Thank You Phil – We Will Miss You So Much by IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Tion of Selflessness and Generosity, It On, Just As He Did

February 2021 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 Thank you Phil – we will miss you so much By IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist tion of selflessness and generosity, it on, just as he did. Group and Amphibian Survival Alli- always willing to help and support Phil lived his life with intense pur- ance anyone, even if he himself was up pose. As amphibian conservationists to his eyeballs in work, and all done and as people we have our work It is with great sadness that we with his characteristic brilliance cut out to continue the legacy of are sharing this message with you. and distinctive sense of humour. the extraordinary human being that Our friend, colleague and mentor, No challenge was too great and no Phil was. As Phil always used to say, Professor Phil Bishop, passed away concern too small. He brought his “Let’s do it!” after a short and unexpected illness tenacity and deep love of amphib- Thank you, Phil, for showing us, by surrounded by family on Saturday, ians to everything he did, reminding example, how to be better people. January 23rd, 2021 New Zealand us all of the true meaning behind You exemplified living life to the Time. our work. It seems impossible to fullest and leaving the world a much Phil was a true great and such a imagine a time without him, and yet better place. bright light in all our lives. Our col- the imprint of his expertise, dedica- There is a hole in our hearts. It is in lective hearts break for Phil’s family, tion and personality is on everything the shape of Phil. all his friends and an entire conser- we do. The number of people that vation community. He touched so Phil befriended and influenced many lives and meant so much to all became apparent over the last few of us. weeks, with an outpouring of mes- Phil was at the very heart of build- sages of grief and love from liter- ing a global amphibian conservation ally every corner of the world. The movement, and he ensured that this magnitude of his influence ensures heart was a kind and inclusive one. that we will always be acting in his As Chief Scientist of the Amphib- memory, honouring his passion and ian Survival Alliance since 2011 and approach at every step. We will miss Co-Chair of the Amphibian Special- him beyond words and will strive to ist Group since 2012, he was in his continue his mission. Our gratitude element when representing ASA and as a community is boundless. So ASG around the world, welcoming many of us will carry his memory new people, organizations and ideas and the flame of his torch through- to both. Phil was a living incarna- out our lives, and endeavour to pass

2 Table of contents 1 Thank you Phil – we will miss you 12 The Conservation Evidence Jour- so much nal: Call for papers Frogress Report 4 Planting steps for frog conserva- 13 A new poster for Harlequin Frogs tion in Western Ghats, India (genus Atelopus) is now available Editorial

5 Tribute to Marcelo Menin, a Brazil- 14 Saving the planet, one frog at a Committee ian amphibian champion time Candace Hansen-Hendrikx 6 Environmental DNA detection: 15 Facilitating species conservation Editor-in-Chief Additional perspectives and applica- planning workshops: Online course tions for rare and cryptic bromeliad dwelling frogs 17 Introducing Rio Forqueta, a Key Luis Fernando Marin da Fonte Biodiversity Area to protect the Editor 7 Goodbye “Gonza”, Champion of Admirable Red-Belly Toad the Yellow-eared Parrot Helen Meredith 18 BMW Group, Tetra Pak and Assistant Editor 8 The conservation of Mantella Schüco International express con- cowanii, a threatened frog of Mada- cerns about sourcing aluminium gascar from Ghana’s irreplaceable Atewa Kaya Klop-Toker Forest Assistant Editor 9 #AmphibianEyes 19 Getting to know Fortunate Phaka Kirsty Kyle 10 A new facility for the conserva- Assistant Editor tion of the Sehuencas Water Frog 20 Meet Esther Matthew at the K’ayra Center of the Museo d´Orbigny in Bolivia

