Thank you Phil - we will miss you so much - February 2021 AMPHIBIAN SURVIVAL ALLIANCE NEWTSLETTER Got a story you want to share? Drop Candace an ...
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February 2021
AMPHIBIAN SURVIVAL ALLIANCE
NEWTSLETTER
Got a story you want to share?
Drop Candace an email today!
cmhansen@amphibians.org
Stories from our partners around the world
Thank you Phil – we will miss you so much
By IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist tion of selflessness and generosity, it on, just as he did.
Group and Amphibian Survival Alli- always willing to help and support Phil lived his life with intense pur-
ance anyone, even if he himself was up pose. As amphibian conservationists
to his eyeballs in work, and all done and as people we have our work
It is with great sadness that we with his characteristic brilliance cut out to continue the legacy of
are sharing this message with you. and distinctive sense of humour. the extraordinary human being that
Our friend, colleague and mentor, No challenge was too great and no Phil was. As Phil always used to say,
Professor Phil Bishop, passed away concern too small. He brought his “Let’s do it!”
after a short and unexpected illness tenacity and deep love of amphib- Thank you, Phil, for showing us, by
surrounded by family on Saturday, ians to everything he did, reminding example, how to be better people.
January 23rd, 2021 New Zealand us all of the true meaning behind You exemplified living life to the
Time. our work. It seems impossible to fullest and leaving the world a much
Phil was a true great and such a imagine a time without him, and yet better place.
bright light in all our lives. Our col- the imprint of his expertise, dedica- There is a hole in our hearts. It is in
lective hearts break for Phil’s family, tion and personality is on everything the shape of Phil.
all his friends and an entire conser- we do. The number of people that
vation community. He touched so Phil befriended and influenced
many lives and meant so much to all became apparent over the last few
of us. weeks, with an outpouring of mes-
Phil was at the very heart of build- sages of grief and love from liter-
ing a global amphibian conservation ally every corner of the world. The
movement, and he ensured that this magnitude of his influence ensures
heart was a kind and inclusive one. that we will always be acting in his
As Chief Scientist of the Amphib- memory, honouring his passion and
ian Survival Alliance since 2011 and approach at every step. We will miss
Co-Chair of the Amphibian Special- him beyond words and will strive to
ist Group since 2012, he was in his continue his mission. Our gratitude
element when representing ASA and as a community is boundless. So
ASG around the world, welcoming many of us will carry his memory
new people, organizations and ideas and the flame of his torch through-
to both. Phil was a living incarna- out our lives, and endeavour to pass
2
Table of contents
1 Thank you Phil – we will miss you 12 The Conservation Evidence Jour-
so much nal: Call for papers
Frogress Report
4 Planting steps for frog conserva-
tion in Western Ghats, India
13 A new poster for Harlequin Frogs
(genus Atelopus) is now available Editorial
5 Tribute to Marcelo Menin, a Brazil- 14 Saving the planet, one frog at a Committee
ian amphibian champion time
Candace Hansen-Hendrikx
6 Environmental DNA detection: 15 Facilitating species conservation Editor-in-Chief
Additional perspectives and applica- planning workshops: Online course
tions for rare and cryptic bromeliad
dwelling frogs 17 Introducing Rio Forqueta, a Key Luis Fernando Marin da Fonte
Biodiversity Area to protect the Editor
7 Goodbye “Gonza”, Champion of Admirable Red-Belly Toad
the Yellow-eared Parrot Helen Meredith
18 BMW Group, Tetra Pak and Assistant Editor
8 The conservation of Mantella Schüco International express con-
cowanii, a threatened frog of Mada- cerns about sourcing aluminium
gascar from Ghana’s irreplaceable Atewa Kaya Klop-Toker
Forest Assistant Editor
9 #AmphibianEyes
19 Getting to know Fortunate Phaka Kirsty Kyle
10 A new facility for the conserva- Assistant Editor
tion of the Sehuencas Water Frog 20 Meet Esther Matthew
at the K’ayra Center of the Museo
d´Orbigny in Bolivia
11 A finding that brings hope for a
still unknown Harlequin Frog
#AmphibianEyes ©Katie Garrett & Jonathan Kolby
3
© Vivek Menon
Planting steps for frog conservation in
Western Ghats, India
By Wildlife Trust India cess, the team decided to create ad- the first. To ensure a moist setting
snehaa@wti.org.in ditional suitable breeding grounds, in the surrounding, a drip irriga-
where they identified two new sites tion system was set up. The team
Amphibians are the group with inside the plantation complex. Brav- is currently planting some vegeta-
the highest proportion of threat- ing the monsoons, the team man- tion around the pond where several
ened species. In India, a tree frog aged to dig and construct a 10 feet frogs were found taking shelter
Rhacophorus pseudomalabaricus, long, 3 feet wide, and 2.5 feet deep under the leaf litter. We hope to see
commonly known as the Anaimalai waterhole lined with jute sacks and more R. pseudomalabaricus inhabit
Flying Frog or False Malabar Gliding tarpaulin to hold water through the the area in the coming months.
