Diversity In Colombia Research Articles

Colombian Fungal Diversity: Untapped Potential for Diverse Applications

The current list of fungi from Colombia updated in the present review contains a total of 7619 species. The Ascomycota appears as the most diverse group, with 4818 species, followed by the Basidiomycota, with 2555 species. Despite this, we presume that the actual fungal diversity in Colombia could amount to between 105,600 and 300,000 species. Fungi represent an underestimated resource, indispensable for human well-being. Even though the current knowledge on potential applications of Colombian fungi is still limited, the number of studies on areas such as natural products discovery, biological control, and food and beverages, among other biotechnological applications, are increasing. With the current review, we aim to present a comprehensive update on the fungal diversity in Colombia and its potential applications. Colombia’s native fungal biodiversity holds much potential within the country’s current social-economical context, and the future must ensure efforts to preserve both the biodiversity and the untapped resources of the fungi in Colombia, which in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) might result in new bioeconomy avenues for the country.

Amazonian indigenous territories as reservoirs of biodiversity: The army ants of Santa Sofia (Amazonas – Colombia)

The Amazon basin is undergoing processes of global change that threaten one of the planet’s greatest sources of biological and cultural richness. Among different conservation strategies, indigenous reserves play a key role by reducing the impact of factors such as the deforestation caused by the expansion of the agricultural frontier. Despite the demonstrated importance of these indigenous territories, there is a lack of studies evaluating their contribution to the regional diversity in Colombia, especially for invertebrate groups. By surveying indigenous territories for the first time in the Amazonas department, we investigated the army ant fauna inhabiting different land use types: forests; “chagras” in different stages of regeneration; and pastures. In a sampling plot that represents just 0.0014 % of the department’s area, four genera and eight army ants species were recorded, representing 47 % of known species in the Amazonas department and 18 % in Colombia. Our sampling revealed three new records for the department and Neivamyrmex diana as a new record for the country. Mature forests harbored six species, while the chagras system retained up to five species. Notably, when placing our results in a national context, we revealed several country regions and departments (e.g., Córdoba, Sucre, Vaupés) that presented limited or no information on army ant diversity. Our results provide justification for the continuous evaluation, monitoring and conservation of indigenous reserves, based not only on their demonstrated cultural and ancestral importance but to their potential to retain high biodiversity.

Analysis of the genetic diversity of Dragon fruit based on ISSR markers in Colombia.

Selenicereus megalanthus H. is a tropical fruit belonging to the family Cactaceae, is rich in essential nutrients, antioxidants and bioactive components. It presents wide variability in different characteristics and a great demand in the market; however, genetic studies in Colombia are scarce. The main of this study was to characterize the genetic diversity of 76 yellow pitahaya genotypes with eight ISSR markers. Genetic parameters expected average heterozygosity (He), percentage of polymorphic loci, genetic distances and Fst were estimated with TFPGA. The analysis of the population genetic structure was carried out with the STRUCTURE 2.3.4. As a result, 225 alleles were generated and the number of polymorphic loci ranged 85 (CT, AG) to 90 (GT). High genetic diversity was found, with an average value of heterozygosity was 0.34 with a genetic differentiation coefficient (Fst) of 0.26, indicating that there was a great genetic diversity, similar values than those reported in other studies of pitahaya genetic diversity in Colombia. The 76 genotypes were grouped into K=3 according to geographic location, however, in some groups a mixture of individuals from different origins was observed. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed higher variation (75%) within groups than among groups (25%). These results provide information that can be used to develop conservation strategies for dragon fruit and breeding programs to obtain more productive pitahaya genotypes with superior quality, high yield and with resistance to biotic and abiotic factors.

Patterns of genetic diversity in Colombia for 38 indels used in human identification

The current population of Colombia has a genetic heterogeneity resulting from different migrations from other continents and within the country. In addition, there are small groups in their territory that have remained isolated and therefore have a different genetic pool in relation to that of the neighbouring urban populations. This population stratification must be considered in forensic analysis, being more complex for markers with marked intercontinental differentiation. In this study, population differentiation in Colombian admixed, native, and Afro-descendant populations was evaluated for a group of 38 indels described for forensic use. Allelic frequencies and parameters of forensic relevance were determined in each of the groups defined based on population differentiation analyses. In addition to the differences found between population groups, the results show that the set of 38 indels analysed could be useful in studies of individual identification in Colombia. The exclusion power presented by this set of markers suggests the need for joint use with other markers, being able to complement the STRs in paternity cases. High levels of both power of discrimination and exclusion were found when complementing the 38 HID-indels with a second multiplex, for a total of 83 indels.