11 A finding that brings hope for a still unknown Harlequin Frog

#AmphibianEyes ©Katie Garrett & Jonathan Kolby

3 © Vivek Menon © Vivek Planting steps for frog conservation in Western Ghats, India By Wildlife Trust India cess, the team decided to create ad- the first. To ensure a moist setting [email protected] ditional suitable breeding grounds, in the surrounding, a drip irriga- where they identified two new sites tion system was set up. The team Amphibians are the group with inside the plantation complex. Brav- is currently planting some vegeta- the highest proportion of threat- ing the monsoons, the team man- tion around the pond where several ened species. In India, a tree frog aged to dig and construct a 10 feet frogs were found taking shelter Rhacophorus pseudomalabaricus, long, 3 feet wide, and 2.5 feet deep under the leaf litter. We hope to see commonly known as the Anaimalai waterhole lined with jute sacks and more R. pseudomalabaricus inhabit Flying Frog or False Malabar Gliding tarpaulin to hold water through the the area in the coming months. Frog, which is Critically Endangered dry period. Plants like wild turmeric Collaterals are also being developed and endemic to a restricted range in and cardamom, preferred by the in local language, to sensitize the Western Ghats, is hanging on to its species were planted around the plantation management on the use very survival. waterhole, creating a natural setting of organic fertilizer and, motivating A baseline survey conducted in July for the frogs. them in becoming a “frog friendly” recorded them breeding in an arti- By November 2020, the team was establishment. WTI has also initiated ficial water tank (used for irrigation successful in finding R. pseudoma- discussions with amphibian experts purpose) inside a cardamom planta- labaricus and ten other species and IUCN SSC Amphibian specialist tion. The plantation management of anurans along with odonates group in developing a robust conser- practices employed around the tank, and reptiles inhabiting the new vation plan for R. pseudomalabari- such as cleaning of dry/dead carda- waterhole. The following month, cus and other targeted threatened mom leaves, de-weeding, clearing another monitoring visit was made frog species in the Western Ghats. of water found to be negatively im- by the team, where they observed Recovery of threatened species is pacting the species breeding cycle. Anamalai Flying Frog and other one of the priorities of Wildlife Trust Known to have strong site fidelity, species like Nyctibatrachus poocha of India (WTI)– an organization with Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), along (Meowing Night Frog), Indirana sp. a mission to conserve wildlife and its with local partners, reached out to (Indian frog) and Indosylvirana sp. habitat in partnership with commu- the management and initiated a (Golden-backed Frog) resting around nities and governments. consultative dialog and conservation the waterhole. Based on the team’s action to restore the breeding pool. suggestions, an inlet and outlet from After zero disturbance measures the waterhole to a nearby stream in taken around the water tank, on a the plantation was paved for intrin- monitoring visit was made by WTI sic aeration during the dry spell. The and forest authorities, the team team also began work on the second sighted three new nests of R. pseu- waterhole (8ft length & width and domalabaricus. Looking at the suc- 2.5 ft depth) few meters away from

4 Tribute to Marcelo Menin, a Brazilian amphibian champion

By Denise Rossa Feres, UNESP (Bra- ience, humility, patience, joy, peace personal standoff, I always thought, zil) ... Menin gathered so many qualities “How would Menin act in this situa- in just one person, that it would fill tion?” He inspired me, directed me, With a broken heart, we cry for the pages and pages to complete the reassured me and gave me security. loss of our dear colleague and belov- list. It was impossible to be close I was his supervisor when he was an ed friend Prof. Dr. Marcelo Menin, to Menin and do not feel all those undergraduate student. I lose a son one of the most prominent amphib- feelings in him. It was impossible of the heart. Science loses a profes- ian researchers in Brazil. Besides to be with him and to not feel safe, sional of the greatest competence, being a professor at the Federal supported, understood… impossible seriousness and dedication. Educa- University of Amazonas, he coordi- not to feel extreme trust in him. tion loses a teacher, in the deepest nated the post-graduate program in Menin never lost his temper and sense that the Brazilian educator Zoology and was one of the curators calm with anything or anyone. I and philosopher Paulo Freire gave to of the University’s zoological collec- never heard him criticize or judge this profession. And the World loses tion. anyone! And it was with this im- a good person, in the best essence During his academic life, Menin mense patience that he did not of what being good means. has published dozens of scientific neglect himself in situations of injus- But ... Menin will stay alive in each articles, books and book chapters on tice, and put himself clearly, strongly of us! In our memories, in the parts different topics such as community and calmly on the wronged side, on of each of us that he helped to ecology, taxonomy, natural history the ethical side. Great character, im- build, and in the lessons that he left and reproductive biology of anurans. mense heart! - not in words but by his actions, by He also helped to form the new gen- In Sumaia he found a perfect life- his conduct. eration of Brazilian herpetologists, mate to share his path, an admirable And yes, we are feeling immense having mentored several under- woman, strong and with a giant pain for his passing, but we will be graduate, master and PhD students. heart like his. The family was his inspired by his strength, his resil- Besides being a great researcher and great treasure, his great love! And ience, his persistence, his calm, his supervisor, Menin was also a beauti- he balanced work and personal life patience and his joy. This will help us ful human being. like no one else - in fact he was a to move forward, taking his memory Goodness, kindness, competence, Master at that. He always found and his lessons to future genera- serenity, empathy, perseverance, time and love for his family, to tions! correction, balance, honesty, organi- teach, and to do research. zation, dedication, seriousness, resil- Whenever I had a professional or 5 Environmental DNA detection: Additional perspectives and applications for rare and cryptic bromeliad dwelling frogs worrying signs of a declining popula- estimates, with very low error levels tion trend at lower elevations where and improved detection when com- fire is still a pressing threat. The pared to detectability from direct restricted range and habitat require- observation. Overall, estimated ments for C. itambe make this spe- occupancies using eDNA and visual cies highly vulnerable to extinction survey methods were similar. The from climate change, wildfires or method is therefore feasible for disease, and therefore a priority for species restricted to small water conservation monitoring. Given cur- bodies that are exposed to direct UV rent knowledge and threats, species radiation. was recently classified as Critically The authors concluded that there Endangered. are advantages in the use of eDNA Durrell’s Field Programmes Officer to survey cryptic species in remote Bela Barata, in collaboration with re- locations, and to identify species searchers from Instituto Biotrópicos, presence with high detectability and University of Kent, Zoological Society low error rates. eDNA analysis pro- of London’s Institute of Zoology, vides a viable alternative to destruc- and Amphibian and Reptile Con- tive sampling of bromeliads or direct servation Trust, published a paper observation methods that require aiming to investigate the feasibility logistically challenging repeated of environment DNA (eDNA) for observations. However, the use of detecting Crossodactylodes itambe eDNA method for monitoring occu- (Barata et al. 2021), with a view to pancy of bromeliad dwelling species

