Excidobates mysteriosus
| Excidobates mysteriosus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Dendrobatidae |
| Genus: | Excidobates |
| Species: | mysteriosus |
| Binomial name | |
| Excidobates mysteriosus | |
| (Myers, 1982) | |
The Marañón Poison Frog (Excidobates mysteriosus and rana venenosa Marañón in Spanish) is a part of the Excidobates genus, diurnal, and the only poison frog endemic to Peru. The IUCN classifies the Marañón Poison Frog as endangered. The first specimen was collected in the latter part of the 1920s, first described in 1982, and rediscovered in 1989.[1]
Description[edit | edit source]
Tadpoles are long and black. Adults are between 1.06in and 1.14in. The first finger is shorter than the second but well developed. Their coloration is black or brown with white dots spanning the ventral and dorsal sides of the body and its appendages with a single spot under the chin as well an egg-shaped spot underneath the thighs.[2]
Geographical Distribution[edit | edit source]
Cordillera del Condor in the upper drainage of Cajamarca Department, Peru. It occupies the premontane forest for its habitat and can be located between 600m to 1,305m. They are typically found on steep cliffs and slopes because of habitat loss.
There are only three known sites remaining with Marañón Poison Frog populations. Two of those locations are believed to have populations that are less than 200.[1] They spend their lives as phytotelm-dwellers and it is rare to observe juveniles or adults outside of their bromeliads unless there is a wet period in which you can find them on the forest floor in search of insects.
Anthropogenic actions or a severe natural disaster could decimate the remaining populations.[2]
Reproduction[edit | edit source]
E. mysteriosus reproduces in bromeliads (Bromeliaceae sp) that have collected rainwater. Bromeliads are the only consistent water source in the area, especially during the dry season which spans several months.
Once eggs that have been laid in bromeliad bracts and hatched the males will carry the tadpoles on their backs depositing them into tiny pools in separate cavities in bromeliads.[2]
The degradation of the environment and old-growth trees has impacted the spread of the only bromeliads that are used for reproduction, Aechmea bromeliads. This has created barriers reducing the opportunity for genetic exchange.[1]
Diet[edit | edit source]
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Marañón Poison Frogs have been observed eating small, winged flies and ants on plants, forest floor, rock walls, and their bromeliads.[1]
Threats[edit | edit source]
- Habitat loss
- Deforestation
- Agriculture
- Aquaculture
- Ranching
- Hunting
- Human Encroachment
Calls[edit | edit source]
Male Marañón Poison Frogs will move to open positions on bromeliads to emit a "rattle-like buzz" that they will repeat frequently per minute.[2]
Conservation[edit | edit source]
E. mysteriosus are available in the pet trade. In the 1990s they were smuggled, especially to Europe. The ongoing demand has impacted the captive breeding programs that are underway to stabilize the decreasing population.[1]