Calling for a reassessment of rodent diversity in Colombia: description of a new species of Neacomys (Cricetidae: Oryzomyini) from the Magdalena Valley, with a new phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus and comments on its diversification.

Neacomys Thomas, 1900 is an oryzomyine genus comprising at least 17 lineages distributed from easternmost Panama to northern Bolivia. As is the case for other groups of the subfamily Sigmodontinae, Neacomys have experienced a substantial increase in the rate of species descriptions in the last two decades, prompted by the progressive generation of morphological, molecular and karyological data. Nevertheless, most of the studies related to the genus have focused on the assessment of Cis-Andean populations, so that the Trans-Andean ones have been relegated to the background. In more than a century, only two species have been described from that region, one of them present in Colombia (N. tenuipes Thomas, 1900). Here, a new species of Neacomys is named and described based on samples collected in montane ecosystems of the Serranía de los Yariguíes, an isolated massif in the Magdalena Valley (Trans-Andean Colombia). Its validity is supported by a unique combination of morphological and molecular characters: Neacomys sp. nov. can be distinguished from other congeners mainly by the presence of broad ochraceous-orange patches on the sides of the muzzle, a gray-based ochraceous buff ventral fur, a thick hamular process of the squamosal, an opened ectotympanic ring, and a narrow anterocone of M1. The species is recovered as a clearly divergent and well-supported monophyletic group in the phylogenies, which implies it is not closely related to any other species in the genus and probably represents an early radiation within it. The new species of Neacomys constitutes the only rodent described from Colombia in more than 50 years and brings the list of mammals of the country to 529 species. Its discovery evidences that Trans-Andean region could be an important source of hidden diversity for the genus, and in Colombia, for rodents in general. Thus, further inventories, especially into remote areas, are needed to unveil this diversity. The fact that the new species seems to be endemic to an isolated mountain range implies it merits attention in terms of conservation.

Applications of eDNA Metabarcoding for Vertebrate Diversity Studies in Northern Colombian Water Bodies

Environmental DNA metabarcoding is a tool with increasing use worldwide. The uses of such technology have been validated several times for diversity census, invasive species detection, and endangered/cryptic/elusive species detection and monitoring. With the help of this technology, water samples collected (n = 37) from several main river basins and other water bodies of the northern part of Colombia, including the Magdalena, Sinú, Atrato, and San Jorge river basins, were filtered and analyzed and processed using universal 12S primers for vertebrate fauna and NGS. Over 200 native taxa were detected, the majority of them being fish species but also including amphibia, reptiles, and several non-aquatic species of birds and mammals (around 78, 3, 2, 9, and 8%, respectively). Among the matches, vulnerable, and endangered species such as the catfish Pseudoplatystoma magdaleniatum and the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus) were detected. The manual revision of the data revealed some geographical incongruencies in classification. No invasive species were detected in the filters. This is, to our knowledge, the first time this technique is used in rivers of the country and this tool promises to bring advances in monitoring and conservation efforts, since its low cost and fast deployment allows for sampling in small periods of time, together with the fact that it can detect a wide range of species, allows for a new way of censing the vertebrate diversity in Colombia. Diversity analysis showed how the species identified using this method point to expected community structure although still much needs to be improved in rates of detection and genomic reference databases. This technique could be used in citizen science projects involving local communities in these regions.

Los ajustes razonables: Estrategia de inclusión laboral para las personas con diversidad funcional en Colombia

