Harlequin Frogs Research Articles

Release trial of captive-bred variable harlequin frogs Atelopus varius shows that frogs disperse rapidly, are difficult to recapture and do not readily regain skin toxicity—ERRATUM

Release trial of captive-bred variable harlequin frogs <i>Atelopus varius</i> shows that frogs disperse rapidly, are difficult to recapture and do not readily regain skin toxicity—ERRATUM

Release trial of captive-bred variable harlequin frogs Atelopus varius shows that frogs disperse rapidly, are difficult to recapture and do not readily regain skin toxicity

AbstractVariable harlequin frogs Atelopus varius have declined significantly throughout their range as a result of infection with the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). The Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project maintains an ex situ population of this Critically Endangered species. We conducted a release trial with surplus captive-bred A. varius individuals to improve our ability to monitor frog populations post-release, observe dispersal patterns after freeing them into the wild and learn about threats to released frogs, as well as to determine whether natural skin toxin defences of frogs could be restored inside mesocosms in the wild and to compare Bd dynamics in natural amphibian communities at the release site vs a non-release site. The 458 released frogs dispersed rapidly and were difficult to re-encounter unless they carried a radio transmitter. No frog was seen after 36 days following release. Thirty frogs were fitted with radio transmitters and only half were trackable by day 10. Tetrodotoxin was not detected in the skins of the frogs inside mesocosms for up to 79 days. Bd loads in other species present at sites were high prior to release and decreased over time in a pattern probably driven by weather. No differences were observed in Bd prevalence between the release and non-release sites. This trial showed that refinements of our methods and approaches are required to study captive Atelopus frogs released into wild conditions. We recommend continuing release trials of captive-bred frogs with post-release monitoring methods, using an adaptive management framework to advance the field of amphibian reintroduction ecology.

Movement and survival of captive-bred Limosa harlequin frogs (Atelopus limosus) released into the wild

The endangered Limosa harlequin frog Atelopus limosus has experienced significant chytridiomycosis-related declines, but has been successfully bred in captivity as part of the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project. We conducted the first Atelopus release trial using 83 captive-bred A. limosus, and monitored individuals as they transitioned from captivity back into the wild at a site within their historic distribution with no extant population. We acclimated 23 animals to the environment prior to release by holding them in mesocosms for 30 days (soft release) and released a further 60 animals without prior acclimation (hard release). We radio-tracked a subsample of animals in each treatment group. We used a Bayesian mark–recapture analysis to integrate known fate data from radio-tracked individuals with data from resighted individuals that had unknown fates. For this analysis, we allowed survival to differ between release treatments (hard vs. soft) and assumed detection probability would differ between tracking methods. Per-survey detection probability was about 0.02 for individuals without radio transmitters vs. 0.88 for radio-tracked frogs. We observed that hard-released animals initially dispersed further than soft-released animals, and, despite the fact that 25% of the soft-released animals were Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd)-positive on release day, their estimated 30-day survival probability was 0.46 (vs. 0.31 for the hard-released animals). The insights from this release trial can be used in an adaptive management framework to improve and refine release methods that will inform the nascent field of amphibian reintroduction ecology.

