Globally Threatened Amphibian Species Part 1

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188 Threatened Amphibians of the World VU Bufo macrocristatus Firschein and Smith, 1957 Vulnerable B1ab(iii) Order, Family: Anura, Bufonidae Country Distribution: Guatemala, Mexico Current Population Trend: Decreasing Geographic Range This species’ geographic range extends from Los Chimalapas region in south-central Oaxaca, Mexico, south and east along the Atlantic versant as far as the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes in Guatemala. It occurs at 1,000-1,600m asl. Population It is rare across its range. Habitat and Ecology This species is mainly associated with high humid areas in cloud forest and, in Mexico, pine-oak-Liquidambar forests. It breeds in streams. Major Threats The major threats to this species are habitat loss, due to agriculture and human settlement, and water pollution. Conservation Measures The conservation, expansion and management of cloud forest are key measures to preserve this species since it has not been recorded from any of the Biosphere reserves in Chiapas, Mexico. It also does not occur in any protected area in Guatemala. Bibliography: Campbell, J.A. (2001), Mendelson III, J.R. (1997b) Data Providers: Georgina Santos-Barrera, Manuel Acevedo VU Bufo microtympanum Boulenger, 1882 Vulnerable B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) Order, Family: Anura, Bufonidae Country Distribution: India Current Population Trend: Decreasing Geographic Range This is a poorly known species that is presumed to be endemic to the southern Western Ghats of India. A record from Maharashtra (Yazdani and Mahabal 1976) requires confirmation. Manamendra-Arachchi and Pethiyagoda (1998) clarified that it does not occur in Sri Lanka. The altitudinal range is from 1,400-2,100m asl. Population It is a rare species. Habitat and Ecology A terrestrial species associated with montane ‘shola’ (grassland-forest mosaic) and tropical moist forest habitat; it has not been recorded from modified habitats. It may be found in the vicinity of water bodies, but the breeding habitat is not known. Major Threats The major threat to this species is habitat loss due to the conversion of forested areas to cultivated land (including timber and non-timber plantations), future dam development projects, road construction, and urbanization. Conservation Measures It has been recorded from the Kalakkad Mundauthurai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) and Silent Valley National Park (Kerala). Notes on taxonomy: Several specimens bearing this name, and which are deposited in different museums in India, do not belong to this species (Biju 2001). Bibliography: Biju, S.D. (2001), Chanda, S.K. (2002), Dubois, A. and Ohler, A. (1999), Dutta, S.K. (1997), Manamendra-Arachchi, K. and Pethiyagoda, R. (1998), Vasudevan, K., Kumar, A. and Chellam, R. (2001), Yazdani, G.M. and Mahabal, A. (1976) Data Providers: S.D. Biju, Sushil Dutta, Karthikeyan Vasudevan, S.P. Vijayakumar, Chelmala Srinivasulu, Gajanan Dasaramji Bhuddhe EN Bufo nelsoni Stejneger, 1893 Endangered C2a(i) Order, Family: Anura, Bufonidae Country Distribution: United States of America Current Population Trend: Decreasing © Kenny Wray Geographic Range This species occurs in riparian habitats associated with the Amargosa River, tributary springs of the Amargosa River in Oasis Valley, and isolated spring systems near Beatty, Nye County, Nevada, USA (USFWS, Federal Register, 1 March 1996). Population The total adult population size is uncertain but is likely to be at least several hundred. Thousands were reported in 1958; estimates of the size of the metamorphosed population at 10 sites in 1993 and 1994 ranged from 30-130, but some sites that were probably occupied have not been surveyed in recent years (USFWS, Federal Register, AMARGOSA TOAD 1 March 1996). Surveys at 20 sites since 1990 yielded the following results: apparently extirpated from one spring, decreased abundance at four springs, fluctuating but relatively constant populations at 15 sites (USFWS, Federal Register, 1 March 1996; see also unpublished 1993 and 1994 reports by Hoff, prepared for the USFWS, Reno, Nevada). Over the past few decades, the species reportedly has declined greatly from its former range and abundance (Altig and Dodd 1987), but more recent surveys found that distribution and abundance were greater than previously known (USFWS, Federal Register, 1 March 1996). Habitat and Ecology Usually found near water at desert springs and outfl ow. Vegetation bordering water consists of cottonwood trees, cattails, and sedges. May congregate at streetlights to feed on attracted insects (Burroughs 1999). Eggs and larvae develop in spring waters (open areas with little vegetation at LaFleur). Major Threats Factors that may be adversely affecting the toad and its habitat include the effects of