La discriminación y la desigualdad en las oportunidades y condiciones laborales son evidentes en el ámbito del trabajo. Específicamente, los derechos laborales de las personas con diversidad funcional son vulnerados por la sociedad incapacitante, que crea para ellos obstáculos físicos y actitudinales que generan la discapacidad. Frente a lo anterior, el modelo social enfocado en derechos y las acciones afirmativas son aspectos fundamentales para lograr la inclusión laboral de las personas con diversidad funcional. Debido al escaso y desorganizado desarrollo jurídico y doctrinal de los ajustes razonables en Colombia, se trazó el objetivo general de esta investigación, que fue establecer su alcance jurídico en los puestos de trabajo para las personas con diversidad funcional en Colombia. Para lograrlo, se hizo una revisión bibliográfica de fuentes nacionales e internacionales, interpretación de normatividad jurídica y análisis jurisprudencial en el ámbito nacional relacionada con el tema mencionado, como parte del método documental y del enfoque cualitativo. Como resultados, se estableció el alcance, que comprendió su concepto, clasificación según el tipo de discapacidad y sus límites. Para finalizar, Colombia tiene un deber constitucional de garantizar la inclusión laboral de las personas con diversidad funcional, sujetos de derechos y de especial protección constitucional, con respaldo de la Convención sobre los Derechos de las Personas con Discapacidad. Pues bien, los ajustes razonables no son concesiones especiales, sino más bien, un deber para la sociedad de conocer, aplicar y, en consecuencia, respetar los derechos humanos de las personas con diversidad funcional.

Lymnaeidae from Santander and bordering departments of Colombia: Morphological characterization, molecular identification and natural infection with Fasciola hepatica.

The Lymnaeidae constitute a family of freshwater gastropod molluscs whose diversity and ecology have been infrequently studied throughout Colombia. Some lymnaeid species act as intermediate hosts of trematode parasites, which are of great importance in both the veterinary and medical fields. Among trematode parasites, Fasciola hepatica is best known for being an important parasite of sheep and cattle for decades and causes significant economic losses in these livestock species. The main objective of this work is to identify the various species of lymnaeids that occupy different geographical regions of Santander and its bordering departments within Colombia. This will expand the knowledge of lymnaeid diversity in Colombia and provide further insight into their role in the transmission of F. hepatica. A total of 118 georeferenced sites between 126m.a.s.l. and 3870m.a.s.l. were sampled in Santander, Boyacá, Norte de Santander and Cundinamarca, respectively. Lymnaeid snails were identified according to the morphology of their shells and by several characteristics of their reproductive systems. Species identification was confirmed using DNA barcoding. Four lymnaeid species are reported in the study area: the native Galba cousini and three exotic species, Pseudosuccinea columella, G. truncatula and G. schirazensis. The four species were examined for natural infection with F. hepatica. Infected variants of the main snail host, G. cousini, were found in the Onzaga, Encino and Vetas municipalities of Santander, as well as in the Belén municipality of Boyacá. A second species, G. truncatula was also found naturally infected in Mutiscua municipality of Norte de Santander. The two other species, P. columella and G. schirazensis were found free of infection.

Plasmodium vivax Cell Traversal Protein for Ookinetes and Sporozoites (CelTOS) Functionally Restricted Regions Are Involved in Specific Host-Pathogen Interactions.

Following the injection of Plasmodium sporozoites by a female Anopheles mosquito into the dermis, they become engaged on a long journey to hepatic tissue where they must migrate through different types of cell to become established in parasitophorous vacuoles in hepatocytes. Studies have shown that proteins such as cell traversal protein for Plasmodium ookinetes and sporozoites (CelTOS) play a crucial role in cell-traversal ability. Although CelTOS has been extensively studied in various species and included in pre-clinical assays it remains unknown which P. vivax CelTOS (PvCelTOS) regions are key in its interaction with traversed or target cells (Kupffer or hepatocytes) and what type of pressure, association and polymorphism these important regions could have to improve their candidacy as important vaccine antigens. This work has described producing a recombinant PvCelTOS which was recognized by ~30% P. vivax-infected individuals, thereby confirming its ability for inducing a natural immune response. PvCelTOS' genetic diversity in Colombia and its ability to interact with HeLa (traversal cell) and/or HepG2 cell (target cell) external membrane have been assessed. One region in the PvCelTOS amino-terminal region and another in its C-terminus were seen to be participating in host-pathogen interactions. These regions had important functional constraint signals (ω < 0.3 and several sites under negative selection) and were able to inhibit specific rPvCelTOS binding to HeLa cells. This led to suggesting that sequences between aa 41–60 (40833) and 141–160 (40838) represent promising candidates for an anti-P. vivax subunit-based vaccine.

