Scaphiophryne gottlebei by Franco Andreone ISSN 1026-0269

FROGLOG Newsletter of the Declining Populations Task Force

December 2005, Number 72

immunologically deprived in an area detect chytrids among five Greater Antilles Region where the fungus is potentially amphibian species (117 individuals) Progress Report abundant. As a consequence, at four localities in the lowlands

By R. L. Joglar and P.A. infections by the chytrid may have yielded negative results. Our Burrowes, Working Group Co- increase, generating an epidemic monitoring program includes four Chairs that results in amphibian declines. different highland forests in Puerto

The purpose of this communication Recent work lead by a graduate Rico, where we estimate is to provide an update of the student at our lab (Ana Longo) has densities by species, and check for current status of the in tested part of this hypothesis. We incidence of chytrids as related to Puerto Rico since the publication of set-up a controlled experiment with dry versus the wet season, specific our last report in 2002, and to inform six terraria in which the number of microhabitat, sex and ontogenetic on valuable collaborations with the refugia, food, light and temperature stage of individuals sampled. An Dominican Republic and potentially remained constant. Water was interesting pattern of cyclic decline, with Cuba. applied to the soil on only one half, survival and recuperation of the We have not found and later to one fourth of the heartiest species is becoming Eleutherodactylus karschmidti, E. experimental terrariums, while apparent. This has lead us to jasperi or E. eneidae since 1976, controls received water throughout investigate whether a synergy 1981 and 1990 respectively, in spite the entire surface. The use of retreat between climate and disease is of our continuous field expeditions. sites by high-mountain playing a role in the prevalence of An interesting population effect is Eleutherodactylus coqui was the fungus in Puerto Rico, as has observable at our elfin forest site in monitored daily. Frog dispersion been described in Australia (Berger the Caribbean National Forest (El within the terraria changed et al. 2004, Retallick et al. 2004). In Yunque) where E. portoricensis and significantly as a result of the water order to answer this question we E. coqui seem to be recovering from treatments (ANOVA F1,35 = 13.6; P = have broadened our geographical population declines observed in the 0.001). In the experimental and taxonomic monitoring of early 1990’s. However, populations terrariums, moved from dry to amphibian populations and chytrid of 3 other species (E. whightmanae, humid sides within three days of detection, and included fine-scale E. richmondi and E. locustus) have drought. Thus, in spite of their weather data collection at some not recolonized areas at El Yunque territorial behaviour, frogs with localities. Finally, we expect to where they were abundant in the limited water clumped in the humid complete historic sampling at other past, and are still very scarce in that retreat sites, while control frogs localities to test disease dispersion forest. Fortunately, there are still used refuges on both sides. The hypotheses for the chytrid fungus in parts of the island where these next step of this experiment is to Puerto Rico. Results of our progress species occur, and we are inoculate frogs with equal numbers were presented in August, 2005 at monitoring them carefully. For the of chytrid zoospores to determine if the recent RANA meeting in México. past five years, we have been those forced to clump by a limited In the year 2004 we started studying the potential causes of water regime, are more susceptible collaborations with Marcelino amphibian declines in Puerto Rico, to chytridiomycosis. We expect to Hernandez, from the Dominican and have proposed a synergistic proceed with these experiments Republic, that included a workshop interaction between climate change soon, since collaboration with Joyce on monitoring amphibians given by (increased dry periods) and disease Longcore at University of Maine has R. L. Joglar, followed by several (chytridimycosis) as an explanation yielded a culture of the Puerto Rican days of field work in the Cordillera for the patterns observed (Burrowes strain of chytrids. Central. This work resulted in et al., 2004). Our data suggest that Field work on amphibian baseline population data for the at times of drought frogs may clump monitoring and chytrid detection at localities of Ebano Verde (1440 m) in humid patches of the forest where various sites in the Island from east and Valle Nuevo (2500 m) and the the fungus is more likely to occur. to west (El Yunque, Patillas, Toro first records of chytrids for the This could provoke a situation where Negro, and Maricao) suggest that Dominican Republic in three species frogs stressed from lack of water chytrids are all over the highland of anurans: Eleutherodactylus and clumping, become forests of Puerto Rico. Efforts to pituinus, E. patriciae and Hyla vasta.

