April 2020 AMPHIBIAN SURVIVAL ALLIANCE NEWTSLETTER

Got a story you want to share? Drop Candace an email today! cmhansen@amphibians.org Stories from our partners around the world © Chester Zoo © Chester A big leap for a small frog: Conserving the Golden Mantella

The Golden Mantella Frog Man- amongst the Malagasy trees for the legal gold mining activity. In urgency, tella aurantiaca is – for now – one foreseeable future. the organization encouraged the of the many Critically Endangered national government to bestow island endemics barely holding on From 2008, Madagasikara Voakajy, a protection over a key area of high in Madagascar’s fragmented for- Malagasy NGO, sought to assess the pond density and remaining forest. ests. Ecosystems here are subject to situation for the species. They found The Mangabe-Ranomena-Sahasaro- some of the most intense anthro- across the frog’s remaining range, tra New Protected Area decreed in pogenic pressures on Earth. Over the forest ponds essential for the 2015 gave much needed hope to the the last decade, Chester Zoo and mantella life cycle were disappear- project. Madagasikara Voakajy have worked ing rapidly as trees were cleared for to ensure the chirrup of these rice fields by slash and burn “tavy”, Chester Zoo joined Madagasikara tiny amphibians can still be heard or water made uninhabitable by il- Voakajy in its surveying efforts from 2012 onwards. Together, we now received agricultural training in crop addressing fundamental questions know that the protected area rotation, composting techniques, around the species’ dispersion, 2019 in review with the Asian Species Action contains at least 276 ponds suitable and the plantation of alternative migration and pond colonization, we for Golden Mantella habitation, crop, with the intention of benefit- can better manage the protected Partnership though we estimate only ~40% of ting people and slowing forest loss. area and drive sustainable use of the If you’d like to know what the IUCN Planning to build regional conserva- If you are working on one of the fol- these ponds contain the species as forest in the years to come. SSC Asian Species Action Partner- tion capacity lowing ASAP amphibians we’d love of 2019. To reliably monitor the population in ship (ASAP) did during 2019, you One of the strategic priorities for to hear from you at [email protected]: the protected area, Chester Zoo re- With the combined approach of ex- can now read our recently released ASAP is to strengthen the capacity With the protected area in place and searchers developed a Golden Man- situ research, and in-situ community Annual Report. Writing an Annual in Southeast Asia to deliver robust, • Ansonia guibei the scale of the situation realized, tella specific capture-mark-recapture led conservation, we are preventing Report is often a good opportunity successful conservation work. A key • Megophrys damrei the approach shifted to a long-term method involving the implanting the extinction of one of the smallest to pause and reflect on hurdles piece of work towards this was do- • Ansonia vidua community-conservation based of a fluorescent elastomer under and rarest frog species on Earth. overcome and achievements made ing a gap analysis of the support al- • Occidozyga tompotika plan. Madagasikara Voakajy led the skin (VIE tagging). This method for the previous year. As usual, the ready available, and to get feedback • Kalophrynus yongi capacity building sessions in forestry is now employed in research to year flew by, so this is a chance to from our Partners on their needs. • Oreolalax sterlingae law and patrolling systems, build- understand the detailed habitat share some of the things we’ve been The work highlighted areas that • Leptobrachella palmata ing a team of forest protectors to requirements and ecological needs working on. conservation organisations felt more • Pelophryne linanitensis ensure the breeding ponds were of the species, and assess the im- support could be given for, including • Leptobrachium kantonishikawai kept safe. Alongside this, villages pact of the conservation actions led Reviewing endemism – a full house accessible and long-term training • Pelophryne murudensis surrounding the protected area by Madagasikara Voakajy. Through for amphibians in project management and leader- • Leptolalax botsfordi In the midst of this crisis, we share Society to our partnership and are ASAP focuses on Southeast Asia. ship. We’re excited to have secured Philautus jacobsoni recent news from the partnership sharing an interview with Teresa It is a region that is incredibly rich funding to begin addressing some of • Leptolalax kecil in the spirit of celebrating achieve- Camacho Badani (a Future Leader in biodiversity but facing extreme these priorities in the coming years. • Platymantis insulatus ments to date and looking ahead of Amphibian Conservation from pressure from habitat loss and • Leptophryne cruentata to a brighter future. This includes: Bolivia). overexploitation. Our remit is Growing the Partnership