Frog, which is Critically Endangered dry period. Plants like wild turmeric Collaterals are also being developed
and endemic to a restricted range in and cardamom, preferred by the in local language, to sensitize the
Western Ghats, is hanging on to its species were planted around the plantation management on the use
very survival. waterhole, creating a natural setting of organic fertilizer and, motivating
A baseline survey conducted in July for the frogs. them in becoming a “frog friendly”
recorded them breeding in an arti- By November 2020, the team was establishment. WTI has also initiated
ficial water tank (used for irrigation successful in finding R. pseudoma- discussions with amphibian experts
purpose) inside a cardamom planta- labaricus and ten other species and IUCN SSC Amphibian specialist
tion. The plantation management of anurans along with odonates group in developing a robust conser-
practices employed around the tank, and reptiles inhabiting the new vation plan for R. pseudomalabari-
such as cleaning of dry/dead carda- waterhole. The following month, cus and other targeted threatened
mom leaves, de-weeding, clearing another monitoring visit was made frog species in the Western Ghats.
of water found to be negatively im- by the team, where they observed Recovery of threatened species is
pacting the species breeding cycle. Anamalai Flying Frog and other one of the priorities of Wildlife Trust
Known to have strong site fidelity, species like Nyctibatrachus poocha of India (WTI)– an organization with
Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), along (Meowing Night Frog), Indirana sp. a mission to conserve wildlife and its
with local partners, reached out to (Indian frog) and Indosylvirana sp. habitat in partnership with commu-
the management and initiated a (Golden-backed Frog) resting around nities and governments.
consultative dialog and conservation the waterhole. Based on the team’s
action to restore the breeding pool. suggestions, an inlet and outlet from
After zero disturbance measures the waterhole to a nearby stream in
taken around the water tank, on a the plantation was paved for intrin-
monitoring visit was made by WTI sic aeration during the dry spell. The
and forest authorities, the team team also began work on the second
sighted three new nests of R. pseu- waterhole (8ft length & width and
domalabaricus. Looking at the suc- 2.5 ft depth) few meters away from
4
Tribute to Marcelo Menin, a Brazilian
amphibian champion
By Denise Rossa Feres, UNESP (Bra- ience, humility, patience, joy, peace personal standoff, I always thought,
zil) ... Menin gathered so many qualities “How would Menin act in this situa-
in just one person, that it would fill tion?” He inspired me, directed me,
With a broken heart, we cry for the pages and pages to complete the reassured me and gave me security.
loss of our dear colleague and belov- list. It was impossible to be close I was his supervisor when he was an
ed friend Prof. Dr. Marcelo Menin, to Menin and do not feel all those undergraduate student. I lose a son
one of the most prominent amphib- feelings in him. It was impossible of the heart. Science loses a profes-
ian researchers in Brazil. Besides to be with him and to not feel safe, sional of the greatest competence,
being a professor at the Federal supported, understood… impossible seriousness and dedication. Educa-
University of Amazonas, he coordi- not to feel extreme trust in him. tion loses a teacher, in the deepest
nated the post-graduate program in Menin never lost his temper and sense that the Brazilian educator
Zoology and was one of the curators calm with anything or anyone. I and philosopher Paulo Freire gave to
of the University’s zoological collec- never heard him criticize or judge this profession. And the World loses
tion. anyone! And it was with this im- a good person, in the best essence
During his academic life, Menin mense patience that he did not of what being good means.
has published dozens of scientific neglect himself in situations of injus- But ... Menin will stay alive in each
articles, books and book chapters on tice, and put himself clearly, strongly of us! In our memories, in the parts
different topics such as community and calmly on the wronged side, on of each of us that he helped to
ecology, taxonomy, natural history the ethical side. Great character, im- build, and in the lessons that he left
and reproductive biology of anurans. mense heart! - not in words but by his actions, by
He also helped to form the new gen- In Sumaia he found a perfect life- his conduct.
eration of Brazilian herpetologists, mate to share his path, an admirable And yes, we are feeling immense
having mentored several under- woman, strong and with a giant pain for his passing, but we will be
graduate, master and PhD students. heart like his. The family was his inspired by his strength, his resil-
Besides being a great researcher and great treasure, his great love! And ience, his persistence, his calm, his
supervisor, Menin was also a beauti- he balanced work and personal life patience and his joy. This will help us
ful human being. like no one else - in fact he was a to move forward, taking his memory
Goodness, kindness, competence, Master at that. He always found and his lessons to future genera-
serenity, empathy, perseverance, time and love for his family, to tions!
correction, balance, honesty, organi- teach, and to do research.
zation, dedication, seriousness, resil- Whenever I had a professional or
5
Environmental DNA detection: Additional
perspectives and applications for rare and
cryptic bromeliad dwelling frogs
worrying signs of a declining popula- estimates, with very low error levels
tion trend at lower elevations where and improved detection when com-
fire is still a pressing threat. The pared to detectability from direct
restricted range and habitat require- observation. Overall, estimated
ments for C. itambe make this spe- occupancies using eDNA and visual
cies highly vulnerable to extinction survey methods were similar. The
from climate change, wildfires or method is therefore feasible for
disease, and therefore a priority for species restricted to small water
conservation monitoring. Given cur- bodies that are exposed to direct UV
rent knowledge and threats, species radiation.
was recently classified as Critically The authors concluded that there
Endangered. are advantages in the use of eDNA
Durrell’s Field Programmes Officer to survey cryptic species in remote
Bela Barata, in collaboration with re- locations, and to identify species
searchers from Instituto Biotrópicos, presence with high detectability and
University of Kent, Zoological Society low error rates. eDNA analysis pro-
of London’s Institute of Zoology, vides a viable alternative to destruc-
and Amphibian and Reptile Con- tive sampling of bromeliads or direct
servation Trust, published a paper observation methods that require
aiming to investigate the feasibility logistically challenging repeated
of environment DNA (eDNA) for observations. However, the use of
© Eliene P. Silva
detecting Crossodactylodes itambe eDNA method for monitoring occu-
(Barata et al. 2021), with a view to pancy of bromeliad dwelling species
applying the method more widely will likely improve as the method
to amphibians that are cryptic and becomes more cost-effective and we
By Izabela M Barata, Durrell Wildlife
restricted to small water bodies. have a better understanding of the
Conservation Trust.
