Titicaca Water Frog
Saving the giant amphibian of Bolivia

The Titicaca Water Frog Telmatobius culeus is endemic to the Lake Titicaca Basin in the high Andes of Bolivia and Peru. This "critically endangered" species, also known as Lake Titicaca Frog, is among the most threatened species of amphibians in the world, reaching up to 50 cm and weighing up to 1 kg.
The reason for this is an observed serious population decline, estimated to be more than 80 percent over the last three generations, due to over-exploitation, habitat degradation, and the introduction of invasive, non-native fish species to Lake Titicaca.
A further potential threat to the survival of the Titicaca Water Frog looming on the horizon is the amphibian chytrid fungus, which probably has played a major role in amphibian die-offs in many areas.
This pilot study by our project partner Asociación Armonía - BirdLife International will establish baseline data required to assess the magnitude of current threats to the Titicaca Water Frog and to develop appropriate conservation strategies and action on the Bolivian portion of Lake Titicaca. There are four main objectives:
  • To produce a synthesis of current Titicaca Water Frog commercial, research, and conservation projects in Bolivia;
  • To assess the magnitude of mortality rates due to by-catch in fishing nets and direct capture by local people;
  • To examine whether the amphibian chytrid fungus has reached Lake Titicaca;
  • To determine priority areas for conservation action to protect breeding grounds.

Lake Titicaca Frog
The Titicaca Water Frog spends its entire life span in the Lake Titicaca.
Stiftung Artenschutz gratefully acknowledges funding for this study from Thrigby Conservation Fund, the conservation organization of Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens and AmazonaZOO.

This project has been awarded by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) (WAZA Branding No 08021).
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