Harlequin Frog (or Clown Frog) actually refers to several species, all of which belong to the genus Atelopus. Atelopus varius, or the Variable Harlequin Frog is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. All species of Harlequin Frog are named for their bright colours and patterns, and the Variable is usually orange or yellow with dark patches [2]. Individuals of the genus all have bright colouration to warn potential predators of the frog's toxicity [2, 3, 4]; the frogs produce tetrodotoxin, a potent neurotoxin.
The species is mostly terrestrial, reproducing in water but swimming only rarely and relying on splashes for moisture [2, 4]. They are usually found on rocks or in crevices along streams in humid lowland and montane forests [1, 4]. The frogs eat small arthropods, and its only known predator is a parasitic fly that deposits larvae on the frog's thigh. These then burrow inside and consume the frog from within [2, 4].
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| The Variable Harlequin Frog, Atelopus varius, showing its distinctive warning colouration. Photo from [2]. |
Geographical Range in the wild:
The Variable Harlequin Frog is critically endangered in both Panama and Costa Rica, and now likely extinct in the former [1, 2, 3]. Atelopus varius now only exists as a single population from one locality in Costa Rica: Fila Chonta, 10km N-W of the city Quepos [1, 4].
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| A map of the geographical range of the Variable Harlequin Frog - the orange area represents the current range, and the red is the extinct range. Map from [1]. |
Around 20-30 years ago the Variable Harlequin Frog was a common species with over 100 populations present in Costa Rica [1]. Since 1988 drastic declines have been reported, with an estimated 80% reduction in numbers with rapid population disappearance. It is likely that no individuals remain in Panama, and very low numbers from one population in Costa Rica [1, 4]. Specific numbers are unknown, but thought to be decreasing, and possibly as low as 60-95 individuals [4].
Why they are endangered:
- The major threat to the species is likely to be Chytridiomycosis, from infestation with Chytrid fungus [1, 2]. This has caused catastrophic declines in other species of the genus, and specimens collected in the past have tested positive for infestation.
- Habitat loss due to human destruction of natural forests [1].
- Predation by introduced trout [1].
- Importantly, the species was collected by the thousands in the 1970s for the international pet trade [1].
What can we do to help?
Mainly further education and habitat protection, as a captive-breeding programme has been initiated for the Variable Harlequin Frog [1, 4]. The future of the species is still very uncertain, as there appears no legitimate protection of the last known populated habitat. If extinction is to be prevented, this area needs to be better protected from human destruction.
References:
1. http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/54560/0
2. http://animal.discovery.com/tv/vanishing-frogs/top-5/variable-harlequin-frog.html
3. http://www.endangeredspeciesinternational.org/amphibians5.html
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atelopus_varius
Hey
ReplyDeleteDoes this frog have any benefits to humans e.g. medical etc? Is it extremely hard to try and protect an animal (such as a frog) which (unlike other endangered animals)serves very little relevance/purpose to humans?
Thanks
Josh
Hi,
ReplyDeleteNot directly (to my knowledge); aside from the importance of all species in ecosystem services, maintaining habitats and healthy food webs. I do believe it is much harder to protect endangered animals that people see as having no obvious use to humans.
It is much harder to make the public 'care' about a species that is lives out the public eye, is less visible or cannot aid them in their daily lives. However this does not mean the species is any less important (in my opinion); this is probably the biggest struggle in education that conservationists face.
Harriet