STOP THE FOREST STUBFOOT TOAD'S IMMINANT EXTINCTION

Read our Stubfoot Toad Project Strategy
Is the forest stubfoot toad (Atelopus farci) extinct?
This toad is a critically endangered endemic species to the mountain of central Colombia. It was common in the wild until 1995. Since then, the number of toads decreased drastically. The last surveys of 2002-03 found only one tadpole and no adult toads. Immediate surveys are needed to evaluate the status of this toad. This species is currently presumed to be present in less than five hectares!

Very little is known about the forest stubfoot toad. It occurs in streams in cloud forest of the cordillera Oriental between 2000-2200 meters. It appears to favor areas with abundant native vegetation. Most individuals were previously observed in October near a cascade where relative humidity was high. This species is diurnal.

Researchers believe that the fungus chytridiomycosis has had a devastating impact on the forest stubfoot toad. Other current threats to this species include habitat loss caused by agricultural border expansion, cattle ranching, and human settlements.

OUR OBJECTIVES:
Current status: Critically Endangered Species;
Our future status objective: Not an endangered species!

We are preparing a research and conservation strategy to save the forest stubfoot toad from becoming extinct. If no immediate action is implemented, it is very likely that the forest stubfoot toad will be gone forever in the very near future.

Our objectives include:

Conducting additional inventories of population numbers and range save
Conduct a monitoring program of remaining populations
Studying the ecology of the forest stubfoot toad
Evaluating treats
Developing an educational awareness campaign
Working in close relationship with farmers and developers to reduce impact on habitat of the forest stubfoot toad
Providing immediate conservation measures