facilities, when possible, should be a prior-
for captive reproduction elsewhere. Our approach involves empow- ity. Projects with which the Atlanta Botanical Garden has partici-
ering local conservation efforts, complete with trained personnel pated have led us to this conclusion.
and a modern captive reproduction facility, with the hope that the
chances of long-term conservation success will be enhanced. We Our captive breeding facility is located on the grounds of the Na-
hope to produce a program that functions in perpetuity as long as tional Zoo of Chile in Santiago (Parque Metropolitano de Santiago,
Darwin’s Frogs and other endemic amphibians of Chile require Chile). The facility is modeled after amphibian breeding facilities
at the Atlanta Botanical Garden with one exception; we designed
the building with one of its walls made of glass so that the visiting
public could see into the laboratory; the glass wall makes the lab
a feature attraction at the zoo. Key features include filtered water
with a spare water storage tank on the hillside above the facility; if
the power goes out water will still gravity feed to the lab. The lab
has its own backup generator that activates as soon as the power
grid goes down. Automated misting, light, and temperature sys-
tems maintain appropriate environmental conditions. All of these
features worked perfectly after the 2010 earthquake, proving the
safeguarding to have been a worthwhile effort. An insect culture
facility exists on the first floor, providing live food for the colony.
Intending to use the facility for education and public outreach, we
commissioned a large sculpture of a Darwin’s Frog made by a Chil-
Darwin’s Frogs, Rhinoderma darwinii, are currently being produced in the facility at ean artist and placed it to the side of the lab. Once in the area of
the National Zoo of Chile in Santiago (Parque Metropolitano de Santiago). This two the lab, signage with information about Darwin’s Frogs and other
week old frog sits on the gloved fingers of one of the amphibian keepers. Captive
breeding and assurance colonies for some of Chile’s most imperiled frogs may buy
threatened Chilean amphibians educates visitors. A bilingual web-
valuable time until a solution for amphibian chytrid fungus and other environmental site featuring our project: www.savedarwinsfrogs.org provides an-
problems might be found. Photo: Danté Fenolio. other public interface. We have also emphasized education for the
34 | FrogLog Vol. 100| January 2012
personnel running the facil- As with all assurance
ity. The lead veterinarian for colonies of amphibians
the zoo, Dr. Marcela Tirado, where amphibian chy-
visited the Atlanta Botanical trid fungus is an issue,
Garden for captive amphib- we will wait and see if a
ian husbandry training. She new approach is devel-
also attended the Association oped for managing the
of Zoos and Aquarium’s cap- disease in wild popula-
tive amphibian management tions. The key factor is
program. that without the estab-
lishment of assurance
Our first live frogs were added colonies, reintroduc-
in 2010. We are pleased to tions will not be an op-
report that they bred that tion later.
year and have started again in The Darwin’s Frog breeding facility at the National Zoo of Chile has one of its walls made of glass.
2011. The goal is to maintain This modification allows the zoo to use the lab as an educational exhibit. Signage hangs in front of Chile faces daunting
wild-collected frogs by locality the lab explaining the conservation breeding and assurance colony approach. Photo: Danté Fenolio. conservation challeng-
and to have as many localities es. Unsustainable land
represented in our facility as space permits. Breeding groups con- management practices, introduced and invasive species, as well as
sist of three to five frogs. Captive offspring are accommodated indi- a series of proposed hydroelectric dam projects threaten what re-
vidually in deli cups when very young, and later in plastic tubs. The mains of the native humid forests in southern Chile. Conservation
website’s blog has images of the facility as it was being constructed
Common Name Species IUCN Status
and depicts the captive breeding efforts.
Chile Mountains False Toad Telmatobufo venustus Endangered
Fieldwork has involved visiting historic localities where Darwin’s Bullock’s Mountains False Toad Telmatobufo bullocki Critically Endangered
Frogs have been reported as well as checking forests and appropri- Pelado Mountains False Toad Telmatobufo australis Vulnerable
ate habitat lacking reports of Rhinoderma. Since 2008, we have
Barrio’s Frog Insuetophrynus acarpicus Critically Endangered
visited dozens of localities looking for the frogs. When we find
populations, skin swabs are collected. The swabs are tested for the Mountain Spiny-chest Frog Alsodes montanus Critically Endangered
presence of amphibian chytrid fungus (Bd) in the laboratory of Dr. Contulmo Ground Frog Eupsophus contulmoensis Endangered
Michael Levy at North Carolina State University School of Veteri-
nary Medicine. At the end of our study, we will publish a report Table 1: The six species below represent the endangered and endemic Chilean
documenting where we observed frogs and where we have detected amphibian species for which the DFCI would like to develop assurance colonies. The
new amphibian conservation breeding lab is to be established on the grounds of the
amphibian diseases. National Zoo of Chile in Santiago. Of note is that Telmatobufo australis is listed by
the IUCN as “vulnerable.” Our fieldwork suggests that this species is at no less risk of
We are now working toward the conservation of additional species predation by introduced salmonid fish than the other two Telmatobufo species. By the
time this information is published and the IUCN can update the status of this species,
of southwestern Chile’s most endangered amphibians. The DFCI is it may well be too late to enact a conservation action; therefore, we have included
expanding their amphibian conservation program within Chile to Telmatobufo australis.
include four new goals: (1) to implement a new and cost-effective
amphibian conservation breeding laboratory made from two re- of endemic species will take corporation between all stakeholders
purposed cargo shipping containers; (2) to increase the capacity of and a greater pool of funds than exists now for conservation efforts;
the existing in-country project such that assurance colonies of six never the less, we hope to impact the conservation of Chile’s amaz-
more imperiled Chilean amphibian species can be accommodated; ing amphibian fauna through both in situ and ex situ efforts.
(3) to work toward assurance colonies ranging from 50 to 65 indi- Acknowledgements
viduals of each species so that the number of species and genetic di- We are grateful to the following for financial support: The Association
versity are maximized according to resources and space available; of Zoos and Aquariums and their Conservation Endowment Fund
and (4) to train two additional Chilean zoo staff members in captive (grant No. 08-809), The Shared Earth Foundation, The Sophie
amphibian management at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Danforth Conservation Biology Fund, The Chicago Board of Trade
Endangered Species Fund, Cisco Systems, and the George and
The assurance colonies that we are proposing to establish will en- Mary Rabb Foundation. We would like to thank Klaus Busse for his
able Chileans to safeguard populations of six critically imperiled help throughout our project and with this article. We would like to
thank ZooMed Laboratories for their generous assistance with this
species. It is not unrealistic that future re-introduction programs
project. We thank Robert Hill and Mark Mandica for their time
might be developed with offspring from these colonies. For exam-
and suggestions as we developed the breeding center. Osvaldo
ple, one of the key threats to the endangered Telmatobufo species Cabezas, our amphibian keeper at the National Zoo of Chile, has
(please see Table 1) are introduced salmonid fishes in the streams done a tremendous job.
of their limited ranges. We suspect that the fish eat their tadpoles.
If exotic fishes were removed from the streams in the range of the
Author details: Danté Fenolio, Atlanta Botanical Garden,
frogs, reintroduction would be feasible. There are a couple of other Department of Conservation Research, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE,
species on our priority list that may come into contact with amphib- Atlanta, GA 30309
ian chytrid fungus based on our monitoring of the disease in Chile.
FrogLog Vol. 100 | January 2012 | 35
Colombian Amphibians: Cryptic diversity and
cryptic taxonomy
By Mauricio Rivera-Correa
C
olombia, the northernmost country in South America, is ongoing illegal armed conflict that has worsened over the last two
well known as one of most biodiverse regions in the world. decades, restricting access to explored and unexplored areas, and
It is unique due to its equatorial location, its vast expanses preventing the enrichment of collections and the collection of po-
of coast, its complex Andean orogeny, its interconnected river tential new species; and 7) the regulation of biological research (i.e.
network, and its position connecting Central and South America. biological inventories, mobilization and exchange of specimens
These and others factors have favored processes of diversification with international institutions, and access to genetic resources)
and specialization of its fauna and flora, which have resulted in its governed by legislation which is often restrictive, bureaucratic,
exceptional biodiversity. Thus it has historically been an ideal set- costly and exhausting to deal with.
ting for research in the field of taxonomy, the discipline that discov-
ers, defines, describes and names species. Despite limitations in the Colombian context, in other countries
taxonomy has emerged as a solid scientific discipline of unforeseen
It is thanks to the work of taxonomists that Colombia currently has advances, particularly in addressing complex problems of spe-
749 formally recognized amphibian species, and considered second cies with cryptic morphology. Today we have easy access to tools
only to Brazil in amphibian species richness, with just 140 less spe- that traditional taxonomists could only have dreamed of. For ex-
cies (see Amphibiaweb, 2011). Historically these figures have been ample, online databases with information about the species, their
the result of efforts by a relatively small number of taxonomists, taxonomic history, their distributions and some systematic reviews
and in more recent decades, of the impressive work of J. D. Lynch, (e.g. amphibian species of the world, AMNH), networks of natural
who has described over 200 species for Colombia. history museums where most type specimens have been deposited
(i.e. HerpNET), available gene sequence and gene bank collections
Despite such great individual efforts, in recent years there has been (i.e. NCBI, popularly known as GenBank), a constant stream of
a gradual decreasing trend in the number of new amphibian species amphibian photographs by professional and amateur contributors,
described for Colombia. The numbers are not encouraging, less so even scans of the type specimens (e.g. Calphotos to University of
when compared to new discoveries and formal descriptions in oth- California Berkeley, or Encyclopedia of Life - EOL), and the wide
er Neotropical countries. For example, since 2005 approximately distribution of taxonomic literature through colleagues or journal
140 and 115 new species have been described for Brazil and Peru databases (e.g. BioOne, JSTOR, SciELO), among others.
respectively, while only 27 species
were described for Colombia in the On the other hand, taxonomists
same period (Amphibiaweb, 2011; in general and amphibian taxono-
Frost, 2011; Fig.1) and only two of mists in particular, are more than
them described in the current de- ever facing the challenge of defin-
cade. This small figure for Colom- ing and describing cryptic diver-
bia is the direct result of the recent sity in the context of incalculable
death of some prominent taxono- species extinction. Thus, address
mists or of a shift of interests to taxonomic problems, especially
other taxonomic groups. This in- those with cryptic morphology
dicates that currently, Colombia from different but complementary
does not have a consolidated com- disciplines makes the taxonomy
munity of amphibian taxonomists even more fascinating and attrac-
undertaking the task of describing tive. It is increasingly common to
many of these new species, as re- find amphibian descriptions that
quired. combine information from differ-
ent lines of evidence, integrating
Several factors might be discour- Fig 1. Amphibian species described in the last six years in the four countries qualitative and quantitative analy-
aging the advance of amphibian with the greatest richness of amphibians in the neotropics. ses of the morphology (ie stand
taxonomy in Colombia. They are out diagnostic characters and mul-
not exclusive, nor do they necessarily operate together, but they are tivariate analysis of morphometric distances) bioacoustic analysis
latent in the national academic and scientific arenas: 1) a shortage (from digital recordings, which are more economical and efficient
of faculty trained in amphibian taxonomy to guide and encourage in the field), molecular analyses that help infer phylogenetic rela-
an acquaintance with this trade; 2) a biased perception of taxonomy tionships and the degree of molecular divergence between candi-
as an ancient discipline involving hundreds of specimens stored in date species, CT scans that analyze skeletal system without altering
dusty dark spaces; 3) a depiction of taxonomy a classic, tedious and of specimens, and geographic information systems and ecological
painstaking task; 4) an increasingly limited availability of funding niche requirements indicating spatial and resource use segregation.
from academic institutions to support expeditions; 5) a lack of sup- The combination of all this information is evidence that, in many
port for the consolidation of biological reference collections; 6) an cases, could not be unveiled using the traditional morphological.
