Globally Threatened Amphibian Species Part 1

230
Threatened Amphibians of the World
EN Dendrobates sirensis Aichinger, 1991
Endangered B1ab(iii)
Order, Family: Anura, Dendrobatidae
Country Distribution: Peru
Current Population Trend: Decreasing
CITES: Appendix II
Geographic Range This species is known only from the Cordillera
El Sira (in the departments of Huanuco, Pasco, Ucayali), Peru, at an
altitude of 750-1,000m asl. This is a single isolated mountain, so the
species is probably restricted to this area.
Population Nothing is known of its population status, although it
is likely to be rare.
Habitat and Ecology It is a diurnal species of primary montane
cloud forest, and is presumed to use phytotelms for breeding. It is
not known if it can occur in secondary or modifi ed habitats.
Major Threats Although the restricted area that the species inhabits
is relatively inaccessible, there is some disturbance due to farming
and human settlement. In addition, the lower parts of the range are
subject to selective logging.
Conservation Measures It is present in the Reserva Comunal El
Sira, an indigenous people’s reserve. Strengthened management may
be necessary to ensure the maintenance of this species’ habitat.
Bibliography: Aichinger, M. (1991)
Data Providers: Javier Icochea, Karl-Heinz Jungfer, Ariadne Angulo
EN Dendrobates speciosus O. Schmidt, 1857
SPLENDID POISON FROG
Endangered B1ab(iii)
Order, Family: Anura, Dendrobatidae
Country Distribution: Panama
Current Population Trend: Decreasing
CITES: Appendix II
© Karl-Heinz Jungfer
Geographic Range This species is a Panamanian endemic of the western Cordillera Central adjacent to Costa Rica.
It is present at around 1,370m asl.
Population The species was formerly considered to be common, but its current population status is not known.
Habitat and Ecology It is a terrestrial species of humid lowland and montane forest, with breeding taking place
in plants.
Major Threats The major threat is habitat loss due to logging and human settlement. It is also subject to collection
for the pet trade.
Conservation Measures The species has been recorded from the protected areas of Bosque Protector Palo Seco
and Parque Internacional La Amistad. Further research is needed into the current population status of the species,
and some form of management or legislation needs to be put in place in order to control the level of offtake for the
pet trade.
Bibliography: Edwards, M.W., Daly, J.W. and Myers, C.W. (1988), Ibáñez, R. et al. (2000), Jungfer, K.H. (1985), Myers, C.W., Daly, J.W.
and Martinez, V. (1984), Oostveen, H. (1981), Savage, J.M. (1968b), Silverstone, P.A. (1975), Young, B. et al. (1999)
Data Providers: Frank Solís, Roberto Ibáñez, César Jaramillo, Querube Fuenmayor
CR Dendrobates steyermarki Rivero, 1971
Critically Endangered B2ab(iii)
Order, Family: Anura, Dendrobatidae
Country Distribution: Venezuela
Current Population Trend: Decreasing
CITES: Appendix II
© Karl-Heinz Jungfer
Geographic Range This species is restricted to Cerro Yapacana, at elevations from 600-1,300m asl, in Amazonas
state, Venezuela.
Population According to Gorzula and Señaris (1999) this frog is exceedingly common in bromeliads on the summit,
and it is possible to collect hundreds in just a few hours. It is still found in great numbers.
Habitat and Ecology It occurs in terrestrial bromeliads in montane tepui forest. Breeding probably takes place in
bromeliads.
Major Threats Intensive open gold mining in the area is a major threat to the species’ habitat. Barrio and Fuentes
(1999) reported the illegal collection and exportation of some 150 specimens to Germany, and other collections for
scientifi c purposes. Wildfi res might also be a threat to the species’ habitat.
Conservation Measures Cerro Yapacana is a Venezuelan natural monument, like most other tepuis in the region.
Surveys are necessary to monitor the population trends of this species. Measures are also required to combat illegal
trade of this species, and to regulate the mining activities so that the survival of the species is not jeopardised.
Bibliography: Barrio Amorós, C.L. (2001), Barrio Amorós, C.L. (2004), Barrio, C.L. and Fuentes, O. (1999), Frost, D.R. (1985), Gorzula, S.
(1988), Gorzula, S. and Cerda, J. (1979), Gorzula, S. and Señaris, J.C. (1998), La Marca, E. (1992), La Marca, E. (1995b), La Marca, E. (1997),
Myers, C.W. (1987), Rivero, J.A. (1971), Rodríguez, J.P. and Rojas-Suárez, F. (1995), Silverstone, P.A. (1975), Walls, J.G. (1994)
Data Providers: Enrique La Marca, Celsa Señaris
VU Dendrobates viridis (Myers and Daly, 1976)
GREEN POISON FROG
Vulnerable B1ab(iii)
Order, Family: Anura, Dendrobatidae
Country Distribution: Colombia
Current Population Trend: Decreasing
CITES: Appendix II
© Pedro Ruiz-Carranza
Geographic Range This species occurs on the western slopes of the Cordillera Occidental of Colombia, from Río
Anchicaya in Valle del Cauca Department, to Río Saija in Cauca Department, between 100 and 1,200m asl.
Population It is very common.
Habitat and Ecology It lives on the ground and in bromeliads in primary and good secondary, lowland and submontane
forests. The tadpoles presumably are deposited in bromeliads.
Major Threats The major threats are deforestation due to agricultural development (including planting of illegal
crops), logging, and human settlement, and pollution resulting from the spraying of crops. Unlike other species of
the genus, it has not been recorded in international trade.
Conservation Measures It occurs in the Parque Nacional Natural Farallones. Decree INDERENA No. 39 of 9 July,
1985, forbids the collection of Dendrobates spp. from the wild for breeding (or other) purposes.
Bibliography: Myers, C.W. (1987), Myers, C.W. and Daly, J.W. (1976b), Rueda-Almonacid, J.V. (1999), Ruiz-Carranza, P.M., Ardila-
Robayo, M.C. and Lynch, J.D. (1996)
Data Providers: Wilmar Bolívar, Fernando Castro