The Population Decline and Extinction of Darwin's Frogs

Darwin's frogs (Rhinoderma darwinii and R. rufum) are two species of mouth-brooding frogs from Chile and Argentina. Here, we present evidence on the extent of declines, current distribution and conservation status of Rhinoderma spp.; including information on abundance, habitat and threats to extant Darwin's frog populations. All known archived Rhinoderma specimens were examined in museums in North America, Europe and South America. Extensive surveys were carried out throughout the historical ranges of R. rufum and R. darwinii from 2008 to 2012. Literature review and location data of 2,244 archived specimens were used to develop historical distribution maps for Rhinoderma spp. Based on records of sightings, optimal linear estimation was used to estimate whether R. rufum can be considered extinct. No extant R. rufum was found and our modelling inferred that this species became extinct in 1982 (95% CI, 1980-2000). Rhinoderma darwinii was found in 36 sites. All populations were within native forest and abundance was highest in Chiloé Island, when compared with Coast, Andes and South populations. Estimated population size and density (five populations) averaged 33.2 frogs/population (range, 10.2-56.3) and 14.9 frogs/100 m(2) (range, 5.3-74.1), respectively. Our results provide further evidence that R. rufum is extinct and indicate that R. darwinii has declined to a much greater degree than previously recognised. Although this species can still be found across a large part of its historical range, remaining populations are small and severely fragmented. Conservation efforts for R. darwinii should be stepped up and the species re-classified as Endangered

The Karyotypes Of The Chilean Frogs Eupsophus emiliopugini And E-Vertebralis (Amphibia, Anura, Leptodactylidae)

Volume: 104Start Page: 7End Page: 1

Taxonomy Of Bufo venustus Anura Leptodactylidae From Central Chile

Volume: 95Start Page: 688End Page: 69

Advertisement Calls And Relationships Of Chilean Frogs Eupsophus contulmoensis And E-Insularis (Amphibia, Anura, Leptodactylidae)

Volume: 107Start Page: 391End Page: 39

The Status Of 2 Chilean Frogs Of The Genus Eupsophus Anura Leptodactylidae

Volume: 95Start Page: 594End Page: 60

Comparative Cytogenetic Analysis Of The Chilean Leptodactylid Frog Genus Telmatobufo, With The Description Of The Chromosomes Of T-Venustus

Volume: 113Start Page: 890End Page: 89

Rediscovery of the enigmatic Andean frog Telmatobius halli Noble (Anura: Telmatobiidae), re-description of the tadpole and comments on new adult's characters, type locality and conservation status

We report the rediscovery of Telmatobius halli (Hall's water frog), which had not been found since its description (over 80 years) since its type locality was not clearly established. 'Aguas Calientes' near Ollague is hypothesized as the original type locality where Frank Gregory Hall collected the type material in 1935. The tadpole is re-described, and new data on the external and internal morphology of adults is provided. These new morphological data are compared with Telmatobius spp. inhabiting geographically close to T. halli in Chile and Bolivia. In addition, comments on its ecology, conservation, and taxonomic status in relation with other Telmatobius spp. inhabiting nearby areas in Ascotan and Carcote salt pans are provided. No evidence of Bafrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Ranavirus infection was found in T. halli and a sympatric amphibian species. Our work supports the validity of T. halli and suggests this species should be considered as Data Deficient in the IUCN Red List assessment until taxonomic issues are resolved