Search for Extinct Frogs in Costa Rica
Donation protected
One of the greatest conservation issues today is
the loss of amphibian species (frogs, toads, salamanders, caecilians)
throughout the world. Almost 3,300 out of 7,145 amphibian species are declining
and many species are now presumed extinct. There are many causes behind
the loss of amphibians including habitat loss, climate change, and the
emergence of a deadly fungal disease. In the case of the fungal disease, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (or
chytridiomycosis), the declines are especially troubling because the declines
and extinctions are rapid (couple of months) and occur in pristine and
protected habitats. To date there is no
known cure for this disease and it is continuing to kill frogs in the wild.
Chytridiomycosis has been the main culprit in the loss of 27 out of 143 frog species in Costa Rica. Many of the 27 "missing" frog species of Costa Rica vanished in the late 1980's when the disease moved through the country. The majority of the "missing" frogs have not been seen for 20 or more years and are now feared extinct.
Despite these 27 species being detected for 20+ years a handful of researchers have continued to look for these critically endangered frogs. The last few years have seen the emergence of 10 missing species in Costa Rica ! Some of these species rediscoveries have been of breeding populations and some of one solitary individual. Regardless of whether a breeding population or one individual has been found these findings are exciting and provide some hope that critically endangered species can recover from Chytridiomycosis on their own.
The goal of our project is three-fold. First, we need to verify the species are not extinct, which would immediately improve their conservation status. Second, by "rediscovering" relict populations that have survived the disease we can study them to see what makes them special. Why have these species, or local populations come back after not being seen for 20+ years? Can we learn anything from these comeback populations that can be applied to other endangered species? Finally, we need to collect more information on the rediscovered populations and locate more to pursue funding for long-term research. It is urgent that we find more species and populations so they can be monitored to ensure their persistence into the future.
We are asking for $1,200 so we can continue this effort for the next year. All funds raised will go to Costa Rican biologists to cover their in country travel expenses to field sites throughout Costa Rica. The biggest expenses are car rental, fuel, and food and lodging, as well as incidental expenses. We have estimated that $1,200 can support this work for the next 12-15 months.
The Costa Rican researchers and I with the missing Isthmohyla tica. This frog had not been seen for 25 years, longer than most of these researchers have been alive.
Chytridiomycosis has been the main culprit in the loss of 27 out of 143 frog species in Costa Rica. Many of the 27 "missing" frog species of Costa Rica vanished in the late 1980's when the disease moved through the country. The majority of the "missing" frogs have not been seen for 20 or more years and are now feared extinct.
Despite these 27 species being detected for 20+ years a handful of researchers have continued to look for these critically endangered frogs. The last few years have seen the emergence of 10 missing species in Costa Rica ! Some of these species rediscoveries have been of breeding populations and some of one solitary individual. Regardless of whether a breeding population or one individual has been found these findings are exciting and provide some hope that critically endangered species can recover from Chytridiomycosis on their own.
The goal of our project is three-fold. First, we need to verify the species are not extinct, which would immediately improve their conservation status. Second, by "rediscovering" relict populations that have survived the disease we can study them to see what makes them special. Why have these species, or local populations come back after not being seen for 20+ years? Can we learn anything from these comeback populations that can be applied to other endangered species? Finally, we need to collect more information on the rediscovered populations and locate more to pursue funding for long-term research. It is urgent that we find more species and populations so they can be monitored to ensure their persistence into the future.
We are asking for $1,200 so we can continue this effort for the next year. All funds raised will go to Costa Rican biologists to cover their in country travel expenses to field sites throughout Costa Rica. The biggest expenses are car rental, fuel, and food and lodging, as well as incidental expenses. We have estimated that $1,200 can support this work for the next 12-15 months.
The Costa Rican researchers and I with the missing Isthmohyla tica. This frog had not been seen for 25 years, longer than most of these researchers have been alive.
Organizer
Mason Ryan
Organizer
Albuquerque, NM
