A Re-Assessment of Priority Amphibian Species of Peru

Abstract

Peru supports approximately 588 amphibian species, of which 492 have been assessed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Of these, 111 are classified as Threatened, with 69 species classified as Critically Endangered or Endangered. In addition, 140 amphibian species remain Data Deficient. We re-assessed the conservation status of 38 amphibian species originally identified as potentially Threatened by von May et al. (2008), using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Fourteen species assessments changed as a result of re-assessment, of which eight changed from Data Deficient to Threatened; two changed from Data Deficient to Near Threatened and Least Concern respectively; two were up-listed from Least Concern to a Threatened status; two were downlisted. None of the changes were due to a known genuine change since the previous assessment. All changes were justified by an increase in knowledge. The eight species with a change from Data Deficient to a Threatened category belonged to four anuran families: Craugastoridae, Dendrobatidae, Hemiphractidae and Telmatobiidae. The reasons for a change in assessment status were: changes in taxonomy, distribution, population status, threat status, or previously incorrect information. The main threat affecting re-assessed amphibian species was habitat loss, with other threats including pollution, disease outbreaks, and collection for the pet trade. Only 53% of the re-assessed species were found to occur in a protected area. Findings of this study indicate the continuing fragility of many Peruvian amphibians and highlight the need for improving their protection and for further research into their population status and threats.

Long‐term monitoring of tropical alpine habitat change, Andean anurans, and chytrid fungus in the Cordillera Vilcanota, Peru: Results from a decade of study

“…Our results provide baseline data on the variability in population fluctuations of three anuran species in rapidly changing high‐alpine habitats where Bd has been present for over a decade. Amphibian species in the genus Telmatobius are among the most threatened in Peru and the Andes in general, and chytridiomycosis has been cited as a key threat to these vulnerable populations (Jarvis et al., ; von May et al., ). Long‐term monitoring is needed to better understand and assess the threats contributing to the ongoing decline in these and other amphibian species (Catenazzi & von May, ).…”

Evaluating Wildlife Vulnerability to Mercury Pollution From Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Madre de Dios, Peru

“…Waste from mining activities is one of the most important sources of water contamination for Peruvian amphibians (Catenazzi & von May, 2014). A recent reassessment of Peruvian amphibians identified habitat loss and pollution as the main threats (Jarvis et al., 2015). Of the 163 amphibian species present within the study area, 119 or 73% are at least partially aquatic.…”

“…Knowledge of the spatial extent of Hg vulnerability could aid in our decision-making process when considering how to balance the economic needs of humans with biodiversity. Many threatened amphibians occur outside of protected areas, and there is a recognized need to improve protection and further research population status and threats (Catenazzi & von May, 2014; Jarvis et al., 2015).…”

Habitat characterization, occupancy and detection probability of the Endangered and endemic Junín giant frog Telmatobius macrostomus

“…Peru is a megadiverse country, home to approximately 588 species of amphibians (Jarvis et al 2015), and is especially important for the high-elevation genus Telmatobius, with 27 of the 63 known species occurring in the country (Ttito et al 2016). Twenty of the 27 species of Telmatobius distributed throughout Peru are categorized as Threatened (IUCN 2016, Ttito et al 2016.…”