Adult individuals detected at the pond of the Gump and Blue Lagoon respectively.

The Laguna-Raimunda Frog (Atelognathus reverberii) is a strictly endemic and rare species from northern Patagonia in Argentina. This frog is listed as endangered species by the IUCN and as an EDGE species by the ZSL. The distributional range of this frog is restricted to temporary lagoons placed in the steppe of a volcanic plateau at more than 800 m elev.

Currently, individuals are only known from five lagoons scattered over the plateau, reaching an area of occupancy of 500 km2. Although the range of the entire population of this species is included within the Somuncura Provincial Reserve, no management actions are being developed to alleviate threats or to protect this species and its habitat. This project attempts to improve the conservation of this frog by performing research, awareness raising and management. We will update the distributional range and conservation status of the whole population of this species. We will assess main habitat requirements and effect of threats on its populations.

The main conservation activity will be the creation of artificial ponds to act as “sanctuaries” for the protection of frogs. These sanctuaries will have optimum qualities and will be free of the impact caused by livestock. The information gathered by this project will be used to perform a monitoring plan for this species oriented to assess population trends through years and to improve the management in an adaptive way. Educational activities will be performed in order to raise awareness among local community and key stakeholders. In this frame we will give conferences in local schools and a local Museum located at Valcheta Town.

We will develop outreach material and spread it between NGO´s, local media, local people and tourists. We also will develop workshops with stakeholders and Park Rangers in order to improve management actions for the protection of this species and its habitat. This project will be the first conservation initiative aimed to protect the Laguna-Raymunda frog.