January 2020’s World Congress Southeast Asian land and freshwater Much like the Amphibian Sur- To find out more visit www.specie- of Herpetology in New Zealand, Although nothing can distract vertebrates that are listed as Criti- vival Alliance, ASAP is an alliance of sonthebrink.org, or follow us on where we ran the Amphibian Con- from the current context of the cally Endangered, known as ASAP Partners, all with a shared interest Twitter@IUCN_ASAP. servation Research Symposium and COVID-19 crisis, we sincerely hope species. Currently, there are 15 in averting the extinction of ASAP EDITORIAL signed the WCH Climate Change these stories provide you with in- amphibians that sit in this camp. We species. In a year when the number Declaration; the Amphibian Red terest and inspiration. Once again, always knew that the region is home of ASAP species unfortunately in- Our global partnership is linked by List Authority’s Global Amphibian we send our very best wishes for to many species found nowhere else creased, we were pleased to see the many common struggles, and the Assessment update from Sri Lanka; your health and happiness over in the world, but a piece of work we number of Partners grow to almost recent developments surround- the Asian Species Action Partner- this time, and may you recover conducted highlighted just how true 100. There is a huge opportunity for ing the COVID-19 pandemic have ship’s latest annual report; Chester swiftly from any illness. Please do this is. It showed us that every single knowledge sharing and network- added a new and urgent threat. Zoo’s efforts conserving the Golden continue to get in touch with your ASAP amphibian is a country-en- ing across ASAP, something we will You remain firmly in our thoughts Mantella (Mantella aurantiaca); developments, difficulties, op- demic. This increases their vulnera- focus on facilitating in 2020. as you collectively and individually Zoos Victoria’s work with the Baw portunities, and thoughts. We are bility and makes the efforts of ASAP cope with the challenges thrown Baw Frog (Philoria frosti) Recovery rooting for each and every one of Partners even more vital. your way on a daily basis. As the Programme; Froglife’s 2020 UK pro- you. Please stay safe and well. impact of this virus is revealed over gramme for road mitigation tun- the coming weeks and months, we nels; Synchronicity Earth’s descrip- Helen Meredith, PhD will do our utmost to continue to tion of FUNDAECO’s rediscovery Executive Director highlight and support your work. of Jackson’s Climbing Salamander Amphibian Survival Alliance You are all involved in wonderful (Bolitoglossa jacksoni) in Guate- and important initiatives that help mala 40 years after the last known build a positive future for amphib- sighting; a lawsuit supported by ians, and we could not be more Save The Frogs! Ghana to protect grateful for your contributions to the Atewa Forest from bauxite conservation worldwide. However, exploitation activities that imperil it all starts with your health and the Critically Endangered Afia Bi- wellbeing. We hope you can get rago Puddle Frog (Phrynobatrachus the time and space you need to afiabirago) and Togo Slippery Frog sustain yourselves through this (Conraua derooi); and the Wildlife immensely difficult and uncertain Trust of India’s work developing time. We wish you, your fami- wetland management and protec- lies, friends and colleagues great tion across Uttar Pradesh. We also © Arief Tajalli © Arief strength, health, and hope. welcome the Bristol Zoological Marin da Fonte © Luis Fernando SAVE THE FROGS! Ghana joins lawsuit Froglife’s tunnels campaign 2020 Over the past six years Froglife have Now that we have good data to going the Toads VR, which is 13% of against government to protect Atewa been monitoring the success of road demonstrate the efficacy of road the total visitor base. mitigation tunnels for amphibians. mitigation tunnels for amphibians, Forest We have used unique infrared time the next step is to promote their The campaign is gaining high levels SAVE THE FROGS! Ghana has joined lapse cameras to monitor amphib- use. Too often research is dissemi- of support and once we have 20 Civil Society Organisations to file ian movements through 34 tunnels nated in the academic world and reached a substantial number of sig- a notice with the Attorney General across seven sites in four countries does not reach the decision mak- natories, we will use that to provide and Minister of Justice against the across Europe (England, Scotland, ers and, in this case, infrastructure greater impetus to our guidance to Government of Ghana. This action France and Portugal). During this developers. Froglife has initiated a decision makers. We will contact the has become necessary to immedi- time period we have recorded campaign to promote more good relevant Government departments, ately halt ongoing bauxite ‘explo- 4,760 individual amphibians from quality road mitigation tunnels: all UK Local Authority transport ration’ activities at Atewa Forest 