Carlos Alberto Galindo Martinez
Colombia is the country with the highest number of threatened amphibian species in the world. Many of these species are not well-known. Among amphibians, the glass frogs of the Centrolenidae family are a charismatic group due to their diverse colors, shapes, and unique adaptations that make their bodies translucent. This transparency allows the observation of their internal organs, muscles, and even bones. Furthermore, these frogs are restricted to small, high-quality streams with minimal human intervention, making them good indicators of habitat quality.
Centrolene antioquiensis. © Ricardo Medina.
This project focuses on studying the patterns of vocal activity, distribution, and ecology of two species of glass frogs, Centrolene antioquiensis and Nymphargus rosada, in Padua village in the Central Cordillera of the Tropical Andes (Tolima, Colombia).
To achieve this, the study uses passive acoustic monitoring and detailed microenvironmental data logging within a citizen science framework. This approach allows us to map the distribution of these species in Padua and monitor their soundscape and vocal activity for a year. For this, the research will be developed with students and professors from the Juan XXIII educational institution, as well as other local actors who will participate in field activities and the analysis of acoustic and microenvironmental data.
Our results will enhance understanding of the behavior, ecology, and distribution of these two little-known species of glass frogs, contributing to the appropriation and awareness of biodiversity within the local community.
Header: Nymphargus rosada. © Ricardo Medina.