Kingdom Animalia Order Anura Genus Atelopus Higher classification Atelopus | Phylum Chordata Family Bufonidae Scientific name Atelopus cruciger Rank Species | |
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Similar Atelopus, Frog, Amphibians, Venezuelan yellow frog, True toad | ||
The Veragua stubfoot toad or Rancho Grande harlequin frog (Atelopus cruciger) is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae endemic to Venezuela. For years, this species was considered extinct because, despite considerable effort, none had been found since 1986. However, in 2003, a small population was found. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, and rivers. It is mainly threatened by chytridiomycosis. It is locally called sapito rayado.
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Habitat
During the dry seasons, these amphibians choose to live near freshwater streams with surrounding vegetation. Streams are the perfect location for them to breed. Their main habitat is located on the mountain slopes in the Cordillera de la Costa of Venezuela. They are not just located in that general area. These frogs live in Carabobo, Distrito Federal, Yaracuy, Miranda Estadoes Aragua, and Vargas. They are also known to live in Estado Cojedes, as well as in Azul. Because of where they have been found, the proper habitat for these frogs likely is along the mountains on the coast of Venezuela.
Ecological role
The main sources of food for these frogs are ants and other small insects; they keep the insect population in check.
Population and conservation
Searches have been conducted for this animal in 2004 and then again in 2008. Before then, in 1986, a small population was found, thus proving these rare and endangered amphibians were not extinct. Both searches in 2004 and 2008 found two different populations. Those found in 2008 are located in the Parque Nacional Henri Pittier, Parque Nacional Rancho Grande, and Parque Nacional San Esteban. In 2004, they were found in a small population near a stream on a mountainside in Venezuela. Habitat loss is only a part of their declining population. These frogs are becoming more and more endangered probably due to prolonged droughts in that area, flooding if the rains come hard and suddenly, climate change, and sudden harsh exposure to ultraviolet rays coming from the sun.