11 species including Common Frog https://www.froglife.org/what-we- departments, ecological consultants Reserve and seek legal orders to (Rana temporaria), Agile Frog (R. do/education/london-t-o-a-d/t-o- and developers, and by combining permanently secure Ghana’s ‘crown dalmatina), Fire Salamander (Sala- a-d-campaign/. This is proving to guidance on road mitigation tun- jewel’ of biodiversity. mandra salamandra), Great Crested be popular and support levels are nels based on our research plus the Newt (Triturus cristatus), Western increasing rapidly. The campaign is substantial support from the public Intended reliefs of the notice in- Spadefoot Toad (Pelobates cultripes) being run in tandem with a series of from our campaign and petition, we clude: and Iberian Ribbed Newt (Pleurode- public engagement events to raise aim to effect real change. • Declaration that the right to life les waltl). In 2019 Froglife published awareness of the issue of amphib- and dignity as enshrined in the findings from one of our sites in ian road deaths and the role of road 1. Jarvis, L.E., Hartup, M. & Petro- Constitution of Ghana, 1992 Northern England (1), demonstrat- mitigation tunnels. van, S. O. (2019) Road mitigation which includes (a) the right to a Ghana © Arocha ing a significant population increase using tunnels and fences promotes clean and healthy environment in the Great Crested Newt, a Euro- To attract new audiences Froglife site connectivity and population and (b) the right to have the pean protected species, over a four has created a virtual reality experi- expansion for a protected amphib- environment protected for the year period. ence of a toad passing through a ian. European Journal of Wildlife until 2017, when Ghana’s Govern- single location in West Africa with benefit of present and future tunnel under a road. This gives an Research, 65:27-38. https://doi. ment entered into an infrastructural the highest diversity of butterflies. generations; Our research has shown that mitiga- immersive toad’s-eye view of the org/10.1007/s10344-019-1263-9. ‘loan’ agreement of US$19 billion It also harbors at least 1,100 plant • A declaration that mining baux- tion tunnels can provide benefits to world and the challenges toads face. with China. From the terms of the species including 56 that are threat- ite in the Atewa Forest violates amphibian populations, providing To date 5,363 people have tried the agreement, the loan will be repaid ened with extinction and many the right to life and dignity valuable corridors between terres- virtual reality and evaluation shows with proceeds from bauxite includ- more endemic to the Upper Guinea enshrined under articles 13 and trial and aquatic habitats. We are that 75% of people asked had more ing that from Atewa Forest (www. Forest of West Africa. In addition, 15 of the Constitution; currently working on analysing data understanding of why toad tunnels savethefrogs.com/ghana-accra- it is the headwaters of three rivers, • An order, compelling the from all of our sites to fully evalu- are needed after the VR experience. protest-save-atewa-forest/). By June Rivers Ayensu, Birim and Densu that government of Ghana and its ate the success of the tunnels and 2019, the government had approved supplies water to over five million agents to take the necessary to provide guidance for developers, These events are being run in high- the clearing of part of the forest Ghanaians. Thus, mining this area steps to protect Atewa For- local councils and ecological consult- footfall areas such as London sta- for what was later communicated to contribute 17% of the total loan est Range in accordance with ants. This will be helpful for imple- tions and major events such as New as ‘prospecting’ activities without repayment will be a big failure in our constitutional obligations as menting the most effective mitiga- Scientist Live! This event attracted wider consultation with independ- quest to protecting Ghana’s crown contained under article 36(9) of tion solutions for amphibian species. 40,000 attendees, with 1,582 under- ent environmental stakeholders like jewel of biodiversity. the constitution; and SAVE THE FROGS! Ghana, or with • An order, restraining the Gov- local communities. Our immediate To help with our campaigns as a ernment of Ghana, its assigns petitions to the Presidency and Par- volunteer writer (not paid), please and agents, servants, work- liament unfortunately, did not yield contact SAVE THE FROGS! Ghana’s men, allottees and guarantees any positive responses thus, the Advocacy Co-ordinator at sandra@ whatsoever and howsoever decision to undertake this new ac- savethefrogs.com. You can also do- described, from undertaking tion to prevent the further advance- nate to sustain our efforts at www. mining and its related activities ment of government’s plans to mine savethefrogs.com/donate-ghana/ in the Atewa Forest Range. Atewa Forest. For several years, SAVE THE FROGS! Atewa Forest is the only home Ghana has been campaigning to to the Critically Endangered Afia prevent bauxite mining in Atewa Birago Puddle frog (Phrynobatra- Forest. Our proposed upgrade of the chus afiabirago) and the last viable forest into a national park to offer it population of the Togo Slippery higher protection looked promising © Froglife Frog (Conraua derooi). Atewa is the Sleeping Children of the Mountains: Guatemala’s rare and secretive amphibians © FUNDAECO