36 | FrogLog Vol. 100| January 2012
For this reason, descriptions of new amphibian species from highly In Colombia, where progress hinges on the use of biodiversity as
biodiverse countries continue to accrue, especially in the last de- the greatest resource, the moment seems appropriate for the emer-
cade, with the joint efforts of different partners, while single-author gence of new generations that continue to illustrate and be witness
contributions steadily decline (Joppa et al. 2011). It is signal that to this biological diversity. Efforts to make sampling more efficient
taxonomy is nourished by the collaboration between different and increase the rate at which new taxa are described, are needed
multiple domains and colleagues from several institutions. For ex- today more than ever. Failing to do so, is risking that extinction will
ample, Atelopus patazensis and A. eusebiodiazi were described by precede knowledge. Thus, I make an urgent call a new generation
four Peruvian researchers working for three different NGOs and that will contribute establish and consolidate a strong community
universities in Peru and the U.S., or the description of Hypsiboas of taxonomists in Colombia. In their habitats and in the biological
gladiator involved researchers from four different countries. This collections, new candidate species remain to be described by the
collaboration contributes to more effective, efficient, and rigorous scientific community and presented to society. That, indeed, would
descriptions, backed up by different lines of scientific evidence. be a great legacy and long-lasting.
Acknowledgements
In recent years, a small group of colleagues who share a common I am grateful to all colleagues and teachers who helped me in
interest in Colombian herpetofauna, have ventured both into little- discussions on the taxonomy and systematics, particularly to R.
explored localities and in the shelves of biological collections. With Callejas, T. Grant, J. Faivovich, J. Lynch, J. Daza, M. Rada, V.
the help of researchers from different institutions and organiza- Dill, J. Padial, S. Castroviejo, J. Guayasamin, R. Reis, P. Passos, S.
tions for financial support, and by integrating multiple lines of evi- Ron, O. Torres, A. Crawford, and V. Rueda. To all the friends who
dence, we are finding many species with potential to be described, helped me in the field, thank you very much. For financial support,
formerly overlooked due to either misidentification or cryptic mor- thanks to Conservation International, Lost Amphibians Campaigns
of Amphibian Specialist Group, and Iniciativa de Especies
phology (examples of species currently being described, Fig 2.).
Amenazadas, Fundación Omacha. Scholarship grant support was
Should other colleagues join us in this task, cryptic diversity will
provided by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e
probably emerge from anonymity, and we will be leading a trans- Tecnológico (CNPq). For comments to the manuscript, I thank to
formation from individual to collective work, with all its synergies. A. Calle and P. Gutiérrez who provides some unpublished data.
As is true for other taxa, amphibian description is a dedicated task,
and one that seldom has the support of other sectors of society.
Author details: Mauricio Rivera-Correa, Programa de Pós-
However, as more scientific contributions are brought to spotlight Graduação em Zoologia, Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifícia
of public knowledge, the more likely such sectors, especially the Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre,
government, will be to change their vision. Perhaps then they will Brasil, and Grupo Herpetológico de Antioquia, Instituto de
Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia. E-mail:
understand that a better knowledge of our own diversity provides mauriciorivera79@yahoo.com.ar
the tools to make state policies that adequately address the conser-
vation of our species. Literature Cited
AmphibiaWeb. (2011) Information on
amphibian biology and conservation. [web
application]. 2011. Berkeley, California.
AmphibiaWeb. Available from http://
amphibiaweb.org/. (Accessed: December
13, 2011).
Frost, D.R. (2011). Amphibian Species
of the World: an Online Reference. Version
5.5 (31 January, 2011). Electronic Database
accessible at http://research.amnh.org/vz/
herpetology/amphibia/American Museum
of Natural History, New York, USA.
(Accessed: December 13, 2011).
Joppa, L. N., Roberts D. L. & Pimm,
S. L. (2011) The population ecology and
social behaviour of taxonomists. Trends in
Ecology and Evolution 26: 551–553
Fig 2. Undescribed species endemic to the Andes Mountains of Colombia being described with the participation of several
colleagues and with different lines of evidence. Hyloscirtus sp (aff. piceigularis, top left); Rulyrana sp (aff. orejuela, top right);
Pristimantis sp (aff. acutirostris, bottom left); Atelopus sp (aff. sonsonensis bottom right). Photos Marco Rada and MRC.
T
he following article is general information on Melano- systems (Fontana et
phryniscus macrogranulosus and the 2010 adult congress al. 2003 in Escobar
rediscovery of this Nationally Critically Endangered toad. et al. 2004), and is
Actively calling males and amplicant pairs (males and females only found within
clasping) producing eggs were discovered. The authors further the Rio Grande do
summarize climate conditions at the time of discovery and shortly Sul County. This
afterwards, and note the ecosystem at the field site and propose species may possibly
designing and implementing a Species Survival Plan (SSP) in 2012 be found regionally
in order to prevent the loss of this species to extinction likely due extant elsewhere in
to habitat loss. The authors recorded the call of Melanophryniscus Brazil, (Fontana et
macroganulosus for the first time and report that here, double click al. 2003), but had
icon to hear call . not been recorded
from the ecologi- © Samuel Renner (2010)
Melanophryniscus macroganulosus has generally been considered cally degraded type
Fig. 1 Melanophryniscus macrogranulosus dorsal view
to be on the brink of extinction since discovery in 1960 due to its locality since 1960. showing large tubercle on snout. Photo: S. Renner.
deleterious declines throughout it restricted range and habitat loss One juvenile was
within its preferred microhabitat. This rediscovery brings to total found during search
eleven individuals (one juvenile 2004), ten (adults and eggs this efforts in 2004 by Rafael Becker and Gabriela Paise (Escobar et al.
paper), that have been seen alive and in situ and reported since the 2004) in the district of Barra do Ouro, Municipality of Maquiné,
1960´s. Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The specimen collected in 2004 was do-
nated to the Museum of Science and Technology of The Pontific
In the year, 1960, Thales de Lema, a Brazilian Herpetologist re- Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul.
corded the first specimens for this species, from the type locality
for what would later become known as Melanophryniscus macro- methods
ganulosus. The type locality is near the Municipality of Dom Pedro Using Visual Encounter Survey (VES) methodology Fernando Poli
de Alcântara, otherwise known as “Morro da Gruta”. This species and Samuel Renner conducted a walking survey in a likely area of
remained unknown to science until its formal description in 1973 occurrence for this species where this species, M. macroganulosus
by Pedro Canisio Braun, another Brazilian Herpetologist. Braun (Fig. 1) has been historically documented in the District of Barra
used Thales de Lema´s original collections to describe it. do Ouro, Maquiné, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. They searched by
looking for suitable microhabitat and looking and listening for
This species of Melanophryniscus toad is found in the Atlantic specimens and their calls (unknown at the time). Observations of
Forest of Brazil, one of the World’s most critically endangered eco-
Conservation Summary Note: This work was developed and implemented independently
According to the National Brazilian List of Endangered Species (The by the authors with no initial or supporting funding. The first three
Red Book, MMA 2003) this species is listed as Critically Endangered authors attend UNIVATES, Centro Universitário, Lajeado, Rio
(CR), and considered as possibly extinct by Garcia and Vinciprova Grande do Sul, Brazil. Scientific consultation and conservation
(2003). Internationally it is listed as Vulnerable (V) by the IUCN partnerships have been developed between Neotropical Conserva-
tion Foundation (NCF) and the additional authors on their initia-
tive to further study and assist this species long-term survival by
developing, seeking funding for, and initiating a Species Survival
Plan for Melanophryniscus macroganulosus beginning in 2012. If
you are interested in supporting this work contact the authors.
Literature Cited
Braun, P.C. 1973. Nova Especie do Genero Melanophryniscus Gallardo, 1961 do
Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil (Anura, Brachycephalidae): Iheringia, Zologia, n.
44, 05 de Novembro de 1973, p 3-13.
Garcia, P.C.A.; G. Vinciprova. Anfíbios. 2003 in: Fontana, C.S.; Bencke, G.A.; Reis,
R.E. (Orgs.). Livro Vermelho da Fauna Ameaçada de Extinção no Rio Grande do Sul.
Porto Alegre: EDIPUCRS p.147-164.
Fontana, C.S.; G.A. Bencke; R.E. Reis, 2003. (Orgs.). Livro Vermelho da Fauna
Ameaçada de Extinção no Rio Grande do Sul. Porto Alegre: EDIPUCRS. p. 632.
Baldo, D.; N.G. Basso. A New Species of Melanophryniscus Gallardo, 1961 (Anura:
Bufonidae), with comments on the species of the genus reported for Misiones,
Northeastern Argentina. Journal of Herpetology, New Haven.
Escobar, A.; Maneyri, R.; Di-Bernardo, M. 2004. Rediscovery of
Melanophryniscus macrogranulosus (ANURA, BUFONIDAE), An Endangered
Species of Amphibia From the State of Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil. Biociências, Porto
Alegre, v. 12, n. 1, p. 57-58.
D
escribed from specimens collected from the Municipality
of Arvorezinha, near Perau de Janeiro, located within Rio ecoLogicaL notes: MelAnophryniscus AdMirAbilis
Grande do Sul, Brazil (Di Bernardo, et al. 2006), Melano- Observers: Diego Dalmolin, Hamilton Grillo and Samuel
phryniscus admirabilis is a stunningly colored terrestrial bright- Renner (UNIVATES).
green toad. The dorsal coloration is vivid green with large lighter Date: 1st October 2011 (primary activity).
greenish-yellow tubercles, giving it a rugous warty-bumpy appear- Time: 1730h (first observation).
ance (Fig. 1). The yellow and black venter is equally tubercle laden. Weather: Rain showers on and off every ca. 10 minutes the first
The tips of the fingers and toes, palms of its hands and soles of its night.
feet, as well as it’s seat-patch, or rump, are all colored bright straw- Humidity: 90%
berry red (Fig. 2). This red coloration serves as flash markings that Temperature: 20.0 Celsius.
are displayed under threat to warn of the noxious, possibly toxic Elevation: 527 meters.
skin secretions this species possesses. This display is known as GPS Coordinates: Available upon request for consideration
the unken reflex. This species is endemic to Estado Rio Grande do to authorized researchers at author’s discretion upon written
Sul, Brazil (Di Bernardo et al. 2006). Kwet et al. (2005) considered request, see contacts.
Estado Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) and the neighboring country of
Uruguay to be the epicenter of distribution for the diverse genus natuRaL histoRy
Melanophryniscus. It is now known that this region of Brazil may Melanophryniscus admirabilis is terrestrial and diurnal. They may
in fact have the highest species diversity for the genus. be considered explosive breeders, congregating during the first sea-
sonal heavy spring rains within their small range in Brazil. Appar-
Basic field observations are mentioned below, as well as the current ently optimal conditions for reproduction, as predicted by Di Ber-
looming threat to build a hydroelectric dam near the type locality. nardo et al. (2006) facilitated amplicant behavior during the first
observations, and subsequent observations between 1–3 October
methods 2012. Di Bernardo’s et al. (2006) prediction that this species would
Field observations were made in the District of Perau de Janeiro, likely reproduce in October was validated; precipitation in late Sep-
Arvorezinha, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil between 1–3 October 2011. tember may also cause these toads to congress for reproduction at
Only in situ photographs were taken to record and document this that time too.
species, none were collected. They were found using Visual En-
counter Survey techniques (VES) within suitable habitat. Many This species is endemic to the southern slopes of the Brazilian
pairs were found in amplexus, and producing apparently fertile Southern Plateau (Di Bernardo’s et al. 2006) and dependant upon
eggs within shallow water-filled depressions of basalt that form the the immediate vicinity of the Forqueta River where it is an inhabit-
base along the margins of the Forqueta River. A total of fifteen in- ant of the rocky riparian zone located ca. 500 meters and has not
dividuals were observed. been found anywhere else. Melanophryniscus admirabilis depends
Fig. 1 (left) Dorsolateral view of Melanophryniscus admirabilis in situ. Fig. 2 (right) Ventral surface of Melanophryniscus admirabilis. Photo: S. Renner.
on seasonal shallow marginal pools that form in depressions of the Note: This work was developed and implemented independently
basalt bedrock along the edges of the Forqueta River and close by by the authors with no initial or supporting funding. The first three
additional seasonally rain-filled depressions for reproduction and authors attend UNIVATES, Centro Universitário, Lajeado, Rio
larval growth. Grande do Sul, Brazil. Scientific consultation and conservation
partnerships have been developed between Neotropical Conserva-
Conservation Summary tion Foundation (NCF) and the additional authors on their initia-
The National Brazilian List of Endangered Species (The Red Book, tive to further study and assist this species. If you are interested in
MMA ,2003) does not list this species. The IUCN Red List of Threat- supporting this work contact the authors.
ened Species™ version 2011.2 lists this species as Near Threatened
(NT). Considering populations that have been monitored recently, Author details: Diego Anderson Dalmolin¹, Samuel Renner¹,
Hamilton Zanardi Grillo² & Ted R. Kahn³. ¹Graduação em Ciências
and typically sightings number <ca. 20 adults, and no information Biológicas UNIVATES. ²Setor de Zoologia MCN – UNIVATES.
is yet available on fecundity and recruitment or total population ³Neotropical Conservation Foundation, NCF. Contact Brazil:
numbers is known, a IUCN reassessment is warranted. Further- Samuel Renner1 samuelrenner@hotmail.com. Contact U.S.A.: Ted
R. Kahn3 tedr.kahn@gmail.com
more, the habitat is central to a proposed new dam (PCH Perau
de Janeiro). In light of this threat, this species may be considered
Literature Cited
Critically Endangered (CR), as the entire area of occupancy would
Di Bernardo, M., Maneyro, R., and Grillo, H. (2006). A new species of
be altered should the PCH Perau de Janeiro dam be built and put Melanophryniscus (Anura: Bufonidae) from Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil.
