About
The montane robber frog is found in both Mexico and Guatemala, living in lower montane evergreen forests.
The montane robber frog is one of more than 100 species comprising the diverse Craugastor genus. These species were previously considered part of an even larger genus containing more than 700 species, before it was split into several smaller genera.
Though there is still much work to be done regarding the taxonomy of this large group of frogs, which is distributed across Central America and the Caribbean, it is thought this genus diverged from all other amphibians over 50 million years ago. In evolutionary terms, this means these frogs are as distantly related to other amphibians as wolves are to tigers!
This species is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List because there is a projected population decline, estimated to be more than 80% over the next ten years. This is mainly due to the impacts of disease.
The declines witnessed from other species of Craugastor are largely due to the Chytrid fungus and this species is also associated with streams that have undergone dramatic declines and disappearances. Habitat loss due to agriculture, logging and human settlement is also a threat.
This species is known to occur in Biotopo del Quetzal and the Reserve de la Biósfera Bisis Cabá. This species should be closely monitored in view of the severe risk of the Chytrid fungus. This species is protected by Mexican law under the “Special Protection” category.
- Order: Anura
- Family: Craugastoridae
- Population: Uncommon
- Trend: decreasing
EDGE Score
Distribution
This species can be found on the Atlantic slope of Guerroro, Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico. It also occurs on the Pacific slope, from eastern Oaxaca through Chiapas to the south western highlands of Guatemala, at elevations of 300-2,000 metres above sea level.
Habitat and Ecology
This species can be found in lower montane evergreen forest, and it occurs and breeds near streams by direct development; whereby offspring emerge from the eggs as miniature versions of the adults and a free living larval stage is bypassed.