Rio-Pescado-Stummelfusskröte (Atelopus balios) in der Forschungsstation des Zoo Zürich

Rio Pescado stubfoot toad

Atelopus balios

The Rio Pescado stubfoot toad was long thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 2010 at three sites in the Ecuadorian rainforest.

CR

Red List
Critically Endangered

The fact that only ten tadpoles have been found to date highlights the threats to this species. To ensure its survival, conservation breeding networks have been set up in Ecuador, the USA and Europe. These breeding programmes have so far led to an increase in the population of the Rio Pescado stubfoot toad to almost 400 individuals.

In the 1980s, frog species suddenly began to disappear worldwide, including the Rio Pescado stubfoot toad, one of over 100 species of harlequin toad. The main cause was the chytrid fungus, which decimated amphibian populations. The fungal spores appeared to have reached previously untouched areas, where the amphibians were defenceless against the new pathogen.

Taxonomy

Toads (Bufonidae), Atelopus (over 100 species)

Habitat

in the tropical rainforests of north-western South America, near small streams

Behaviour and ecology

tagaktiver Bodenbewohner

Diet

insects

Taxonomy

Toads (Bufonidae), Atelopus (over 100 species)

Habitat

in the tropical rainforests of north-western South America, near small streams

Behaviour and ecology

tagaktiver Bodenbewohner

Diet

insects

Godparent

Support the animals of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Rio Pescado stubfoot toad for CHF 150.–

Become a godparent

Godparent

Support the animals of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Rio Pescado stubfoot toad for CHF 150.–

Become a godparent
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