About
Psychrophrynella saltator is a rare species of frog in the family Craugastoridae.
The Craugastoridae family diverged from its closest family, between 31 and 59 million years ago, before the major Andean uplift. This species is Critically Endangered as it is only known from the type locality (the area in which it was first found) and it’s immediate vicinity, which is in the province of Saavedra in the department of La Paz in Bolivia. Due to the restricted ranges, it is likely that the predicted effects of climate change e.g. drying up of regions are likely to pose a serious threat to this species. Agriculture, deforestation, habitat fragmentation and desertification have been observed in the species habitat, and this is a major threat to this species, as it is degrading the habitat. Despite most species of Psychrophrynella exhibit walking locomotion, this species is agile and is able to jump from branch to branch. Unfortunately, no conservation measures are known for this species and its range is not within any protected area.
- Order: Anura
- Family: Craugastoridae
- Population: Abundant
- Trend: stable
- Size: 14.9-19mm
EDGE Score
Distribution
This species is only known from Charazani, Province of Saavedra, Bolivia, 2,250 metres above sea level.
Habitat and Ecology
This species inhabits semi-humid forest in the dry valley of Río Charazani in the Cordillera de Apolobamba. Males call out at night whilst perched on plants 50 cm above the ground. Individuals have been found in a small patch of disturbed forest.