Globally Threatened Amphibian Species Part 1

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Threatened Amphibians of the World
EN Epipedobates tricolor (Boulenger, 1899)
Endangered B1ab(iii,v)
Order, Family: Anura, Dendrobatidae
Country Distribution: Ecuador
Current Population Trend: Decreasing
CITES: Appendix II
© Wouter Beukema
Geographic Range This species is known only from seven localities on the Andean slopes of the Bolívar Province
in central Ecuador, where it occurs at elevations of approximately 1,000-1,769m asl.
Population It appears to have been declining in the northern portion of its range in Ecuador, where some populations
have disappeared.
Habitat and Ecology It lives in montane forest near streams. Eggs are laid in the leaf-litter, and the males carry
the larvae to running and standing water for development. It is not known if this species can adapt to habitat
modifi cation.
Major Threats The major threat is agrochemical pollution of waterways, and habitat loss due to smallholder farming
activities. It is also collected for medicinal use in Ecuador. Some of the declines appear to have taken place in suitable
habitat, so chytridiomycosis cannot be ruled out as a possible threat.
Conservation Measures It is not known with certainty if this species occurs in any protected areas, and expanded
protection of the remaining montane forest within the range of the species’ is recommended. The possible impact of
overharvesting for medicinal use, and commercial trade in wild specimens, requires further investigation.
Notes on taxonomy: This species and Epipedobates anthonyi were recently separated by Schulte (1999). We follow Graham et al.
(2004) in restricting the distribution of E. tricolor to central Ecuador.
Bibliography: Boulenger, G.A. (1899), Graham, C.H. et al. (2004), Schulte, R. (1999), Silverstone, P.A. (1976)
Data Providers: Luis A. Coloma
CR Mannophryne caquetio Mijares-Urrutia and Arends, 1999
Critically Endangered B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v)
Order, Family: Anura, Dendrobatidae
Country Distribution: Venezuela
Current Population Trend: Decreasing
Geographic Range This species is known from the type locality,
stated to be “toma de agua de Mapararí” in the municipality of Federación,
in Sierra de Churuguara, in the state of Falcón, Venezuela (approx.
10.47N, 69.25W), where it has been recorded around 800m asl.
An additional population in Parque Nacional Cueva de la Quebrada
del Toro was found in May 2002 (J. Manzanilla pers. comm.).
Population There has been an observed decline in the population
of this species. However, in May 2002, specimens were collected
at the type locality and a new population was also found in Parque
Nacional Cueva de la Quebrada del Toro.
Habitat and Ecology It is a terrestrial, diurnal frog found in deciduous
lower montane tropophilous forests. The larvae are presumably
carried on the backs of the males to streams, as with other members
of the genus.
Major Threats Habitat loss and degradation, due primarily to agriculture
(crops and livestock), and general disturbance by humans, is
the main threat. Water extraction is a threat at the type locality. Pollution and/or parasites might be causing what
appear to be problems in the development or incomplete development of the limbs. It is potentially at risk from
chytridiomycosis.
Conservation Measures It occurs in the Parque Nacional Cueva de la Quebrada del Toro. Survey work is necessary
to determine the population status and trends of this species. Captive breeding might be required if the risk of
chytridiomycosis proves real.
Bibliography: Barrio Amorós, C.L. (2004), Manzanilla, J., García-París, M. and La Marca, E. (2002), Manzanilla, J., La Marca, E. and
García-París, M. (2003), Mijares-Urrutia, A. and Arends, A. (1999b)
Data Providers: Enrique La Marca, Jesús Manzanilla, Abraham Mijares
EN Mannophryne collaris (Boulenger, 1912)
Endangered B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v)
Order, Family: Anura, Dendrobatidae
Country Distribution: Venezuela
Current Population Trend: Decreasing
© César Luis Barrio-Amorós / Fundación AndígenA
Geographic Range This species is known from the Andes in the state of Mérida, in Venezuela. It occurs from
200-1,800m asl.
Population It is a locally abundant species, but appears to be in decline in some parts of its range. La Marca (1995a)
noted population declines in this species in several localities in the Andes of Venezuela.
Habitat and Ecology It inhabits seasonal (semi-deciduous) montane forests. The eggs are laid on land and the male
protects the eggs. When hatched the male carries the larvae on his back to water where they develop further.
Major Threats The main threat to the species is habitat destruction and alteration, due primarily to agriculture (for
both crops and livestock), infrastructure development for human settlement in the vicinity of the city of Merida, and
tourism development. In addition, pollution may also be contributing to the observed declines.
Conservation Measures Its range does not include any protected areas, and expanded protection of the remaining
montane forest within the range of the species is recommended.
Bibliography: Barrio Amorós, C.L. (2001), Barrio Amorós, C.L. (2004), Barrio, C.L. and Fuentes, O. (1999), Dole, J. (1974), Durant, P. and
Dole, J. (1975), Frost, D.R. (1985), Gines, H. (1959), Gottberg, C., Ramoni, P. and Praderio, M.J. (2002), La Marca, E. (1992), La Marca, E.
(1994e), La Marca, E. (1995a), La Marca, E. (1995b), La Marca, E. (1997), Lutz, A. (1927), Manzanilla, J., García-París, M. and La Marca,
E. (2002), Manzanilla, J., La Marca, E. and García-París, M. (2003), Péfaur, J.E. and Rivero, J.A. (2000), Rivero, J.A. (1961), Vial, J.L.
and Saylor, L. (1993)
Data Providers: Enrique La Marca, Juan Elías García-Pérez, Jesús Manzanilla
VU Mannophryne cordilleriana La Marca, 1994
Vulnerable D2
Order, Family: Anura, Dendrobatidae
Country Distribution: Venezuela
Current Population Trend: Stable
Geographic Range This species is known from a few localities in
the vicinity of Santo Domingo, in the state of Mérida, in the Venezuelan
Andes. It has been recorded from 1,300-1,950m asl.
Population It is a common species.
Habitat and Ecology It inhabits montane humid forest. The eggs
are laid on land and the male protects the eggs. When the eggs
are hatched, the male carries the larvae on his back to the streams
where they develop further. It seems to be quite tolerant of habitat
disturbance, and is sometimes found in very polluted streams (but
see Major Threats).
Major Threats Its habitat is impacted by agriculture, wood collection,
and human settlement, although this does not seem to be
having an immediate impact on the species. It is potentially at risk
from chytridiomycosis (since the species has been proven to carry
this fungus, though it does not appear to show any symptoms of
the disease). In May 2004, some specimens with malformations
(polymelia, amelia) were found at the type locality (J. Manzanilla and E. La Marca pers. comm.) where signifi cant
pollution of the stream was also observed.
Conservation Measures Its range does not include any protected areas. Improved habitat protection is required at
sites where this species is known to occur. There is also a need for close population monitoring, particularly given
its small range and the potential risk of chytridiomycosis.
Bibliography: Barrio Amorós, C.L. (2004), La Marca, E. (1994e), La Marca, E. (1995a), La Marca, E. (1995b), La Marca, E. (1997), Manzanilla,
J., García-París, M. and La Marca, E. (2002), Manzanilla, J., La Marca, E. and García-París, M. (2003)
Data Providers: Enrique La Marca, Juan Elías García-Pérez, Jesús Manzanilla