Despite the increasing use of envi- factors affecting detection probabil-
Izabela.barata@durrell.org
ronmental eDNA analysis to survey ity in such environments.
species in ponds, rivers, and lakes,
Bromeligenous frogs spend their
very few studies have attempted
whole life cycle within bromeliads,
to use eDNA for the detection of
where they lay their eggs and devel-
species using very small water bod-
op into adult life. Species are mostly
ies such as those accumulated in
restricted to single locations and
bromeliads. With funds from The
some can be found at high elevation
Rufford Foundation, the authors
sites. Their ecology, natural history
collected water samples from 21
and distributions are poorly under-
bromeliads for which observational
stood, and their dispersal capabili-
data from direct visual surveys were
ties are still unknown. Crossodacty-
also available. The authors com-
lodes itambe exclusively lives within
pared occupancy estimated from
ground bromeliads which are found
direct observations (using a single
on high elevation rocky outcrops,
season occupancy model) with the
in a single location in the Espinhaço
results from quantitative real-time
Mountain Range of Brazil. Species
PCR based eDNA assays. They ap-
occupancy increases at higher eleva-
plied a novel Bayesian occupancy
tion and abundance of individuals
model to estimate occupancy from
is related to bromeliad structure,
eDNA samples, as well as false posi-
such as plant size and the volume
tives and false negatives at different
of water retained by the central
stages of the workflow. eDNA from
tank. Estimated species extent of
bromeliad tanks provided reliable
occurrence is 0.5 km2 and there are
6
©Fundación ProAves de Colombia
Goodbye “Gonza”, Champion of the
Yellow-eared Parrot
By Fundación ProAves de Colombia Fundación ProAves first employee for himself: 2,895 parrots in Ronces-
info@proaves.org and he did this at a time of immense valles. Joy overflowed his heart with
danger and uncertainty. The parrots pride of his duty accomplished.
Gonzalo Cardona Molina, better occurred in an area where battles Today, Colombia didn’t just lose a
known as Gonza, was born and and skirmishes between the military precious life, Colombia lost a cham-
raised on a farm in Roncesvalles, and guerrilla were frequent. Gonzalo pion for nature and our beloved
Tolima. The day he found out from and his team were regularly facing Yellow-eared Parrot’s lost their
Fundación ProAves about the need life-threatening situations to work father and savior. ProAves and his
to support the conservation of a in the region and ensure the parrots entire team express our solidarity
parrot that lived in the wax palms were safe. For over 20 years, every- with his family, his loved ones and
and accompanied him each day, he day Gonzalo tirelessly accompanied the entire community of Ronces-
had no doubt and gave himself en- these parrots to ensure they were valles, Tolima, where his impact will
tirely to save the most majestic and not hunted and their habitat was remain forever.
charismatic species in Colombia, the not destroyed. Rest in peace, Gonzalo.
Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus The threats were not just to the
icterotis). parrot, but to Gonzalo personally.
The species was on the brink of He had been threatened many times
extinction in 1999. The last 81 indi- by many sides unable to compre-
viduals were barely surviving in the hend that he loved the parrots and
Central Cordillera of Roncesvalles, was not interested in politics. They
Tolima. With alarm bells ringing assumed he had an alternative mo-
that urgent actions were needed to tive, when he was simply driven to
save the species, one person more do something special.
than any other stepped forward to In his last days, during the month
answer the call to help this species – of December 2020, Gonzalo con-
Gonzalo Cardona Molina. ducted out the last national census
For over 20 years, Gonzalo was of the Yellow-eared Parrot and
THE champion to save Colombia’s the Fuertes’s Parrot, his notebook
greatest natural treasure. He was showed a still impressive number
7
The conservation of Mantella cowanii, a
threatened frog of Madagascar
By Raphali R. Andriantsimanarilafy, deforestation. Most of
Franco Andreone, Olivier Behra, the high-altitude forests
Angelica Crottini, Gerardo Garcia, that once character-
Richard A. Griffiths, Candace M. ized the “plateau” have
Hansen-Hendrikx, Olivier Marquis, now disappeared, and
Andolalao Rakotoarison, Julie H. with them many of
Razafimanahaka, and Devin Ed- the animals and biodi-
monds. ASG Madagascar versity that were once
present. The Harlequin
The amphibians of Madagascar are Mantella has seen its
particularly interesting, as they are range “evaporate “ over
represented by over 360 described time due to repeated
species of frogs (salamanders and fires. Today, the Harle-
caecilians are absent) and many oth- quin Mantella survives
ers (at least 200) being described. in refuge areas, nor-
These (except two introduced spe- mally composed of high
cies) are all endemic, found only in altitude cliffs and micro-
© Julio Rodriguez
Madagascar and nowhere else. The forest stamps.
greatest danger to the survival of Currently, there are
these amphibians is represented by four sites where the
deforestation, which is particularly species is still present, gramme. Another component is the
important in Madagascar: since the but it is not really known how large local development of sustainable
1950s, about 45% of Madagascar’s its populations are. In one of the livelihoods initiatives and actions
forest cover has been destroyed. To main sites where it is still present, improving the wellbeing of the com-
ensure the survival and protection near the town of Antoetra, many munities who live near M. cowanii
of amphibians, the Sahonagasy Ac- individuals were captured every habitat. These communities are key
tion Plan (sahonagasy means “frog year to be exported to Europe and to enabling a successful conserva-
of Madagascar” in the Malagasy America. This, together with de- tion plan. An awareness campaign
language) was launched in 2006, forestation, has caused a drastic and building in-country capacity to
and implemented in 2014. The reduction and, in certain cases, the work on amphibian conservation
conservation program for Malagasy extinction of populations. For this compose the key objectives of this
amphibians was set up thanks to reason, the Harlequin Mantella has agenda.
