Abstract

OCAMPO, Mauricio et al. Assessment of the conservation status of the endemic frog Yunganastes bisignatus (Anura, Craugastoridae) in Bolivia. Ecología en Bolivia [online]. 2020, vol.55, n.1, pp.26-35. ISSN 1605-2528.

The conservation status of amphibian populations in Bolivia is still poorly understood. Studies on amphibian distribution, density, and conservation threats are scarce, even for endemic species. We conducted an assessment of the conservation status of the endemic Bolivian species Yunganastes bisignatus and report new data on its population density (7 individuals/ha), altitudinal range, color and design variant, and call structure variations. We also held three workshops to identify environmental threats to the species. We observed a reduction in abundance when compared to data from previous study, and we report a conservative abundance estimate, which takes into account the altitudinal factor (233.170 individuals). The differences in call structure such as duration, harmonics, and the form and duration of the aggressive call between the northwest and southeast populations, could be due to a latitudinal variation or to having two species involved, however, integrative taxonomy studies are needed to solve this issue. In the workshops, the main threats to the species determined were pollution and water reduction, due to mining, deforestation, and land use change. We conclude that Y. bisignatus must be maintained as an Endangered species according to the IUCN criteria.

Keywords : Endangered; IUCN; Occupancy area; Population density; Yungas.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )