''Hyalinobatrachium ibama'' is a species of

frog A frog is any member of a diverse and largely semiaquatic group of short-bodied, tailless amphibian vertebrates composing the order (biology), order Anura (coming from the Ancient Greek , literally 'without tail'). Frog species with rough ski ...

in the family Centrolenidae. It is found in the Cordillera Oriental,

Santander Department Santander () is a department of Colombia. Santander inherited the name of one of the nine original states of the United States of Colombia. It is located in the central northern part of the country, borders the Magdalena River to the east, Bo ...

Colombia Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is a country primarily located in South America with Insular region of Colombia, insular regions in North America. The Colombian mainland is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north, Venezuel ...

, and in Barinas,

Venezuela Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country on the northern coast of South America, consisting of a continental landmass and many Federal Dependencies of Venezuela, islands and islets in the Caribbean Sea. It com ...

. Its natural

habitat In ecology, habitat refers to the array of resources, biotic factors that are present in an area, such as to support the survival and reproduction of a particular species. A species' habitat can be seen as the physical manifestation of its ...

s are old-growth forests near streams. It is threatened by

habitat loss Habitat destruction (also termed habitat loss or habitat reduction) occurs when a natural habitat is no longer able to support its native species. The organisms once living there have either moved elsewhere, or are dead, leading to a decrease ...

Habitat

The ''Hyalinobatrachium ibama'' frog, commonly known for its unique characteristics, thrives in the lush riparian habitats of old-growth forests. These pristine environments provide the ideal setting for the species to lay its eggs, a process that unfolds on the vegetation while the tadpoles undergo their development in the nearby streams. The delicate balance of these habitats is crucial for the survival and reproduction of this intriguing amphibian.

Conservation Efforts and Status

Although considered a common species, the ''Hyalinobatrachium ibama'' frog faces a looming threat due to habitat loss caused primarily by agricultural expansion. The encroachment of activities such as cattle ranching, illegal crop cultivation, and notably onion farming has led to a decline in the extent and quality of its habitat. Despite the ongoing decline, there is a lack of concrete evidence regarding the current status of its population. Conservation efforts are essential to mitigate the impact of habitat loss and ensure the continued existence of this species.

Taxonomy

The ''Hyalinobatrachium ibama'' frog, found in the western slopes of the Cordillera Oriental in Boyacá, Norte de Santander, and Santander Departments of Colombia, belongs to a distinctive taxonomic lineage. Although known from records between 1,479–2,200 meters above sea level, there is a suggestion that its range might extend beyond current documented locations. Further exploration and research are essential to fully understand the taxonomy and distribution of this intriguing frog species.

Threats

The primary threat to the ''Hyalinobatrachium ibama'' frog arises from the relentless expansion of agricultural activities, including cattle ranching and the illicit cultivation of crops such as onions. These activities contribute to the alarming loss of its natural habitat. Additionally, the species contends with pollution as a consequence of the fumigation of illegal crops. The delicate balance of its ecosystem is further jeopardized by these environmental pressures.

References

ibama The Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources ( Portuguese: ''Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis'', IBAMA) is a government agency under the administration of the Brazilian Minis ...

Amphibians of the Andes Amphibians of Colombia Amphibians of Venezuela Amphibians described in 1998 Taxonomy articles created by Polbot Taxa named by John Douglas Lynch {{Centrolenidae-stub