© Eliene P. Silva © Eliene P. applying the method more widely will likely improve as the method to amphibians that are cryptic and becomes more cost-effective and we By Izabela M Barata, Durrell Wildlife restricted to small water bodies. have a better understanding of the Conservation Trust. Despite the increasing use of envi- factors affecting detection probabil- [email protected] ronmental eDNA analysis to survey ity in such environments. species in ponds, rivers, and lakes, Bromeligenous frogs spend their very few studies have attempted whole life cycle within bromeliads, to use eDNA for the detection of where they lay their eggs and devel- species using very small water bod- op into adult life. Species are mostly ies such as those accumulated in restricted to single locations and bromeliads. With funds from The some can be found at high elevation Rufford Foundation, the authors sites. Their ecology, natural history collected water samples from 21 and distributions are poorly under- bromeliads for which observational stood, and their dispersal capabili- data from direct visual surveys were ties are still unknown. Crossodacty- also available. The authors com- lodes itambe exclusively lives within pared occupancy estimated from ground bromeliads which are found direct observations (using a single on high elevation rocky outcrops, season occupancy model) with the in a single location in the Espinhaço results from quantitative real-time Mountain Range of Brazil. Species PCR based eDNA assays. They ap- occupancy increases at higher eleva- plied a novel Bayesian occupancy tion and abundance of individuals model to estimate occupancy from is related to bromeliad structure, eDNA samples, as well as false posi- such as plant size and the volume tives and false negatives at different of water retained by the central stages of the workflow. eDNA from tank. Estimated species extent of bromeliad tanks provided reliable occurrence is 0.5 km2 and there are