a collaboration between different become a symbol of the conserva-
organizations, also because biodi- tion of Madagascar’s amphibians.
versity represents one of the first In 2018 the Madagascar ASG organ-
products for this country. Some spe- ized a meeting in which the main
cies of amphibians from Madagascar conservation bodies took part and
are particularly threatened due to today the Action Plan, called McAP,
environmental alteration, deforesta- “Mantella cowanii Action Plan”, was
tion and trade. published. The action plan, which
One of these is the Harlequin Man- will be developed in 2021-2025,
tella, Mantella cowanii. So named will be structured into five broad
for its beautiful and contrasting red themes. The habitat protection
and black colour, sprinkled with and management require defined
bright blue spots on the belly, the boundaries and protection around
Harlequin Mantella is one of the critical habitat. The research theme
most endangered species in Mada- is related to understanding the spe-
gascar. In particular, it received spe- cies distribution, conservation ge-
cial attention from the ASG and the netics, disease dynamics, and popu-
scientific community as it survives in lation trends. Site-specific studies,
only a few areas of the central “pla- especially of population ecology in
teau” of Madagascar, a mid-high- different habitat types, are required
altitude area affected by aggressive as an ex situ conservation pro-
8
#AmphibianEyes
By Nina Seale, Synchronicity Earth And it seems like herpetologists for amphibians with reasons about
nina@synchronicityearth.org were ready to show their enthusi- how they benefit humanity, and it is
asm! Over the next few days, the a breath of fresh air to see so many
Golden eyes, ruby eyes, lace eyes, hashtag was shared hundreds of people celebrating amphibians for
star eyes, blue eyes, black eyes, no times, with amphibian enthusiasts their intrinsic value.
eyes… the beauty of amphibian eyes sharing their favourite eyes, facts
is just as diverse as the creatures about the species and tagging their
within it! friends and colleagues to join in.
Inspired by macro photographs of Amphibians are too frequently
the Utthaman’s Bush Frog by Vivek overlooked, but the excitement over
Menon, with a close-up of the red- the new trend showed how much
dish frog’s silver and ebony eyes, passion there is within the amphib-
Synchronicity Earth issued a chal- ian community for these species.
lenge on Twitter for Science Twit- Too often we have to justify our
ter’s favourite amphibian eyes. research and conservation efforts
© Vivek Menon
© Jodi Rowley
© Santiago Ron
9
© Teresa Camacho-Badani
A new facility for the conservation of the
Sehuencas Water Frog at the K’ayra
Center of the Museo d´Orbigny in Bolivia
By Teresa Camacho-Badani, Alcide the Critically Endangered Sehuencas animal welfare protocols to ensure
d’Orbigny Natural History Museum. Water Frog (Telmatobius yuracare) the successful care of this species,
teresacamacho.badani@gmail.com for which an Action Plan has been as well as other species of the Boliv-
created that includes field monitor- ian cloud forests that in the future
The genus Telmatobius is one of the ing, communication and strength- may need to be part of an ex situ
most threatened in the Neotropical ening the ex situ program for this program for their conservation.
region. According to the IUCN Red species. The implementation of this new
List, 86% of the species are found to After 10 years of not having found facility is part of the “Sehuencas Wa-
be threatened in various degrees. In this species in nature, a population ter Frog Action Plan” which is being
Bolivia, of the 15 species reported, was found in the cloud forests of executed thanks to the widely sup-
all are threatened and 4 are possibly Bolivia. Some of the individuals from port of ASA partner Global Wildlife
extinct. this population were taken into the Conservation.
The Alcide d’Orbigny Natural His- ex situ program. These frogs will be In addition, during the last few
tory Museum, located in the City of part of the breeding stock to repro- years, the K´ayra Center has re-
Cochabamba, has been working on duce the species in the hopes that ceived the financial support of
the conservation of amphibians in one day they can be released into Kansas City Zoo, Aquazoo Löbbecke
Bolivia for more than 13 years. Eight their natural habitat. To accomplish Museum, Amphibian Ark and Ches-
years ago, it started a pilot program this task, the captive breeding area ter Zoo.
for the ex situ management for the has been expanded to provide a
Telmatobius genus. It has recently space for all the species-specific
been expanded, and has been recog- requirements.
