October 2020 SURVIVAL ALLIANCE NEWTSLETTER

Got a story you want to share? Drop Candace an email today! cmhansen@.org Stories from our partners around the world © Endangered Wildlife Trust Wildlife © Endangered Protecting the unique and threatened of the Western Cape, South Africa By Jeanne Tarrant, Endangered very limited ranges in the Western tion and management inter- Wildlife Trust Cape province of South Africa. Here ventions would have particularly sig- is where the highest concentrations nificant conservation benefits. These In July 2020, with the support of of threatened amphibians can be are the Critically Endangered ASA’s small grant through Global found in the country. Rough Moss (Arthroleptella Wildlife Conservation, the Endan- rugosa) and Micro Frog (Microba- gered Wildlife Trust (EWT) com- Based on a prioritization exercise trachella capensis); and the Data menced a new project focused on we conducted in 2018, we identified Deficient Moonlight Mountain - some of the most threatened and three species in the Western Cape let (Capensibufo selenophos) (IUCN, endemic frogs species restricted to for which targeted habitat protec- 2017). The population trend of each of these species is decreasing, species also represent umbrella spe- tares – one site (in Kleinrivierberg, or unknown, and as such research cies for other threatened frogs, such comprising 780 hectares) is already is needed on their distributions, as the Endangered Cape Platanna committed to proclamation and this population sizes, life histories, and ( gilli), and Western Leop- site is under review. threats. While the distributions of ard Toad (Sclerophrys pantherina). these species may not be extensive, As such, the fundamental goal of Formalizing protection of these they represent important habitat securing habitat for these species is incredibly beautiful landscapes will types, often themselves threatened, critical. go a long way to conserving these comprising lowland wetland areas unique species and their associated to montane and renosterveld In July we begun with field surveys threatened into the future. habitats. Very little is known about in the Overberg for these range- the Moonlight Mountain Toadlet, limited species, threat assessments, having been described as recently and engaging with landowners to as 2017 (Channing et. al. 2017) and assess willingness to participate in more knowledge about this species securing areas for conservation. is crucial to assess its conservation The latter is a crucial aspect of the status and guide habitat protection process and good relationships and management efforts. The Rough with these landowners are critical Moss Frog (IUCN, 2016) does not oc- to long-term project success. We cur in any formally protected areas have had great success so far in that and is threatened by massive en- already eight new localities have croachment of alien vegetation at its been confirmed for two target spe- known site. The distribution of the cies (six for Capensibufo selenophos Micro Frog – occurring at just four and two for Xenopus gilli) and three localities across a total of 7 km2 – is landowners have already expressed highly fragmented and impacted by interest in taking part in urbanization, agricultural expansion, Stewardship processes to formally the spread of alien vegetation, and protect habitat on their properties, drainage of breeding habitats. These representing a total of 1,775 hec- Editorial By Candace Hansen-Hendrikx, facing as a result of the pandemic, understanding of the makeup of Amphibian Survival Alliance we are all pivoting and adapting to the partnership and how best we the new normal, with what almost can support your work. The survey As the world continues to strug- seems to be a renewed sense of period has now ended, and we are gle with the ongoing pandemic it is purpose and enthusiasm. We are currently analyzing and compiling inspiring to see that amphibian con- finding new ways to connect with the results. You provided us with servation efforts have not ground to and support each other. We are extremely helpful insights and sug- a halt. That is not to say that there finding new ways to approach old gestions, and you will start to see have not been significant struggles problems. And ASA partners, such many of these ideas rolling out in along the way, nor are the struggles as yourselves, are the embodiment the upcoming months! We will also over quite yet. Fieldwork and many of this! be in touch shortly with those that community programs have had have expressed an interest in being to be put on hold because of the And as the amphibian community involved with the development of lockdowns. Funding opportunities in general adapts, so does the ASA. the strategic plan, ACAP, and GAA3. for organizations and projects have We are entering a new and excit- noticeably decreased. Loved ones ing phase in the evolution of the You, the partners, are the ASA. And have fallen ill or have been taken ASA, and working hard to provide this edition of Frogress Report is yet from us by this virus. The impacts the direction and support that the another opportunity to showcase are farther reaching than we could partnership has asked for. As you the incredible work of ASA part- have ever expected when all of our may recall from previous com- ners. Everything each partner does, lives changed at the beginning of munications from us, we began and every hurdle that each partner this year. our strategic planning process last overcomes, is a true testament to month by sending out a survey to the dedication and passion that is But despite the enormous struggles the entire partnership. This survey unmatched outside of the amphib- that we as a community have been was designed to give us a better ian conservation community! Bolivia and Peru working together to conserve the Titicaca Water Frog © Joel Sartore