6 ©Fundación ProAves de Colombia ©Fundación ProAves Goodbye “Gonza”, Champion of the Yellow-eared Parrot By Fundación ProAves de Colombia Fundación ProAves first employee for himself: 2,895 parrots in Ronces- [email protected] and he did this at a time of immense valles. Joy overflowed his heart with danger and uncertainty. The parrots pride of his duty accomplished. Gonzalo Cardona Molina, better occurred in an area where battles Today, Colombia didn’t just lose a known as Gonza, was born and and skirmishes between the military precious life, Colombia lost a cham- raised on a farm in Roncesvalles, and guerrilla were frequent. Gonzalo pion for nature and our beloved Tolima. The day he found out from and his team were regularly facing Yellow-eared Parrot’s lost their Fundación ProAves about the need life-threatening situations to work father and savior. ProAves and his to support the conservation of a in the region and ensure the parrots entire team express our solidarity parrot that lived in the wax palms were safe. For over 20 years, every- with his family, his loved ones and and accompanied him each day, he day Gonzalo tirelessly accompanied the entire community of Ronces- had no doubt and gave himself en- these parrots to ensure they were valles, Tolima, where his impact will tirely to save the most majestic and not hunted and their habitat was remain forever. charismatic species in Colombia, the not destroyed. Rest in peace, Gonzalo. Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus The threats were not just to the icterotis). parrot, but to Gonzalo personally. The species was on the brink of He had been threatened many times extinction in 1999. The last 81 indi- by many sides unable to compre- viduals were barely surviving in the hend that he loved the parrots and Central Cordillera of Roncesvalles, was not interested in politics. They Tolima. With alarm bells ringing assumed he had an alternative mo- that urgent actions were needed to tive, when he was simply driven to save the species, one person more do something special. than any other stepped forward to In his last days, during the month answer the call to help this species – of December 2020, Gonzalo con- Gonzalo Cardona Molina. ducted out the last national census For over 20 years, Gonzalo was of the Yellow-eared Parrot and THE champion to save Colombia’s the Fuertes’s Parrot, his notebook greatest natural treasure. He was showed a still impressive number 7 The conservation of Mantella cowanii, a threatened frog of Madagascar By Raphali R. Andriantsimanarilafy, deforestation. Most of Franco Andreone, Olivier Behra, the high-altitude forests Angelica Crottini, Gerardo Garcia, that once character- Richard A. Griffiths, Candace M. ized the “plateau” have Hansen-Hendrikx, Olivier Marquis, now disappeared, and Andolalao Rakotoarison, Julie H. with them many of Razafimanahaka, and Devin Ed- the animals and biodi- monds. ASG Madagascar versity that were once present. The Harlequin The amphibians of Madagascar are Mantella has seen its particularly interesting, as they are range “evaporate “ over represented by over 360 described time due to repeated species of frogs (salamanders and fires. Today, the Harle- caecilians are absent) and many oth- quin Mantella survives ers (at least 200) being described. in refuge areas, nor- These (except two introduced spe- mally composed of high cies) are all endemic, found only in altitude cliffs and micro- Madagascar and nowhere else. The forest stamps. greatest danger to the survival of Currently, there are these amphibians is represented by four sites where the © Julio Rodriguez deforestation, which is particularly species is still present, gramme. Another component is the important in Madagascar: since the but it is not really known how large local development of sustainable 1950s, about 45% of Madagascar’s its populations are. In one of the livelihoods initiatives and actions forest cover has been destroyed. To main sites where it is still present, improving the wellbeing of the com- ensure the survival and protection near the town of Antoetra, many munities who live nearM. cowanii of amphibians, the Sahonagasy Ac- individuals were captured every habitat. These communities are key tion Plan (sahonagasy means “frog year to be exported to Europe and to enabling a successful conserva- of Madagascar” in the Malagasy America. This, together with de- tion plan. An awareness campaign language) was launched in 2006, forestation, has caused a drastic and building in-country capacity to and implemented in 2014. The reduction and, in certain cases, the work on amphibian conservation conservation program for Malagasy extinction of populations. For this compose the key objectives of this amphibians was set up thanks to reason, the Harlequin Mantella has agenda. a collaboration between different become a symbol of the conserva- organizations, also because biodi- tion of Madagascar’s amphibians. versity represents one of the first In 2018 the Madagascar ASG organ- products for this country. Some spe- ized a meeting in which the main cies of amphibians from Madagascar conservation bodies took part and are particularly threatened due to today the Action Plan, called McAP, environmental alteration, deforesta- “Mantella cowanii Action Plan”, was tion and trade. published. The action plan, which One of these is the Harlequin Man- will be developed in 2021-2025, tella, Mantella cowanii. So named will be structured into five broad for its beautiful and contrasting red themes. The habitat protection and black colour, sprinkled with and management require defined bright blue spots on the belly, the boundaries and protection around Harlequin Mantella is one of the critical habitat. The research theme most endangered species in Mada- is related to understanding the spe- gascar. In particular, it received species distribution, conservation ge- cial attention from the ASG and the netics, disease dynamics, and popu- scientific community as it survives in lation trends. Site-specific studies, only a few areas of the central “pla- especially of population ecology in teau” of Madagascar, a mid-high- different habitat types, are required altitude area affected by aggressive as an ex situ conservation pro- 8 #AmphibianEyes By Nina Seale, Synchronicity Earth And it seems like herpetologists for amphibians with reasons about [email protected] were ready to show their enthusi- how they benefit humanity, and it is asm! Over the next few days, the a breath of fresh air to see so many Golden eyes, ruby eyes, lace eyes, hashtag was shared hundreds of people celebrating amphibians for star eyes, blue eyes, black eyes, no times, with amphibian enthusiasts their intrinsic value. eyes… the beauty of amphibian eyes sharing their favourite eyes, facts is just as diverse as the creatures about the species and tagging their within it! friends and colleagues to join in. Inspired by macro photographs of Amphibians are too frequently the Utthaman’s Bush Frog by Vivek overlooked, but the excitement over Menon, with a close-up of the red- the new trend showed how much dish frog’s silver and ebony eyes, passion there is within the amphib- Synchronicity Earth issued a chal- ian community for these species. lenge on Twitter for Science Twit- Too often we have to justify our ter’s favourite amphibian eyes. research and conservation efforts © Vivek Menon © Vivek © Jodi Rowley © Santiago Ron © Santiago

9 © Teresa Camacho-Badani © Teresa A new facility for the conservation of the Sehuencas Water Frog at the K’ayra Center of the Museo d´Orbigny in Bolivia By Teresa Camacho-Badani, Alcide the Critically Endangered Sehuencas animal welfare protocols to ensure d’Orbigny Natural History Museum. Water Frog (Telmatobius yuracare) the successful care of this species, [email protected] for which an Action Plan has been as well as other species of the Boliv- created that includes field monitor- ian cloud forests that in the future The genus Telmatobius is one of the ing, communication and strength- may need to be part of an ex situ most threatened in the Neotropical ening the ex situ program for this program for their conservation. region. According to the IUCN Red species. The implementation of this new List, 86% of the species are found to After 10 years of not having found facility is part of the “Sehuencas Wa- be threatened in various degrees. In this species in nature, a population ter Frog Action Plan” which is being Bolivia, of the 15 species reported, was found in the cloud forests of executed thanks to the widely sup- all are threatened and 4 are possibly Bolivia. Some of the individuals from port of ASA partner Global Wildlife extinct. this population were taken into the Conservation. The Alcide d’Orbigny Natural His- ex situ program. These frogs will be In addition, during the last few tory Museum, located in the City of part of the breeding stock to repro- years, the K´ayra Center has re- Cochabamba, has been working on duce the species in the hopes that ceived the financial support of the conservation of amphibians in one day they can be released into Kansas City Zoo, Aquazoo Löbbecke Bolivia for more than 13 years. Eight their natural habitat. To accomplish Museum, Amphibian Ark and Ches- years ago, it started a pilot program this task, the captive breeding area ter Zoo. for the ex situ management for the has been expanded to provide a Telmatobius genus. It has recently space for all the species-specific been expanded, and has been recog- requirements. nized by the Bolivian Ministry of the The new facility for the Sehuen- Environment as an official Custody cas Water Frogs is a 10m long by Center of Wild Fauna, called “Centro 4m wide container. This one is the K’ayra”. This center is dedicated to third at the K’ayra Center and has the investigation of threatened am- been modified to accommodate 44 phibians, and has approximately 500 aquariums for the reproduction and frogs of five Andean species of the care of these amphibians. It has an genus Telmatobius in its ex situ pro- conditioning air system which can gram. This captive breeding program maintain the same temperature that has most species of this group as found in their habitat, which in in the world. winter can reach 10 degrees Celsius Among the Water Frogs under cus- (50 degrees Fahrenheit), It also pro- tody and care of the K’ayra Center, is vides the necessary biosecurity and 10 A finding that brings hope for a still unknown Harlequin Frog © Leomerth La Cruz