Comparative analysis of the properties of Guadua Angustifolia Kunt as an innovative and cost-effective material in structural construction

In construction the conventional materials have been evolving with the purpose of minimizing the problem with the environment, due to this new materials are born that are being studied, a clear example of this is the bamboo, that is a material 100% natural and with great diversity in Colombia. This work analyzes and compares the properties of bamboo angustifolia Kunth as a construction material, determining some of its most favorable characteristics according to the studies carried out in Colombia, giving it an approach for its use as a structural element in addition to cataloguing it as a renewable, sustainable and nature-friendly material. The content is organized with a classification of the studies and laboratories made to the guadua angustifolia Kunth, the characteristics found from those studies and the description of the different locations of guadua in Colombia.

Using next‐generation sequencing for characterising HLA‐DRB1 and DQB1 loci in a cohort of Colombian women

The Colombian population is characterised by a high genetic diversity, secondary to the ethnic mixture arising from colonisation. Unfortunately, few reports are available regarding HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 diversity in Colombia to date. HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 diversity was identified in this study using next-generating sequencing (NGS) on a cohort of Colombian women. Cervical samples taken from 276 women were used for typing DRB1 and DQB1 loci by Illumina MiSeq. Allele and haplotype frequencies were calculated using an expectation-maximisation algorithm. Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and linkage disequilibrium (LD) between loci were evaluated. Forty-seven DRB1 alleles and 14 DQB1 alleles were identified. DRB1*04:07:01G and DQB1*03:02:01G alleles occurred most frequently in the target population. Significant LD was found in 44 out of the 144 identified haplotypes, within which DRB1*04:07:01G-DQB1*03:02:01G occurred most frequently (6.56%). The alleles and haplotypes found with NGS agreed with that found in previous reports involving lower resolution for the Colombian population, and greater genetic variability was found, especially concerning DRB1. Comparing allele and haplotype frequency distribution in the target population to that of other populations denoted HLA system intra- and inter-population diversity.

Elemental and isotopic assessment for Colombian orchids from a montane cloud forest: a baseline for global environmental change

Orchidaceae is the largest family of plants, reaching its maximum diversity in Colombia where 4000 species have been registered. One particular ecosystem with high diversity of orchids is the tropical montane cloud forest characterized by high humidity and low air temperatures. However, due to anthropic pressure such as land use change its area has been reduced. This is not the only anthropic disturbance that can affect the continuity of this forest and orchids, climate change and nitrogen deposition also become threats. By means of elemental composition and isotopic measurements of carbon and nitrogen, we determined the photosynthetic pathway for orchids from a tropical cloud forest in Colombia, for which, we also evaluated the nutritional status of nitrogen and its relationship with atmospheric deposition. We found 46 species from 18 genera; of these, 19 species were epiphytic, 9 lithophytic and 18 terrestrials. The carbon content was not significantly different among the species evaluated, averaging 46.4 ± 0.41% (dry weight). In turn, only one terrestrial orchid had a nitrogen content above 2.2%, averaged 1.4 ± 0.07% for the remaining 45 species. The δ13C that averaged − 28.1 ± 0.4‰ for 45 species was typical of C3 plants, while only one species, whose δ13C of 18.8‰ can be considered CAM. The δ15N values for 44 orchids were negative, in total they ranged from − 8.1 to 4.5‰. It can be concluded that the temperatures in this area are not yet high enough to produce a noticeable change in photosynthesis as evidenced by the carbon content of orchids, however, the expected rise would bring harmful consequences for these populations of orchids, especially when considering that these orchids were collected at the highest altitudinal range of the region. Moreover, the rates of nitrogen deposition are not high enough yet to leave a significant signal in the vegetation.

Elementos para una crítica de las políticas dirigidas a la protección de la diversidad cultural en Colombia

En este artículo se reflexiona sobre los fundamentos y las consecuencias de las políticas dirigidas a la protección de la diversidad cultural en Colombia. Se presenta un esbozo histórico sobre la evolución de las ideas dominantes, a propósito de la alteridad racial y cultural desde el siglo xix hasta los comienzos del siglo xxi, y se analizan acciones y documentos institucionales para sustentar una crítica sobre la relación entre la noción de “protección de la diversidad cultural” y otros conceptos como los de “daño cultural”, “preservación de tradiciones” y “autenticidad”. Se concluye que las concepciones hegemónicas sobre la diversidad cultural son incongruentes con respecto a las realidades socioculturales del país, insistiendo en la necesidad de revaluar las políticas dirigidas a la protección de la diversidad cultural, puesto que las existentes son confusas, insostenibles a futuro e ineficaces en su pretensión de ayudar a las comunidades más marginalizadas.