1 Luis M. Diaz from Cuba, participated prove to be threatened. temporary pools in open, sun- in this training activity and we hope Furthermore, the results of our exposed sites, while S. gottlebei is to develop similar collaborations in research concerning abundance more restricted, occurring only the near future. have highlighted how deficient the inside the canyons and caves. References true extent of our knowledge may be A few populations of Mantella Berger, L., R. Speare, H. B. Hines, for the already categorised species. expectata and S. gottlebei were first G. Marantelli, A. D. Hyatt, K.R. Among the CR amphibians discovered around the Ilakaka or McDonald, L.F. Skerratt, V. Olsen, “Saphire”, a village which grew J. M. Clarke, G. Gillespie, M. some attractive colourful species are rapidly and chaotically after the Mahony, N. Sheppard, C. Williams (or have been) exploited by the pet and M. J. Tyler. 2004, Effect of trade, and are included in CITES discovery of sapphires in the area. season and temperature on Appendix II (Andreone et al., 2005 In January-February 2004 we mortality in amphibians due to a). In some cases the number of started our survey there in order to chytridiomycosis. Australian specimens exported per year was locate and visit the sites where the Veterinary Journal 82(7):434-439. specimens were collected for the pet high, causing alarm in the Burrowes, P. A., R. L. Joglar, and D. conservation world. The present trade and for exportation. After E. Green. 2004. Potential causes study was therefore started within a visiting the previously known sites, for amphibian declines in Puerto project financed by Conservation we also surveyed the narrow Rico. Herpetologica 60: 141–154. canyons in the area with the result International and by the DAPTF Retallik, R.W.R., H. McCallum, and Rapid Response Fund to assess that many new populations were R. Speare. 2004. Endemic infection quickly the impact of trade on the found around the Ilakaka and of the amphibian chytrid fungus in a status of these amphibians, Ranohira villages, as well as inside frog community post-decline. Plos the Isalo National Park. During Biology 2(11):1–7. especially when combined with habitat loss. Data compiled from the November-December 2004 we

Good news for UNEP/WCMC CITES database (on continued our research to include three critically 18/10/2005) reveals that the the Isalo Massif and within the Isalo endangered exportation of Mantella expectata National Park, intensifying our and traded reached a peak in 2002 (up to 1390 efforts to visit many canyons and other potentially suitable sites. frogs from individuals), M viridis in 2003 (2040 Madagascar ), and One of the most interesting