By Enrique La Marca and Marcos vation Center in conjunction with interest, not only because it acceler- Alexander Hidalgo. Rescue of En- a regional Conservation and Study ates the process of describing the dangered Venezuelan Amphibians organization that monitors popula- new species, but also because it rep- (REVA) Conservation and Guarama- tions of the Andean Bear (Trem- resents a hope for future survival of cal Andean Bear Project. arctos ornatus), together with the an amphibian whose other regional [email protected] support of personnel from the Na- representatives in the genus have tional Parks Institute (INPARQUES) in suffered serious population declines There is news that is made to wait charge of the General Cruz Carrillo and extinctions. In the meantime, but when it comes out it does not National Park in Guaramacal. we have already started monitoring stop causing a sensation. This is the As a result of this alliance between these larvae and hope to find some case of a species of Harlequin Frog REVA and the Guaramacal Andean adults. that has not yet received a formal Bear Project (Proyecto Oso Andino scientific name but, thanks to the Guaramacal) in January 2021 we support of the Atelopus Survival detected a new population of the Intiative (ASI), will soon be known. species in the process of descrip- The species in question is a cloud tion, in the form of seven free-living forest inhabitant of one of the tadpoles belonging to the genus northernmost mountain ranges in Atelopus and that we associate with the Andes of Venezuela, the south- the new species. This is great news, ern axis of the Sierra de Trujillo. not only for the fact that that the Discovered in the mountain branch species is still present in the region, (Ramal) of Guaramacal at the end of but also for the indirect evidence the eighties in the last century, the that there are adult specimens that frog was not seen again, although are reproducing. This is the first and sporadic reports indicated the exist- only Venezuelan Andean Harlequin ence of tadpoles of the same. Frog species to appear in several Thanks to the support of Global decades and the second Venezuelan Wildlife Conservation, through the species to show stable populations Amphibian Survival Alliance, we in Venezuela (the other being Atelo- established a program to search for pus cruciger, which lives in coastal populations of the still unnamed environments to the north of the species, which currently involves the country). management of the REVA Conser- The recent finding is of particular

11 The Conservation Evidence Journal: Call for papers By Ann Thornton, Conservation Sci- particularly if the outcome was See here for author guidelines and ence Group, Department of Zoology, unexpected or not as desired. Large- how to submit your article. University of Cambridge scale conservation projects testing The Conservation Evidence Journal [email protected] multiple actions are of less interest is a separate publication within the due to the difficulty in determining Conservation Evidence project. Con- The online, open access, free to which of the actions had an effect. servation Evidence is a free, online, publish in, peer-reviewed Conser- Recent papers from the Conserva- authoritative information resource vation Evidence Journal publishes tion Evidence Journal’s Amphibian designed to support decisions about results from research and projects Management Collection: how to maintain and restore global investigating the effectiveness of • Martínez Aguirre et al. 2019 biodiversity. The website provides conservation actions. We welcome Re-establishment of an extinct summaries of evidence from studies papers that test and monitor the local population of the Valcheta about the effects of conservation ac- effectiveness of the action using an Frog, Pleurodema somuncu- tions, and synopses of evidence that experimental design (e.g. before and rense, in a restored habitat in review the effectiveness of all ac- after the action vs. control (BACI), Patagonia tions you could implement to tackle single action vs. control, effective- • Borzée et al. 2018 Transloca- a particular conservation issue. ness of different methods, etc.) for tion of an endangered endemic actions such as habitat creation, Korean treefrog Dryophytes habitat restoration, translocations, suweonensis reintroductions, mitigation, and • Arellano et al. 2018 Treat- invasive species control. Examining ment of adult Valcheta Frogs the consequences of small-scale Pleurodema somuncurense for actions is of considerable interest; chytrid fungus Funding Opportunity from the IUCN Netherlands Land Acquisition Fund The Land Acquisition Fund is an initiative of IUCN Netherlands, supported by the Dutch Postcode Lottery, providing funds for local NGOs to acquire (through purchase or lease) threatened nature areas, create safe reserves and connect wildlife habitats for threatened species. If you are working on a project or programme that needs support of this kind, please consider sending a pre-proposal application to the Land Acquisition Fund by May 1st, 2021. All details about the fund and application process can be accessed here. Any questions about the procedure and content of proposals can be send to the coordinator of the IUCN NL Land Acquisition Fund: marc. [email protected] Examples of 2020 grantees can be found here. © Luis Ferando Marin da Fonte © Luis Ferando