ICTs as promoters of diversity and the training of child educators

This article emerges from the research framework "State of art at a national level of early childhood education in and for diversity", as part of the project "Pedagogical architecture, didactic and technology for teacher-training for diversity" co-financed by COLCIENCIAS and which is also part of the "Alliance of institutions for the development of education and technology in Colombia” AIDETC, seeking to identify national trends of teacher-training in early childhood education to orient training programs for teachers in and for diversity in Colombia. The inquiry has considered of great importance the incorporation of technological resources to support programs regarding diversity, thus this article presents the current trends of use, possibilities, ICT use and appropriation to accept diversity in Colombia, result of inquiry at Colombian universities with early childhood education programs, through the selection of programs, the documentary analysis of their curricula and application of interviews, to interpret the inclination of the programs in the use of technology tools for teacher-training and in this way provide a general look that enriches the processes of appropriation of ICTs within early childhood education programs.

La pensión especial anticipada de vejez: Un análisis desde la perspectiva de la teoría de la eficacia simbólica del derecho

&#x0D; El presente artículo es el resultado de un proyecto de investigación denominado “La protección constitucional y legal del sistema de seguridad social en pensiones al hijo con diversidad funcional en Colombia”. El estudio se realizó desde el campo de la seguridad social, y en particular se relaciona con la prestación económica establecida por el legislador en el año 2003, conocida como la pensión especial anticipada de vejez cuyo principal objetivo teórico es brindar protección a los progenitores de hijos que se encuentran en situación de diversidad funcional.&#x0D; La investigación realiza un análisis de la prestación económica mencionada a la luz de la teoría de la eficacia simbólica del derecho, estableciendo que la normativa que regula este derecho se enmarca en un plano formal, retórico y simbólico al no permitir una efectividad material para amparar y proteger al colectivo que se encuentra en situación de diversidad funcional, que por su situación de vulnerabilidad requiere especial protección del Estado colombiano, tal como lo exigen claros preceptos constitucionales integrados a nuestro ordenamiento jurídico por exigencias del bloque de constitucionalidad. &#x0D;

Characterization of lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam.) genetic diversity in the department of Boyaca, Colombia

Lulo ( Solanum quitoense Lam.) is an exotic fruit with major economic importance in the Andean region. It has gained importance in the agricultural sector due to organoleptic and cultivation characteristics. There are not studies on this plant genetic resource in the province of Neira, Boyaca department, Colombia. Given these concerns, the aim of this research was to characterize the genetic diversity with random amplified microsatellite markers (RAM). Twenty-one lulo materials were collected in the Soaquira and Sacaneca, Boyaca-Colombia districts to calculate genetic diversity and similarity indices. In addition, the analysis with the Nei-Li coefficient formed three groups at 0.60 similarity level showing a loose distribution of the materials without a relationship with the geographical site or the presence or absence of thorns. The seven RAM markers generated 346 alleles, ranging between 43 and 48 for CT and TG, respectively. The average estimated heterozygosity values ranged from 0.33 for TG and 0.40 for CGA. The average value for all evaluated lulo materials was 0.36, higher than the reported value in other studies on lulo genetic diversity in Colombia. The average Fst value for the 20 evaluated materials was 0.14, showing a moderate genetic differentiation. Overall, the RAM markers identified genetic variability in the study area, the need for levels of subdivision and hierarchization greater than those considered in this research, which would have allowed a better use of the plant genetic diversity present in the lulo materials in the province of Neira-Boyaca, Colombia.

Pollination of the cycad Zamia incognita A. Lindstr. &amp; Idárraga by Pharaxonotha beetles in the Magdalena Medio Valley, Colombia: a mutualism dependent on a specific pollinator and its significance for conservation

