About
The Critically Endangered Paramo Andes frog is endemic to Peru and can only be found in one region near Cajamarca.
The Paramo Andes frog is one of more than a staggering 500 species comprising the vast Pristimantis genus! These species were previously considered part of an even larger genus containing more than 700 species, before it was split into several smaller genera in distinct families.
Though there is still much work to be done regarding the taxonomy of this large group of frogs, which is distributed across Latin America, it is thought they diverged from all other amphibians more than 50 million years ago. In evolutionary terms, this means these frogs are as distantly related to other amphibians as wolves are to tigers!
This species was previously common in its area but its current population status is not known, but the population is believed to be decreasing. A major threat to this species is habitat loss, which is mainly as a result of agricultural expansion of potato farming and livestock ranching.
This species is not known to occur in any protected areas, so protection and maintenance of existing habitat is a priority for the conservation of this species. Further research is needed into the ecology and population status of this species.
- Order: Anura
- Family: Craugastoridae
- Population: Unknown
- Trend: decreasing
EDGE Score
Distribution
This species is only known from the vicinity of Cajamarca, Departamento Cajamarca, Peru, with an altitudinal range of around 3,200 metres above sea level.
Habitat and Ecology
This is a terrestrial species, living in grassland. Breeding takes place by direct development whereby offspring emerge from eggs as miniature versions of adults and a free living larval stage is bypassed.