12 A new poster for Harlequin Frogs (genus Atelopus) is now available By Enrique La Marca, Rescue of Endangered Venezuelan Amphibians (REVA). enrique.lamarca@ gmail.com

Posters on animal groups are of special interest because they easily get the attention of people who can find, in a single place, information that other- wise could be difficult to assemble. We are happy to present the most recent poster on a group of amphibians, a production of the Rescue of Endangered Venezuelan Amphibians (REVA) Conservation Center with the support of the Chessington Conservation Fund. The new poster is an initiative driven and hosted within the Atelo- pus Survival Initiative (ASI), and deals with the Harlequin Frogs known from Venezuela. This is the first time that all species of the bufonid genus Atelopus from this country are pre- sented in such a way, with all species (except one) illustrated with actual photos. This is also the first time that a tion, last time of sight, total length, picture is available for the enigmatic conservation status, and the major Harlequin Frog of Niquitao (Atelo- ecosystem that the species inhabits. pus chrysocorallus), and that a new The poster is in Spanish. We hope illustration is provided for the never the amphibian lovers stupdents of pictured and now extinct harlequin Atelopus like this production. You frog of Maracay (Atelopus vogli). can download the poster here. Each species bears its common and scientific name, with the name of the person who describe it. There is a section on coloration and another on threats, plus data on distribu- 13 © Sheri Sather Saving the planet, one frog at a time By Madison Lemelin, Rainforest encouragement from his mom, rating with a herpetologist who is Trust Sheri, he set an ambitious goal: to teaching him about all the many be a critical part of the “30×30” frogs within the Chocó, including Frogs are 10-year-old Justin Sather’s initiative and help conserve 30% one of his new favorite species, the favorite animal. His fascination with of the planet by 2030, for the frogs Glass Frog. the species began with a blanket he and beyond. “It all started from an In the future, Justin hopes to had as a baby, and has blossomed idea that turned into an incredible continue using frogs to educate his from there. Now, Justin’s love for mother-son journey of learning to peers about the beauties of the frogs has led him on a mission to be brave and staying determined, natural world and inspire them to protect the planet. to create a world Justin envisions help him save it. “I want to learn In kindergarten, Justin learned that for himself and his generation,” said why other kids like nature and nearly one-third of frog species are Sheri. inspire them to want to protect it on the verge of extinction due to Last year, Justin joined the Youth too,” said Justin. “When they get pollution, pesticides, contaminated Council of Reserva Youth Land Trust, older they will already know how to water and habitat destruction. He an international group of young take care of the planet. We are the discovered that scientists consider people that is leading an initiative future generation.” frogs an indicator species––a species to create the world’s first entirely whose condition provides infor- youth funded, 244-acre nature mation on the overall state of an reserve in Ecuador’s threatened ecosystem. Chocó cloud forest in partnership “Frogs breathe and drink through with Rainforest Trust. In celebra- their skin so they are sensitive to tion of his birthday, Justin raised their environment,” said Justin. “So the $730 necessary to purchase one when they suffer it tells us the world acre of land for the project, which needs our help.” was matched by the Rainforest Trust This knowledge empowered Justin, SAVESChallenge to pay for a second he wanted to save his favorite spe- acre. cies and his planet. With help and Justin has recently started collabo-

14 “[The CPSG Workshop] was a pivot point to direct investment in devil conservation.” Dr Rebecca Spindler, former Research and Conservation Manager, Taronga Conserva- tion Society Australia.

Facilitating Species Conservation Planning Workshops: Online course Introduction Learning outcomes Of the more than 128,500 species assessed through the By the end of this course, participants will be global Red List, 28% are considered threatened with ex- able to: tinction (IUCN, 2021). Well-resourced, effectively imple- Apply the CPSG Species Conservation Planning Princi- mented species conservation plans will play a key role in ples and Steps to the design and facilitation of reversing this situation and improving the status of species conservation planning processes; threatened species worldwide. To achieve this change at scale requires a significant increase in the number of Demonstrate the role of the facilitator in consensus- competent planners able to support governments, non- based decision making; government organisations, zoos, aquaria, botanic gar- Select facilitation tools to help groups solve prob- dens and civil society groups to plan for threatened spe- lems, make decisions, and develop plans. cies recovery. Course format Planning can be complex. Often multiple stakeholders and their interests need to be considered. Facilitation This online course (delivered through skills provide us with the confidence and competence www.conservationtraining.org) consists of pre- needed to lead groups through the process. recorded lectures, reading materials, and problem- solving activities along with ‘live’ webinars and dis- The IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group cussions. You will interact with some of the world’s (CPSG) has developed and facilitated many hundreds of leading authorities on species conservation planning, multi-stakeholder species conservation planning pro- share in their experiences, and develop your own un- cesses that have been ‘pivot points’ in recovery efforts derstanding of the skills involved. for threatened wildlife globally. Costs Course aim The course is valued at $1000.00 per student. Howev- CPSG has the ambition of ensuring that, every species er, in line with our aim to increase the number of that needs a plan is covered by an effective, imple- threatened species benefitting from good planning, we mented plan’. This online course has been designed to are committed to providing this high quality course at build the capacity necessary, globally, for this ambition no charge. This is currently possible only due to the to become a reality. support received from the Global Conservation Net- work, a group of committed institutions and individuals Our target audiences are government wildlife agency who support CPSG work. If you or your organization staff, IUCN SSC Specialist Group members and other would like to consider becoming a GCN donor, or if you conservation professionals working in zoos, aquariums, would like to learn more about CPSG, please contact: universities or field programs, responsible for the devel- [email protected]. opment of species conservation plans.