By Eliana Lizarraga Heredia, Museo to fill in the gaps in the knowledge and its state in the face of high pres- de Historia Natural Alcide d’Orbginy about this emblematic frog. sures from natural and anthropic factors. In the same way, the infor- In a coordinated effort, the Gov- The research efforts include two mation generated will be used to ernments of Bolivia and Peru, with studies within the framework of make decisions and take future joint the support of the United Nations the project “Gestión Integrada de conservation actions, which will Development Programme (UNDP) los Recursos Hídricos en el sistema ensure the continuity of the species and with funding from the Global Titicaca-Desaguadero-Poopó-Salar over time. This transnational collab- Environment Facility (GEF), have de Coipasa (GIRH TDPS)”. The first is oration is a great achievement that constituted a transnational team for oriented towards the characteriza- shows the complete union of efforts the conservation of the emblematic tion of the underwater habitat types by several institutions with the same Titicaca Water Frog (Telmatobius used by T. culeus and the identifica- goal: to promote the conservation of culeus). tion of the threats to these habitats the Titicaca Water Frog! to prioritize conservation areas. The The working group is made up of second study is aimed at evaluating institutions from various countries the population status of the Titicaca including ASA partner Museo de Giant Frog using snorkel transect Historia Natural Alcide d’Orbigny, techniques. and others such as Fundación para as Ciencias, Universidad Peruana The results obtained will provide Cayetano Heredia, Denver Zoo, relevant ecological information on Natural Way-Peru, and Museo de the species for Peru and Bolivia, Zoología de la Pontificia Universidad countries that share the ecosystem Católica del Ecuador. With the vision of , where T. culeus of long-term survival for the species, occur. This will allow researchers to these institutions will work together understand the reality of the species A flying leap: Conservation of the Anamalai flying frog © Renjith Hadlee © Renjith

By Snehaa Sundaram and Amrit munities in the to Protected area networks there was Menon, Wildlife Trust of secure wildlife corridors for Asian El- a need to identify key areas of a ephants (Elephas maximus), protect breeding population and introduce The Western Ghats in India, a global flora such as Strobilanthes kunthi- conservation measures. biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO ana, and to equip people to tackle World Heritage site, is home to a natural disasters such as fires, Through this project, the team miscellany of taxa including about landslides, etc. In addition to our has identified current nesting sites 170 amphibian species. New spe- work in the landscape, WTI’s exper- to monitor the species and two cies continue to be discovered every tise in Species Recovery in a wide alternative sites, where makeshift year. However, the rich biodiver- range of taxa has paved the way to a waterholes in a natural setup have sity of the Western Ghats is facing project with the local community of been designed to promote their threats of habitat fragmentation. Munnar, Kerala state, in an attempt population growth. Using a multi- to revive the declining population stakeholder approach by involving Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), a of the Anamalai Flying frog or also plantation owners and Forest de- leading Indian nature conservation known as False Malabar Gliding Frog partment authorities we plan to ad- non-profit organization, adopts a ( pseudomalabaricus). dress the threat of pesticide use and comprehensive approach to con- promote organic farming methods in serving biodiversity through long Anuran Taxa often referred to as the landscape. Through close moni- and short-term measures including ‘indicator’ species signifies their toring and community involvement, on-ground action to address emer- sensitive nature to habitat altera- we hope to witness a recovery in the gent conservation needs through its tions owing to a rapid decline in Anamalai Flying Frog population. Rapid Action Projects. People and their population. This Critically nature go hand in hand. Unques- Endangered species found in the tionably, several studies point to the tropical evergreen of the success stories of community-based Southern Western Ghats in South conservation models in a habitat. India had taken an unusual liking to With the realization that wildlife the cardamom plantations of Kerala, in India is afflicted by a gamut of bringing them closer than