Journal of Herpetology, 40(2), p. 261-266.
into operation. The dam would either flood their terrestrial habi- Garcia, P.C.A.; G. Vinciprova. Anfíbios. In: Fontana, C.S.; Bencke, G.A.; Reis, R.E.
tat and/or render dry their sole reproductive water resource; the (Orgs.). (2003). Livro Vermelho da Fauna Ameaçada de Extinção no Rio Grande do
Sul. Porto Alegre: EDIPUCRS p.147-164.
Forqueta River (Fig. 3). Kwet, A., R. Maneyro, A. Zillikens, and D. Mebs. (2005). Advertisement calls
of Melanophryniscus dorsalis (Mertens, 1933) and M. montevidensis (Philippi,
1902), two parapatric species from southern Brazil and Uruguay, with comments on
While observations indicate small populations of several dozen in- morphological variation in the Melanophryniscus stelzneri group (Anura: Bufonidae).
Salamandra, p. 41:3–20.
dividuals are established, congressing, and reproducing, the threat
to the long-term survival and their habitat is very real and immedi-
ate. If this proposed dam is built, this admirable toad is doomed to
extinction in the wild.
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Excellent photographs are used throughout, depicting several spe- In final proof now, the editors expect to make this volume available
cies and illustrating chapter content by well-known researchers in in very early 2012.
R
eserva Natural Mesenia-Paramillo (RNMP) is a 2,000 ha. Another notable find is an Andinobates sp. aff. opisthomelas.
reserve in northwestern Colombia, and is situated between Molecular work is being conducted in early 2012 to determine the
circa 1,700 and 2,800 meters and contains the headwa- status of this species in collaboration with researchers from Duke
ters for the San Juan Antioquia, and San Juan Bravo Choco rivers. University, Neotropical Conservation Foundation, and Universidad
RNMP trains and employs community members from La Mesenia de Los Andes, Bogotá.
in biology, conservation, and to act as guardabosques who monitor
the reserve daily preventing hunting, poaching, illegal logging and Several Pristimantis have been found; many with highly restricted
gold mining. The IUCN has accepted RNMP’s application for pro- ranges that are currently being evaluated as to specific status. Con-
tected area recognition submitted in 2011, and in 2012 the reserve firmed as new, researchers from Duke University, Neotropical Con-
is projected to attain official IUCN protected area status. servation Foundation, and Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Bogotá,
as well as others are slated to describe and publish type descrip-
Working with the Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke Uni- tions in middle 2012.
versity, The Hummingbird Conservancy, Saving Species, and Neo-
tropical Conservation Foundation survey work in 2011 has revealed Two toads in the Rhinella clade have been looked at by peers and
many previously unknown species of amphibians. based on initial observations are being investigated as new by re-
searchers at Neotropical Conservation Foundation, Universidad de
Most remarkable is a new Atelopus species (not pictured). Verified Los Andes and Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Bogotá.
as new by several in country and international peers, further work
to define it’s range and establish protocols for venturing into its’
habitat are being done prior to releasing photographs of this spe-
cies and the type description.
V
enezuela is among the ten top amphibian biodiversity spots imens of three other species, A. carbonerensis, A. mucubajiensis
in the world. Eighteen amphibian species endemic to this and A. sorianoi (Lampo et al. 2006). A high prevalence of infection
country, however, are Critically Endangered (IUCN et al. prior to their disappearance suggested epidemic outbreaks in the
2008); nine of them have not been sighted in the last 20 years, past that lead to population crashes of these species during the late
despite intensive sampling in their former habitats (Rodríguez- 80´s (Lampo et al. 2006). DNA-tests of Bd in various wild popula-
Contreras et al. 2008). Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has tions at this cordillera revealed that the pathogen is currently wide-
been linked to the disappearance of, at least, four Venezuelan frog spread among anuran species (Lampo et al., 2008; Sánchez et al.
species (Bonaccorso et al. 2003; Lampo et al. 2006). Studies on 2008). The prevalence of infection in this region varies significantly
Bd in Venezuela initiated with the discovery of Bd in one of the among species; Bd is very prevalent in some species but rare in oth-
last specimens of the harlequin frog (Atelopus cruciger) collected ers (Sánchez et al. 2008). Experimental infections showed that the
from cordillera de La Costa during the late 80’s, shortly before observed low prevalence of infection in some frogs (i.e. Hypsiboas
they disappeared for nearly two decades (Bonaccorso et al. 2003). crepitans) can be attributed to their capacity of clearing infection
Most studies on Bd that followed have been conducted by a team shortly after exposure (Márquez et al. 2010). Therefore, Bd appears
of researchers and students at the Center for Ecology at Instituto to pose little threat to species such as H. crepitans. Moreover, the
Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas in Caracas. These aimed latter may act as a “sink species” from which pathogen transmis-
to assess the risk of chytridiomycosis in highland frog communities sion is less efficient. On the contrary, the high prevalence of Bd
of Venezuela, particularly those at in the introduced America bullfrog
cordillera de la Costa and cordillera (Lithobates catesbeianus) indicates
de Mérida. that this species represents a “reser-
voir species” from which transmis-
Cordillera de la Costa sion to other species must be high.
After nearly two decades since its Adult bullfrogs carry high infection
disappearance from cordillera de la loads but no clinical signs of the dis-
Costa, A. cruciger was re-sighted in ease (Hanselmann et al. 2004; Sán-
2004. This species is the only one of chez et al. 2008). Recent work at the
ten species of harlequin frogs from cordillera de Mérida has aimed to
Venezuela that can be located at assess the risk that this Bd-reservoir
present. Despite historical records represents to endangered endemic
indicating that this species had a frogs. Dendropsophus meridensis
wide altitudinal distribution (0-2400 was identified as potentially at risk,
m), only lowland populations (<320 as it shares habitats with bullfrogs
m) have been detected, possibly as (Sánchez et al. 2008). Despite 30%
the result of Bd sensitivity to high of their adults showing evidence of
temperatures (Rodríguez-Contreras infection, Bd appears to have little
et al. 2008). One long-term goal of effect on populations of D. meriden-
the research program conducted by Dendropsophus meridensis at La Carbonera, cordillera de Mérida, sis. However, significant Bd-induced
this team is to model Atelopus-Bd Venezuela. Photo: Francisco Nava-González. mortalities have been observed in
dynamics in various climatic scenar- experimentally infected adults of D.
ios. Mark-recapture studies of one of these populations initiated meridensis (L. Villarroel and M. Lampo, unpublished). We are cur-
in 2005. Demographic and epidemiological parameters estimated rently modeling the epidemiology of Bd in a two-host (reservoir-
between 2005-2007 suggest that Bd persists endemically at low susceptible) community in order to understand the possible out-
prevalence in this population, thanks to this population’s current comes of the spread of bullfrogs in D. meridensis populations at
high turnover rate (Lampo et al. 2011b). Monitoring has continued cordillera de Mérida.
to detect climate related changes in these parameters. Also, capture
histories and infection status are being combined to estimate patho- Underexplored mountainous regions
gen transmission and pathogen-induced mortality rates. Nonethe- Two other highland regions ideal for Bd growth and dispersion in
less, further research should consider experimental infections of Venezuela are the Sierra de Perijá and the remote highlands of the
A. cruciger to elucidate how transmission and pathogen-induced Guianan tepuis. Sierra de Perijá, west to the cordillera the Merida,
mortality change under different temperature regimes. is an underexplored region. Its precarious road system and high
incidence of social conflicts have hindered field explorations there,
Cordillera de Mérida although the few incursions to this area revealed several new spe-
The detection of Bd from the museum specimen of A. cruciger cies for science (Barrio-Amorós et al. 2011; Rojas-Runjaic et al.
prompted the search for this pathogen in other species of harlequin 2011). No samples have been screened for Bd from Sierra de Perijá,
frogs from cordillera de Mérida. The pathogen was detected in spec- but its proximity to cordillera de Mérida suggests that Bd may oc-
FrogLog Vol. 100 | January 2012 | 45
Atelopus cruciger at río Cata, cordillera de La Costa,
Venezuela. Photo: Celsa Señaris.
cur there. The Guianan tepuis, on the other hand, are a series of se- Literature Cited
Ayarzagüena, J., Señaris, J.C., Gorzula, S., 1992. El grupo Osteocephalus
cluded table mountains located in southern Venezuela. Amphibian rodriguezi de las tierras altas de la Guayana Venezolana: Descripción de cinco nuevas
especies. Memorias de la Sociedad de Ciencias Naturales La Salle 137, 113-142.
mortalities were observed in Tepuhyla edelcae from the Chimantá
Barrio-Amorós, C.L., Rojas-Runjaic, F., Barros, T.R., 2011. Two new Pristimantis
Massif and the Auyán-tepui between 1983 and 1986 (Ayarzagüena (Anura: Terrarana: Strabomantidae) from the Sierra de Perijá, Venezuela. Zootaxa
2329, 1-21.
et al. 1992). However, histological sections from museum speci-
Bonaccorso, E., Guayasamin, J.M., Méndez, D., Speare, R., 2003.
mens collected on these tepuis during those years showed no evi- Chytridiomycosis as a possible cause of population declines in Atelopus cruciger
(Anura: Bufonidae). Herpetological Review 34, 331-334.
dence of the pathogen (Lampo and Señaris, 2006). It is probable
Hanselmann, R., Rodríguez, A., Lampo, M., Fajardo-Ramos, L., Aguirre, A.A.,
that Bd is absent from the Guianan tepuis; their distance to other Kilpatrick, A.M., Rodríguez, J.P., Daszak, P., 2004. Presence of an emerging
pathogen of amphibians in introduced bullfrogs Rana catesbeiana in Venezuela.
highlands where Bd is present, and the restricted human access to Biological Conservation 120, 115-119.
most of these tepuis have prevented the accidental introduction of Lampo, M., Rodríguez, A., La Marca, E., Daszak, P., 2006. A chytridiomycosis
outbreak and a severe dry season precede the disappearance of Atelopus species from
Bd to these tepuis. the Venezuelan Andes. Herpetological Journal 16, 395-402.
Lampo, M., Sánchez, D.A., Nava-González, F., García, C.Z., Acevedo, A., 2011a.
La desaparición de los sapitos arlequines (Atelopus) en Venezuela: Introducción y
Perspectives propagación del hongo quítrido Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Interciencia 36,
Investigating mechanisms to mitigate the effect of chytridiomyco- in press.
Lampo, M., Sánchez, D.A., Rodríguez-Contreras, A., Nicolás, A., Márquez, M.,
sis in vulnerable frog populations and identifying Bd-free areas to Nava-González, F., García, C.Z., León, F., Han, B.A., Chacón-Ortiz, A., Rinaldi, M.,
prevent further expansion of the pathogen should be among the 2008. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Venezuela. Herpetological Review 39,
449-454.
country’s research priorities to reduce the impact of this emerg- Lampo, M., Señaris, J.C., 2006. Unexplained amphibian mortalities at
ing disease. Bd impact on wild populations may be minimized by the secluded mountains of the Venezuelan Guayana: is there evidence of
chytridiomycosis? Herpetological Review 37, 47-49.
reducing transmission rates, although it is not clear yet how to Lampo, M., Señaris, J.C., Rodríguez-Contreras, A., Rojas-Runjaic, F., García, C.Z.,
achieve this reduction in situ. On the other hand, restricting human 2011b. High turnover rates in remnant populations of the harlequin frog Atelopus
cruciger (Bufonidae): low risk of extinction? Biotropica DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-
activities potentially contributing to Bd pollution is fundamental, 7429.2011.00830.x.
even though we still do not know how was Bd introduced into cor- Márquez, M., Nava-González, F., Sánchez, D.A., Calcagno, M., Lampo, M.,
2010. Immunological clearance of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection at a
dillera de la Costa and cordillera de Mérida (Lampo et al. 2011a). pathogen-optimal temperature in the hylid frog Hypsiboas crepitans. EcoHealth 7,
380-388.