The genus Zamia (Zamiaceae: Cycadales) exhibits its greatest diversity in Colombia and is highly threatened by habitat loss, extraction for ornamental plant trade, and mining, among other factors. One of the most important considerations for the effective conservation of Zamia is its highly specialized reproductive biology. Despite the importance of pollination for the populations’ viability, no studies have examined the pollination process of cycads in Colombia. Herein, we describe the pollination process of Zamia incognita A. Lindstr. & Idarraga, in a natural population. Exclusion experiments were performed by selectively excluding wind, beetles, both, or neither, which demonstrated that Pharaxonotha beetles are effective pollinators of Zamia incognita and that wind does not play any role as pollen vector. By following beetles marked with fluorescent dyes and directly observing beetle movements on and into female cones and micropyles, we confirmed that Pharaxonotha sp. is the effective pollinator of Z. incognita. The beetles traveled a maximum dispersal distance from a male to female cone of nearly 22 m and a minimum distance of 5 m. We found Pharaxonotha beetles in male cones, where they complete their life cycle. Cones produce heat in a circadian pattern associated with the elongation of the cones and pollen shedding. The increase in cones’ temperature appears to play an important role in beetle attraction. We suggest that pollination droplets on the micropyles would be a reward to pollinators. We also discuss the relationship of this Zamia species with other insects, which have important consequences for the conservation of web interactions.

Updated list of the mosquitoes of Colombia (Diptera: Culicidae).

BackgroundA revised list of the mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) known to occur in Colombia is presented. A total of 324 species from 28 genera of Culicidae are included. The species names are organized in alphabetical order according to the current generic and subgeneric classification, along with their authorship. The list is compiled in order to support mosquito research in Colombia.New informationOur systematic review and literature survey found, by 16 February 2015, 13 records of culicid species previously overlooked by mosquito catalogs for Colombia: Anopheles costai da Fonseca & da Silva Ramos, 1939, An. fluminensis Root, 1927, An. malefactor Dyar & Knab, 1907, An. shannoni Davis, 1931, An. vargasi Galbadón, Cova García & Lopez, 1941, Culex mesodenticulatus Galindo & Mendez, 1961, Haemagogus capricornii Lutz, 1904, Isostomyia espini (Martini, 1914), Johnbelkinia leucopus (Dyar & Knab, 1906), Mansonia indubitans Dyar & Shannon, 1925, Psorophora saeva Dyar & Knab, 1906, Sabethes glaucodaemon (Dyar & Shannon, 1925), and Wyeomyia intonca Dyar & Knab, 1909. Moreover, Wyeomyia (Dendromyia) luteoventralis Theobald, 1901 is recorded for Colombia for the first time. This work provides important insights into mosquito diversity in Colombia, using the current nomenclature and phylogenetic rankings.

A complex population structure of the cassava pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis in recent years in the Caribbean Region of Colombia.

Cassava bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis (Xam), is the most important bacterial disease affecting this crop. A continuous surveillance of the pathogen population dynamics is required to develop an efficient disease management program. During the 1990s, Xam populations showed high levels of genetic variation and relevant migratory processes that were important determinants of the distribution of the pathogen diversity in Colombia. Aiming to characterize the current population structure of the pathogen and the evolutionary forces that shape these populations, sampling collections were carried out from September 2008 until November 2010 in the Colombian Caribbean Region. One hundred and sixty bacterial isolates were characterized using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Additionally, a subset of effector genes were sequenced in some isolates to determine their usefulness in Xam population studies and to provide additional information to that obtained with AFLPs. Virulence patterns of ten isolates were determined in nine cassava accessions. Our results show a complex architecture of population and confirm migratory process previously reported in the Caribbean Region. Chinú, one of the locations sampled, presented remarkable features in population dynamics such as longer genetic distances, higher diversity indices, and a genetically differentiated population when it was compared with other locations. Virulence tests showed that MCOL2215, one of the most cultivated cassava varieties in the Caribbean coast, was susceptible to the majority of Xam isolates tested. This study shows the current condition of populations of Xam in the Caribbean Region of Colombia, and it contributes to improve the existing bacterial blight control practices.

A new species of Allobates (Anura, Dendrobatidae) from the western flank of the Serranía de Perijá, Colombia

A new species of nurse frog is described from the Serranía de Perijá, Colombia. The new species is the fourth trans-Andean species in the genus Allobates. The new species is very similar to Allobates wayuu and also resembles A.melanolaemus, A. mcdiarmidi, A. niputidea, A. spumaponens and A. trilineatus, but differs in the type of posterior joiningof the dorsolateral stripe, pattern of coloration on the gular-chest region in males, ventral coloration in females, and by thepattern of the oblique lateral stripe; moreover, their similar are geographically isolate. Although Allobates is the secondlargest genus of dendrobatids (45 species), in Colombia, it has a diversity of thirteen species (including the new one described herein), nine cis-Andean and four trans-Andean. It is probable that the diversity in Colombia is underestimated.