confirmed that he had rediscovered Creating reserves to protect impor- species, and identifying key areas a lost species. tant amphibian habitats like Yal Unin for amphibians which need to be Yul Witz in the Western Highlands protected through the Amphibian Yal Unin Yul Witz is the name of and La Firmeza Amphibian Reserve Survival Alliance. the reserve in the Mayan language (in the Sierra Caral, on the eastern Q’anjob’al. It translates to ‘Sleeping border with Honduras) is just one But now, in addition to this impor- Child Between Mountains’, which re- branch of FUNDAECO’s amphibian tant work, we are expanding to fers to the salamanders themselves, conservation work. support amphibian conservation in who are described by several indig- the field. Simon Stuart, Synchronic- enous communities as the sleeping One of the key hurdles to effective ity Earth’s Director of Conservation, children in the forests. amphibian conservation is lack of says “FUNDAECO’s work in their knowledge. Without research identi- amphibian reserves addresses two The golden wonder is only one of fying the species and habitats which of the key priorities for amphibian the many rare and beautiful amphib- should be our priority to conserve, it conservation: protecting habitats ian species in these mountains. At is much harder to know which areas on the ground and improving the the same time the Jackson’s Climb- need urgent action. knowledge base which will inform ing Salamander was discovered, so further conservation efforts. This is

© Carlos Vasquez Almazan © Carlos Vasquez was the Finca Chiblac Salamander This is why the people around why we are proud to announce our and Nimble Long-limbed Salaman- FUNDAECO’s reserves, like Tomás new partnership with them as our In October 2017, Tomás Ramos León phibian experts: Carlos Roberto and roots. So when he heard about der, both of which are rare and Ramos León, are receiving training Amphibian Programme develops.” was patrolling the edge of the Yal Vásquez Almazán. Carlos had visited the golden wonder, he wanted to be endangered. There are also healthy in amphibian identification – they Unin Yul Witz Protected Nature Re- the guards of Yal Unin Yul Witz and the one to rediscover it. populations of rare frogs, includ- are the ones on the ground who, New amphibian species are still serve when he saw something that taught them about the rare and ing Critically Endangered Perkins’ as well as protecting the reserve being discovered at a very rapid had not been witnessed by human elusive amphibians of their unique “I had always dreamed about find- Treefrog and Ixil Spikethumb Frog. itself, can gather invaluable insights rate – around 150 species per year. eyes for over 40 years. reserve, including how to identify ing this salamander,” Tomás said. “I into the wildlife they are protecting. This demonstrates just how much one which hadn’t been seen for four have found rare salamanders, frogs, This is one of the reasons why Their findings will also be used to more we have to learn about this A shift as a reserve guard in Western decades. The golden wonder was toads and snakes before, but this Foundation for Ecodevelopment help create environment education incredible group of metamorphosis- Guatemala is no walk in the park. discovered in the Western Highlands was very different because it was and Conservation (FUNDAECO), an programmes to engage local com- ing animals, because with such large With steep climbs, muddy slopes of Guatemala in 1975 and promptly believed to be extinct – it is of inter- accomplished conservation charity munities, teaching them about their knowledge gaps we cannot compre- and frequent heavy rain, it is a disappeared. There had been no est to the world.” in Guatemala, purchased the land local wildlife and involving them in hend the consequences of losing heavy-duty hike. But Tomás was mo- recorded sightings since. (then known as Finca San Isidro) its protection. these species and their habitats. tivated by a decades long mystery And then one day, there it was. to create a protected reserve for which had haunted these mountains Like the other guards, Tomás comes Underneath some leaf litter, the amphibians in 2015 with the help Amphibian conservation is one of Fortunately, there is fascinating for years: the disappearance of the from the local community adjacent striking black and yellow colours of of several international partners the overlooked and underfunded work being done around the world ‘golden wonder’. to the reserve, Santo Domingo Chi- the unmistakable Jackson’s Climbing (International Conservation Fund of conservation challenges that our for amphibian