To achieve these goals, however, it is necessary that government Rodríguez-Contreras, A., Señaris, J.C., Lampo, M., Rivero, R., 2008. Rediscovery
and the academic-research institutions line-up in their visions. In of Atelopus cruciger (Anura: Bufonidae) with notes on its current status in the
Cordillera de La Costa, Venezuela. Oryx 42, 301-304.
the last decade, almost no funds have been allocated to amphibian Rojas-Runjaic, F., Infante-Rivero, E.E., Barrio-Amorós, C.L., 2011. A new frog of
conservation. Moreover, permits for specimen or sample collec- the genus Aromobates (Anura, Dendrobatidae) from Sierra de Perijá, Venezuela.
Zootaxa 2919, 37-50.
tion, and for accessing genetic resources have become increasingly Sánchez, D., Chacón-Ortiz, A., León, F., Han, B.A., Lampo, M., 2008. Widespread
difficult. In conclusion, Venezuelan amphibians still wait for their occurrence of an emerging pathogen in amphibian communities of the Venezuelan
Andes. Biological Conservation 141, 2898-2905.
happy-hour.
V
enezuela, with more than 333 reported amphibian species
(Molina et al. 2009), stands out as one of the countries with
the greatest frog species richness in the world. About half
of these species are endemic to the country, and 24 of them are as-
sessed as Threatened, with one reported extinct species (Rojas-Su-
arez et al. 2009). The sudden disappearance of some of the world’s
amphibian populations has been documented since the 1980s, a
Atelopus cruciger in amplexus, Cuyagua river. Photo: César Molina.
problem which does not escape Venezuela (La Marca 1995).
The genus Atelopus, in particular, has suffered the most population any of these species in the Andes, despite a series of expeditions
declines and range reductions in Venezuela (La Marca and Rein- to locations within their former historical ranges (García-Pérez
thaler 1991, García-Pérez 1997, Barrio-Amóros 2001, Rodríguez 1997, Torres and Barrio 2001, Barrio 2009 ), as was in the case
2004, La Marca and Lötters 1997, La Marca et al. 2005, Lampo for A. cruciger in the Cordillera de la Costa, with negative results
et al. 2006). There are currently 9 known species, one of which is (Manzanilla and La Marca 2004). It is only in 2003 when a group
considered extinct (A. vogli), as it has not been recorded since the accidentally recorded individuals of Atelopus cruciger, at a site on
date of its discovery, in 1933 (Müller 1934, 1935; Lötters 1996, Löt- the northern slope of the Cordillera de la Costa (Eliot, 2003). This
ters et al. 2004), and the remaining nine species are considered to species was one of the most abundant and conspicuous amphibians
be “Critically Endangered” following the IUCN Red List Categories in the mountain forests and streams of the region (Müller 1934,
and Criteria (Rojas-Suarez et al 2009, Rodriguez and Rojas-Suárez Rivero 1961), and had disappeared at least 20 years ago.
2008) (Table 1).
This finding gave us the opportunity to work with two relict popu-
lations viable in terms of survival and reproduction, and a group
Species Last year Author IUCN
of researchers from various academic and research institutions
of sighting Category
began to conduct studies on various aspects of these frogs’ biology,
A. carbonerensis 1998 Torres & Barrio 2001, IUCN et al. 2004 CR ecology and the presence and prevalence of the epizootic fungus
A. chrysocorallus 1987 La Marca 1994 CR Batrachochrytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), an aspect which we will
A. cruciger 2011 2011 CR delve into later.
A. mucubajiensis 2004 Barrio-Amoros 2004 CR
Previously, detailed investigations were available for only one of
A. oxyrhynchus 1994 La Marca & Lötters 1997 CR the eight Andean species, A. oxyrhynchus, particularly the study of
A. pinangoi La Marca 1992, Lötters 1996, La its diet (Dole and Durant 1974), movement patterns and seasonal
1988 Marca & Lötters 1997 CR
activity (Dole and Durant 1974), and longevity (La Marca 1984). In
A. sorianoi 1990 La Marca & Lötters 1997 CR
the case of A. cruciger, previous studies had addressed only very
A. tamaense 1987 La Marca & Lötters 1997 CR general aspects of natural history (Sexton 1958), larval develop-
A. vogli 1933 Müller 1934 EX ment (Mebs 1980), the description of its vocalization (Cocroft et al.
1990) and serological characterization (Durant 1976).
Table 1. Atelopus species present in Venezuela, the last year on record and
IUCN category.
Atelopus cruciger’s diet was studied using stomach contents from We envision to continue work on the population dynamics and
museum specimens (44 females and 47 males). The results show prevalence of chytrid fungus, and to begin a study on this frog’s
that ants were the most important item, followed by beetles and reproductive ecology, which would bring in some of the technical
mites. There were differences in diet between sexes in terms of elements needed to explore the possibility of reintroductions at his-
taxonomic composition, diversity and evenness, while seasonal dif- torical sites. The reintroduction stock may come from the following
ferences were marked by changes in prey composition (Gonzalez two sources: a) the breeding site, following a protocol for main-
et al. in press). Helminthological studies were also based on her- tenance and breeding that may allow to obtain healthy individu-
petological collections (53 males and 43 females), and the results als; this strategy has been considered viable for some threatened
48 | FrogLog Vol. 100| January 2012
amphibian species (Molina et al. 2009, Molina
2010a), and b) extracting a set of individuals
to form one or two reintroduction demes Mo-
lina 2010b). Both situations require an assess-
ment of habitat quality and its potential to host
populations of this species. However, at pres-
ent, the environmental authority is reluctant to
such initiatives.
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W
ith 511 described species, Ecuador is ranked third in
amphibian diversity worldwide (Ron, et al. 2011). This
large richness is matched by a diverse set of institutions
currently working in initiatives that directly or indirectly promote
amphibian conservation. Among the most active Ecuadorian re-
search centers in amphibian diversity and conservation are the fol-
lowing: Centro de Conservación de anfibios del Parque Nacional
El Cajas (Amaru Zoo), Centro de Investigación de la Biodiversidad
y Cambio Climático of Universidad Indoamérica, Centro Jambatu
(Fundación Otonga), Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales
of Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Museo de Historia Natural
Gustavo Orcés of Escuela Politécnia Nacional, Museo Ecuatoriano
de Ciencias Naturales, Vivarium de Quito, and Museo de Zoología
of Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (QCAZ). This article
Molecular laboratory at QCAZ. Genetic data generated at QCAZ laboratories have
presents an overview of the activities that QCAZ is carrying out to resulted in the discovery of dozens of new species from the Andes and the Amazon
promote amphibian conservation in Ecuador. Basin. Photo: Santiago R. Ron.
The Division of Amphibians of Museo de Zoología of Pontificia 2003). In addition to research, QCAZ hosts one of the largest ex
Universidad Católica del Ecuador (QCAZ) is a major center for situ conservation centers for amphibians in Latin America, Balsa
research and conservation of Neotropical amphibians. The QCAZ de los Sapos, which Andrés Merino describes in detail in the fol-
museum houses the largest collection of Ecuadorian amphibians lowing section.
in the world with a total of over 60,000 catalogued specimens.
The collection includes a tissue bank with 20,000 tissue samples The QCAZ museum is actively working in outreach activities to pub-
stored in –80 C ultra-freezers. Ecuadorian and foreign researchers lish general information about the biology and conservation status
actively use the specimen and tissue collections as demonstrated of Ecuadorian amphibians. The most important component of this
by the 20 scientific publications that have been derived from QCAZ effort is the web portal AmphibiaWebEcuador that provides access
amphibian material between 2010 and 2011. to photographs, advertisement calls, videos and species accounts
of Ecuadorian amphibians. The website is still under development
The QCAZ museum has an active research program that involves but a significant amount of information, including thousands of
a large group of professional herpetologists, graduate and under- photographs, is already available at: http://zoologia.puce.edu.ec/
graduate students. At present, QCAZ is carrying out a large-scale Vertebrados/anfibios/AnfibiosEcuador/
project to study the genetic and
morphological diversity of Ecua- Author details: Santiago R. Ron,
Museo de Zoología, Escuela de
dorian amphibians, especially in the Biología, Pontificia Universidad
Andean region. The project, funded Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de
by SENESCYT-Ecuador, is generat- Octubre y Roca, Aptdo. 17-01-
2184, Quito, Ecuador
ing large amounts of DNA sequence
data that have resulted in the dis-
Literature Cited
covery of dozens of new species of
Bustamante, M.R., Ron, S.R. & Coloma,
amphibians (see for example pp. 73 L.A. (2005) Cambios en la diversidad en
siete comunidades de anfibios en los Andes
in this issue). The QCAZ museum de Ecuador. Biotropica, 37, 180–189.
has an active molecular laboratory Coloma, L.A., Duellman, W.E.,
Almendáriz, A., Ron, S.R., Terán-Valdez,
for DNA extraction and amplifica- A. & Guayasamín, J.M. (2010) Five new
tion. DNA sequencing is outsourced (extinct?) species of Atelopus (Anura:
Bufonidae) from Andean Colombia,
to the company Macrogen in Korea. Ecuador, and Peru. Zootaxa, 2574, 1–54.
Merino-Viteri, A., Coloma, L.A. &
Almendáriz, A. (2005) Los Telmatobius
Since the late 1990s, QCAZ has been With 20,000 samples, the QCAZ museum has one of the largest amphibian de los Andes de Ecuador y su disminución
poblacional. Monografías de Herpetología,
involved in large-scale initiatives tissue collections in Latin America. Photo: Santiago R. Ron. 7, 9–37.
to investigate amphibian popula- Ron, S.R., Coloma, L.A., Guayasamin,
J.M. & Yanez-Muñoz, M.H. (2011)
tion declines and to protect Ecuadorian Amphibians. The research AmphibiaWebEcuador. Version 2011.0. . <http://zoologia.puce.edu.ec/Vertebrados/
anfibios/AnfibiosEcuador> Museo de Zoología, Pontificia Universidad Católica del
carried out at QCAZ has resulted in several scientific landmark Ecuador.
publications that highlight the dire scale of amphibian popula- Ron, S.R., Duellman, W.E., Coloma, L.A. & Bustamante, M.R. (2003) Population
decline of the Jambato Toad Atelopus ignescens (Anura: Bufonidae) in the Andes of
tion declines in Ecuador (e.g., Bustamante, et al. 2005; Coloma, Ecuador. Journal of Herpetology, 37, 116–126.
et al. 2010; Merino-Viteri, et al. 2005; Ron, et al. 2011; Ron, et al.
50 | FrogLog Vol. 100| January 2012
Caring now for the future of the Ecuadorian frogs:
The “Balsa de los Sapos” Initiative
By Andrés Merino-Viteri
E
cuador is recognized among the megadiverse countries of
the planet because of its high amphibian diversity and ende-
mism (Ron et al. 2011). However, Ecuador is also recognized
by being the third country in the world with the largest number of
threatened amphibian species (Chanson et al. 2008). According to
the latest accounts, around 150 species are threatened by extinction
(Ron et al. 2011).
“Balsa de los Sapos” ex situ conservation facilities, at PUCE cam- The scientific work carried out by the “Balsa de los Sapos” Initiative
pus in Quito, keep around 40 species of Ecuadorian amphibians has had a big impact on the amphibian conservation in the region.
and take care of over 2000 individuals in different life stages from This project is a model of how in situ and ex situ conservation ef-
diverse anuran families, including: Bufonidae, Centrolenidae, Cer- forts can work in concert giving to very threatened amphibian spe-
atophryidae, Dendrobatidae, Hemiphractidae, Hylidae, Microhyli- cies a much greater chance of survival in the future.
dae, Pipidae, Ranidae, and Telmatobiidae.
