SaveDarwinsFrogs.org, Blog of the Chilean Amphibian Conservation Center

There are am lot of amphibian species that are in decline in Chile.  One species that is widely recognized as critically endangered is the Mehuín Green Frog (Insuetophrynus acarpicus).  We work with a biologist, Dr. José J. Nuñez, to determine the current distribution of this species and if remaining populations have amphibian diseases.  Several key problems threaten this species: (1) Loss of habitat is the main issue.  Most of the coastal rainforest is gone. The few remaining tracts of forest where this species is found MUST be saved.  (2) Emergent infectious amphibian disease has been found in the area where these frogs still exist.  (3)  There are few conservation programs of any kind promoting captive assurance colonies of any amphibian species in Chile aside from Darwin’s Frogs -we are doing exactly that.

Unfortunately, much of the coastal forests have been removed for agriculture.

But there still are a few streams that accommodate this beautiful little frog (Insuetophrynus acarpicus)

There are fewer than six known localities where this species can still be found.

Drs. Fenolio (left) and Nuñez (right) working in the field with the Mehuín Green Frog (Insuetophrynus acarpicus).

More to come on this endangered species and our work with it.