All-female team tracks down rare “leopard-print” frog in Argentina’s Dry Chaco
An all-female team of conservation scientists in Argentina has embarked on a brave expedition to find and study a virtually unknown frog species called the Santa Fe frog. This unique amphibian, known for its leopard-like spots, is under threat as its habitat in the Dry Chaco, one of the world’s driest forests, is being destroyed. The team, led by Isis Ibañez, has faced extreme challenges including scorching temperatures reaching 50C and poisonous snakes.
The Santa Fe frog, also known as Leptodactylus laticeps, was discovered over a century ago but remains largely unknown to science. The frog is native to Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay but has become rare due to the loss of its tropical dry forest habitat. To locate the elusive frogs and study their behavior, the researchers set up camera traps in the region.
Most frogs attract mates by calling loudly from bodies of water, but the Santa Fe frog has a unique behavior. The males emerge from underground burrows at nightfall to announce their presence, and then retreat back into their burrows with interested females. This intriguing discovery shed light on the frog’s mating habits and is a crucial first step towards protecting the species in the wild.
In their determined efforts to save the Santa Fe frog, the team has also collaborated with local community leaders, hunters, and farmers to gather more information and devise effective conservation strategies. By drawing attention to the endangered status of the frog, the scientists hope to raise awareness about the biodiversity of the Dry Chaco and other animals at risk of extinction.
The Dry Chaco, a vast forest and plains region spanning parts of Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay, has been undergoing deforestation for the past few decades to make way for agricultural activities. This area, known as “El Impenetrable,” poses significant challenges due to its extreme temperatures and limited rainfall. Despite these harsh conditions, a diverse range of wildlife, including hundreds of bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species, thrives in the region.
Amphibians such as the Santa Fe frog are particularly vulnerable to extinction. They face threats from a pathogenic fungus that has been decimating populations worldwide for the past 40 years. Additionally, habitat loss and hunting contribute to their decline. The Santa Fe frog project receives support from the Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP), an initiative led by Fauna & Flora, BirdLife International, and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
The conservation scientists hope that their diligent efforts to study and protect the Santa Fe frog will not only safeguard this unique species but also contribute to the preservation of the entire Dry Chaco ecosystem. The discovery of the frog’s breeding behavior and the presence of tadpoles indicates that there is still hope for the survival of this remarkable amphibian.