amphibian ark Keeping threatened amphibian species afloat

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Project title Life-raft for frogs Initiative: Implementing a Strategic Plan for the Conservation of the Ecuadorian Amphibians in Extinction Risk

Region South America

Contact Luis A. Coloma

Position Director

Primary institution Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas. Centro de Investigación y Conservación de Anfibios (CICA)

Address Av. 12 de Octubre 1076 y Roca, Apartado postal: 17-01-2184

Telephone 593-2-2991700 Ext. 2222

Email lcoloma@puce.edu.ec

Web page http://www.puce.edu.ec/zoologia/balsasapos/index.html

Other institutions Amaru Zoo in Cuenca, Ecuador;  Universidad de Guayaquil

Subject Captive propagation; Education; Establishment of assurance populations; Ex situ conservation; Ex situ research; Habitat protection; Husbandry; In situ research; Population ecology

Species Atelopus spumarius, A. nanay, A. exiguus, A. elegans, A. sp. nov 1, A. sp nov 2,  A. sp nov 3; Centrolene buckleyi; Gastrotheca riobambae, G. pseustes, G. litonedis, G. plumbea, G. testudinea, G. sp nov.; Osornophryne guacamayo; Nelsonophryne aequatorialis; Hyloxalus vertebralis, H. delatorreae, H. jacobuspetersi; Hyloscirtus pantostictus, H. larinopygion, H. psarolaimus, H. lindae, H. ptychodactylus, H. sp 1, H. sp 2, H. sp. 3.

Start date January 2006

Finish date No end date

Comments AIMS: To contribute to the conservation of the biodiversity in regions of global significance1, by supporting the execution of actions to prevent the extinction of the amphibians, which are essential components of that diversity. To promote and facilitate the implementation of national and international policies, strategies, plans, and agendas formulated to manage biodiversity.

OBJECTIVE: To catalyze and optimize the protection and recovery of the Ecuadorian amphibians in risk of extinction through the implementation of a Strategic Plan of Conservation.

OPERATIONAL PROGRAMS: I) Monitoring and Research, II) Improving local capacities, III) Ex situ management for the conservation of the native amphibians,  V) Environmental education and public awareness, V) Bioinformatics and Diffusion of Information, VI) In situ conservation.

The Balsa de los Sapos Initiative cooperates with other institucions: Amaru Zoo in Cuenca, Ecuador  (Training for ex situ mangement. Provision of individuals for back colonies of H. vertebralis). Universidad de Guayaquil (Training for ex situ management of Ceratophrys stolzmanni)

Total project amount 30,000,000

Yearly $ support $200,000

Supplies Any supply is welcome

Needs specifications Support is needed for capacity building and for an endowment fund to garantee the continuity of the project in the long term.

Financing institutions Saint Louis Zoo, JRS foundation, Senacyt

Other non-amphibian programs www.zoologia.puce.eu.ec/Proyectos.aspx

Country Ecuador