Summary
The starry night toad (Atelopus arsyecue) is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae endemic to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.[2] Its natural habitats are sub-Andean and Andean forests, sub-páramo and páramo at 2,000–3,500 m (6,600–11,500 ft) above sea level. Reproduction takes place in fast-flowing rivers. It is named after its unique coloration, being largely black with white spots.[3]
| Starry night toad | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Amphibia |
| Order: | Anura |
| Family: | Bufonidae |
| Genus: | Atelopus |
| Species: | A. arsyecue
|
| Binomial name | |
| Atelopus arsyecue Rueda-Almonacid, 1994
| |
It is primarily threatened by chytridiomycosis and habitat loss. Coupled with the inaccessibility of the area, the species was feared extinct for over 30 years.[1] However, its continued existence was known to the Arhuaco community in Sogrome, who referred to the animal as gouna and considered its habitat a sacred location. In 2019, the tribe consented to collaboration with researchers and showed them the living population, marking the first sighting of this species by researchers in over 30 years.[3]
Anatomy and morphology edit
This diminutive toad is less than 5 cm (2 in) in length.[3] The starry night toad's coloration consists of irregular white patches dappled across a black background. The white markings can present as separate spots or as an interconnected mosaic. Their skin texture is defined by even coverage of warts.[4]
Distribution and habitat edit
Starry night harlequin toads seek habitat consisting of montane forest, high-altitude grasslands, and inland wetlands. As documented, the toad only occurs in a single defined location. Its range is specifically limited to the Sierra Nevada de Sanata Marta National Park of Colombia, with an estimated extent of occurrence of 80 km² across the mountains.[5]
Conservation status edit
The starry night toad was last evaluated for the IUCN Red List in 2016. From this review, the species was listed as critically endangered.[5] Habitat degradation is the primary limitation to the species' existence. As a synthesis of historical Incan practices and modern innovation, Andean agriculture is largely less invasive than conventional practices, but still has managed to render portions of vital habitat unusable by this organism. While concrete evidence of infection has yet to be found, chytridiomycosis is suspect for additional declination of the already vulnerable population.[5]
References edit
- ^ a b IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (2017). "Atelopus arsyecue". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T54489A49534521. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T54489A49534521.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ Frost, Darrel R. (2014). "Atelopus arsyecue Rueda-Almonacid, 1994". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
- ^ a b c "Thought extinct for 30 years, the starry night toad is rediscovered". Animals. 2019-12-11. Retrieved 2020-01-06.
- ^ Edmondstone, Michael (2022-12-02). "Let's talk about the starry night harlequin toad". Shoal. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
- ^ a b c IUCN (2016-08-01). Atelopus arsyecue: IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T54489A49534521 (Report). International Union for Conservation of Nature. doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2017-3.rlts.t54489a49534521.en.