Author details: Andrés Merino-Viteri, Museo de Zoología, Escuela
de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12
Among the most relevant contributions of QCAZ and this initia- de Octubre y Roca, Aptdo. 17-01-2184, Quito, Ecuador. Email:
tive to the conservation of amphibians are: (1) 11 publications on amerinoviteri@gmail.com and balsasapos@puce.edu.ec
conservation status and risk factors affecting Ecuadorian amphib-
ians, (2) the successful ex situ breeding of 12 species of amphibians Literature Cited
including two species of critically endangered Atelopus and, (3) the Chanson J. S., Hoffman M., Cox N. A., and Stuart S. N. 2008. The state of the
world’s amphibians. Threatened Amphibians of the World, Eds. Stuart S. N.,
recent declaration by a local government of an amphibian as natu- Hoffman M., Chanson J. S., Cox N. A., Berridge R. J., Ramani P., & Young B. E.
IUCN, Conservation International, Barcelona.
ral symbol of the county, promoting the conservation of the species
Gascon, C., J. P. Collins, R. D. Moore, D. R. Church, J. E. McKay, and J. R.
and its habitat. Mendelson. 2007. Amphibian conservation action plan. World Conservation Union,
Gland, Switzerland, and Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Ron, S.R., Coloma, L.A., Guayasamín, J.M. & Yanez-Muñoz, M.H. 2011.
Two Critically Endangered species of Atelopus, A. elegans from the AmphibiaWebEcuador. Version 2011.0. <http://zoologia.puce.edu.ec/Vertebrados/
anfibios/AnfibiosEcuador> Museo de Zoología, Pontificia Universidad Católica del
Pacific lowlands of Ecuador and Atelopus sp. (spumarius-pulcher Ecuador.
complex) from southeast Ecuador, have been successfully kept
and bred in our facilities. At the moment, we are carrying out field
research and developing protocols for the assessment of potential
future reintroductions.
T
he amphibian fauna of the Guiana Shield (GS)
region of northern South America has been the
subject of several general treatments and more
recent studies have considerably contributed to a bet- Turtle Mountain, Iwokrama Forest. Photo: Raffael Ernst.
ter understanding of the taxonomy and biogeography of
selected taxa occurring in what can be considered one and potential ecological cascading using tropical amphibians as a
of the world’s most interesting biogeographic areas. Despite these sensitive and suitable model system. On the more applied side, we
recent advances our knowledge of the amphibian diversity in the seek to evaluate so called reduced impact or sustainable logging
GS is far from being conclusive. The picture remains patchy and schemes and look at their effectiveness in conserving amphibian di-
studies investigating the dynamics of entire amphibian communi- versity. Through standardized monitoring and assessments, we can
ties are scarce. How these dynamics change under ever increasing generate the crucial data that will ultimately help to improve the
natural and human induced environmental change profoundly al- effectiveness of current harvesting and forest management strate-
tering the unique ecosystems that this diverse group of vertebrates gies. This in-depth analysis and the identification of anthropogenic
inhabits, is still an open question. drivers of amphibian diversity loss in the tropics may hopefully
contribute to bringing the global amphibian crisis to a halt.
Since 2003, we have been studying the impacts of anthropogenic
disturbances, mainly commercial (reduced impact selective) log- According to the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, habitat
ging, on amphibian communities in low land rainforest sites of change has a major and increasing impact on tropical forest eco-
Guyana and more recently Suriname. In our research we address systems and the GS is no exception. Unsustainable wood extrac-
the question of whether and how anthropogenic habitat alteration, tion ranks among the number one direct causes of deforestation
such as logging and its synergistic interactions with climate change, and forest degradation (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005)
affects diversity patterns in complex tropical amphibian communi- although in the GS, clear felling for open cast mining is also a
ties. We particularly focus on functional aspects of diversity and growing issue. Amphibians are particularly susceptible to environ-
interactions between different diversity levels (species, functional, mental degradation because, especially in the tropics, their habitat
trophic diversity). Our general goal is to understand the interac- requirements are very diverse and complex. As a result of its para-
tions between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in complex mount role in altering tropical forest ecosystems, timber harvest-
tropical systems under the influence of human induced changes. ing has recently been brought to the centre stage in discussions on
In particular, our aim is to establish models of ecosystem change biodiversity mainstreaming and the development of new concepts
and decay that incorporate empirical patterns of diversity change aimed at bringing increasing deforestation to a halt (Stern 2006).
The past year has seen numerous activities that drew attention to
these issues, particularly because the United Nations General As-
sembly declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to raise
awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustain-
able development of all types of forests (UN 2011).
H
arlequin frogs, genus Atelopus, are famous for several rea-
sons. One is that many species are conspicuously colored;
they apparently are aposematic as many of them possess
skin toxins, too. Another reason is that these amphibians are con-
spicuous for their clown-like movements and mass aggregation
along stream habitats, which are utilized for reproduction (Lötters
1996). More sadly, harlequin frogs are ‘famous’ for their dramatic
population declines and extinctions they have faced within the last
two to three decades only. All of the more than 100 species are
threatened and only a hand full of them is not critically endangered
(La Marca et al. 2005; Rueda et al. 2005). I suggest Atelopus are
also famous because studying them provides an interesting insight
into the evolution of Neotropical biota.
FrogLog Schedule
January - South America
March - Europe, North Africa and West Asia
May - North and Central America and the Caribbean
July - Sub Saharan Africa
September - Mainland Asia
November - Maritime Southeast Asia and Oceania
A
mphibians are not only known to be with respect to habitat changes and altered
one of the most diverse tetrapod ver- microclimatic conditions that accompany
tebrate groups, they also exhibit an these changes. In the long run human ac-
outstandingly high diversity in terms of life tivities and global change processes may
history traits that have evolved in particular therefore not only alter species ranges but
lineages. Amphibian habitat requirements, also the trait composition and therefore the
especially in the tropics, are very diverse response variability and thus flexibility of
and complex. Here, as in other parts of entire ecosystems.
the world, they exhibit distinct assemblage
patterns over a range of spatial, temporal, To those who have worked on amphibian
and functional scales and community com- communities in different tropical regions
position is largely influenced by the effects across the world, it always seems striking
of environmental variables and spatial or that despite the fact that we are dealing with
biotic processes. Despite
���������������������������
this alleged evolu- phylogenetically only distantly related lin-
tionary success story, many amphibian spe- eages, many species seem to resemble each
cies throughout the world are facing severe other ecologically and appear to fill similar Fig. 1 Suriname horned frog (Ceratophrys cornuta) in
population declines or even extinction. Due niches within respective ecosystems (i.e. its leaf litter habitat. Iwokrama Forest, Central Guyana.
to their physiology, mostly short generation show ecological or niche convergence) up © Raffael Ernst.
times, and predominantly biphasic life- to the point that mating calls and /or mor-
cycle, amphibians are particularly sensitive phology resemble each other under similar environmental conditions. When observing
this superficial resemblance it may stand to
reason that similar environmental templets
may also lead to similar adaptations. Ob-
served trait distribution patterns, therefore
would reflect how evolution has shaped spe-
cies to cope with the temporal and spatial
variability of their present environment and
this is commonly referred to as the habitat-
templet theory, formally laid out by South-
wood in his seminal (1977) paper.
in communities and phylogenetic signal in individually established in different regions Ernst, R.,Keller, A., Landburg,G., Grafe, T.U.,
Linsenmair,K.E., Rödel, M.-O., Dziock, F.(in press)
traits. prior to model building. Only then can di- Common ancestry or environmental trait filters: cross-
rect trait-based approaches be useful tools continentalcomparisons of trait-habitat relationships in
tropical anuran amphibianassemblages. Global Ecology
In contrast to the common notion and de- in predicting fundamental anuran commu- and Biogeography. Early View DOI: 10.1111/j.1466-
8238.2011.00719.x
spite the existence of significant trait-hab- nity patterns.
Southwood, T.R.E. (1977) Habitat, the templet for
itat links and congruent trait patterns, we ecological strategies? Journal of Animal Ecology, 46,
337–365.
Fig. 4 Amphibian community data sets used in the analyses were established during intensive investigations of amphibian assemblages in three biogeographic regions (from
West to East: Guiana Shield, South America; Upper Guinea Forest Block, West Africa; Borneo Rain Forests, South-East Asia).
T
he amphibian symbolizes one of the villages, towns and only seen occasion- concentration. Elevated urea level in blood
most diverse vertebrate groups. They ally in primary forest. Nocturnal regularly was recorded to resist environmental cold
have effectively adapted to almost found in drainage, ditches and under street stress during hibernation as elevated urea
every habitat available on planet earth. As lamps. The species breeds during the mon- level is known to be an effective cryoprotec-
a group they generally have a limited toler- soons and the tadpoles are black. Young tive (Pratihar & Kundu, 2007). From the to-
ance to temperature variation. They have toads may be seen in large numbers after tal and differential blood cell count and IgM
very high cutaneous evaporation of water the monsoons. These toads are often seen at analysis, it was clear that during hibernation
loss compared to other vertebrates. They night under street lamps especially during their immunity was specifically antibody
produce dilute urine. Amphibians present times when winged termites swarm. They dependent. Significant increase in lympho-
unique evolutionary models for our under- have been noted to feed on a wide range of cyte count indicates that the increased level
standing of the rigors and solutions to the invertebrates including scorpions. In the of gamma-globulin which induces immune
aquatic - terrestrial transition for all terres- present study I have preferred the species mechanism during hibernation. Increased
trial vertebrates and insights into how the Duttaphrynus melanostictus to study the number of eosinophil enables an increased
amniota have been more successful in ex- biology of hibernation. engulfment of antigen and antibody com-
ploiting the land. For many ectothermic ver- plexes. Neutrophil on the other hand acts
tebrates (fishes, amphibians, and reptiles) Heart rate, metabolic rate and body weight as a first line of defense against bacterial
the ability to stay away from seasonal and of the hibernating toads, decrease signifi- attack by secreting specific enzymes; on the
periodic environmental rigors by entering a cantly during this period. It was observed contrary no significant change in the num-
state of metabolic inactivity is a crucial ele- that haemoglobin concentration was sig- ber of monocytes could be observed in the
ment in their survival. Hibernation occurs nificantly reduced and this is probably hibernating individuals. Humoral immuni-
with exposure to low temperatures, as well because of its reduced metabolic rate and ty appeared to play a central role during the
as, under normal conditions, occurs prin- oxygen consumption. The purpose of meta- hibernating period and cell mediated im-
cipally during winter seasons when there bolic depression is to maximize the survival munity on the contrary played rather a little
are lengthy periods of low environmental time of an individual’s when environment role during this period (Pratihar & Kundu,
temperatures. For all practical purposes, condition is unfavor-
hibernation and aestivation in animals are able for normal life
indistinguishable, except for the nature of (Pratihar & Kundu,
the stimulus, which is either cold or an arid 2010a). Serum lipid
environment. Hibernation may last sev- concentration was
eral days or weeks depending on species, recorded to be low
ambient temperature, and time of year. immediately after
The typical winter season for a hibernator arousal from hiber-
is characterized by periods of hibernation nation but increased
interrupted by sporadic euthermic arous- when feeding com-
als wherein body temperature is restored to menced (Pratihar &
the typical levels. There is no complete list Kundu, 2010b). The
of animals that hibernate; however, many decline in thyroid
examples can be cited among the poikilo- hormone concen-
therms, that include both vertebrates and tration during the
invertebrates. Anurans are example of ex- hibernating phase
cellent hibernators. had its behavioral
and physiological re-
However, very few studies have been per- sponse that leads to
formed to focus on the biology of hiberna- increase and sustain
tion in anurans. Duttaphrynus melanos- cholesterol level in
tictus (Schneider, 1799) is a species of toad serum, which seems
that is common in South Asia. It is endemic to be the most im-
to southwestern and southern China (in- portant metabolite
cluding Taiwan and Hainan) and through- (Pratihar & Kundu,
out southern Asia from northern Pakistan 2009a). Significant
and Nepal through India to Sri Lanka, An- changes have been
daman Island, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and found during hiber-
Bali. The species grows to almost 20 cm nation in plasma Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799). Photograph taken in District
long. Commonly disturbed in open areas, protein and sugar Midnapore (22015/ N 87039/ E), West Bengal, India.