Solar Activity Cause and Effect of Climate Variability and Their Various Impacts

This paper addresses the Solar Activity cause and effect of climate change and their various impacts. Earth’s climate is determined by complex interactions among the Sun, oceans, atmosphere, cryosphere, land surface and biosphere. The Sun is the principal driving force for Earth’s weather and climate. The Sun’s energy is distributed unevenly on Earth’s surface due to the tilt of Earth’s axis of rotation. Over the course of a year, the angle of rotation results in equatorial areas receiving more solar energy than those near the poles. As a result, the tropical oceans and land masses absorb a great deal more heat than the other regions of Earth. The atmosphere and oceans act together to redistribute this heat. As the equatorial waters warm air near the ocean surface, it expands, rises and drifts towards the poles; cooler denser air from the subtropics and the poles moves toward the equator to take its place. This continual redistribution of heat is modified by the planet’s west to east rotation and the Coriolis force associated with the planet’s spherical shape, giving rise to the high jet streams and the prevailing westerly trade winds. The winds, in turn, along with Earth’s rotation, drive large ocean currents such as the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic, the Humboldt Current in the South Pacific, and the North and South Equatorial Currents. Ocean currents redistribute warmers waters away from the tropics towards the poles. The ocean and atmosphere exchange heat and water, carbon dioxide and other gases. By its mass and high heat capacity, the ocean moderates climate change from season to season and year to year. These complex, changing atmospheric and oceanic patterns help determine Earth’s weather and climate. Scientists all over the world are making predictions about the ill effects of Global warming and connecting events. The effect of global warming is increasing the average temperature of the Earth. A rise in Earth’s temperatures can in turn root to other alterations in the ecology, including an increasing sea level and modifying the quantity and pattern of rainfall. These modifications may boost the occurrence and concentration of severe climate events, such as floods, famines, heat waves, tornados, and twisters. Other consequences may comprise of higher or lower agricultural outputs, glacier melting, lesser summer stream flows, genus extinctions and rise in the ranges of disease vectors. As an effect of global warming species like golden toad, harlequin frog of Costa Rica has already become extinct. There are number of species that have a threat of disappearing soon as an effect of global warming. As an effect of global warming various new diseases have emerged lately. These diseases are occurring frequently due to the increase in Earths average temperature since the bacteria can survive better in elevated temperatures and even multiply faster when the conditions are favorable. The global warming is extending the distribution of mosquitoes due to the increase in humidity levels and their frequent growth in warmer atmosphere. Various diseases due to ebola, hanta and machupo virus are expected due to warmer climates. The marine life is also very sensitive to the increase in temperatures. The effect of global warming will definitely be seen on some species in the water. A survey was made in which the marine life reacted significantly to the changes in water temperatures. It is expected that many species will die off or become extinct due to the increase in the temperatures of the water, whereas various other species, which prefer warmer waters, will increase tremendously. Perhaps the most disturbing changes are expected in the coral reefs that are expected to die off as an effect of global warming. The global warming is expected to cause irreversible changes in the ecosystem and the behavior of animals

Body condition, skin bacterial communities and disease status: insights from the first release trial of the limosa harlequin frog, Atelopus limosus.

Many endangered amphibian species survive in captive breeding facilities, but there have been few attempts to reintroduce captive-born individuals to rebuild wild populations. We conducted a soft-release trial of limosa harlequin frogs, Atelopus limosus, which are highly susceptible to the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), to understand changes associated with the transition from captivity to the wild. Specifically, we assessed changes in body condition, skin-associated bacterial communities and disease status after release. Frogs were housed individually in field mesocosms and monitored for 27 days. Body condition did not significantly change in the mesocosms, and was similar to, or higher than, that of wild conspecifics at day 27. The skin bacteria of captive-born frogs, based on 16S rRNA gene amplicons, became similar to that of wild conspecifics after 27 days in mesocosms. Prevalence of Bd in wild conspecifics was 13-27%, and 15% of the A. limosus in mesocosms became infected with Bd, but no mortality of infected frogs was observed. We conclude that mesocosms are suitable for systematically and repeatedly monitoring amphibians during release trials, and that body condition, the skin microbiome, and Bd status can all change within one month of placement of captive-born individuals back into the wild.

Effects of captivity and rewilding on amphibian skin microbiomes

Captive breeding to safeguard against extirpation in the wild is a practice for many animal groups. Animals in captivity experience reduced contact with natural substrates and other animals, and consume atypical diets that may alter naturally occurring microbial associations. Amphibian skin microbiomes are vital for amphibian health, protecting them from pathogens and aiding in development, immune system training, and fecundity. Thus, understanding how changes associated with captivity influence microbial communities and the health of captive-reared amphibians is an important consideration in captive breeding and reintroduction programs. Overarching patterns of amphibian microbial diversity in captivity have not been previously explored. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of skin microbes from captive-managed and wild individuals of 18 salamander and frog species from temperate and tropical biomes. We found that microbial composition of captive and wild amphibians differed for all species. However, while the overall captivity effect on amphibian skin richness was significant, the direction of the captivity effect on diversity metrics and antifungal function differed depending on the host species. One species exhibiting a large skin microbiome shift in captivity is the variable harlequin frog, Atelopus varius. A soft-release of A. varius to outdoor mesocosms “restored” the microbiome through time, and frogs also increased antifungal function of their skin microbiome with time in mesocosms. Rewilding the microbiome may influence resistance to diseases such as chytridiomycosis. Indeed, evaluating the outcome of individual species is necessary until we have a cohesive approach to mediate shifts of amphibian skin microbes that result from captivity.

