Order Anura Higher classification Atelopus | Phylum Chordata Family Bufonidae Scientific name Atelopus chiriquiensis Rank Species | |
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Similar Atelopus, Frog, Amphibians, Atelopus pulcher, True toad | ||
Atelopus chiriquiensis, the Chiriqui harlequin frog or Lewis' stubfoot toad, is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae found in the Cordillera de Talamanca in Costa Rica and western Panama (Province and Bocas del Toro Provinces). Its natural habitats are stream margins in lower montane wet forests and rainforests. Its elevational range is 1,400–2,500 m (4,600–8,200 ft) asl.
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Description
Atelopus chiriquiensis is a moderately sized toad: males measure 28–34 mm (1.1–1.3 in) in snout–vent length and females 36–49 mm (1.4–1.9 in). Colouring is highly variable and usually different between males and females. They have weakly developed and relatively inconspicuous poison glands scattered over the head and dorsum; nevertheless, they produce tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin.
Conservation status
This once locally abundant species has not been seen in Costa Rica after 1996 and is considered extinct the country. It may also have disappeared from Panama as there are no records since late 1990s. The decline is probably linked to chytridiomycosis. Habitat loss and introduced trout are also threats.