Bibiana Andrea Tovar Sánchez
Protected areas harbour a diverse array of species, many of which are both endemic and threatened. Colombia faces a significant threat to its amphibian species, with nearly 40% (301 out of 792 species) identified as threatened. Despite this, conservation and monitoring efforts remain incipient. Currently, there is no comprehensive action plan in Colombia for the management of all endangered amphibian species, and the list of threatened species has only been updated as of this year (2024). Fortunately, a significant proportion of Colombia's threatened amphibians inhabit protected areas. However, the existence of protected areas does not guarantee the long-term persistence of species and their ecological processes.
Parque Nacional Natural (PNN) Selva de Florencia is the most important reserve for threatened frog conservation in Colombia. It is located on the eastern side of the Central Cordillera in the Caldas Department, covering an area of slightly more than 100 km², ranging from 850 to 2400 m in elevation. This area is crucial for conservation as it is part of an Important Bird Area, a Key Biodiversity Area, and belongs to the Alliance for Zero Extinction sites. Currently, Selva de Florencia is home to at least 16 threatened frog species (4 Critically Endangered: Pristimantis tribulosus, P. lichenoides, P. torrenticola, and P. veletis; 4 Endangered: P. actinolaimus, P. helvolus, P. parectatus, and Andinobates daleswansoni; and 8 Vulnerable: P. fallax, P. lemur, P. maculosus, P. dorsopictus, P. suetus, A. opisthomelas, Rhinella macrorhina, Gastrotheca bufona, and Nymphargus rosada).
Bibiana Andrea Tovar Sánchez. ©Bibiana Andrea Tovar Sánchez.
Many threatened frog species in Colombia are considered rare or exhibit limited activity, with small populations and unknown ecological and behavioural requirements. This presents a substantial challenge, requiring significant efforts and resources to understand their ecological, biological, and behavioural aspects. Passive acoustic monitoring and microenvironmental data loggers offer a cost-effective methodology, enabling extensive and continuous monitoring (24/7). This approach also promotes citizen participation and engages protected area staff, raising awareness about the region's species and biodiversity.
By implementing this methodology and investing in the training of Selva de Florencia staff, students, volunteers, and other stakeholders, we aim to establish a foundation for sustained monitoring of threatened species. Ultimately, the ability to study, understand, and elucidate the unknown ecological and behavioural aspects of threatened species in Selva de Florencia is a critical contribution, benefiting the local community, area staff, visitors, and academic stakeholders.