Development of assisted reproductive technologies for the conservation of Atelopus sp. (spumarius complex)

Amphibians are in peril, given the ongoing sixth mass extinction of wildlife. Thus, Conservation Breeding Programs (CBPs) are attempting to breed some species under laboratory conditions. The incorporation of assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs), such as hormonal stimulation, sperm collection and cryopreservation, and in vitro fertilization is contributing to successful CBPs. The objective of this study was to apply ARTs in sexually mature individuals of an undescribed species of Atelopus (spumarius complex) (harlequin frog). Our procedure involves hormonal induction of gametogenesis in this species. We were able to induce gamete release through administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in males, and in females this has been achieved through the sequential administration of hCG (priming doses), and combinations of hCG with gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue, GnRHa (ovulary dose). We standardized sperm cryopreservation by performing toxicity tests of cryoprotectants, fast/slow freezing and thawing, as well as supplementation of non-penetrating cryoprotectants (sugars). Next, we performed in vitro fertilization, evaluated the fertilization capacity of the cryopreserved sperm, and describe external features of fresh and cryopreserved sperm. We found that 10 IU/g hCG induced the release of the highest sperm concentrations between 3 and 5 h post-injection, while 2.5 IU/g hCG induced the release of eggs in most treated females. Under cryopreservation conditions, the highest recovery of forward progressive motility or FPM was 26.3 ± 3.5%, which was obtained in cryosuspensions prepared with the 5% DMF and 2.5% sucrose. Cryopreserved sperm showed narrower mitochondrial vesicles after thawing, while in frozen samples without cryodiluent showed 31% of spermatozoa lost their tails. In most cases, our attempts of in vitro fertilization were successful. However, only ∼10% of embryos were viable. Overall, our study demonstrates that the development of ARTs in individuals of Atelopus sp. (spumarius complex) bred in laboratory can be successful, which result in viable offspring through in vitro fertilization. Our study provides a baseline for assisted breeding protocols applicable to other harlequin frogs of the genus Atelopus.

TO AVOID AIR BORN INFECTION IN TODAYS ERA AT URBAN AREA NEEDS PROPER HOME VENTILATION WITH RESPECT TO VENTILATION AND CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

With the outbreak of deadly Coronavirus in China and other parts of the world, experts suggest that staying in well-ventilated areas can avert infection by the virus. The 1990s decade was the warmest and the year 1998 was the warmest recorded since 1861. More than half of the 110 known Harlequin frog species have vanished due to climate change and global warming. 14.6 million hectares of natural forest are lost each year in an area than England. Because of the rising temperature, polar bears are waking up early from their winter slumber. When they are not able to hibernate, they become grouchy and increasingly aggressive. UN secretary called climatically changes as the biggest challenge of 21stcenture. Exactly the changes worsen the lifestyle of manhood life and animal kingdom also. In 2020 we are facing Covid19 Pandemic crisis in the Urban-rural area. In an urban area, people are affected by this pandemic more than rural people. The environmental researchers stated in various studies that urban people are living in congested air due to inflation and lack of space for living to compare to the rural people. The urban public has a lack of ventilation in structural development. To Avoid Air Born Infection In Today’s Era at Urban Area Needs Proper Home Ventilation with respect to Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19). If you are using an air purifier, people must also ensure proper maintenance by following the advice of the manufacturer. If fans are used, they should be mounted where room air can be exhausted directly through a window into the outside area. Another way to reduce the spread of viruses according to experts is by letting fresh air in by keeping windows and doors open.