58 | FrogLog Vol. 100| January 2012
Author details: Suman Pratihar. Molecular
2010c). Absence of protein expressions cor- bernation. The lower serum calcium levels Biology Laboratory, Department
responding to the molecular weight ranging indicate that during entrance into hiberna- of Zoology. Vidyasagar University,
between 80-85 kDa and 24-26 kDa in the tion and during arousal from hibernation Midnapore -721102. West Bengal. E-mail:
pratihar_vu@rediffmail.com.
hibernating phase could be recorded. These the utilization or excretion of calcium ex-
proteins might be playing an important ceed the mobilization of calcium. It appears
Literature Cited
modulatory function during hibernation. that during hibernation the circulation
Pratihar, S., Kundu, J. 2007. Blood urea, a
In the present study, significant decrease and the kidney function is not consistently cryoprotectent agent during hibernation and
its seasonal variation in Indian common toad –
in the ratio of albumin and globulin during adequate to meet the tissue demands for Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799). Indian
hibernation might be an important indica- calcium and at the same time maintain the Journal of Biological sciences. 13:33-35.
Pratihar, S., Kundu, J. 2009a. Seasonal variation
tor of poikilothermic hibernation (Pratihar constant serum level of calcium (Pratihar & of serum cholesterol and thyroid hormone levels
& Kundu, 2011). In these animals serum Kundu, 2009b) associated with hibernation in Indian common toad,
Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) Russian
magnesium and calcium levels were sig- Journal of Herpetology. 16(4):253-255.
Pratihar, S., Kundu, J. 2009b. Increased serum
nificantly low during entry phase as well as Glycolytic enzymes, during hibernation magnesium and calcium and their regulation during
awakening phase of hibernation compared may serve two functions: depression of hibernation in common Indian toad, Duttaphrynus
melanostictus (Schneider,1799). South American
to the deepest phase of hibernation impli- glycolytic activity as part of the general Journal of Herpetology, 4(1): 51-54.
cating a role of these ions during different metabolic depression or reorganization Pratihar, S., Kundu, J. 2010a. Biochemical
characteristics of the blood of toads during hibernation.
phases of hibernation. Magnesium ion con- of the fuel use in the hibernation state to Bionotes, 12(4):126-127.
centration change should first consider a limit carbohydrate catabolism and promote Pratihar, S., Kundu, J. 2010b. Seasonal variations of
lipoprotein metabolism in hibernating Indian common
passive alteration in water balance. In other gluconeogenesis (Pratihar & Kundu, 2011). toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799).
World Journal of Zoology, 5(2):133-136.
words this change may due to excess water Isolation and characterization of different
Pratihar, S., Kundu, J. 2010c. Hematological
being removed by renal tubules. The meta- proteins expressed during hibernation in and immunological mechanisms of adaptation to
hibernation in common Indian toad Duttaphrynus
bolic change associate with hibernation is Duttaphrynus melanostictus however, re- melanostictus. Russian Journal of Herpetology, 17 (2):
lowered respiratory quotient which is in- mains to be identified. Expressions of the 97-100.
Pratihar, S., Kundu, J. 2011. Life in Cold lane.
dicative of burning of fat. The utilization metabolic genes are needed to be identified Lambert academic publication; 93,104.
of fat is a common occurrence .Thus it is and screened. This could be an important
doubtful that fat metabolism is responsible part of the future research work in hiber-
for elevated magnesium associate with hi- nating biology.
S
ince the discovery of the amphibian- the entire genomes from a global panel of todactylus fallax epizootic on Montser-
infecting pathogenic fungus Batra- Bd isolates that had been isolated from rat), and others that appeared to be only
chochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) amphibian habitats experiencing die-offs harboring the disease. In particular, we fo-
during the 1990s, it has been found on ev-
ery continent on Earth (except Antarctica!)
and responsible for dozens of Amphibian
extinctions and local extinctions (extirpa-
tions). The current global distribution of
Bd and results of surveillance can be found
at the Bd Global Mapping project www.
bd-maps.net. One of the puzzling aspects
of the disease is the extremely high genetic
similarity between isolates found from di-
verse habitats worldwide. This finding sup-
ported a hypothesis whereby the fungus
has been recently spread ‘far and wide’ by
anthropogenic means such as the pet trade,
human consumption, zoos and for medical
purposes.
Because genetic variation between isolates Figure 1. Midwive mass mortalities (Alytes obstetricans) in the French Pyrenees, 2010.
can provide clues regarding the origin, evo- Photo: Matt Fisher.
T
he exploration and discovery of am- In 2010 the Chinese language guide to the
phibians is still active in the main- “Amphibians and Reptiles of Tibet” and Since 2008 WWF has provided small grants
land region of China. Among more “Tadpoles of Liaoning” were published. to more than 20 projects where young Chi-
than 420 species recorded, 60 new species The guide was funded by Shenyang Normal nese herpetologists and conservationists
of anura and 15 of caudala have been found University and introduces the research and undertake amphibian surveys, monitoring
and described since 2000 and some are yet discovery of amphibians and reptiles in and conservation.
to be described. Tibet and tadpoles in Liaoning province,
Northeast China. In 2008, Conservation International sup-
Much of the feildwork has been in south ported the seminar for the China National
China, e.g. Hengduan Mts, Wuling Mt, Local scientist have been involved in the Amphibian Conservation Action Plan in
Lingnan Mt, Hainan Island and the south- creation and monitoring of a special con- Beijing and Haikou, and with WWF’s fur-
east of Tibet (Xizang). From 2004, several servation area for Echinotriton chinhaien- ther support, the action plan was finished
surveys funded by Shenyang Normal Uni- sis and local natural reserve for Ranodon in 2010. A national amphibian population
versity, WWF and Kunming Institute of Zo- sibiricus and Hynobius amjiensis, all Criti- monitoring program was established in
ology of Chinese Academy of Sciences, were cally Endangered species on the Red List 2010 situated in more than 10 provinces
conducted by the members of former China for Chinha. Ex situ breeding initiatives are with an expected duration of 5 years.
Reptile and Amphibian Specialist Group also involved in reintroducing salaman-
and Amphibian Specialist Group-China Re- ders to their natural habitat with the hope Although much works have been focused
gion in the southeast of Tibet, and several of restoringnative populations. Beside the on amphibian research and conservation.
interesting frogs were discovered. Emerg- support from China government, WWF and Some factors, such as over-harvesting
ing patterns of frogs in North Medog of Ti- Ocean Park Conservation Foundation of and human population pressure, habitat
bet reveal much high incidence of extreme Hong Kong funded the conservation and ex destruction and chemical pollution, also
local endemism in East Himalaya. These situ breeding and rearing of tadpoles from threaten amphibians and require further
findings emphasize the conservation and 2008. research.
Conservation and reintroducing of baby Hynobius amjiensis in Longwang Mt funded by Ocean Park Conservation
Foundation of Hong Kong.
Reintroducing the young Hynobius amjiensis by local conservationists, experts from Institute of Herpetology and students from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
F
eirana taihangnicus is a stream- position sites
dwelling frog endemic to central were located in
China. It has a small range of 30,000 sun-exposed
km2, living in forest-covered mountainous stream sec-
streams at elevations from 400 to 1600 m tions (2.6–6.2
in Central China including northern Henan m in length,
and southern Shanxi provinces (35–36°N, 2.5–3.0 m in
112–113°E; Chen et al., 2002, 2004). width), where
water flowed
The natural history of F. taihangnicus was slowly and was
poorly known before 2000. We have been relatively shal- Fig. 1 Feirana taihangnicus in life.
studying this species over the last 10 years low (maximum
in Heilonggou in the Taihangshan National depth 22–72 cm). The frogs were highly se- site and prolonged larval period render the
Nature Reserve (35°16′N, 112°04′E), north lective with respect to oviposition habitats. frogs very vulnerable to habitat alteration.
Henan province. Our study plot was a 5.5 Female F. taihangnicus of an average SVL Our field surveys showed that F. taihang-
km long stream (762–948 m elevation) of 75 mm produced around 450 eggs with nicus were rare outside the nature reserve,
located in a valley covered by temperate diameters averaging 3.6 mm. According to most likely as a result of illegal fish-catch
coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests. Duellman & Trueb’s (1986) list of clutch using chemicals and extensive fluctuations
Annual average air temperature at an eleva- size and egg size of 41 anuran species with in water level due to establishment of dams.
tion of 760 m was 11.1 °C with a total annual aquatic eggs and larvae, F. taihangnicus The current data show some evidence of lo-
precipitation of 684 mm. trade offspring size against offspring num- cal, short-term declines in breeding popula-
ber. Eggs were found beneath rocks in the tion size, although we do not know whether
The research we undertook involved study- stream and arranged in a single layer. Lar- missing frogs died or have simply missed
ing breeding biology, habitat requirements, vae spend 27 months and experience two breeding due to lack of appropriate egg de-
tadpole growth and population size. The winters in streams before metamorphosing position sites in 2010 or some other climate
results showed that the oviposition of F. into juveniles. We expect that low tempera- or environmental perturbation. Monitoring
taihangnicus takes place between late April tures in winter will delay larval develop- of streams across the range of this species is
and early May, lasting about one week. The ment. Larvae entering winter in their first needed to understand long-term threats to
observed annual variation in breeding time or second year (at about stages 26 or 39) its persistence. In light of these results we
may be linked with local climatic conditions. will be forced to develop over an extended know conservation needs for this species,
Unlike most anurans, male F. taihangnicus period in very low water temperatures. The which has a restricted distribution, special-
have no nuptial pads or other structures mark–recapture data during 23 April to 10 ized habitat and extended larval period.
used to maintain amplexus. In species for May 2006 showed that there were 306–513
Literature Cited
which such traits are lacking, oviposition oc- frogs living in the 5.5 km long stream. On
Beebee, T.J.C. & Griffiths, R.A. (2005). The
curs without amplexus (Kunte, 2004). Ovi- 2 May 2010, the breeding population was amphibian decline crisis: a watershed for conservation
biology? Biological Conservation 125, 271–285.
estimated to have only 131 in-
Chen, X.H. & Jiang, J.P. (2004). A further
dividuals. description of Paa (Feirana) taihangnicus (Anura,
Ranidae) from China. Acta Zootaxonomica Sinica 29,
595–599.
Its occurrence at high el- Chen, X.H., Qu, W.Y. & Jiang, J.P. (2002). A new
species of the subgenus Paa (Feirana) from China.
evations and relatively small Herpetologica Sinica 9, 230.
range raise conservation Duellman, W.E. & Trueb, L. (1986). Biology of
Amphibians. New York: McGraw-Hill.
concerns for F. taihangnicus,
Kunte, K. (2004). Natural history and reproductive
as both attributes are linked behavior of Nyctibatrachus cf. humayuni (Anura:
Ranidae). Herpetological Review 35,137–140.
to elevated extinction risk
Sodhi, N.S., Bickford, D., Diesmos, A.C., Lee, T.M.,
(Beebee & Griffiths, 2005; Koh, L.P., Brook, B.W., Sekercioglu, C.H. & Bradshaw,
C.J.A. (2008). Measuring the meltdown: drivers of
Stuart et al., 2008; Sodhi et global amphibian extinction and decline. PLoS One 3,
al., 2008). F. taihangnicus is e1636.
Stuart, S.N., Hoffmann, M., Chanson, J.S., Cox,
specialized for life in moun- N.A., Berridge, R.J., Ramani, P. & Young, B.E. (2008).
tainous streams. Their com- Threatened Amphibians of the World. Barcelona:
Lynx Edicions, in association with IUCN, Conservation
munal breeding behavior, International and Nature Serve.
Fig. 2 Egg arrays found beneath another rock. strong fidelity to oviposition
62 | FrogLog Vol. 100| January 2012
A public education program for amphibian
conservation from Shenyang Normal University
Wildlife Conservation Society in China
By Yuyan Lu, Pipeng Li, Bingjun Dong, Baotian Yang, Lei Zhang & Zhengyan Zhou (Institute of Herpetology, Shenyang Normal University)
T
he Wildlife The society conducted
Conserva- education programs
tion Society in University Campus,
of Shenyang Normal Parks in Shenyang city
University was setup and Xiuyan county, the
by students to con- area surrounding the
servation amphibians habitat of Onychod-
and reptiles with the actylus fischeri. The
support and supervi- program involved dis-
sion of Dr. Pipeng tributing conservation
Li, Co-Chair of Am- booklets and papers
phibian Specialist highlighting the im-
Group-China Region. portance of amphib-
The society works ian conservation and
both independently performed a scientific
and with the Institute play.
of Herpetology and
Liaoning Key Lab of
Evolution and Biodi-
versity in Shenyang
Normal University.
