The province of Azuay is positioned as a key territory for the preservation of amphibians. following the recent discovery of two endemic frog species in areas of difficult access and limited human intervention. This discovery, the result of a multidisciplinary effort with international support, highlights the urgency of protecting these fragile ecosystems from multiple threats.
The research was carried out in the forests and mountain ranges of the Gualaceo and El Pan cantons., located in the Sangay-Podocarpus ecological corridor. The project, which has financial support from the Critical Ecosystem Conservation Partnership Fund (CEPF) and the collaboration of organizations such as the Amaru Foundation and the Catholic University of Cuenca, also involves local communities in the research and environmental protection process.
Unique frog species discovered in Azuay
The research team identified the presence of Hyloxalus anthracinus on the border between Gualaceo and Limón-Indanza (Morona Santiago), a frog whose last formal record dates back approximately 30 years. The other species, Hyloscirtus tolkieni, was observed in the mountains of the Zapote Najda area, in the El Pan canton. This species represents only the second official discovery after its first identification in 2023.
The differentiated characteristics of each species are remarkableHyloxalus anthracinus, about 3 centimeters long and ash-brown with orange markings on its limbs, is found near streams and small, clear waters. Hyloscirtus tolkieni, on the other hand, is larger and more robust, exceeding 10 centimeters and displaying a striking blue-green coloration with dark and yellow markings. It prefers these habitats with wider streams.
Conservation actions and community participation
This program was initially created to analyze the conservation status of other threatened amphibian species., such as Pristimantis balionotus and Pristimantis pycnodermis. However, with the new findings, the project's focus has expanded to include these frogs and other species detected in the area.
The project coordinator, Luis Mario Moscoso, underlines the commitment of involve rural communities in the care of natural resources through environmental education workshops and awareness-raising activities on the importance of amphibians for the health of ecosystems and water sources.
The objective is ensure the protection of natural habitats and, at the same time, provide appropriate incentives to local communities to strengthen their role as allies in conservation.
Health and environmental challenges for Azuay frogs
Scientific work has also revealed new threats to the survival of frog species in the region. Analysis of skin and feces samples reveals the presence of parasites associated with domestic animals and a high incidence of chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease that affects more than half of the specimens studied and is considered one of the main causes of mortality among amphibians worldwide.
Furthermore, at several water points in the area, coliform bacteria levels were detected above those permitted by regulations. This represents a risk to both local wildlife and the inhabitants of the surrounding communities, highlighting the need to control pollution and preserve river ecosystems.
International and social involvement in the protection of amphibians
The project is structured in three stages: socialization and planning, field work, and strategy development Protection. Begun in May 2024, it is expected to be completed in 2026. Financial support comes from entities such as the French Development Agency, the European Union, the governments of Japan and Canada, the World Bank, and the United Nations, reflecting the global interest in conserving the region's biodiversity.
A relevant aspect is the outstanding participation of women from rural communities, who have accompanied the technical team in exploration and sampling work, thus strengthening the social fabric and local commitment to conservation.
According to the results of this research, it is evident that Great diversity and vulnerability of frog species in AzuayThe combined efforts of scientists, communities, and institutions are essential to halt their decline and protect these habitats, which are vital for both wildlife and the human communities that depend on them.