A STUDY ON EATING HABITS, STRESS, ENDOCRINE DISRUPTOR EXPOSURE BEHAVIOUR AND PREMENSTRU-AL SYNDROME IN FEMALE COLLEGE STUDENTS

With the outbreak of deadly Coronavirus in China and other parts of the world, experts suggest that staying in well-ventilated areas can avert infection by the virus. The 1990s decade was the warmest and the year 1998 was the warmest recorded since 1861. More than half of the 110 known Harlequin frog species have vanished due to climate change and global warming. 14.6 million hectares of natural forest are lost each year in an area than England. Because of the rising temperature, polar bears are waking up early from their winter slumber. When they are not able to hibernate, they become grouchy and increasingly aggressive. UN secretary called climatically changes as the biggest challenge of 21stcenture. Exactly the changes worsen the lifestyle of manhood life and animal kingdom also. In 2020 we are facing Covid19 Pandemic crisis in the Urban-rural area. In an urban area, people are affected by this pandemic more than rural people. The environmental researchers stated in various studies that urban people are living in congested air due to inflation and lack of space for living to compare to the rural people. The urban public has a lack of ventilation in structural development. To Avoid Air Born Infection In Todays Era at Urban Area Needs Proper Home Ventilation with respect to Ventilation and Coronavirus (COVID-19). If you are using an air purifier, people must also ensure proper maintenance by following the advice of the manufacturer. If fans are used, they should be mounted where room air can be exhausted directly through a window into the outside area. Another way to reduce the spread of viruses according to experts is by letting fresh air in by keeping windows and doors open.

Automated detection of frog calls and choruses by pulse repetition rate.

Anurans (frogs and toads) are among the most globally threatened taxonomic groups. Successful conservation of anurans will rely on improved data on the status and changes in local populations, particularly for rare and threatened species. Automated sensors, such as acoustic recorders, have the potential to provide such data by massively increasing the spatial and temporal scale of population sampling efforts. Analyzing such data sets will require robust and efficient tools that can automatically identify the presence of a species in audio recordings. Like bats and birds, many anuran species produce distinct vocalizations that can be captured by autonomous acoustic recorders and represent excellent candidates for automated recognition. However, in contrast to birds and bats, effective automated acoustic recognition tools for anurans are not yet widely available. An effective automated call‐recognition method for anurans must be robust to the challenges of real‐world field data and should not require extensive labeled data sets. We devised a vocalization identification tool that classifies anuran vocalizations in audio recordings based on their periodic structure: the repeat interval‐based bioacoustic identification tool (RIBBIT). We applied RIBBIT to field recordings to study the boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata) of temperate North American grasslands and the critically endangered variable harlequin frog (Atelopus varius) of tropical Central American rainforests. The tool accurately identified boreal chorus frogs, even when they vocalized in heavily overlapping choruses and identified variable harlequin frog vocalizations at a field site where it had been very rarely encountered in visual surveys. Using a few simple parameters, RIBBIT can detect any vocalization with a periodic structure, including those of many anurans, insects, birds, and mammals. We provide open‐source implementations of RIBBIT in Python and R to support its use for other taxa and communities.

Whole exome sequencing identifies the potential for genetic rescue in iconic and critically endangered Panamanian harlequin frogs.