In 2010, funded by
Activities of conservation education in Liaoning and Zhejiang provinces, China.
WWF, Ocean Park
Conservation Foun-
dation of Hong Kang and Prof. Yuyan Lu working with local conservationists from
and Dr. Pipeng Li a select group of members Longwang Mt of Zhejiang Province and
from the society were involved in local am- Yatung (Yadong county) of Xizang (Tibet)
phibian conservation education programs Autonomous Region.
T
he Chinese Clawed Salamander or
Long-tailed Clawed Salamander,
Onychodactylus fischeri, is consid-
ered Endangered on the China Red List
as result of a severe population decline in
China. Its historical distribution ranged
from Changbai Mts in Heilongjiang across
Jilin to Liaoning in the eastern region of
northeast China. However there are now
only four known remaining populations,
including a population discovered in 2002
in eastern Liaoning. Sympatric Hynobius leechii and its egg sacs.
The destructed habitat of Onychodactylus fischeri in 2007 Experts from Institute of Herpetology of Shenyang Normal University,
students from The Chinese University of Hong Kong investigated
Onychodactylus fischeri with the local conservation officers.
F
unded by WWF and Experimental Yatong is one of the five richest biodi- The monitoring project will be funded by
Center of Shenyang Normal Uni- versity hotspots in Xizang (Tibet) Au- the Institute of Herpetology of Shenyang
versity in 2010, the second survey tonomous Region. Compared with the Normal University and aims to establish
of amphibians in Yatung of Tibet was con- first survey in 1970s, the occupied areas an amphibian population baseline dataset
ducted. In addition, a long term monitoring of S. sikimensis, P. blanfordii, and in Yatung and monitor its changes to in-
program was put in place at two selected P. liebigii have decreased due to habitat dentify contributing factors including the
site and a public education program was modification through the development impact of climate change.
initiated in local communities. Five spe- a town and agricultural activities result-
cies of amphibians were found in Yatung, ing in population declines. In addition to
including Nanorana parkeri, Scutiger habitat modification frog species in the
boulengeri, S. sikimensis, Paa blan- area are threatened by overharvesting
fordii, and P. liebigii. from local youths who collect the frogs for
consumption.
Habitat of Nanorana parkeri and Scutiger Habitat of Scutiger sikimensis , Paa Talking with local youths.
boulengeri . blanfordii , and P. liebigii.
T
he Series “Amphibian Biology” is topical one and it deals with diseases and the volume of a scientific journal. Chapters
bringing out four volumes (Vols. pollution and their role in declines, the sec- for all countries in the Western Hemisphere
9-11) that deal with the decline and ond volume on a topical basis is volume 10. have been written and edited and some
conservation of amphibians and which have been published; others are in press.
should be of interest to readers of Froglog. The regional treatments are covered in vol- Several parts of volume 11 are in press and
Two volumes treat topical matters and re- umes 9 (Western Hemisphere) and 11 (East- a number of others are either written and
view the status of decline and conservation ern Hemisphere). These are produced, not ready for press, or are in progress.
around the world on a country-by-country as single volumes, but in separate parts,
basis. Volume 8 in the series is the first much like the issues or numbers making up
Volume 8: Amphibian Decline: Diseases, Parasites, Maladies and Pollution. Edited by H. Heatwole and J. W.
Wilkinson (2009)
Chapter 1. Viral and Bacterial Diseases of Amphibians - Valentine Hemingway, Jesse Brunner, Rick Speare, and Lee Berger
Chapter 2. Fungal Diseases of Amphibians - Lee Berger, Joyce E. Longcore, Rick Speare, Alex Hyatt and Lee F. Skerratt
Chapter 3. Factors Affecting Interspecific Variation in Susceptibility to Disease in Amphibians - Jodi
J. L. Rowley and Ross A. Alford
Chapter 4. Digenetic Trematodes and their Relationship to Amphibian Decline and Deformities -
Jason Rohr, Thomas Raffel, and Stanley K. Sessions
Chapter 5. Amphibian Malformations - Michael J. Lannoo
Chapter 6. Ultraviolet-B Radiation and Amphibians - Adolfo Marco, Betsy A. Bancroft, Miguel Lizana
and Andrew R. Blaustein
Chapter 7. Pollution: Impact of Reactive Nitrogen on Amphibians (Nitrogen Pollution) - Adolfo
Marco and Manuel Ortiz-Santaliestra
Chapter 8. Evaluating the Impact of Pesticides in Amphibian Declines - Michelle D. Boone, Carlos
Davidson and Christine Bridges-Britton
Chapter 9. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals - Krista A. McCoy and Louis J. Guillette Jr.
Chapter 10. Role of Petrochemicals and Heavy Metals in Amphibian Declines - Luca Luiselli and
Jerry Lea
Chapter 11. Acidification and its Effects on Amphibian Populations - Katja Räsänen and David M.
Green
Chapter 12. Climatic Change and Amphibian Declines - Patricia A. Burrowes
Volume 10: Conservation and Decline of Amphibians: Ecological Aspects, Effects of Humans, and Management.
Edited by H. Heatwole and J. W. Wilkinson (2011)
Chapter 1. Destruction, Loss and Modification of Habitat - Francis Lemckert, Stephen J. Hecnar and David S. Pilliod
Chapter 2. Ecological Impacts of Non-Native Species - David S. Pilliod, Richard A. Griffiths, and Sergius L. Kuzmin
Chapter 3. Man Meets Frog: Perceptions, Use and Conservation of Amphibians by Indigenous People - Indraneil Das
Chapter 4. Harvesting of Amphibians for Food - Mirza D. Kusrini, Harold Heatwole, and David Davenport
Chapter 5. International Trade in Amphibians - Mizra D. Kusrini
Chapter 6. Road Kills - Miklós Puky
Chapter 7. Declines and Extinctions in Amphibian: An Evolutionary and Ecological Perspective - Sergius L. Kuzmin
Chapter 8. Phylogenetic Correlates of Population Decline and Extinction Risk in Amphibians - Jean-Marc Hero, Clare Morrison, Janice
Chanson, Simon Stuart and Neil A. Cox
Chapter 9. Geographic Correlates of Extinction Risk in Amphibians - Clare Morrison and Jean-Marc Hero
Chapter 10. Life History Correlates of Extinction Risk in Amphibians - Jean-Marc Hero and Clare Morrison
Chapter 11. Monitoring Amphibian Populations - C. Kenneth Dodd Jr., Jon Loman, Dan Cogălniceanu and Miklos Puky
Chapter 12. Habitat Protection: Refuges and Reserves - Stephen J. Hecnar and Francis Lemckert
Chapter 13. Guidelines of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for Re-introductions and their Application to
Amphibians - Pritpal S. Soorae and Fréderic J. Launay
Chapter 14. Captive Breeding of Amphibians for Conservation - Richard A. Griffiths and Sergius L. Kuzmin
Chapter 15. Integrated Procedures; Where Do We Go From Here? - Clare Morrison, Jean-Marc Hero and Monique Van Sluys
Other Parts have some chapters finished Volumes of the series on “Amphibian Biol- Readers of Froglog are encouraged not only
but are incomplete and the order of pub- ogy” that deal with topics other than decline to obtain personal copies, but to ask their
lication may vary depending on when all and conservation are: institutional libraries to purchase copies of
chapters have been received. In some cases Volume 1: The Integument (1994) the current volumes of Amphibian Biology,
individual chapters have not been assigned Volume 2: Social Behaviour (1995) and to subscribe to future volumes. About
yet. Above, countries, or Parts that have Volume 3. Sensory Perception (1998) 20 volumes are expected.
not been assigned are underlined. Volume 4. Palaeontology, The Evolution-
ary History of Amphibians (2000) Orders can be place directly with the press:
Qualified persons interested in contribut- Volume 5. Osteology (2003) Surrey Beatty and Sons, Pty. Ltd.
ing manuscripts for underlined countries Volume 6. Endocrinology (2005) P. O. Box 8159,
or Parts, should contact Harold Heatwole, Volume 7. Systematics (2007) Baulkham Hills,
Dept. Biology, NC State University, Raleigh, NSW 2153, Australia
NC 27695-7617, USA or email: Email: surreybeatty@iform.com.au
harold_heatwole@ncsu.edu
L
ithobates vibicarius (Green-eyed
Frog) is an endemic species from
Costa Rica and Western of Panama.
Once common in Costa Rica, L. vibicarius
could be found in Tilarán, Central and Ta-
lamancan mountain range, between 1500
to 2700 msl (Savage 2002). However, since
the 1980s many amphibian species, includ-
ing L. vibicarius, have been suddenly disap-
pearing (Bolaños 2003). These local extinc-
tions were attributed to three main factors:
presence of the fungus Batrachochytrium
dendrobatidis, climate change or synergis-
tic effects between both of them (Pounds et
Figure 1: Differences in adults coloration of Lithobates vibicarius. Photos: (up) Fabio Arias and (down) Andrea
al. 2006).
Castro-Cruz.
Lithobates vibicarius is considered Criti- important to both the science community This study aimed to locate Lithobates vibi-
cally Endangered by the IUCN Red List and for the PNAJCB conservation manage- carius populations following the methods
and is afforded protection and regulation ment plans. of visual encounter survey and inspections
by Conservation of Wildlife law No. 7317, for larvae and eggs in water bodies (Lips et
Environment Organic Law No.7554 and PNAJCB is located in Alajuela prov- al. 2001), in two sectors of PNAJCB: Quet-
the decree No. 26435-MINAE (UICN, ince, far northwest of the Central Valley, zal Station y Pozo Verde (1800 to 2050 msl
2011). Some populations of L. vibicaria in the Central Range foothills, coordi- respectively) and two more sectors near
are known in Monteverde and now also in nates: 10°12´01´´N, 10°21´01´´W and their borders: Volcán Viejo Station and La-
many sectors in Parque Nacional del Agua 84°15´32´´N, 84°23´06´´W; adminis- guna Congo (1370 to 1820 msl respective-
Juan Castro Blanco (PNAJCB) in Costa trated by Ministry of Environment, Energy ly). Once populations or individuals were
Rica. For that reason there is an important and Telecommunications of Costa Rica found, site coordinates were taken using a
urge to conserve the habitat remaining in (MINAET), National System of Protected Garmin GPS, model GPSmap 60CSx.
the two localities in Costa Rica. In addition Areas (SINAC), and Arenal Huetar Norte
any sightings of this species are extremely Conservation Area (ACAHN). Populations in the PNAJCB were identified
highlight the importance of the park. How-
ever populations were also indentified on
private land being used for cattle ranching
which is likely a major threat to the survival
of these populations. In total six ponds and
two lagoons with Lithobates vibicarius
populations were discovered.
A
Caguas Basin is a long-term barrier to mainly found in tropical Central and South
im Hypotheses proposed for lineage
gene flow between the two montane frog America, tropical Africa and montane parts
diversification of tropical montane
populations. Measures of genetic diversity
species have rarely been tested within
for mtDNA were similar in both lineages,
oceanic islands. Our goal was to understand
but lower nDNA diversity in the Luquillo
how basin barriers and Pleistocene climatic
Mountains lineage suggests infrequent
fluctuations shaped the distribution of
dispersal between the two mountain
diversity in Eleutherodactylus portoricensis
ranges and colonization by a low-diversity
(Eleutherodactylidae), a frog endemic to
founder population. Population divergence
montane rain forests of Puerto Rico.
began prior to the Greenland Interstadial.