ever to threats, the concept of Rapid Action human presence. The myth behind projects was introduced to pro- the species consuming cardamom mote partnerships with committed coupled with the use of pesticides individuals and grassroots agencies. in the plantation was seen to reflect They are provided with a multitude upon the low tolerance levels in the of resources to create synergies for community and the species exist- conservation at the local level. ence. The frog being highly range- WTI has been working with com- restricted, both within and outside © Fernando J.M. Rojas-Runjaic J.M. © Fernando When a tiny tadpole turns out to be a (different) lost frog By Lindsay Renick Mayer, Global executive director at ASA partner But as the tadpoles began to grow Wildlife Conservation Rescue of Endangered Venezuelan back legs, they started to change Amphibians (REVA). color and grow surprisingly big, sign- From getting the right permits, to aling to La Marca that the tadpoles determining the right time of year, Although La Marca and team are belonged to Jahn’s Tree Frog, in- to traversing rough terrain in treach- thrilled to have confirmed that stead of the Mérida Harlequin Toad. erous weather, to figuring out where Jahn’s Tree Frog is still around, their This finding adds significant new to look, the search for lost species celebration has been tempered a bit information to our understanding can, at times, present an impossible by the winding path that took them of both Jahn’s Tree Frog and Mérida challenge. And sometimes when an from the discovery of the tadpoles Harlequin Toad development. is found, determining with to watching the 30 tadpoles they 100 percent certainty that it’s the had collected for a REVA conserva- “Even though we didn’t find the lost species in question can require tion breeding program morph into Mérida Harlequin Toad at this time, some patience. That is especially Jahn’s Tree Frogs. When the team at REVA we are not dismayed. In true when the species in question is originally discovered the tadpoles, all of these years that we’ve been still a tiny tadpole. they had very little morphological monitoring populations of amphib- information to determine which spe- ians, we haven’t given up hope, and Wildlife biologist Enrique La Marca cies the tadpoles belonged to. They we don’t intend to do so now,” La and team have been monitoring knew, however, that the tadpoles Marca says. “Now we have a twofold amphibians in the Venezuelan Andes lived in a location once home to the challenge: to find the still-missing since the 1990s, soon after a num- long-lost Mérida Harlequin Toad (At- Mérida Harlequin Frog, and to res- ber of frog species started mysteri- elopus oxyrhynchus), a species that cue the now-found Jahn’s Tree Frog. ously vanishing. This January, a team has been lost for the past 26 years. We will continue to fight against the that had set out to do routine am- Even though the range of the Jahn’s odds to find and conserve these ani- phibian monitoring unearthed a few Tree Frog and Mérida Harlequin mals, which are an important part dozen tadpoles that turned out to Toad overlap, given that the color, of Venezuela’s incredible natural belong to Jahn’s Tree Frog (Hyloscir- size and shape of the tadpoles more heritage.” tus jahni), a species that was last closely resembled the little that we scientifically documented in March know about the morphology of Mé- Read the full story here. of 1991. “The finding of Jahn’s Tree rida Harlequin , the research- Frog is a major discovery for conser- ers were optimistic that the tadpoles vation science, since this is the first in hand marked the rediscovery of time in decades that the species has the first of Venezuela’s seven lost been seen,” says La Marca, who is harlequin toads. Description of the tadpole of Telmatobius brachydactylus (Anura: Telmatobiidae) IUCN, the species is Motivated by that encounter, we currently categorized decided to describe the tadpole of as globally Endangered T. brachydactylus. Since we did not (EN) due to habitat collect the individual that we found reduction and loss, and in the wild, we used museum speci- its use in traditional mens collected in 1988. The descrip- medicine. tion of the tadpole was published by Luis Castillo (Grupo RANA) and In August 2017, a César Aguilar (Universidad Nacional Bioblitz was carried out Mayor de San Marcos) in the Revista in the Junin National Peruana de Biología. You can find © Rogger Moreno © Rogger Reserve in Peru by ASA the publication here. By Luis Castillo and César Aguilar, partner Grupo RANA. Grupo RANA and Universidad Na- On that occasion, a tadpole of T. cional Mayor de San Marcos brachydactylus was found in a gravel stream of shallow depth and low The Amable Maria Frog (Telmatobi- water flow with abundant aquatic us brachydactylus) is a semiaquatic vegetation. Curiously, the tadpole amphibian species endemic to the was reported for the first time in high Andes of the central region in syntropy with tadpoles of the Lake Peru, occurring at altitudes between Junin Giant Frog (T. macrostomus). 4000 and 4600 m. According to the First population estimates for two CR frogs from Madagascar By Izabela Barata and Jeff Dawson, teau to the north of Antananarivo. Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust It forms part of the Southern Africa: Central Madagascar ecoregion and Anodonthyla vallani and Anilany is classified as Critically Endangered helenae are microhylid frogs only by WWF. A study looking at the ef- known from the vicinity of their fects of fragmentation on amphibian type localities, in Ambohitantely populations at Ambohitantely was Special Reserve, Madagascar, where undertaken in 1996 and 1997, which they occur at high-altitude forests resulted in A. helenae being discov- at around 1500 m elevation. Ano- ered and formally identified, and donthyla vallani is found on tree A. vallani described later in 2010 trunks several meters above the from collected specimens. Since this ground and it is presumed to use study no further amphibian surveys Mullin © RKat tree holes as breeding sites. Anilany were undertaken and, although frogs from Ambohitantely Spe- helenae is a terrestrial species and isolated populations of both species cial Reserve. Our findings support occupies the leaf litter, breeding persisted in the fragmented forest previous observations related to is unknown and possibly involve of Ambohitantely, little information habitat use, showing that species terrestrial nests. Both species are as- was available to inform their man- are indeed influenced by vegetation sessed as Critically Endangered and agement and conservation interven- structure, such as bamboo numbers listed as priority EDGE species. They tions. In 2018, Durrell initiated the and canopy cover. Despite hav- are endemic to Ambohitantely and first dedicated amphibian surveys ing moderate to high occupancies, the reason for its designation as an looking at these endangered species we had relatively low population Alliance for Zero Extinction site. -Am in Ambohitantely in 20-years. This estimates for our sampled popu- bohitantely itself is important as it work has resulted in the first ever lation (paper currently in press). is the only protected area of humid population estimates for these two Given the small population sizes and forest situated on the central pla- endemic and Critically Endangered close relationship with vegetation structure, continuous habitat loss as baseline information to describe may have drastic consequences for future population trends and further their populations in the long-term. understand the impacts of forest Since 2005, the annual deforestation fragmentation on these species. rate has progressively increased in Aligned with Durrell’s SAFE (Saving Madagascar. Ambohitantely remains Amphibians from Extinction) strate- as one of the last refuges of humid gy, we are committed to implement forests in the central plateau and, a long-term monitoring programme despite being a Special Reserve and for threatened amphibians in Ambo- having management plans in place, hitantely and further develop local it is highly fragmented and still suf- capacity that can contribute to effec- fering forest loss. Our results serve tively deliver our long-term plans. Mitsinjo’s captive breeding program By RAKOTOARISOA Justin Claude, Species monitored in captivity (in- produce 150 new fruit fly cultures Mitsinjo cluding the number of specimens): every week and use approximately 50 cultures for food. The breeding of Between the months of August • Mantidactylus betsileanus (53) other insect species was conducted and September, 2020 substantial • Blommersia blommersae (50) but we need a specialist to identify progress was made towards the • Boophis pyrrhus (12) them. They are listed here: Col- objectives of the captive breeding • Boophis bottae(16) lembolans or springtails, large black at Mitsinjo research center. In total, • betsileo (4) crickets, Cave cricket, tropical house 106 terraria are occupied with 11 • Guibementis albolineatus (6) crickets, field crickets, and large field common species and one critically • Guibementis pulcher (8) crickets. endangered species. • Platypelis barbouri (7) • Anodontohyla policaris (5) As expected, termites and ants are As counted by the end of this • Pletodontohyla mihanika (30) also a great diet for the Mantella au- month, the Mitsinjo center now has • Gephyromantis boulengeri (10) rantiaca, but they require space and approximately 1,200 individuals of • Mantella aurantiaca(812) time to breed. According to Shan amphibians. Using multiple hus- Sutor, a volunteer from the UK who bandry technics, most of the species 90% of those wild-caught are old spent one month in Mitsinjo center still alive are in great health. and need to be changed in the next in 2015, he could help Mitsinjo again few years to prevent mortality. Even but because of the pandemic, he Facing the winter season, they are though the next breeding season could not come this year. all less active, hibernate and there is coming up soon, all of the cap- are no breedings recorded during tive species have been selected by Mitsinjo staff would appreciate those couple of months. using/improving new technics based exchanges with experts to expand on tree frog and our knowledge of captive breed- the top hill spe- ing as this is the first of its kind in cies. In addition, Madagascar. Mantella auran- tiaca has been readied for the next release, for both F2 and F3 generations.