By Franco Andreone, V. Mercurio, gottlebei in 2003 (980 individuals). results, in the context of distribution F. Mattioli, and T. J. Razafindrabe and conservation, was the large Mantella expectata and number of sites where the presence The ongoing project to study the are unique of Mantella expectata was (CR) and amphibians, apparently endemic to confirmed. Of a total 49 sites visited endangered (EN) species of the Isalo Massif of south-central on the Isalo Massif, 39 (77%) Madagascan frogs has revealed Madagascar, records for Morondava contained M. expectata. some novel and unexpected aspects and Mandena probably being of their distribution and life history Furthermore, four other sites erroneous. Despite the very high (e.g., Andreone & Randrianirina, contained M. betsileo, a newly demand for specimens, virtually 2003; Andreone et al., 2005 b). The discovered species for the area, and nothing was known about their rationale behind our work is that a 17 sites (46%) by animals which biology and life history. Although S. species cannot be adequately show chromatic traits intermediate protected without analysing gottlebei was exported in high between M. betsileo and M. thoroughly its adult and larval numbers, due to its striking white, expectata. It is crucial that we biology, and without knowing the full red, green and black back determine if these are hybrids extent of its distribution. coloration, a search on the internet between the two parental species. The results of the Global and of terrarium journals revealed To resolve this issue future Amphibians Assessment (GAA) and no evidence of successful captive molecular analysis is urgently the Amphibian Conservation Action breeding. We must therefore needed to establish conservation Plan (ACAP), held recently in conclude that all the exported priorities. Washington DC, emphasise the individuals have been lost, and that Other encouraging results importance of this issue (Andreone captive breeding has not yet been include the apparent abundance of et al., 2005 a). For the 220 achieved. The available data M. expectata. In the inspected sites Malagasy amphibian species depicted a distribution limited to a abundance was generally high with evaluated in the GAA, 9 are CR, 21 single or a few localities, which many animals active and easy to are EN, and 25 are Vulnerable. This obviously suggested a threatening see, especially during the infrequent gives a total of 55 threatened situation. Our research confirmed rainfall periods. For example, at one species (25% of the total). However, that both these species are site (Zahavola) a mark-recapture the real situation may well prove to restricted to habitats inside and near study revealed around 300 animals be worse than this, because many the narrow and wet canyons typical in a100m linear transect. of the 44 species listed as Data of the area. In particular, M. Deficient (DD) might eventually expectata occurs in ephemeral and

2 The situation was quite Antsahampano, Andranotsymaty, Threatened and traded frogs of different for S. gottlebei, for which Mahavavona and Andoajampona Madagascar: novel natural history we were unable to find many regions. A population discovered and distribution traits for the populations. Of the 49 sites, this within the Montagne d’Ambre conservation of Mantella cowani, M. expectata, M. viridis and species was confirmed at only 19 (c. National Park (Andranobaribe) is the Scaphiophryne gottlebei. 13th OGM 40%). This was probably due to the only one detected so far within a of the SEH. Programme and fact that this microhylid species is protected area. For M. viridis we Abstract: 24-25. mainly nocturnal, usually voiceless also found individuals that showed Andreone F., Mattioli F. & Mercurio and with very secretive habits. We intermediate coloration with M. V., 2005 c. The call of suspect that it is much more betsileo: these may be hybrids. Of Scaphiophryne gottlebei, a widespread than we observed, but is 42 sites visited, 32 (76%) contained microhylid frog from the Isalo simply difficult to detect. Moreover, M. viridis; 10 (31%) contain M. Massif. South-central Madagascar. at most sites it was confirmed only betsileo or intermediate morphs. Current Herpetology, 24 (1): 33-35. on the basis of its , an Our survey work has thus Andreone F. & Randrianirina J. E., indication of how difficult the adults revealed that, although the three 2003. It’s not carnival for the are to find. The species is studied species still have quite a harlequin mantella! Urgent actions apparently restricted to the northern restricted area (Isalo Massif for M. needed to conserve Mantella portion of the Isalo Massif, but this expectata and S. gottlebei, and cowani, an endangered frog from needs to be confirmed. Despite the Antambombato, Montagne des the high plateau of Madagascar. Froglog, 59: 1-2. fact that our study was carried out Français, Montagne d’Ambre for M. during two periods, covering almost viridis) local abundance is Mercurio V. & Andreone F., 2005. The of Scaphiophryne all of the rainy period at Isalo (from apparently very high. In view of the gottlebei (, November to January) we were able fact that these species have a short ) and Mantella to witness breeding behaviour on life span (1-2 years for all the three expectata (Mantellidae, Mantellinae) only one occasion (Andreone et al., species according to preliminary from Isalo Massif, central-southern 2005 c). Consequently it was not skeletochronological data: Andreone Madagascar. Alytes (in press). possible to conduct a population et al., 2005 b), it appears that the Frost induced study and we have gathered only total population number may be mass mortality limited data on population stability. exceptionally high, and that in a high With the exception of habitat collecting for the pet trade could be altitude preference, call and larval habits conducted in a sustainable way. population of (Mercurio & Andreone, 2005) the life Acknowledgements: This research Rana history of S. gottlebei remains was supported by funds from the temporaria