Avoiding extinction in a rapidly changing environment often relies on a species' ability to quickly adapt in the face of extreme selective pressures. In Panamá, two closely related harlequin frog species (Atelopus varius and Atelopus zeteki) are threatened with extinction due to the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Once thought to be nearly extirpated from Panamá, A.varius have recently been rediscovered in multiple localities across their historical range; however, A.zeteki are possibly extinct in the wild. By leveraging a unique collection of 186 Atelopus tissue samples collected before and after the Bd outbreak in Panama, we describe the genetics of persistence for these species on the brink of extinction. We sequenced the transcriptome and developed an exome-capture assay to sequence the coding regions of the Atelopus genome. Using these genetic data, we evaluate the population genetic structure of historical A.varius and A.zeteki populations, describe changes in genetic diversity over time, assess the relationship between contemporary and historical individuals, and test the hypothesis that some A.varius populations have rapidly evolved to resist or tolerate Bd infection. We found a significant decrease in genetic diversity in contemporary (compared to historical) A.varius populations. We did not find strong evidence of directional allele frequency change or selection for Bd resistance genes, but we uncovered a set of candidate genes that warrant further study. Additionally, we found preliminary evidence of recent migration and gene flow in one of the largest persisting A.varius populations in Panamá, suggesting the potential for genetic rescue in this system. Finally, we propose that previous conservation units should be modified, as clear genetic breaks do not exist beyond the local population level. Our data lay the groundwork for genetically informed conservation and advance our understanding of how imperiled species might be rescued from extinction.

A new species of Atelopus (Anura: Bufonidae) from southern Peru.

We describe a new harlequin frog (genus Atelopus) from the cloud forest near Anchihuay (Anco District, Ayacucho Department) from 2000 to 2150 m elevation in southern Peru, representing the first record for the genus in the Department of Ayacucho. The new species has a maximum snout-vent length of 21.5 mm in females and 21.6 mm in males, and resembles A. erythropus in general appearance, small size, and dorsal coloration. The new species can be distinguished from A. erythropus by its unique pattern of ventral coloration, dorsal skin texture, and snout shape. We detected the presence of the pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in individuals of the new species. This pathogen is threatening the survival of harlequin frogs throughout the Neotropics. In addition to chytridiomycosis, habitat loss further threatens the single locality where the new species is known to occur.

Recent and Rapid Radiation of the Highly Endangered Harlequin Frogs (Atelopus) into Central America Inferred from Mitochondrial DNA Sequences

Populations of amphibians are experiencing severe declines worldwide. One group with the most catastrophic declines is the Neotropical genus Atelopus (Anura: Bufonidae). Many species of Atelopus have not been seen for decades and all eight Central American species are considered “Critically Endangered”, three of them very likely extinct. Nonetheless, the taxonomy, phylogeny, and biogeographic history of Central American Atelopus are still poorly known. In this study, the phylogenetic relationships among seven of the eight described species in Central America were inferred based on mitochondrial DNA sequences from 103 individuals, including decades-old museum samples and two likely extinct species, plus ten South American species. Among Central American samples, we discovered two candidate species that should be incorporated into conservation programs. Phylogenetic inference revealed a ladderized topology, placing species geographically furthest from South America more nested in the tree. Model-based ancestral area estimation supported either one or two colonization events from South America. Relaxed-clock analysis of divergence times indicated that Atelopus colonized Central America prior to 4 million years ago (Ma), supporting a slightly older than traditional date for the closure of the Isthmus. This study highlights the invaluable role of museum collections in documenting past biodiversity, and these results could guide future conservation efforts. An abstract in Spanish (Resumen) is available as supplementary material.

Urban growth threatens the lowland Amazonian Manaus harlequin frog which represents an evolutionarily significant unit within the genus Atelopus (Amphibia: Anura: Bufonidae)

The Manaus harlequin frog is an evolutionarily significant clade within the Atelopus hoogmoedi species complex. Analyses of 16S and COI concatenated sequences support Atelopus from the Manaus region as an evolutionary significant unit, sister of all species of a Guiana Shield clade. A previous study showed that subtle changes in stream characteristics influence the Manaus harlequin frog occurrence and density variation at local-scale in a reserve on the outskirts of Manaus. As deforestation is approaching areas where the Manaus harlequin frog occurs, we asked how site and landscape heterogeneity influence the geographic boundaries, occurrence patterns, and density variation of the Manaus harlequin frog. We searched for the frog in 80 plots that measured 250 m by 4 m on banks of first- to third-order streams during the rainy seasons in 2012–2013 and 2016–2019. The plot distribution covered all likely areas of occurrence of the Manaus harlequin frog and extended to the areas where it is substituted by its geographically closest relative on the Guiana Shield. Ecological drivers related to climate, flooding events, and forest structure apparently restrict the Manaus harlequin frog to a patchy distribution in a narrow portion of the interfluve between the Negro and Uatuma Rivers. Densities of individuals varied in response to subtle changes in floodplain and stream characteristics. The Manaus harlequin frog is associated with a very specific habitat that is directly affected by the growth of Manaus, the largest city in Amazonia. We conclude that it is endangered and urgent actions are required for its conservation.

