IUCN Species of the Day: Rabb’s Fringe-Limbed Treefrog

 

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(tm)

Photo credit: Brad Wilson, DVM

 

Rabb’s Fringe-limbed Treefrog, Ecnomiohyla rabborum, is listed as ‘CRITICALLY ENDANGERED’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™. This recently discovered species is found only in the mountains near El Valle de Anton, in central Panama. It inhabits the forest canopy, and may leap from the trees to escape danger, using its outstretched limbs and large, webbed hands and feet to glide safely to the ground.

Already uncommon at the time of its discovery, this rare amphibian may possibly have become extinct in the wild after the fungal disease chytridiomycosis arrived in the region in 2006. In addition to disease, forest clearance for the development of luxury holiday homes threatens the species’ habitat, and its restriction to a single, small site makes any remaining population particularly vulnerable.

A captive breeding programme is underway for Rabb’s Fringe-limbed Treefrog, but has yet to produce positive results. Field surveys are continuing in an attempt to locate any surviving wild individuals, but with perhaps just a single female now remaining, the species’ situation appears to be critical.

 

Geographic Range of Rabb’s Fringe-Limbed TreefrogCredit: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™

 

To learn more about Rabb’s Fringe-Limbed Treefrog, click here.  Or visit the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ by clicking their logo below.

 

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To learn more about the Bush Warriors “Species of the Day” feature, please click here and read up on our initiative to raise awareness about the loss of earth’s biodiversity.

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