variable rainfall on small populations, livestock and feral burro grazing and trampling, off-road vehicle use, grading for fl ood control, activities related to commercial development, non-native predators (catfi sh, crayfi sh, bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)), water pollution, and water diversion (Froglog, December 1994). Trampling of larvae by cattle may be negatively affecting the LaFleur population, which also may be threatened by road widening (of Route 95). Expansion of non-native salt cedar may degrade habitat (Burroughs 1999). Conservation Measures The majority of available habitat is on private property. BLM has initiated protection (Area of Critical Environmental Concern) for all occupied sites under their jurisdiction. TNC purchased a 60-ha ranch near Beatty for experimental habitat management (Burroughs 1999). Nye County is a co-operator with state and federal agencies in a conservation agreement (Burroughs 1999). Bibliography: Altig, R. and Dodd, C.K. Jr. (1987), Blackburn, L., Nanjappa, P. and Lannoo, M.J. (2001), Burroughs, M. (1999), Bury, R.B., Dodd, Jr., C.K. and Fellers, G.M. (1980), Feder, J.H. (1977), Stebbins, R.C. (1951), Stebbins, R.C. (1985b), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1989a) Data Providers: Geoffrey Hammerson EN Bufo nesiotes Duellman and Toft, 1979 Endangered B1ab(iii) Order, Family: Anura, Bufonidae Country Distribution: Peru Current Population Trend: Decreasing Geographic Range This species is known only from the vicinity of the type locality of Laguna, west slope of Serrania de Sira, Departamento Huánuco, Peru. The type specimen was recorded at 1,280m asl, but the species may well occur from 600 to around 2,000m asl (as another specimen is believed to have been found at 600m asl). It presumably ranges much more widely than has been mapped, but it is nonetheless likely to be endemic to the Serrania de Sira. Population There is no information on the population status of this species. Habitat and Ecology Their habitat is premontane and montane forest on an isolated mountain ridge of the upper Amazon Basin. Nothing is known about their breeding strategy, although it has been suggested that this may be a species that breeds by direct development. It is not known to what degree they can withstand any anthropogenic disturbance. Major Threats Although the restricted area that the species inhabits is relatively inaccessible, there is some disturbance due to farming activity and human settlements. In addition, the lower parts of the range are being selectively logged. Conservation Measures This species is quite likely to occur in Reserva Comunal El Sira. Continued maintenance of this, and other remaining habitat in the Serrania de Sira, is necessary. Notes on taxonomy: Duellman and Toft (1979) described this species from only one specimen (a female), and suggested this species could have direct development. Bibliography: Duellman, W.E. and Toft, C.A. (1979), Rodríguez, L.O., Cordova, J.H. and Icochea, J. (1993) Data Providers: Ariadne Angulo, Karl-Heinz Jungfer, Javier Icochea
Globally Threatened Amphibian Species 189 EN Bufo noellerti Manamendra-Arachchi and Pethiyagoda, 1998 Endangered B1ab(iii) Order, Family: Anura, Bufonidae Country Distribution: Sri Lanka Current Population Trend: Decreasing © Madhava Meegaskumbura Geographic Range This species has a restricted distribution in south-west Sri Lanka, and has been recorded at elevations of between 150 and 460m asl. Population It is not a common species, and populations may be declining proportionately with a loss in forest habitat. Habitat and Ecology It is a terrestrial species found in, and around, tropical lowland moist forest. Adults have been recorded from rubber plantations, tea estates, and domestic gardens close to the forest edge only. The breeding habitat is not known. Major Threats The main threats to the species are habitat loss, due to selective logging, and agrochemical pollution. Conservation Measures It has been recorded from the Kanneliya Forest Reserve, Gilimale-Eratne Forest Reserve and the Sinharaja World Heritage Site; the continued management of these for biodiversity conservation is important. Bibliography: Dubois, A. and Ohler, A. (1999), Dutta, S.K. and Manamendra-Arachchi, K. (1996), Manamendra-Arachchi, K. and Pethiyagoda, R. (1998) Data Providers: Kelum Manamendra-Arachchi, Anslem de Silva VU Bufo nyikae Loveridge, 1953 Vulnerable D2 Order, Family: Anura, Bufonidae Country Distribution: Malawi, Zambia Current Population Trend: Stable © David C. Blackburn Geographic Range This species is known only from the Nyika Plateau in northern Malawi and north-eastern Zambia. It is a high-altitude species, although its precise altitudinal range is not known. Population It is probably reasonably common within its small range. Habitat and Ecology It is apparently associated mainly with montane