The success of captive breeding depends on their live food cul- tures, and insect production plays important roles for those 12 spe-

© RAKOTOARISOA Justin Claude Justin © RAKOTOARISOA cies of frogs. We Conservation Needs Assessment of threatened amphibians in Brazil By Luis F. Marin da Fonte and Luis used to assist in the development of Brazil members from a wide variety Carrillo, IUCN ASG Brazil and Am- species recovery plans and national of backgrounds, including academ- phibian Ark action plans, or to better inform na- ics, researchers, students, and tional conservation priorities, identi- members of governmental agencies. The Amphibian Ark (AArk) and the fying priority taxa for both in situ or The assessments were facilitated by Brazilian regional branch of the ex situ conservation work. Between AArk’s Training Officer Luis Carrillo, IUCN Amphibian Specialist Group 2007 and the end of 2018, AArk staff by ASG Brazil members Cybele Lis- (ASG Brazil) have recently conducted have facilitated workshops to assess boa, Iberê Machado, Luis F. Marin da the Conservation Needs Assessment the conservation needs of around Fonte and Débora Silvano, and Luis (CNA) of all threatened amphibian 2,700 (~33%) of the world’s amphib- F. Toledo (UNICAMP). The results of species and other species of con- ian species at 41 national or regional the assessments are currently being servation interest in the country. workshops. To learn more about reviewed and will be soon published The CNA process, developed and the CNA, please access its official on the CNA website. managed by the AArk, seeks to website. If you are interested in con- objectively and consistently identify ducting assessments in your country, priority species and their immedi- please contact the AArk (kevinj@ ate conservation needs. Through a amphibianark.org). transparent, logical and objective method, the CNA process uses cur- Usually, CNAs are carried out in rent knowledge of species in the in-person workshops, but due to wild to determine those with the the COVID-19 pandemic, this time most pressing conservation needs assessments were entirely made in 5 and provides a foundation for the online workshops held between Au- development of holistic conserva- gust 17-21, 2020. The primary aim tion action plans that combine in of the assessment was to update situ and ex situ actions, as appropri- and in some cases conduct first-time ate. CNAs generate national prior- assessments for approximately 75 itized lists of species recommended amphibian species threatened with for one or more conservation action, extinction in Brazil. More than 50 lo- and these can subsequently be cal assessors were identified by ASG Atewa forest in Ghana is threatened by bauxite mining but ASA partner Herp-Ghana is not giving up on its amphibians © Michael Gyapong Akrasi Akrasi © Michael Gyapong

By Michael Gyapong Akrasi, Charles review). Many endemic and endan- volunteers in amphibian survey Kojo Amponsah, Francis Osei-Gyan, gered amphibians are likely to be techniques and identification. This Caleb Ofori-Boateng, Herp-Ghana extirpated should mining proceed. is to mobilize community support Sadly, many of these may never be for amphibian conservation, build The Atewa Hills Forest Reserve in discovered and named as knowl- their capacity in amphibian survey eastern Ghana is undoubtedly the edge of amphibians in the Atewa techniques, and also to ensure the most species-rich site in the country. Hills is based on only two major sur- longevity of the monitoring pro- In terms of species richness, the veys (Kouame et al., 2007; Leaché & gramme. In all, four monitoring Atewa forest compares to very few Ofori-Boateng 2011). surveys have been embarked on by in Africa. It is the only intact upland our trained hunters from June to forest in Ghana and home to 100 A long-term study aimed at ad- August 2020. These have proven to globally threatened species and equately cataloging the unique show good prospects as they have over 30 amphibian species of which amphibian diversity at different sites discovered some potential new spe- two are Critically Endangered and in the Atewa Hills seems to be a cies. Herp-Ghana remains hopeful endemic to the reserve (Atewa Slip- plausible course of action towards that this monitoring exercise will pery Frog and Afia’s Puddle Frog). their conservation. While the fight lead to the discovery of new species to save Atewa Forest is far from and that the results of this exercise Many more remain to be discov- over, ASA partner Herp-Ghana and will help strengthen our fight to save ered with an increase in research. Synchronicity Earth re working with the Atewa Hills Forest Reserve. Unfortunately, the Atewa forest is