conservation which blac, and he belongs to the Mayan Salamander. Canada, World Land Trust, Global research has identified, which is why inspires far more hope than despair. The golden wonder is one of the ethnic group Q´anjob´al. He had Wildlife Conservation/Amphibian Synchronicity Earth founded our many names of the Jackson’s always been keen to discover the se- “I had no doubts that it was the Survival Alliance and Rainforest Amphibian Programme. So far the Climbing Salamander (Bolitoglossa crets of the reserve, using his patrols Bolitoglossa jacksoni, recognising its Trust). These reserves are managed programme has concentrated on as- jacksoni), about which Tomás had to look in the damp and dark hidey striking colours instantly.” He photo- together with the local indigenous sessing amphibians for the IUCN Red learned during a workshop held by holes where Guatemala’s unseen graphed it and sent the photos via communities, who take the lead in List of Threatened Species, which one of Guatemala’s leading am- treasures lurk: under logs, rocks, WhatsApp to Carlos, who excitedly protecting them. is used globally to highlight priority 8th Amphibian Conservation Research Securing wetlands will go a long way in Symposium conserving aquatic biodiversity The Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA) has recently organized the 8th edition of the Amphibian Conserva- tion Research Symposium (ACRS), the only international symposium dedicated specifically to the shar- ing of research and strategies to empower the future of amphibian conservation. This edition was held during the last day of the 9th World Congress of Herpetology (WCH) at the Otago University in Dunedin, New Zealand (5-10 January, 2020). WCH was co-organized by Prof. Phil Bishop (ASA’s Chief Scientist) and attended by 870 herpetologists from 57 countries. © Luis Fernando Marin da Fonte © Luis Fernando

This edition of ACRS was chaired by Sinha © Samir Kumar ACRS has a strong focus on early Conservation prize: Michelle Abadie ASA’s Communications and Partner- career conservation, in order to help (Brazil), Teresa Camacho Badani ships Officer Luis Fernando Marin Securing wildlife habitats outside wetland ecosystem and needless to protected over 800 Sarus nests till build a future for global amphibian (Bolivia), James Watuwa (Uganda) da Fonte. During the symposium, fif- traditional protected area network is mention that amphibians are one successful hatching, directly con- conservation, at this edition ASA and Muhammad Rais (Pakistan). You teen talks were held about relevant one of the mandates of the Wild- of the worst sufferers of the toxic tributing to increase in the crane’s has awarded four conservationists can learn more about them and the topics for amphibian conservation life Trust of India (WTI). Wetlands pollution. population. from around the world with the amazing work they conduct here. such as infectious diseases, climate are one such critical habitats which 2020 Future Leaders of Amphibian change, and stories of success. Since are facing multiple threats due to The project, started in 2013 to con- Assessment of biodiversity, hydro- expanding agriculture and human serve the Sarus Crane (Antigone an- logical characteristics, threats, rights settlements as a result of surge tigone) – the tallest flying bird and and privileges of local communities An Amphibian Red List Authority update in human population. Diminish- iconic to wetland ecosystem, has and land ownership status of the In February the IUCN SSC Amphib- ing wetlands adversely affect the identified over 50 wetlands which identified wetlands is being done by ian Red List Authority held a very populations of a range of inverte- are important for biodiversity con- the WTI. It is a mandatory process successful workshop in Colombo, brate and vertebrate taxa including servation and require concerted ef- for notifying them under the ‘Wet- Sri Lanka. The workshop was hosted birds, reptiles and amphibians. The forts for their conservation because land (Conservation & Management) by Dilmah Conservation and wel- trust works to protect wetlands in of no legal protection accorded to Rules, 2017 of the Government comed over 25 amphibian experts 10 districts, in a north Indian state them. The organization is working of India. The rules would enforce from across the country. Under the of Uttar Pradesh, situated in the with the government authorities to measures to prohibit change in leadership of Rohan Pethiyagoda, basins of the Rapti and Ghaghara bring these wetlands under legal land-use and improve ecological the group worked tirelessly over Rivers in the Gangetic Plains in India. protection regime, and at the same conditions of wetlands. Effecting an four days to produce comprehensive Wetlands and rice paddies together time engage communities in conser- Integrated Wetland Management and detailed assessed of over 120 cover around 40% of the geographi- vation of wetlands and its biodiver- Plan is mandatory for each of the species. Preliminary results