nized by the Bolivian Ministry of the The new facility for the Sehuen-
Environment as an official Custody cas Water Frogs is a 10m long by
Center of Wild Fauna, called “Centro 4m wide container. This one is the
K’ayra”. This center is dedicated to third at the K’ayra Center and has
the investigation of threatened am- been modified to accommodate 44
phibians, and has approximately 500 aquariums for the reproduction and
frogs of five Andean species of the care of these amphibians. It has an
genus Telmatobius in its ex situ pro- conditioning air system which can
gram. This captive breeding program maintain the same temperature
that has most species of this group as found in their habitat, which in
in the world. winter can reach 10 degrees Celsius
Among the Water Frogs under cus- (50 degrees Fahrenheit), It also pro-
tody and care of the K’ayra Center, is vides the necessary biosecurity and
10A finding that brings hope for a still
unknown Harlequin Frog
© Leomerth La Cruz
By Enrique La Marca and Marcos vation Center in conjunction with interest, not only because it acceler-
Alexander Hidalgo. Rescue of En- a regional Conservation and Study ates the process of describing the
dangered Venezuelan Amphibians organization that monitors popula- new species, but also because it rep-
(REVA) Conservation and Guarama- tions of the Andean Bear (Trem- resents a hope for future survival of
cal Andean Bear Project. arctos ornatus), together with the an amphibian whose other regional
enrique.lamarca@gmail.com support of personnel from the Na- representatives in the genus have
tional Parks Institute (INPARQUES) in suffered serious population declines
There is news that is made to wait charge of the General Cruz Carrillo and extinctions. In the meantime,
but when it comes out it does not National Park in Guaramacal. we have already started monitoring
stop causing a sensation. This is the As a result of this alliance between these larvae and hope to find some
case of a species of Harlequin Frog REVA and the Guaramacal Andean adults.
that has not yet received a formal Bear Project (Proyecto Oso Andino
scientific name but, thanks to the Guaramacal) in January 2021 we
support of the Atelopus Survival detected a new population of the
Intiative (ASI), will soon be known. species in the process of descrip-
The species in question is a cloud tion, in the form of seven free-living
forest inhabitant of one of the tadpoles belonging to the genus
northernmost mountain ranges in Atelopus and that we associate with
the Andes of Venezuela, the south- the new species. This is great news,
ern axis of the Sierra de Trujillo. not only for the fact that that the
Discovered in the mountain branch species is still present in the region,
(Ramal) of Guaramacal at the end of but also for the indirect evidence
the eighties in the last century, the that there are adult specimens that
frog was not seen again, although are reproducing. This is the first and
sporadic reports indicated the exist- only Venezuelan Andean Harlequin
ence of tadpoles of the same. Frog species to appear in several
Thanks to the support of Global decades and the second Venezuelan
Wildlife Conservation, through the species to show stable populations
Amphibian Survival Alliance, we in Venezuela (the other being Atelo-
established a program to search for pus cruciger, which lives in coastal
populations of the still unnamed environments to the north of the
species, which currently involves the country).
management of the REVA Conser- The recent finding is of particular
11The Conservation Evidence Journal: Call for
papers
By Ann Thornton, Conservation Sci- particularly if the outcome was See here for author guidelines and
ence Group, Department of Zoology, unexpected or not as desired. Large- how to submit your article.
University of Cambridge scale conservation projects testing The Conservation Evidence Journal
at915@cam.ac.uk multiple actions are of less interest is a separate publication within the
due to the difficulty in determining Conservation Evidence project. Con-
The online, open access, free to which of the actions had an effect. servation Evidence is a free, online,
publish in, peer-reviewed Conser- Recent papers from the Conserva- authoritative information resource
vation Evidence Journal publishes tion Evidence Journal’s Amphibian designed to support decisions about
results from research and projects Management Collection: how to maintain and restore global
investigating the effectiveness of • Martínez Aguirre et al. 2019 biodiversity. The website provides
conservation actions. We welcome Re-establishment of an extinct summaries of evidence from studies
papers that test and monitor the local population of the Valcheta about the effects of conservation ac-
effectiveness of the action using an Frog, Pleurodema somuncu- tions, and synopses of evidence that
experimental design (e.g. before and rense, in a restored habitat in review the effectiveness of all ac-
after the action vs. control (BACI), Patagonia tions you could implement to tackle
single action vs. control, effective- • Borzée et al. 2018 Transloca- a particular conservation issue.
ness of different methods, etc.) for tion of an endangered endemic
actions such as habitat creation, Korean treefrog Dryophytes
habitat restoration, translocations, suweonensis
reintroductions, mitigation, and • Arellano et al. 2018 Treat-
invasive species control. Examining ment of adult Valcheta Frogs
the consequences of small-scale Pleurodema somuncurense for
actions is of considerable interest; chytrid fungus
Funding Opportunity from the IUCN
Netherlands Land Acquisition Fund
The Land Acquisition Fund is an
initiative of IUCN Netherlands,
supported by the Dutch Postcode
Lottery, providing funds for local
NGOs to acquire (through purchase
or lease) threatened nature areas,
create safe reserves and connect
wildlife habitats for threatened spe-
cies.
If you are working on a project or
programme that needs support of
this kind, please consider sending a
pre-proposal application to the Land
Acquisition Fund by May 1st, 2021.
All details about the fund and appli-
cation process can be accessed here.
Any questions about the procedure
and content of proposals can be
send to the coordinator of the IUCN
© Luis Ferando Marin da Fonte
NL Land Acquisition Fund: marc.
hoogeslag@iucn.nl
Examples of 2020 grantees can be
found here.
12A new poster for Harlequin Frogs (genus
Atelopus) is now available
By Enrique La Marca,
Rescue of Endangered
Venezuelan Amphibians
(REVA).
enrique.lamarca@
gmail.com
Posters on animal
groups are of special
interest because they
easily get the atten-
tion of people who can
find, in a single place,
information that other-
wise could be difficult
to assemble. We are
happy to present the
most recent poster on
a group of amphibians,
a production of the
Rescue of Endangered
Venezuelan Amphibians
(REVA) Conservation
Center with the sup-
port of the Chessington
Conservation Fund.