local communities to carry out an at severe risk of being destroyed amphibian monitoring programme by a planned bauxite mining. Last in Atewa to uncover and docu- year, old mining roads were reo- ment the amphibian species of this pened signaling the government’s threatened forest. This is extremely resolve to soon move ahead with important given the likelihood that this controversial mining project. other undiscovered frog species The planned mining overlaps with could occur there. the tiny distribution of the Atewa slippery frog which is already con- Herp-Ghana initiated our amphib- sidered by most scientists to be a ian monitoring programme in June distinct species (Blackburn et al., in 2020 as we have trained five local Amphibian conservation at REVA during the coronavirus pandemic By Enrique La Marca, REVA Conser- vation Center

The COVID-19 pandemic is affect- ing activities and the welfare of human populations, but also posing problems to conservation efforts worldwide. Since REVA conservation programs imply in situ, ex situ, and community outreach projects, the collateral adverse effects of the virus are also multifold. REVA fieldwork, lab, and teaching activities have been affected, because of having this multi-component conservation approach.

Controlling measures to avoid the © Erik La Marca spreading of coronavirus imply the field activities while reporting to because of the lack of availability human mobility restrictions and a faraway coordinator. of external funding or difficulties in confinement. In this regard, human obtaining income through sales of presence at activities in the ex situ In the middle of a REVA training visitors, appears to be one of the REVA facilities has been drastically course in amphibian conservation, main ones. The uncertainty remains reduced. Due to space limitations, we stopped the practical activities a in the future about the possibility of only one person is allowed at the few days before the national govern- external support in post-pandemic confined facilities each time. This ment issued the official lockdown times, when other priorities may is affecting the time expended in announcement, at the very start take more relevance. Another attending the terraria, although it of the pandemic. The course later current issue is that government is counteracted by having different shifted to an online-based second agencies are working at a slow working shifts. Nonetheless, since phase. The community work agenda pace, if any, affecting the issuing of most of the attendants are univer- completely stopped, as those activi- permits and other matters related sity students, their availability has ties involving a conservation multi- to environmental regulation. Under also diminished. approach with the participation this new scenario, most projects

(both in group meetings and practi- will need to be re-scheduled. The Field expeditions and species moni- cal activities) of local communities real consequences are still to be toring have also been curtailed in became unpractical and unsafe. revealed, once the pandemic is over. response to adhering to measures Meanwhile, we should not stop aimed to avoid the virus spread- The pandemic has also brought protecting endangered wildlife. ing among human populations, like problems to local amphibians, for restrictions of movement between instance, the deforestation of moun- localities to staying-at-home and so- tain stream banks by local residents cial distancing. Field data gathering in the provision wood in a country is compromised by mobility restric- that is facing an increasing problem tions and the number of participants in the provision of domestic gas. The in the field parties (now reduced to absence of vigilance in those places no more than three people at a sin- exacerbates the problem. gle locality each time, and wearing as much as possible facial masks and Depending on their programs, peo- following biosecurity protocols). We ple, and equipment involved, the have implemented alternative ac- conservation centers may have had tivities at long-distance localities by different degrees of impact by the making alliances with local trained- pandemic. Lack of funding, either personnel who is taking charge of © Benjamin Tapley Describing the tadpoles of five horned frogs from Vietnam By Benjamin Tapley, Luan Thanh other via a combination of patterna- Nguyen, Christopher Portway, Timo- tion in life, oral disc shape and tail thy Cutajar, Chung Thanh Nguyen, morphology but as we only had few Manh Van Le, Hao Van Luong, and specimens from relatively few spe- Jodi J. L. Rowley (Zoological Society cies to work with, further research of London, Asian Turtle Program, is needed to