enigmatic and further studies are Nando Peretti Foundation, required. Conservation International, the By: Dan Cogălniceanu and Tibor DAPTF, National Amphibian Hartel The overall situation of M. viridis from the extreme north of Conservation Center. Istituto Oikos The impact of global climate facilitated our field activities. Madagascar appeared similar to that changes on amphibians is poorly Companionship in the field was for M. expectata, taking into account understood and documented provided by G. Aprea, and J. E. (Collins & Storfer, 2003). The most that both belong to the M. betsileo Randrianirina. At Isalo we were vulnerable to climate changes are group and that both live in arid or kindly assisted by Jean Hervé populations close to the altitudinal semi-arid environments. According Bakarizafy and local guides. and latitudinal limits of their range. to our observations at For further information please Rana temporaria is widespread Antongombato and other sites, M. contact: Franco Andreone at: through most parts of Europe, viridis shows considerable [email protected]; Vincenzo reaching higher altitudes and ecological plasticity, occurring both Mercurio; [email protected]; latitudes than any other amphibian in ephemeral ponds and along Fabio Mattioli; species. It winters both on land and streams as well as in drains in [email protected] or in water and starts reproduction at streets. Population stability was very Tockihery J. Razafindrabe; low temperatures, shortly after ice- [email protected] melt. variable from one site to another, References Retezat National Park, with population density higher in Andreone F., Cadle J. E., Cox N., located in the western part of mango plantations crossed by Glaw F., Nussbaum R. A., Romania, is the oldest national park, irrigation ditches. We roughly Raxworthy C. J., Stuart S. N., Vallan having been legally established in estimated the presence of at least D. & Vences M., 2005 a. Species 1935. The park has an area of 150 individuals along a 15 x 5 m review of amphibian extinction risks 38,047 ha of which 1,630 ha are transect. Our research also detected in Madagascar: conclusions from strictly protected and covered by many new populations within the Global Amphibian Assessment. one of the largest single areas of previously-recorded regions, such Conservation Biology (in press). pristine mixed forest in Europe. The as Antongombato and Montagne Andreone F. Guarino F. M., Mattioli universal value of the park was recognized by the UNESCO Man des Français, as well as F. & Mercurio V., 2005 b. and Biosphere Program in 1979,

3 through its inclusion in the temperatures lasting in the area until November 17th, 2005: Mark Klein international network of biosphere June 2005. On June 19 2005, more and Mary Wagner, Thomas and Sue reserves. In the lower part of the than 50% of the lake was still Pick Family Fund, Norm Damm, park there are deep narrow valleys, covered by ice. At noon the water James S. Andrews, A. Stanley while the higher parts consist of temperature was 2.40C, soil Rand, Dave and Marvalee Wake, glacial plateaus. Glacial and temperature 1.40C and air Nadine D. Foley, Richard Zweifel, cryonival reliefs are extremely temperature 10.40C. Water John Serrao, Gale and Richard widespread, allowing lakes to form parameters were normal except for Nord, Erik Kiviat, Heather Brooke in the deeper parts of the moraines. pH, which was more acid than usual Taylor, Frederick H. Pough, Richard A total of 58 permanent glacial lakes (5.34). In the deepest part of the R. Montanucci, Robert T. Brooks, and an almost equal number of lake a cluster of more than 70 dead Brian T. Miller, Charles Leavell, temporary lakes are recorded at Rana temporaria adults was David Rich, Ray Pawley, Mark R. altitudes between 1700-2300 m. observed. Several other dead Jennings, Cynthia Carey, Chris The Retezat Mountains animals were also observed in Banks, Ronald E. Beiswenger, John have the highest humidity and runoff different deep parts of the lake. Harshbarger, Willlard P. Hunnewell, in the Romanian Carpathians with Upon collecting several dead Douglas A. Rossman, Charles C. runoff values reaching 36.6 l/sּkm2 animals it appeared they were in an Carpenter, Donald R. Farrar, Fred at altitudes higher than 2200 m. The advanced state of decomposition, Kraus, Desert Fishes Council and climate is moderately cold and and had apparently been dead for a Rana Konsult. humid, with yearly average long period. This indicates that the Project Kodok temperatures between 60C in the prolonged frost period has either 0 valleys and -2 C in the alpine areas. caused the entire water body to We have received a report from Annual rainfall varies between 900- freeze, trapping the animals in ice or Project Kodok, a research project 1300 mm, reaching higher values the thick ice cover induced hypoxia. aimed at investigating and below the timberline. Air temperature was measured for a monitoring anuran populations in The Iezilor Lake is situated year, using a miniature thermistor Tanjung Puting National Park, in the strictly protected scientific with integrated data logger with a 0 Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, reserve and human impact is resolution of 0.1 K (Vemco Minilog- South East Asia. An electronic copy insignificant. The lake is fish-free T, Vemco Ltd., Halifax, Nova Scotia, of the report can be obtained from and it supports a large reproductive Canada). The temperature showed the DAPTF office and information population of Rana temporaria and a that, after a short period of frost about the project can be found at small population of Triturus during 13-19 October 2004, air www.projectkodok.org . alpestris. It is situated at 2149 m