15 “This excellent course is a must for everyone involved in conservation planning!” CPSG online course participant, September 2020.

Core course faculty Contributors Jamie Copsey Species conservation planning experts from across Jamie is the Director of Training at the IUCN SSC and beyond will provide input to the CPSG. He has been working in the course through recorded interviews, webinars and field of capacity building for species online discussions to help you broaden your exposure conservation for more than 20 years. to conservation planning processes, tools, and facili- He has extensive experience in the tation skills. design and delivery of training programs for conservation professionals, from junior staff Course duration through to senior leadership. He regularly facilitates The course involves 510hrs work per week for seven planning workshops and publishes on topics such as weeks, depending on how quickly you can work conservation management and leadership, as well as through the materials! on more biologicallyrelated themes. Course dates th Dr Phil Miller This course will run from Monday 29 March– Friday 14th May 2021. Prerecorded sessions can be lis- Phil joined the CPSG staff in 1994 tened to in your own time. Live webinars will be re- and is now Senior Program Officer peated each week to accommodate different time for the organization. He specializes zones. in developing and applying complex risk assessment methods to species conservation planning projects across a wide range of Participants successfully completing the course will endangered species, and against diverse human socio receive a Certificate of Completion. Those going fur- cultural backgrounds. Recently, he began working ex- Certification ther to apply the skills to their work can be consid- tensively with Federal and local authorities in North ered for a Certificate of Reflective Practice (additional America to develop robust recovery plans for a variety assessment criteria apply). of endangered species. Application procedure Caroline Lees Participant selection will take into account priority Caroline joined the CPSG staff in 2011 as target groups (government staff and SSC Specialist a facilitator and population modeler. Be- Group members in particular), and an assessment of fore joining CPSG, she worked with zoos the likelihood that skills and knowledge developed in Australasia to plan and coordinate the will be put into practice within species conservation management of captive populations of planning workshops. threatened wildlife. Since joining CPSG, For course application form, follow this link: her primary focus has shifted to supporting planning for species conservation in situ, with a particular em- https://forms.gle/wkCiC9BvJhJJLpKT7 phasis on cases where ex situ management plays a key role. She has contributed to the work of species recov- Application deadline: Monday th8 March, ery programs across Australia and New Zealand and is 2021. CPSG’s Australasian Regional Resource Center conven- or. Further information Contact Jamie Copsey at [email protected]

16 Key Biodiversity Areas Updates

Key Biodiversity Areas, which are among the most incredible and diverse places on Earth for nature, from deserts to the middle of the ocean, are places that must be safeguarded to ensure the long-term survival of the diversity of life on Earth. The Key Biodiversity Area Partnership—an ambitious coalition of 13 global conservation organizations, including the Amphibian Survival Alliance—is helping prevent the rapid loss of biodiversity by identifying those places on the planet that are critical for the survival of unique plants and animals. Because their life history traits, such as a dependency on water for reproduction in many species, and small range sizes makes amphibians particularly sensitive to environmental disturbances, KBA designation is critical to safeguarding threatened species. Learn more here. Introducing Rio Forqueta, a Key Biodiversity Area to protect the Admirable Red-Belly Toad © Luis Ferando Marin da Fonte © Luis Ferando

By Luis Fernando Marin da Fonte, facility and upstream pesticide use reduce the threats to a species. The Amphibian Survival Alliance. expose the site to direct and indirect existence of a microendemic spe- [email protected] human threats. cies reinforces the importance of Until 2014, there was also a plan preserving the area where it occurs. The Rio Forqueta Key Biodiversity to build a small hydroelectric power If you protect one, you are also Area is part of one of the few, yet plant in the site. Joint efforts be- protecting the other”, says Michelle largest, Brazilian Atlantic Forest frag- tween academia, government, and Abadie, a Brazilian conservationist ments in the extreme south of Bra- non-governmental organizations and expert on this species. zil. The entire single known popula- have succeeded in stopping the Because of her work, Michelle was tion of a microendemic and Critically construction of the power plant, awarded a Future Leader of Amphib- Endangered amphibian species showing that multi-institutional and ian Conversation award by the ASA (Admirable Red-Belly Toad, Melano- collaborative work is essential when in 2020. phryniscus admirabilis) is confined dealing with conservation. The to this area. The species occurs Federal University of Rio Grande do only along a few hundred meters Sul and ASA partner NGO Instituto of the Rio Forqueta river, occupy- Curicaca were instrumental in this ing its forested margins with rocky process. This was the first time in outcrops. The area is surrounded by Brazilian history that an amphibian a heavily deforested agro-industrial prevented the construction of such a landscape. Regional forest cover is big enterprise. under pressure from the expansion “The Admirable Red-Belly Toad of eucalyptus, tobacco, soybean and case is an excellent example of how livestock farming. A nearby tourist habitat conservation can help to