verify whether or not Indo-Myanmar Conservation, Aus- these differences can be applied tralian Museum, Danang University more widely to delineate subgenera. of Education and Hoang Lien Na- Detailed descriptions of tadpoles are tional Park) important when undertaking rapid biodiversity inventories. Further- The megophryid frog more, a thorough understanding Megophrys is comprised of 107 of both the microhabitat for both described species within seven larvae and post metamorphic am- subgenera and the genus is known phibians is essential for informing to harbour cryptic species diversity. amphibian conservation strategies, These frogs are usually associated such as which habitat to protect and with streams in montane forest optimal periods in which to monitor and their distinctive larvae have populations of a species. umbelliform oral discs. The few Asian horned frog tadpoles that Tapley, B., Nguyen, L.T., Cutajar, T., have been described have often Nguyen, C.T., Portway, C., Luong, H.V. dubiously allocated to species by & Rowley, J.J.L. (I2020) The tadpoles association with post metamorphic of five Megophrys Horned frogs specimens at collection sites and (Amphibia: ) from without supportive molecular data. the Hoang Lien Range, Vietnam. Our international team published Zootaxa, 4845 (1), 35–52. detailed descriptions of the larvae of six species of Asian horned frogs Tapley, B., Nguyen, L.T. & Le. M.V. Vietnam: Megophrys fansipanensis, (2020) A description of the tadpole M. gigantica, M. hoanglienensis, of Megophrys “Brachytarsophrys” M. intermedia, M. jingdongensis intermedia (Smith,1921), Zootaxa, and M. maosonensis. Tadpoles from 4845 (1), 26–34. different subgenera differ from each Someone can’t care about what they don’t know or see By Megan Cromp, Key Conservation

I started Key Conservation because I wanted a way for conservation- ists to be able to reach out to the world when the unexpected hap- pened. You can’t plan for a lioness getting stuck in a snare or a GPS unit malfunctioning but they happen. For smaller conservation organiza- tions moments like these can put them in survival mode because they already don’t have enough funding just send help, we are now building endless possibilities for the impact or bandwidth to take on something a community where anyone from that could have on our world. If unexpected. When funds are tight anywhere can work together to we reach our fundraising target we and you are facing problems from all tackle the problems facing conserva- can have the app complete in the sides it can feel like you’re alone out tion from the small to the seemingly next four months but we can’t do it there in the field. Sometimes it even impossible. without you. Will you help us build a feels like no cares if the species you lifeline for nature by supporting the are working to save goes extinct or Now over 70 conservation or- development of the Key Conserva- not. Here’s the issue, it’s not that no ganizations have signed up with us tion app? one cares they just don’t know what because they believe in our mission is even going on. and need this kind of support. A big part of us getting the app built is spreading the word about the I knew for this gap to be filled I had Over the past year, we have gone campaign as far and wide as pos- to create a way for people to be able through a rollercoaster of challenges sible. We could really use your help to be on the front lines with conser- and triumphs which have seen us go with this. If you are willing to share vationists so they would not only from 0 to 65% of the app being com- the campaign with your friends and know what was happening but they plete. We have built strong partner- family it would really help us out. could truly understand how it felt to ships and are envisioning a future be out there facing these challenges. for Key that goes beyond the day We tried to make it super easy to If they could understand I knew they to day to now building the world’s share the campaign by providing this would want to do something. A way first centralized platform for con- link to where you will find social me- for the world to have the back of servation. We are officially moving dia graphics and captions that you conservationists during their dark- into our final stage of development can use. Please feel free to make est moments. Conservation doesn’t and we are once again doing what your posts personal to you and to have time to wait, it changes every is needed to finalize development tag us in them. We want to hear why day and we need the solutions to once and for all. you’re excited about Key! We can’t tackle the problems to be just as do this without you so thank you for fluid. Providing