The Tadpoles of Two Atelopus Species (Anura: Bufonidae) from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, with Notes on their Ecology and Comments on the Morphology of Atelopus Larvae

We describe for the first time the tadpole of two endemic harlequin frogs of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, north of Colombia: Atelopus nahumae and A. laetissimus. In addition, we provide further morphological data for a third species, A. carrikeri. We also discuss some external morphological features for the tadpoles of these species and compare them with data currently available in the literature for the genus and with other larvae deposited in the amphibian collection of the Instituto de Ciencias Naturales of the National University of Colombia. The examined characters comprise eight morphometric variables and many traits of external morphology related with the oral apparatus, abdominal disc, fins, and dorsal color pattern. The tadpoles of A. nahumae and A. laetissimus are gastromyzophorous and morphologically similar, sharing a great number of features with their congeners. The tadpoles of A. nahumae, A. laetissimus, and A. carrikeri contrast morphometrically; total length and tail width are the morphometric traits that are useful to differentiate among them. They are also differentiated by the size of the abdominal sucker and spiracle. In A. carrikeri, the abdominal sucker is large relative to that of A. nahumae and A. laetissimus; the spiracle of A. laetissimus and A. carrikeri is not visible in ventral and dorsal view, whereas it is large and conspicuous in A. nahumae. The tadpoles of the species from Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta differ from most of their congeners found in the Cordillera Oriental and Central of Colombia by lacking a dark band on the fins and caudal musculature. We recorded abiotic factors of the microhabitat where tadpoles of A. nahumae were observed (temperature, dissolved oxygen, and water depth). Our results indicate that the probability of finding A. nahumae tadpoles depends on the depth of the stream.

Potential effect of habitat disturbance on reproduction of the critically endangered harlequin frog Atelopus varius in Las Tablas, Costa Rica

We studied a population of Atelopus varius in Las Tablas Protected Zone in southwest Costa Rica, where we estimated occupancy rates of tadpoles along the Cotón River. In addition, we report the first tadpoles observed in the wild in 20 years. Tadpole rate of occupancy was greater in habitat containing native forest than in disturbed areas bordering cattle pasture. This same pattern was also reflected in adult hotspots, where encounter rates were higher for adults in habitat surrounded by forest versus pasture. We present evidence for the potential effect of habitat modification on the presence and reproduction of A. varius and suspect that over time this modification impacts the species’ demography. However, further study is necessary before we can confirm that habitat change alone was the key factor involved in patterns of decline for the species.

Conserving Panamanian harlequin frogs by integrating captive-breeding and research programs

Captive breeding programs are a valuable conservation strategy, particularly when integrated with research goals. Panamanian Harlequin frogs (genus Atelopus) serve as a case study for integrating captive breeding and research goals because they have experienced drastic chytridiomycosis-related declines and have large captive populations. Captive breeding efforts in Panama and the United States established secure ex-situ populations of Atelopus certus, A. glyphus, A. limosus, A. varius, and A. zeteki. Atelopus chiriquiensis is presumed to be extinct with no captive populations. The status of one undescribed species, Atelopus aff. limosus, has not been evaluated and no secure captive population has yet been established. Captive breeding efforts that produce a surplus of Atelopus are an important resource for research into collections management, disease mitigation, and adaptive management approaches for Atelopus reintroduction efforts. We reevaluated all Panamanian Atelopus species through the IUCN Redlist and compiled occurrence records for Panamanian Atelopus species to create a historical distribution map. We model Atelopus habitat suitability using Maxent and found annual mean air temperature to be the best predictor of Atelopus occurrence. The model will improve our knowledge of their likely spatial distribution and guide future conservation and reintroduction efforts. The recent proliferation of molecular tools, climate models, bio-banking, and reproductive technologies position us to address multiple applied and basic evolutionary questions such as: What factors cause differential disease outcomes? Do persisting populations have heritable traits associated with improved survivorship? Are there climatic refugia from disease? Ultimately, the answers to these questions will help us develop applied solutions and facilitate the reestablishment of self-sustaining wild populations.

