About
Strabomantis helonotus is a very rare frog endemic to Ecuador, living on the pacific slopes of the Andes.
This species is part of the Craugastoridae family, which diverged from its closest relatives between 31 and 59 million years ago. This species is classified as Critically Endangered as the total area it occupies is probably less than 10km². The distribution of this species is severely fragmented and the extent of its forest habitat in Ecuador is declining. The decline in forest habitat is primarily due to agricultural development and expansion for crops and livestock, logging and human settlement. The species is not from any protected areas therefore conservation action to protect and maintain the areas of existing habitat is urgently needed. Further survey work is required to determine the biology and population status of this species.
- Order: Anura
- Family: Craugastoridae
- Population: Very rare
- Trend: decreasing
- Size: 60-70mm
EDGE Score
Distribution
This species is known only from two localities in the vicinity of Río Pitzara, on the pacific slopes of the Andes in Ecuador, around 1,000-2,000 metres above sea level.
Habitat and Ecology
This species is terrestrial and restricted to primary cloud forest. It is presumed to breed by direct development whereby miniature versions of adults emerge from the young and the larval stage is bypassed.