from the cal area of the districts and provide sity. Community based organizations notified wetlands. It will go a long workshop indicate that over three- habitat to a variety of aquatic biota. - Sarus Protection Committees and way in conserving biodiversity and quarters of the amphibians in Sri These wetlands are embedded in ag- Wetland Management Committees, promoting wise-use of wetlands. Lanka are now considered threat- ricultural landscape where synthetic have been constituted in villages ened. Participants at the workshop, agrochemicals are used in large to institutionalize the process of with the support of Dilmah conser- quantities for better production and protection and conservation of vation, are committed to following reduce loss due to pests. A study by wetland ecosystem. Local farmers through on conservation action to WTI found presence of residues of voluntarily protect the Sarus Crane protect the unique amphibians of 15 pesticides belonging to organo- nests in wetlands and rice paddies. this beautiful country. chlorines, organophosphate and WTI organizes events to felicitate © Amphibian Red List Authority List © Amphibian Red pyrethroid groups of insecticides, these farmers in recognition to their weedicides and herbicides. The toxic contribution towards conservation. chemicals are direct threat to the With this approach the project has New ASA Partner: An introduction to the Meet Teresa Camacho Badani Bristol Zoological Society The mission of the Bristol Zoological habitats such as tropical forests. er threatened amphibians; Chapa Society is to save wildlife through We are evaluating our conserva- Bug-eyed Frogs, Mountain Chicken conservation action and engaging tion outcomes through specific Key Frogs, and Golden Dart Frogs. people with the natural world. The Performance Indicators to ensure Members of our reptile department Society was established in 1835 the implementation of sustainable are also involved with the current and its specific objectives are to solutions to species and ecosystem release programme for the Moun- advance the public understanding of conservation challenges. tain Chicken Frog in Monserrat. the conservation of wildlife and the natural environment and encourage Bristol Zoological Society has a num- our guests to help protect wildlife ber of ongoing amphibian conser- through pro-conservation behav- vation contributions, including the iours. The Society currently leads 14 in-situ work we are doing with the conservation projects in ten coun- Lemur Leaf Frogs. We coordinate tries across the world. We focus on the European Association of Zoos 18 high conservation priority flag- and Aquaria (EAZA) studbook for ship species to galvanise the con- the Lemur Leaf Frogs with our own servation of extremely biodiverse breeding population and breed oth-

Zoos Victoria Baw Baw Frog Recovery Teresa Camacho Badani is one of Titicaca Water Frog (Telmatobius Has being recognized as a Future ASA Future Leaders of Amphibian culeus). In our captive breeding Leader of Amphibian Conservation Program Conservation. As part of the pro- program called K’ayra (word which by ASA made a difference in your The Baw Baw Frog (Philoria oviposition sites that not gramme, ASA awarded her a grant in the native Quechua and Aymara career so far? frosti) is a unique beast only protect the larvae but to attend the 9th World Congress languages means “frog”) we have indeed, isolated to mon- also allow them to develop of Herpetology in Dunedin, New a population of about 700 frogs, It has not been too long since I tane habitat of a small through to metamorphosis Zealand, where she gave a talk comprising 5 endangered species of had the honor to be recognised as mountain plateau, it is without intervention. Given about her work at the Amphibian the Telmatobius genus, the Chape Future Leader by the Amphibian small and brown, lives in the complexity of these Conservation Research Symposium, Toad (Rhinella justinianoi), and the Survival Alliance. But since then and the undergrowth with all its underground systems it has organised by the ASA. To learn more Bolivian Cochran Frog (Nymphargus after attending the Amphibian Con- reproductive behavior and been a huge milestone for about Teresa and other Future Lead- bejaranoi), a glass frog that has only servation Research Symposium at early life history occurring the Recovery Program and ers, visit our webpage. recently been rediscoverd in Bolivia the World Congress of Herpetology underground, add to this one that provides us with after 18 years. in New Zealand, I have already seen its Critically Endangered a great deal of optimism Please tell us a bit about yourself. positive changes. At the Congress status. Getting a handle on moving forward. I am a Bolivian herpetologist, and I What is your favourite amphibian I had the opportunity to network the captive biology for this have been working with amphibians species and why? with several scientists, and many species has been challeng- During the 2019/20 season since I was a student