temperature was below zero for a.s.l. (45.3613 N and 22.8451 E), Welcome to two new DAPTF 2 almost eight months during has an area of 3630 m and a November 7th 2004 until June 2nd Working Group Chairs perimeter of 390 m, a maximum 2005. The period was about a We would like to welcome Professor depth of 1.1 m and a medium depth month longer than during an of 0.38. Water quality is very good, Djoko Tjahjono Iskandar (Indonesia) average year. We suggest that the and Abdulai Barrie (Sierra Leone). with dissolved oxygen during the frogs died most probably at the ice-free period ranging between 8.2- beginning of winter. RANA and the US National 9.6 mg/l, pH ranging between 6.3- While the long-term impact Science Foundation grant DEB- 6.9 and conductivity between 8-13 0130273 helped support the 0 of this incident is hard to assess, an µS/cm 25 C. immediate result is that while in publication of this issue. The surrounding terrestrial June 2004 more than 80 egg FROGLOG is the bi-monthly habitat consists mostly of alpine clutches were found, this year only newsletter of the Declining pasture, rocks and boulders and 25 were counted. The long-term Amphibian Populations Task small areas covered by dwarf pine monitoring of this population will Force. Articles on any subject (Pinus mugo). The ice-free period of allow us to assess the potential relevant to the understanding of the lake lasts between June and negative impact of this event on the amphibian declines should be October, but snow patches may survival of this population. sent to: Jeanne McKay, Editor, persist during the summer in the References: Department of Biological surrounding terrestrial habitats. Two Sciences, The Open University, alpine lakes are located in the Collins & Storfer, 2003; Diversity and Distributions, 9: 89-98. Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 vicinity (within 1000 m radius) but 6AA, U.K. are not used for reproduction by For further information please Tel: +44 (0) 1908 - 652274. frogs. However, there are several contact: Dan Cogălniceanu at: Fax: +44 (0) 1908 - 654167 small, temporary puddles which are [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] sometimes used for reproduction. or Tibor Hartel at: [email protected] Since 2000, the lake and its Funding for FROGLOG is surroundings were visited regularly underwritten by the Detroit Froglog and the reproductive success of this Zoological Institute, P.O. Box 39, species was observed each year, Shorts Royal Oak, MI 48068-0039, USA with a large number of juveniles metamorphosing. The 2004-2005 DONATIONS: We gratefully winter was longer than usual, with acknowledge receipt of the following occasional frost and below-zero donations received prior to

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