Atelopus halihelos

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Atelopus halihelos
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Bufonidae
Genus: Atelopus
Species:
A. halihelos
Binomial name
Atelopus halihelos
Peters, 1973

Atelopus halihelos, the Morona-Santiago stubfoot toad, is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae endemic to Ecuador. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist montane forests and rivers. It is threatened by habitat loss.[1] The IUCN estimates that there’s only 0-49 individuals left in the wild.[1]

An individual named Sad Santiago was one of the last remaining of the species. An expedition, led by Jaime Culebras, aimed to breed him with a female he found in the cloud forest of the Ecuadorian Andes.[2]

While they did not successfully produce any eggs, another expedition was sent and found 1 male and 1 female which successfully produced offspring, raising hope this species can be saved.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2018). "Atelopus halihelos". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T54517A190202584. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T54517A190202584.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Planet Earth's latest drama: the sex life of a frog". Yahoo News. 2023-12-08. Retrieved 2023-12-11.