actionable steps That’s why I am excited to an- any support you can give us! that someone could take to make a nounce that today we are kicking difference in real-time was neces- off our crowdfunding campaign to sary and on top of that, we needed raise the remaining funds needed to a way for an individual from across build the Key app. Now more than the world to be able to make just as ever conservation organizations big of an impact from their couch as need our help, our natural world someone who is in the same area as needs our help. We need a way to an organization. empower the world to step up when all other sources of funding and The idea evolved and now anyone support fall away. I truly believe that can help by giving their skills, their one person can make a difference funds, or by helping in person. and if we compound that there are Instead of building a platform to ASA’S Future Leaders of Amphibian Conservation Updates

The Future Leaders of Amphibian Conservation program is an award to a number of early-career conservationists from around the world that have been identified by the Amphibian Survival Alliance as the next generation of am- phibian conservationists. So far we have awarded 19 Future Leaders from 12 countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Australia and United States). You can learn more about some of the Future Leaders of Amphibian Conservation here. Getting to know Kaya Klop-Toker Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, Kaya? Like most of you, I’ve been a nature lover since birth. At university, I stumbled into an opportunity to do some frog surveys, and that was it – I’ve been hopping mad about frogs ever since! I was lucky enough to secure both an honours and PhD position studying frog ecology and threatening processes, as well as Klop-Toker © Kaya a position using photo-recapture it out at www.biomes.art than giant burrowing frogs. With methods to monitor frogs for the their cackling, laugh-like call, their New Zealand Department of Conser- What is your favourite amphibian adorably large, sticky toe pads, and vation. I now work as a post-doc at species and why? stunning cross pupils, they are a the University of Newcastle, study- With such diversity, it really is common frog in my area that I never ing the impacts of mining, chytrid, impossible for me to choose just get tired of seeing. and fire on vulnerable stream frogs. one favourite amphibian – so here are my top three in no particular Has being recognized as a Future What projects have you been order; (1) Archie’s frog, Leader of Amphibian Conservation involved in to promote amphibian archeyi, is on the list because it is by ASA made a difference in your conservation? one of the first amphibians I worked career so far? A lot of my research has been based with, they’re super fascinating being Becoming an ASA Future Leader on industrial land, which makes it one of the oldest frog species and for Amphibian Conservation has difficult to promote our projects. In- a non-verbal terrestrial breeder. L. changed how I see amphibian con- stead, I try to promote the need for archeyi have stunning green, black, servation. It has opened my world amphibian conservation in general. and orange colouring which hides view to the myriad of challenges To do this, I have given local commu- them perfectly among the moss and facing amphibians globally, and to nity presentations and radio inter- ferns of a New Zealand rain forest the different approaches passionate, views, and written for the Australian floor. They’re so beautiful, I’ve kept young people are making to meet Wildlife magazine. Recently, our lab a photo of one in my wallet for the those challenges. The Future Leader has launched a citizen science pro- past ten years! (2) The giant burrow- program has made me feel con- ject that engages locals to “adopt” a ing frog, Heleioporus australiacus, is nected to something larger than just sound recorder for remote acoustic a boss of a frog – they’re big, they’re the species I’m working on, and I’m monitoring. We’ve also developed chunky, they know what’s up. Giant really glad to be a part of it. “have you seen me?” style bro- burrowing frogs are purple with chures to encourage citizens to help bright yellow dots and loads of hard us find rare frogs. And this Septem- black spines used for amplexus, and ber, we released “Biomes”, an inter- they are one of the few ground frogs active website with a virtual gallery that always look, if not happy, then to engage and educate the public on at least mildly amused. (3) Peron’s biodiversity. Of course, I made the tree frog, Litora peroni, is a frog I frog diversity posters! Please check love because it looks even happier