Unusual Record of Nocturnal Activity of the Critically Endangered Atelopus varius at Protected Zone Las Tablas, Costa Rica

Abstract

Atelopus varius is a critically endangered species distributed in Costa Rica and Panama. It has diurnal activity and at night it rests on vegetation or in crevices, with no apparent nocturnal activity. Herein, we report an unusual nocturnal activity for the species at Las Tablas Protected Zone, Costa Rica; we observed an individual on an herbaceous plant at night, performing slow movements while feeding on ants. Despite A. varius being one of the most well-known species of the genera, there are still poorly studied aspects of its natural history. Therefore, we propose to lead research efforts on the nocturnal behaviour of A. varius, with the purpose of filling knowledge gaps for this important species of conservation concern.