Stable population sizes over time indicate
a lack of demonstrable demographic
response to climatic changes during the
last glacial period. This study highlights
the importance of topographic complexity
in promoting within-island vicariant
speciation in the Greater Antilles, and
indicates long-term persistence and lineage Oophaga granulifera, listed as vulnerable on the IUCN
diversification despite late Pleistocene Red List of Threatened Species. The major threat is
habitat loss due to agriculture, selective logging, and
climatic oscillations. human settlement. According to the analyses by Hof et
al., the intensity of threats across its distribution area
Full article: Barker, B.S., is likely to increase during the next decades. Photo:
Waide, R.B. & Cook, J.A. 2011. Matthias Dehling
A Mountain Coquí, Eleutherodactylus portoricensis, at Deep intra-island divergence
“La Roca” de El Yunque, El Yunque National Forest. of a montane forest endemic:
of central and southern Asia. Regions with
Photo: Alejandro Rios Franceschi. phylogeography of the Puerto Rican
the highest projected impact of land-use and
frog Eleutherodactylus portoricensis
climate change tend to coincide, but there
(Anura:Eleutherodactylidae). Journal
Location The north-eastern (Luquillo) is little spatial overlap with regions highly
of Biogeography. 38(12):2311-2325.
and south-eastern (Cayey) mountains of threatened by the fungal disease. Overall,
Puerto Rico. the areas harboring the richest amphibian
faunas are disproportionately more
Methods We generated mitochondrial Additive threats from pathogens, impacted by one or multiple threat factors
DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences (c. climate and land-use change for than areas with low richness. Our results
565 bp) from 144 individual E. portoricensis global amphibian diversity. imply that risk assessments focusing on a
representing 16 localities, and sequenced single threat are most likely picturing an
646 bp cytochrome b and 596 bp nuclear By Christian Hof, Miguel B. Araújo, Walter Jetz
& Carsten Rahbek optimistic view. As such, they fail to identify
DNA (nDNA) rhodopsin exon and intron 1 the key actions required to curb the ongoing
A
from a subset of individuals. We conducted mphibian population declines far global decline in amphibian diversity.
a phylogenetic analysis on the mtDNA exceed those of other vertebrate groups, The substantial overlap of threats with
sequence data and explored population with 30% of all species listed as threatened many of the world’s centers of amphibian
substructure with maximum parsimony by IUCN. The causes of these declines are a richness underlines the pessimistic long-
networks, a spatial analysis of molecular matter of continued research, but most likely term perspective for global amphibian
variance, and pairwise FST analysis. include climate change, land-use change and diversity. It reinforces the realization that
Coalescent simulations were performed spread of chytridiomycosis. Many studies prioritization of conservation efforts needs
to test alternative models of population have assessed how these threats may affect to be based on knowledge of the spatial
divergence in response to late Pleistocene amphibian populations and how they may distribution both of the different key threats
interglacial periods. Historical demography interact at local and regional scales, and and of biodiversity.
was assessed through coalescent analyses large-scale modeling studies of the impact
and Bayesian skyline plots. of climate change or chytridiomycosis have Full article: Hof C, Araújo MB, Jetz
been conducted. However, an integrative, W, Rahbek C (2011) Additive threats
Results We found: (1) two highly divergent from pathogens, climate and land-
analytical, spatially explicit assessment at
groups associated with the disjunct Luquillo use change for global amphibian
a global scale of the most severe threats
and Cayey Mountains, respectively; (2) diversity. Nature 480, 516-519.
is still lacking. Here we assess the spatial
P
nights. Our goal was to determine whether ublic concern for the humane treatment around the globe over the past two decades.
there were differences in the likelihood of animals in research has led to specific In order to share contemporary information
of capturing or recapturing salamanders guidelines for appropriate treatment of on ranaviruses and identify critical
during day or night searches and whether study organisms. Field research poses research directions, the First International
incorporating data on search method or special challenges that Institutional Animal Symposium on Ranaviruses was held in July
age of salamanders affected estimates of Care and Use Committees find difficult 2011 in Minneapolis, MN, USA. Twenty-
abundance. Our research took place in the to address based on existing guidelines. three scientists and veterinarians from
southern Appalachian Mountains, which Toe clipping is a common but contentious nine countries examined the ecology and
have the greatest species diversity and some example whose use has been called barbaric evolution of ranavirus – host interactions,
of the highest densities of salamanders in and whose efficacy has been questioned. We potential reservoirs, transmission
the world. From 2005 to 2009, we surveyed provide a brief review of the ethical bases dynamics, as well as immunological and
red-backed salamanders during day and for such positions, the legal framework histopathological responses to infection.
they have engendered, and the scientific In addition, speakers discussed possible
evidence regarding the impacts of the mechanisms for die-offs, and conservation
practice. Leading philosophical views vary strategies to control outbreaks.
but tend to focus on the suffering or distress
Full paper: Lesbarrères, D. et al.
of individual animals, primarily vertebrates.
(in press) Ranavirus: past, present
The law has adopted this individual-centered
and future. Biol. Lett. [Epub ahead
view. Biologists, in contrast, tend to more
of print] doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2011.0951
wholistic views that focus on populations
(dlesbarreres@laurentian.ca)
and ecosystems. Scientific studies of the
impacts of toe clipping, most of them
Female red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) relatively recent, have become increasingly Multiple emergences of genetically
guarding eggs found during a day search under a log. sophisticated statistically. Most show little diverse amphibian-infecting
Photo: Eric B. Liebgold. impact of toe clipping on study animals, the
chytrids include a globalised
exception being the likelihood of recapture
night searches and individually marked of toe-clipped individuals in some frogs. If
hypervirulent recombinant lineage
almost 700 salamanders by injecting colored unaccounted for, effects of methodology By Rhys A. Farrer, Lucy A. Weinert, Jon Bielby,
elastomers under the translucent skin of can bias scientific findings. The few studies Trenton W. J. Garner, Francois Balloux, Frances
their bellies. We were 40-67% more likely Clare, Jaime Bosch, Andrew A. Cunningham,
focusing on physiological indicators of Che Weldon, Louis H. du Preez, Lucy Anderson,
to capture unmarked salamanders during distress show no increase resulting from Sergei L. Kosakovsky Pond, Revital Shahar-
night searches, but we were more than twice toe-clipping. Thus, toe clipping of reptiles Golan, Daniel A. Henk & Matthew C. Fisher
as likely to recapture marked salamanders and amphibians meets legal and ethical
during day searches. As a result, mark-
recapture models gave better estimates of
expectations and should remain acceptable
where it meets study needs. Biologists have B atrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is
a globally ubiquitous fungal infection
that has emerged to become a primary
abundance when they included information long been concerned about the possible
on how we searched for salamanders. There ethical implications of their methods. driver of amphibian biodiversity loss.
were no differences between the likelihood Philosophical inquiry has been beneficial Despite widespread effort to understand the
of capturing or recapturing adults versus in improving our understanding of these emergence of this panzootic, the origins of
juvenile salamanders, nor were abundance methods, but the need of biologists for better the infection, its patterns of global spread,
estimates affected by inclusion of age in our philosophical elaboration of ecological and principle mode of evolution remain
mark-recapture models. However, there ethics has only partially been addressed. largely unknown. Using comparative
was huge yearly variation in salamander population genomics, we discovered three
abundance estimates, from less than 1 per Full article: Perry, G.,et al. (2011) deeply diverged lineages of Bd associated
square meter to over 6 per square meter, Toe Clipping of Amphibians and with amphibians. Two of these lineages
mostly due to yearly differences in the Reptiles: Science, Ethics, and were found in multiple continents and are
number of juveniles. For these reasons, we the Law. Journal of Herpetology associated with known introductions by the
recommend that protocols for surveying 45(4):547-555. 2011 doi: http:// amphibian trade. We found that isolates
terrestrial salamanders include night dx.doi.org/10.1670/11-037.1 belonging to one clade, the global panzootic
I f you would like to include an abstract from a recent publication in this section
of FrogLog please email froglog@amphibians.org. We also encourage all
authors of recent publications to inform Professor Tim Halliday (formerly DAPTF
only obvious behavioral symptom among
infected spotted salamanders was that the
speed of their righting responses appeared
International Director) (tim.r.halliday@gmail.com) of their publication in order for to be greatly reduced. We are uncertain as
it to be referenced on the Ampibiaweb latest papers page. The full list of latest papers to how Bd became introduced to the animals
from amphibiaweb is also included in every edition of FrogLog following the recent in our laboratory. Collection of swabs
publications abstract section. from field sites could reveal important
information about the distribution of Bd in
the Ozarks.
First Record of Morphological Morphological and Behavioral
Abnormalities in Natural Changes of Salamanders Infected Full article: Crane AL, Mathis A
Populations of Two Amphibian (2011) Morphological and behavioral
with Amphibian Chytrid Fungus
changes of salamanders following
Species in Tunisia (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) infection with the Chytrid fungus
By Jihène Ben Hassine, Vivian de Buffrénil & By Adam L. Crane & Alicia Mathis (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis). IRCF
Saïd Nouira. Reptiles and Amphibians 18:138-143.
Each of these spectacular paintings measures 24″ x 24″ (except for the
Brown and green tree-frog, which is 24” x 18”) and are acrylic on canvas.
Frank spent seven years working as an artist at Walt Disney World in Or-
lando, with the last three years spent at Disney’s Wild Animal Kingdom.
If you would like to order one of these wonderful paintings, please email
webmaster@amphibianark.org and let us know which painting(s) you would
like. We’ll provide you with payment details, and your painting will then be
shipped to you.
Not only will you have a wonderful piece of artwork for your home or to give
as a gift, but you’ll be supporting amphibian conservation projects with your
purchase.
AmphibiaWeb: Information on amphibian biology and conservation. [web application]. Muths, E. & Scherer, R. D. (2011) Portrait
2011. Berkeley, California: AmphibiaWeb. Available: http://amphibiaweb.org/. of a small population of boreal toads
(Accessed: September 11, 2011). (Anaxyrus boreas). Herpetologica: 67;
369-377.
November 2011 Toxicology & Chemistry: 30; 2756-2761.
Reynaud, S. et al. (2011) Toxicokinetic
(laticef@gmail.com)
Aronzon, C. M. et al. (2011) Stage- of benzo[a]pyrene and fipronil in
dependent susceptibility to copper Garland, S. et al. (2011) Polymorphic female green frogs (Pelophylax kl.
in Rhinella arenarum embryos repetitive loci of the amphibian esculentus). Envtl. Pollution: 161; 206-
and larvae. Envtl. Toxicology & pathogen Batrachochytrium 214. (stephane.reynaud@ujf-grenoble.fr)
Chemistry: 30; 2771-2777. (herkovit@ dendrobatidis. Diseases of Aquatic
Salice, C. J. et al. (2011) Multiple stressors
retina.ar) Organisms: 97; 1-9. (sgarland@bses.
and complex life cycles: insights from a
com.au)
Austin, J. D. et al. (2011) Genetic population-level assessment of breeding
evidence of contemporary hybridization Gururaja, K. V. et al. (2011) Dermal site contamination and terrestrial habitat
in one of North America’s rarest fungal infection in a frog from the Western loss in an amphibian. Envtl. Toxicology
anurans, the Florida bog frog. Animal Ghats, India. Current Science: 101; 622- & Chemistry: 30; 2874-2882. (chris.
Conservation: 14; 553-561. (austinj@ufl. 623. (gururaj@cistup.iisc.ernet.in) salice@ttu.edu)
edu)
Hayes, T. B. et al. (2011) Trumbo, D. R. et al. (2011) Testing
Bernabò, I. et al. (2011) Toxicity of Demasculinization and feminization climate-based species distribution models
chlorpyrifos to larval Rana dalmatina: of male gonads by atrazine: consistent with recent field surveys of pond-breeding
acute and chronic effects on survival, effects across vertebrate classes. J. Steroid amphibians in eastern Missouri. Can. J.
development, growth and gill Biochemistry & Molecular Biology: 127; Zool: 89; 1074-1083. (dtrumbo@wsu.
apparatus. Arch. Environ. Contam. 64-73. (tyrone@berkeley.edu) edu)
Toxicol: 61; 704-718. (brunelli@unical.it)
Hof, C. et al. (in press) Additive Venesky, M. D. et al. (in press) Dietary
Buck, J. C. et al. (2011) Predation by threats from pathogens, climate and protein restriction impairs growth,
zooplankton on Batrachochytrium land-use change for global amphibian immunity, and disease resistance in
dendrobatidis: biological diversity. Nature: (christian.hof@ southern leopard frog tadpoles. Oecologia:
control of the deadly amphibian senckenberg.de) (mvenesky@usf.edu)
chytrid fungus? Biodiversity &
Hoverman, J. T. et al. (in press) December 2011
Conservation: 20; 3549-3553. (buckj@
science.oregonstate.edu) Phylogeny, life history, and ecology
Aisien, M. S. O. et al. (2011) Parasitic
contribute to differences in amphibian
infections of amphibians in the Pendjari
Burgmeier, N. G. et al. (2011) Health and susceptibility to ranaviruses. EcoHealth:
Biosphere Reserve, Benin. African
habitat quality assessment for the eastern (jason.hoverman@colorado.edu)
Zoology: 46; 340-349.
hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis
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