at the univer- This is a tough question! Choosing of them are interested in the work ing to say the least, not to we have released over 200 sity. This is something that really just one is almost impossible, since that we are doing in Bolivia. We mention eliciting reproduc- eggs and larvae across two fascinates me. One of my favorite they all have something special. have even planned some activities tive behavior and successful release sites, so far over places is the cloud forest, where we Most people would expect me to and agreed to write scientific papers breeding. half of those have meta- can see unique species in the world. say that my favourite is Romeo, together. Here in Bolivia, there was morphosed and dispersed. Currently, I’m working at the Alcide the Sehuencas Water Frog... this a great coverage by the press about However, ten years on and d´Orbigny Natural History Museum species is undoubtedly on the top my award. It was very important to the Recovery Program is And now we play the wait- in Cochabamba, Bolivia, where I lead of my list. But if I had to chose a widely publicize amphibian conser- starting to experiment with ing game, if any of these a wonderful team dedicated to the species that I would like to see in vation in the media. Now people reintroduction of captive tiny frogs survive to matu- conservation and the care of threat- the field, it would be another Water know more about my work and are © Kristie Lawrence © Kristie laid eggs and larvae. rity it will be another 4-5 ened amphibians in the country. Frog (Telmatobius edaphonastes). It interested in the wonderful spe- have an intimate relationship with years before we expect is an endemic species of the Boliv- cies of amphibians that we have in Aside from producing viable eggs underground seepage lines where them to return to the breeding site What projects have you been ian cloud forests that has not been Bolivia! perhaps one of most challenging the eggs and larvae rely on hydrol- as adults. involved in to promote amphibian seen for more than 20 years now. I aspects of reintroduction for this ogy to complete development. conservation? would love to find it and would be species is how to translocate captive Experimentally we have been able We are currently working on the extremely happy to report the redis- laid eggs and larvae back to wild to manipulate underground soaks Action Plan for the Sehuencas Water covery of this species! sites. Baw Baw Frog oviposition sites to flow through artificially created Frog (Telmatobius yuracare) and the Aotearoa Climate Change Declaration of the 9th World Congress of Herpetology Whereas the World Congress of Herpetology is an or- goal of being a 100% carbon-neutral Congress; ganization dedicated to scientific study and conservation • renewable energy and materials alternatives, lo- of amphibians and reptiles, and cal food (including limited meat and dairy), and transparency by vendors providing services for all Whereas 870 herpetologists from 57 countries have Congresses (including transport, housing, food, and gathered in Dunedin to share research in appreciation of other sectors), and recognizing and enabling resil- amphibians and reptiles; and ient indigenous and local economies; and • increased protection for biodiversity and wild Whereas many presentations at the 9th World Congress places. in Dunedin, New Zealand described the impacts of climate change and other anthropogenic environmental We also call upon the international community, in- changes on the health of amphibian and reptile popula- cluding all national governments, to acknowledge the tions, adding to a growing body of scientific knowledge accumulated evidence for global climate change and to documenting the global impacts of human activities, take immediate action to mitigate the future impacts of and such change.

Whereas we are committed to transforming our society We prefer to remain hopeful and we declare that we will to achieve climate stability and biodiversity conserva- work together immediately at every level of society to tion for future generations, and honor our common humanity, to acknowledge and take responsibility for our climate-changed world. We resolve Whereas we wish to create a more sustainable Congress to engage human ingenuity in solving the challenges we as part of building the capacity of scientists and society face, respecting the needs of all people, and valuing all to become more harmonious with the ecological work- biodiversity. ings of the planet, and

Whereas we maintain that this endeavor is largely dependent on economic and social equity, respect for human rights, and the reduction of marginalization of all peoples currently under-privileged,

Therefore, be it resolved that the participants in the 9th World Congress of Herpetology call for • the partnership of science and society to build science-based solutions to the problems caused by carbon emissions; • all air travel to the Congress to be carbon-mitigated via reputable and certified avenues, with eventual