2024 Program Grants: Ex situ conservation of Physalaemus soaresi at BioParque do Rio

The critically endangered Physalaemus soaresi, restricted to the Mário Xavier National Forest in Rio de Janeiro, faces several threats from habitat loss to other human activity. AArk’s CNA identified ex situ conservation as essential to safeguard this species against extinction. This project at BioParque do Rio aims to establish a secure ex situ population.

Grantees:
Samuel Villanova Vieira | BioParque do Rio
Ciro Alexandre Teixeira Cruvinel | BioParque do Rio
Marcela Rosa Tavares | BioParque do Rio
Sergio Potsch de Carvalho e Silva | BioParque do Rio
Ana Maria Paulino Telles de Carvalho e Silva | BioParque do Rio
Juliana Kirchmeyer Pires | BioParque do Rio
Fábio Hepp | BioParque do Rio

Physalaemus soaresi is a critically endangered species, as its distribution is restricted to the Mário Xavier National Forest, in Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (22ºS). This species faces high anthropogenic pressure in its surroundings and its high degree of endemism increases the risk of extinction of this species. This is because the chance of recovering the population’s viability is incipient if the area undergoes heavy natural pressures or the intensification of local anthropogenic pressures. Given the threat scenario of this species, both in situ and ex situ conservation actions are essential for ensuring the species' survival. 

Given the threat scenario described above, P. soaresi was assessed using AArk's Conservation Needs Assessments tool, where rescue action was identified as necessary for the species. Thus, this project aims to establish a safe population of P. soaresi through ex situ conservation. To achieve this, we will first develop a maintenance and breeding protocol using an analogous species (P. signifer), as little is known about the ex situ care of the critically endangered species. 

The analogous species is a closely-related, non-threatened species with the same distribution as the target species. This approach will help ensure a healthy population of P. soaresi, which will be valuable if reintroduction into the wild becomes necessary in the future.

In year one, the team will develop a management and breeding protocol using P. signifer. This protocol will then be adapted for P. soaresi with the goal of achieving successful reproduction and ensuring long-term population viability. When reintroduction is feasible, the project will collaborate with in situ conservation partners to release P. soaresi into its natural range or other suitable areas.