The new poster is an
initiative driven and
hosted within the Atelo-
pus Survival Initiative
(ASI), and deals with the
Harlequin Frogs known
from Venezuela. This
is the first time that all
species of the bufonid
genus Atelopus from
this country are pre-
sented in such a way,
with all species (except
one) illustrated with
actual photos. This is
also the first time that a tion, last time of sight, total length,
picture is available for the enigmatic conservation status, and the major
Harlequin Frog of Niquitao (Atelo- ecosystem that the species inhabits.
pus chrysocorallus), and that a new The poster is in Spanish. We hope
illustration is provided for the never the amphibian lovers stupdents of
pictured and now extinct harlequin Atelopus like this production. You
frog of Maracay (Atelopus vogli). can download the poster here.
Each species bears its common and
scientific name, with the name of
the person who describe it. There is
a section on coloration and another
on threats, plus data on distribu-
13© Sheri Sather
Saving the planet, one frog at a time
By Madison Lemelin, Rainforest encouragement from his mom, rating with a herpetologist who is
Trust Sheri, he set an ambitious goal: to teaching him about all the many
be a critical part of the “30×30” frogs within the Chocó, including
Frogs are 10-year-old Justin Sather’s initiative and help conserve 30% one of his new favorite species, the
favorite animal. His fascination with of the planet by 2030, for the frogs Glass Frog.
the species began with a blanket he and beyond. “It all started from an In the future, Justin hopes to
had as a baby, and has blossomed idea that turned into an incredible continue using frogs to educate his
from there. Now, Justin’s love for mother-son journey of learning to peers about the beauties of the
frogs has led him on a mission to be brave and staying determined, natural world and inspire them to
protect the planet. to create a world Justin envisions help him save it. “I want to learn
In kindergarten, Justin learned that for himself and his generation,” said why other kids like nature and
nearly one-third of frog species are Sheri. inspire them to want to protect it
on the verge of extinction due to Last year, Justin joined the Youth too,” said Justin. “When they get
pollution, pesticides, contaminated Council of Reserva Youth Land Trust, older they will already know how to
water and habitat destruction. He an international group of young take care of the planet. We are the
discovered that scientists consider people that is leading an initiative future generation.”
frogs an indicator species––a species to create the world’s first entirely
whose condition provides infor- youth funded, 244-acre nature
mation on the overall state of an reserve in Ecuador’s threatened
ecosystem. Chocó cloud forest in partnership
“Frogs breathe and drink through with Rainforest Trust. In celebra-
their skin so they are sensitive to tion of his birthday, Justin raised
their environment,” said Justin. “So the $730 necessary to purchase one
when they suffer it tells us the world acre of land for the project, which
needs our help.” was matched by the Rainforest Trust
This knowledge empowered Justin, SAVESChallenge to pay for a second
he wanted to save his favorite spe- acre.
cies and his planet. With help and Justin has recently started collabo-
14“[The CPSG Workshop] was a pivot point to
direct investment in devil conservation.”
Dr Rebecca Spindler, former Research and
Conservation Manager, Taronga Conserva-
tion Society Australia.
Facilitating Species Conservation Planning Workshops:
Online course
Introduction Learning outcomes
Of the more than 128,500 species assessed through the By the end of this course, participants will be
global Red List, 28% are considered threatened with ex- able to:
tinction (IUCN, 2021). Well-resourced, effectively imple-
Apply the CPSG Species Conservation Planning Princi-
mented species conservation plans will play a key role in ples and Steps to the design and facilitation of
reversing this situation and improving the status of species conservation planning processes;
threatened species worldwide. To achieve this change
at scale requires a significant increase in the number of Demonstrate the role of the facilitator in consensus-
competent planners able to support governments, non- based decision making;
government organisations, zoos, aquaria, botanic gar- Select facilitation tools to help groups solve prob-
dens and civil society groups to plan for threatened spe- lems, make decisions, and develop plans.
cies recovery.
Course format
Planning can be complex. Often multiple stakeholders
and their interests need to be considered. Facilitation This online course (delivered through
skills provide us with the confidence and competence www.conservationtraining.org) consists of pre-
needed to lead groups through the process. recorded lectures, reading materials, and problem-
solving activities along with ‘live’ webinars and dis-
The IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group cussions. You will interact with some of the world’s
(CPSG) has developed and facilitated many hundreds of leading authorities on species conservation planning,
multi-stakeholder species conservation planning pro- share in their experiences, and develop your own un-
cesses that have been ‘pivot points’ in recovery efforts derstanding of the skills involved.
for threatened wildlife globally.
Costs
Course aim
The course is valued at $1000.00 per student. Howev-
CPSG has the ambition of ensuring that, every species er, in line with our aim to increase the number of
that needs a plan is covered by an effective, imple- threatened species benefitting from good planning, we
mented plan’. This online course has been designed to are committed to providing this high quality course at
build the capacity necessary, globally, for this ambition no charge. This is currently possible only due to the
to become a reality. support received from the Global Conservation Net-
work, a group of committed institutions and individuals
Our target audiences are government wildlife agency
who support CPSG work. If you or your organization
staff, IUCN SSC Specialist Group members and other
would like to consider becoming a GCN donor, or if you
conservation professionals working in zoos, aquariums,
would like to learn more about CPSG, please contact:
universities or field programs, responsible for the devel-
onnie@cpsg.org.
opment of species conservation plans.
15“This excellent course is a must for everyone involved in conservation
planning!” CPSG online course participant, September 2020.