forest, and with wet, boggy places in grassland, and is never far from trees. It breeds in small, shallow pools. Major Threats Most, if not all, of the range of this species is in a protected area, and so it is probably not seriously threatened at present. Conservation Measures It occurs in the Nyika National Park. This species requires close population monintoring given that it is known from only a single location. Notes on taxonomy: This species was removed from the synonymy of Bufo lonnbergi by Poynton (1997), where it had been placed by Grandison (1972). Bibliography: Broadley, D.G. (1971), Channing, A. (2001), Grandison, A.G.C. (1972b), Poynton, J.C. (1964a), Poynton, J.C. (1997), Poynton, J.C. and Broadley, D.G. (1988), Stewart, M.M. (1967), Stewart, M.M. and Wilson, V.J. (1966), Tandy, M. and Keith, R. (1972) Data Providers: Mills Tandy, Lovemore Mazibuko, Alan Channing, John Poynton EN Bufo pantherinus Smith, 1828 WESTERN LEOPARD TOAD Endangered B1ab(ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(ii,iii,iv,v) Order, Family: Anura, Bufonidae Country Distribution: South Africa Current Population Trend: Decreasing © Andrew Turner Geographic Range This species is known only from a very small area of the Western Cape Province in South Africa, ranging from the Cape Peninsula eastward to beyond Gansbaai in the Pearly Beach area. It occurs only at low elevations, within 10km of the sea. Population It is a locally common species. Habitat and Ecology It occurs in large wetlands, vleis, dams, and sluggish water in lowland fynbos heathland, as well as in altered habitats, such as farmland, suburban gardens, and urban open areas, although always in close proximity to freshwater habitats. It breeds in permanent waterbodies, and occasionally temporary waterbodies that retain water well into summer, and has a preference for deep water, with fl oating plants. Major Threats Although it is tolerant of a degree of habitat alteration, it is probably being negatively impacted by increased urbanization and agricultural expansion. Road kills may also be an important factor. Conservation Measures It occurs in the Agulhas National Park and in the northern limits of Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, as well as in various local reserves, However, much of its habitat remains unprotected, such that improved protection of this habitat is necessary. Bibliography: Channing, A. (2001), Cherry, M.I. (1992), Cunningham, M. and Cherry, M.I. (2000), Eick, B.N., Harley, E.H. and Cherry, M.I. (2001), Minter, L.R. et al. (2004), Passmore, N.I. and Carruthers, V.C. (1995), Poynton, J.C. and Lambiris, A.J.L. (1988), Tandy, M. and Keith, R. (1972) Data Providers: Leslie Minter, James Harrison CR Bufo peripatetes Savage, 1972 Critically Endangered A3ce Order, Family: Anura, Bufonidae Country Distribution: Panama Current Population Trend: Decreasing Geographic Range This species is known only from two sites: Parque Internacional La Amistad, a transboundary protected area between Costa Rica and Panama, and Cerro Bollo, in the western central cordillera of Panama. It has been recorded at 1,500-1,856m asl. Population There is no information available on the population size or abundance of this species. It can still be found above Boquete on the trail to Almirante and Cerro Bollo on the border between Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro Provinces. Habitat and Ecology This is a largely unknown terrestrial species of tropical montane forest. There is no information available on reproduction or breeding habitats, though it presumably takes place in water. Assuming that it is similar to Bufo fastidiosus and B. holdridgei, it is likely to emerge unpredictably to breed, and is probably very hard to find. Major Threats The closely related species Bufo fastidiosus and B. holdridgei have both declined dramatically, probably due to chytridiomycosis, and are now possibly extinct. This disease must be considered a very serious threat to B. peripatetes as well, and the disease has already passed through the range of this species. Destruction of available forest habitat (generally caused by the driving of cattle through La Amistad) is a threat to the species. Conservation Measures There are no specific conservation measures currently in place, but further research is needed into the range, ecology, and population status of this species. In view of the threat of chytridiomycosis, the status of this species should be closely monitored, and an ex-situ population should be established. Bibliography: Ibáñez, R. et al. (2000), Savage, J.M. (1972b), Savage, J.M. and Donnelly, M.A. (1992), Young, B. et al. (1999) Data Providers: Frank Solís, Roberto Ibáñez, César Jaramillo, Querube Fuenmayor, Karen Lips
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Globally Threatened Amphibian Species Part 1

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