Water-bug (&lt;i&gt;Abedus&lt;/i&gt; SP.; Belostomatidae) Predation on the Critically Endangered &lt;i&gt;Atelopus varius&lt;/i&gt; (Bufonidae) at Las Tablas Protected Zone, Costa Rica

Atelopus varius was believed to be extinct in Costa Rica until the rediscovery of a population within the Las Tablas Protected Zone (LTPZ) in 2008. This rediscovery represented a research and conservation opportunity, including contributing new information about the species´ natural history. There are few reported species that prey on A. varius. This report presents a new predation record by a species of water bug (Abedus spp.) on an adult harlequin frog (A. varius). This is only the second confirmed predator for the species. These water bugs have been reported to prey on anurans during reproductive seasons, but in this case, the event occurred on A. varius out of their reproductive season. The effects of water bug predation on the only known reproductive population of this Critically Endangered species needs to be assessed to consider appropriate conservation measures to prevent further decline of the species.

The relationship between spindly leg syndrome incidence and water composition, overfeeding, and diet in newly metamorphosed harlequin frogs (Atelopus spp.).

Spindly Leg Syndrome (SLS) is a persistent animal welfare issue associated with the rearing of amphibians in captivity. We conducted two experiments to investigate the effects of diet, water composition and overfeeding on prevalence of SLS in newly metamorphosed harlequin frogs (Atelopus spp.). In our first experiment, we offered 400 full-sibling tadpoles of Atelopus certus isocaloric diets in treatments of 31%, 37%, 42% and 48% crude protein respectively. Tadpoles fed higher protein diets metamorphosed faster, but the incidence of SLS exceeded 80% in all treatments leading to the conclusion that variation in dietary protein was not responsible for causing SLS. We used 720 full-sibling Atelopus glyphus tadpoles in a second experiment to examine the effects of diet type, water composition and diet ration on SLS. We found that an overall incidence of 58% spindly leg in tadpoles reared in tap water, but reduced to about 10% in water treated by reverse osmosis and then reconstituted. It is possible that the reverse osmosis treatment removed some factor that caused the SLS, or that the reconstitution may have added a mineral lacking in the original tap water. Within tap water treatments, overfeeding tadpoles in tanks increased the incidence of SLS. We recommend further experimental research into this condition to identify the causative factors in the water. Additional research into the nutritional composition of food available to wild tadpoles would be useful in formulating captive diets, that have to date been solely based on surrogate species.

Not every drought is bad: quantifying reproductive effort in the harlequin frog Atelopus laetissimus (Anura: Bufonidae)

ABSTRACTAtelopus laetissimus is an endemic and threatened harlequin frog from the high mountain forests of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. Knowledge of its reproductive biology is essential for understanding the intraspecific interactions that can help the conservation of Atelopus species. We quantified the energy, measured in body weight, invested by males and females of A. laetissimus for reproduction, and how this energetic investment is related to the survival of individuals and rainfall conditions in habitats during two years (2014 and 2015). Our results show plasticity in terms of reproductive phenology linked to rainfall with short- and long-duration breeding strategies. The first year of this study, 2014, had a precipitation level in accordance with the annual averages at the area. During this time frogs exhibit a short breeding period. Contrary to 2014, 2015 was a year with little precipitation, below the annual averages, which probably facilitated the females’ quick spawning in the creeks and a consequent reduction in the duration of amplexus and low breeding efforts by males. This, in turn, was related to a long breeding period that favors the survival and reproduction of males during the entire year. In 2014 we found a decrease of 25% to 30% body weight of potentially reproductive males, which may be attributed to a prolonged duration of amplectant events.