Core course faculty Contributors
Jamie Copsey Species conservation planning experts from across
Jamie is the Director of Training at the IUCN SSC and beyond will provide input to the
CPSG. He has been working in the course through recorded interviews, webinars and
field of capacity building for species online discussions to help you broaden your exposure
conservation for more than 20 years. to conservation planning processes, tools, and facili-
He has extensive experience in the tation skills.
design and delivery of training pro-
grams for conservation professionals, from junior staff Course duration
through to senior leadership. He regularly facilitates The course involves 5-10hrs work per week for seven
planning workshops and publishes on topics such as weeks, depending on how quickly you can work
conservation management and leadership, as well as through the materials!
on more biologically-related themes.
Course dates
Dr Phil Miller This course will run from Monday 29th March– Friday
14th May 2021. Pre-recorded sessions can be lis-
Phil joined the CPSG staff in 1994 tened to in your own time. Live webinars will be re-
and is now Senior Program Officer peated each week to accommodate different time
for the organization. He specializes zones.
in developing and applying complex
risk assessment methods to species Certification
conservation planning projects across a wide range of
Participants successfully completing the course will
endangered species, and against diverse human socio-
receive a Certificate of Completion. Those going fur-
cultural backgrounds. Recently, he began working ex-
ther to apply the skills to their work can be consid-
tensively with Federal and local authorities in North
ered for a Certificate of Reflective Practice (additional
America to develop robust recovery plans for a variety
assessment criteria apply).
of endangered species.
Application procedure
Caroline Lees Participant selection will take into account priority
Caroline joined the CPSG staff in 2011 as target groups (government staff and SSC Specialist
a facilitator and population modeler. Be- Group members in particular), and an assessment of
fore joining CPSG, she worked with zoos the likelihood that skills and knowledge developed
in Australasia to plan and coordinate the will be put into practice within species conservation
management of captive populations of planning workshops.
threatened wildlife. Since joining CPSG,
For course application form, follow this link:
her primary focus has shifted to supporting planning
for species conservation in situ, with a particular em- https://forms.gle/wkCiC9BvJhJJLpKT7
phasis on cases where ex situ management plays a key
role. She has contributed to the work of species recov- Application deadline: Monday 8th March,
ery programs across Australia and New Zealand and is 2021.
CPSG’s Australasian Regional Resource Center conven-
or. Further information
Contact Jamie Copsey at jamie@cpsg.org
16Key Biodiversity Areas Updates
Key Biodiversity Areas, which are among the most incredible and diverse places on Earth for nature, from deserts to
the middle of the ocean, are places that must be safeguarded to ensure the long-term survival of the diversity of life
on Earth. The Key Biodiversity Area Partnership—an ambitious coalition of 13 global conservation organizations, in-
cluding the Amphibian Survival Alliance—is helping prevent the rapid loss of biodiversity by identifying those places
on the planet that are critical for the survival of unique plants and animals. Because their life history traits, such as a
dependency on water for reproduction in many species, and small range sizes makes amphibians particularly sensi-
tive to environmental disturbances, KBA designation is critical to safeguarding threatened species. Learn more here.
Introducing Rio Forqueta, a Key Biodiversity
Area to protect the Admirable Red-Belly Toad
© Luis Ferando Marin da Fonte
By Luis Fernando Marin da Fonte, facility and upstream pesticide use reduce the threats to a species. The
Amphibian Survival Alliance. expose the site to direct and indirect existence of a microendemic spe-
lfmarin@amphibians.org human threats. cies reinforces the importance of
Until 2014, there was also a plan preserving the area where it occurs.
The Rio Forqueta Key Biodiversity to build a small hydroelectric power If you protect one, you are also
Area is part of one of the few, yet plant in the site. Joint efforts be- protecting the other”, says Michelle
largest, Brazilian Atlantic Forest frag- tween academia, government, and Abadie, a Brazilian conservationist
ments in the extreme south of Bra- non-governmental organizations and expert on this species.
zil. The entire single known popula- have succeeded in stopping the Because of her work, Michelle was
tion of a microendemic and Critically construction of the power plant, awarded a Future Leader of Amphib-
Endangered amphibian species showing that multi-institutional and ian Conversation award by the ASA
(Admirable Red-Belly Toad, Melano- collaborative work is essential when in 2020.
phryniscus admirabilis) is confined dealing with conservation. The
to this area. The species occurs Federal University of Rio Grande do
only along a few hundred meters Sul and ASA partner NGO Instituto
of the Rio Forqueta river, occupy- Curicaca were instrumental in this
ing its forested margins with rocky process. This was the first time in
outcrops. The area is surrounded by Brazilian history that an amphibian
a heavily deforested agro-industrial prevented the construction of such a
landscape. Regional forest cover is big enterprise.
under pressure from the expansion “The Admirable Red-Belly Toad
of eucalyptus, tobacco, soybean and case is an excellent example of how
livestock farming. A nearby tourist habitat conservation can help to
17@ Piotr Naskrecki
BMW Group, Tetra Pak and Schüco
International express concerns about sourcing
aluminium from Ghana’s irreplaceable Atewa
Forest
By Key Biodiversity Areas Partner- Bauxite mining would have cata- Area, meaning that it is critical to
ship strophic and irreversible effects the persistence of global biodiversity
on the people and wildlife that and the overall health of the planet.
