Andersson’s Stubfoot Toad » Stiftung Artenschutz

Citizen science for the recovery of the Andersson’s stubfoot toad Atelopus palmatus in Ecuador

The highly endangered Andersson’s stubfoot toad (Atelopus palmatus) is endemic to Ecuador. The decline of the species is suspected to have already started in the 80s and 90s due to fungal disease of Batrachochittium dendrobatidis (chytrid). In 2010, a small remaining population of this species could be found but until today the population size has continued to decrease. This project is managed by the Museum of Zoology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (QCAZ). The study combines social science and conservation: together with university students and the local communities the approach is to protect the species and its habitat.

Overall goals of the project are:

Creating the “Atelopus Community Monitoring Taskforce”
Improving knowledge of the population status of Atelopus palmatus in Ecuador by implementing a community-based research and conservation program
Promoting research and conservation efforts
Working with undergraduate students building the capacity of both: undergraduate students and local communities to apply university knowledge
Sharing skills with motivated local community members
Gathering scientific population status data and promote conservation actions in local communities
Raising awareness of the importance of harlequin conservation to the community
Creating an effective strategy to protect this highly threatened species

Activities planned within 2021 are:

Identifying presence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis by taking skin swabs from individuals, analysed by qPCR
Communication and design team formed for “Most Wanted” campaign and training material
Understanding of community perspectives and knowledge towards harlequin toads
Effective communication established with local community
Training of motivated, decided local people to build up a team up for frog monitoring

Project partner : Museo de Zoología Ecuador, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador

This project is supported by the Stiftung Artenschutz. Please find further information on http://bioweb.puce.edu.ec/QCAZ_EN/home