During a critical decade for biodi- depend on the forest, including the The Togo Slippery Frog is a close
versity, the government of Ghana more than 5 million Ghanaians that relative of the world’s largest frog,
has an opportunity to become a depend on Atewa Forest as their the Goliath Frog (Conraua derooi),
global leader in conservation by pro- source of clean drinking water. “Sav- and known only to live in Atewa
tecting Atewa Forest - a KeyBiodiver- ing Atewa Forest from mining should Forest and Ghana’s Togo-Volta Hills.
sityArea - as a National Park. But this be an intergenerational priority, and The frog is considered Critically
won’t only benefit the wildlife that we are happy and grateful that big Endangered as the result of ongoing
live there. Protecting Atewa Forest businesses in the aluminium value bauxite mining, logging and hunt-
as a national park and a buffer area chain understand the importance ing. Biologists believe there are only
around it—rather than mining it for of a healthy forest and the environ- about 300 left in the wild and that
bauxite, as currently planned—actu- mental services it provides,” said they primarily live in a small stretch
ally has the highest economic value Oteng Adjei, president of the Con- of a single stream in Atewa Forest.
for the country over 25 years, with cerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape The Togo Slippery Frog is one of
tremendous benefits to local com- (CCAL), the grassroots movement hundreds of species that make At-
munities both upstream and down. advocating against bauxite mining ewa Forest a special place and part
In a letter to local activists, three in Atewa Forest and the recipient of why we are joining local commu-
global manufacturing companies- of letters from all three companies. nities and partners in calling on the
BMW Group, Tetra Pak and Schüco “We appreciate their commitment government of Ghana to Save Atewa
International-have signaled their to supporting local and interna- Forest by stopping bauxite mining
concern over the use of bauxite tional efforts to secure Atewa Forest and designating Atewa a national
sourced from Ghana’s Atewa Forest against bauxite mining that is certain park.
for aluminium. Extracting bauxite in to destroy the forest, its water ser- You can learn more about Atewa
Atewa would require ‘strip mining’ vices and biodiversity.” Forest and sign a petition to help
where the whole surface layer of Ghana’s Atewa Forest is home to preserve it here. Learn more about
soil is removed. This would mean a more than 1,000 species of plants, Key Biodiversity Areas here.
total loss of the forest in the mined 230 species of birds, 570 butterfly
areas, along with all the biodiversity species, and at least 50 species of
it contains. mammals. It is a Key Biodiversity
18ASA’S Future Leaders of Amphibian
Conservation Updates
The Future Leaders of Amphibian Conservation program is an award to a number of early-career conservationists
from around the world that have been identified by the Amphibian Survival Alliance as the next generation of am-
phibian conservationists. So far we have awarded 19 Future Leaders from 12 countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Mexico,
Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Australia and United States). You can learn more about some
of the Future Leaders of Amphibian Conservation here.
Getting to know Fortunate Phaka
© Dex Kotze
Can you tell us a little bit about it was written in English and isiZulu studies. This is important because
yourself, Fortunate? (one of the indigenous South African I became a Future Leader at a
I am an environmental scientist and languages). A PDF version of this time when I needed to decide my
author that is interested in the com- book (with frog advertisement calls) research niche within amphibian
plex relationship between cultural is available on this link. A summary studies.
diversity and the diversity of frogs of my general research focus is avail-
and reptiles in South Africa. able on this link.
What projects have you been What is your favourite amphibian
involved in to promote amphibian species and why?
conservation? The Giant Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus ad-
I have started a social inclusion spersus) is my favourite amphibian
initiative to produce non-scientific species because it is a great model
amphibian reading material in South for studying the relationship be-
Africa’s indigenous languages and tween frogs and indigenous people’s
record indigenous knowledge about cultures.
the country’s frogs and reptiles. This Has being recognized as a Future
project, called ‘Wildlife in Vernacu- Leader of Amphibian Conservation
lar’, fits into my PhD research and by ASA made a difference in your
also extends beyond the PhD years. career so far?
Wildlife in Vernacular was inspired Being recognized as a Future Leader
by the success of a book I wrote a helped me realize the many focus
few years earlier. This book is a com- areas within amphibian studies and
prehensive guide to the frogs of the exposed me to different ways of
Zululand region of South Africa and conducting amphibian biodiversity
19© Sloane Munro
Meet Esther Matthew
By Esther Matthew, Ruhan Verster The project ignited Esther’s interest is a highly dedicated and motivated
& Ché Weldon. The Endangered in training canines for conservation conservationist. She aims to become
Wildlife Trust. and research. As a result, Esther one of the leaders in conservation
estherm@ewt.org.za pursued additional training with na- canine research, because she is pas-
tional and international profession- sionate about dog training, wildlife
Esther Matthew grew up in central als in the canine behavior and scent conservation, and research. She has
South Africa and became fascinated detection fields. Esther joined the an aptitude for the application of
with nature and animals at a very Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Drylands novel approaches in her work. Her
young age. Following High school, Conservation Program (EWT-DCP) enthusiasm and drive motivates
Esther pursued degrees in Zoology, in 2016 and is currently working as other team members and her strong
Physiology, Biodiversity and Con- their Specialist Conservation Of- foundation in conservation biology
servation Ecology. In 2015, Esther ficer, focusing on in situ Endangered allows her to lead by example.
became an ASA Future Leader of species conservation and research.
Amphibian Conservation and in the Esther also has a passion for shar-
same year she completed her M.Sc. ing conservation knowledge. As
in Environmental Science, through such she works closely with learners
the North-West University. As part students from local schools, taking
of her studies, she successfully them into the field to teach them
raised and trained a scent detection about nature through environmental
dog to locate Giant African Bullfrogs education. Esther also coordinates
(Pyxicephalus adspersus) under- the program’s volunteer project,
ground. In January 2021, a paper aimed at exposing young career
on this research component of the conservationists to field work in the
project was accepted and published Karoo.
by the Journal of Vertebrate Biology Esther became a National Geo-
(Click here to view article). graphic Society Explorer in 2018 and
20You can also read