17 @ Piotr Naskrecki BMW Group, Tetra Pak and Schüco International express concerns about sourcing aluminium from Ghana’s irreplaceable Atewa Forest By Key Biodiversity Areas Partner- Bauxite mining would have cata- Area, meaning that it is critical to ship strophic and irreversible effects the persistence of global biodiversity on the people and wildlife that and the overall health of the planet. During a critical decade for biodi- depend on the forest, including the The Togo Slippery Frog is a close versity, the government of Ghana more than 5 million Ghanaians that relative of the world’s largest frog, has an opportunity to become a depend on Atewa Forest as their the Goliath Frog (Conraua derooi), global leader in conservation by pro- source of clean drinking water. “Sav- and known only to live in Atewa tecting Atewa Forest - a KeyBiodiver- ing Atewa Forest from mining should Forest and Ghana’s Togo-Volta Hills. sityArea - as a National Park. But this be an intergenerational priority, and The frog is considered Critically won’t only benefit the wildlife that we are happy and grateful that big Endangered as the result of ongoing live there. Protecting Atewa Forest businesses in the aluminium value bauxite mining, logging and hunt- as a national park and a buffer area chain understand the importance ing. Biologists believe there are only around it—rather than mining it for of a healthy forest and the environ- about 300 left in the wild and that bauxite, as currently planned—actu- mental services it provides,” said they primarily live in a small stretch ally has the highest economic value Oteng Adjei, president of the Con- of a single stream in Atewa Forest. for the country over 25 years, with cerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape The Togo Slippery Frog is one of tremendous benefits to local com- (CCAL), the grassroots movement hundreds of species that make At- munities both upstream and down. advocating against bauxite mining ewa Forest a special place and part In a letter to local activists, three in Atewa Forest and the recipient of why we are joining local commu- global manufacturing companies- of letters from all three companies. nities and partners in calling on the BMW Group, Tetra Pak and Schüco “We appreciate their commitment government of Ghana to Save Atewa International-have signaled their to supporting local and interna- Forest by stopping bauxite mining concern over the use of bauxite tional efforts to secure Atewa Forest and designating Atewa a national sourced from Ghana’s Atewa Forest against bauxite mining that is certain park. for aluminium. Extracting bauxite in to destroy the forest, its water ser- You can learn more about Atewa Atewa would require ‘strip mining’ vices and biodiversity.” Forest and sign a petition to help where the whole surface layer of Ghana’s Atewa Forest is home to preserve it here. Learn more about soil is removed. This would mean a more than 1,000 species of plants, Key Biodiversity Areas here. total loss of the forest in the mined 230 species of birds, 570 butterfly areas, along with all the biodiversity species, and at least 50 species of it contains. mammals. It is a Key Biodiversity 18 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 amphibian 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 Fortunate Phaka © Dex Kotze © Dex

Can you tell us a little bit about it was written in English and isiZulu studies. This is important because yourself, Fortunate? (one of the indigenous South African I became a Future Leader at a I am an environmental scientist and languages). A PDF version of this time when I needed to decide my author that is interested in the com- book (with frog advertisement calls) research niche within amphibian plex relationship between cultural is available on this link. A summary studies. diversity and the diversity of frogs of my general research focus is avail- and reptiles in South Africa. able on this link. What projects have you been What is your favourite amphibian involved in to promote amphibian species and why? conservation? The Giant Bullfrog (Pyxicephalus ad- I have started a social inclusion spersus) is my favourite amphibian initiative to produce non-scientific species because it is a great model amphibian reading material in South for studying the relationship be- Africa’s indigenous languages and tween frogs and indigenous people’s record indigenous knowledge about cultures. the country’s frogs and reptiles. This Has being recognized as a Future project, called ‘Wildlife in Vernacu- Leader of Amphibian Conservation lar’, fits into my PhD research and by ASA made a difference in your also extends beyond the PhD years. career so far? Wildlife in Vernacular was inspired Being recognized as a Future Leader by the success of a book I wrote a helped me realize the many focus few years earlier. This book is a com- areas within amphibian studies and prehensive guide to the frogs of the exposed me to different ways of Zululand region of South Africa and conducting amphibian biodiversity 19 © Sloane Munro Meet Esther Matthew By Esther Matthew, Ruhan Verster The project ignited Esther’s interest is a highly dedicated and motivated & Ché Weldon. The Endangered in training canines for conservation conservationist. She aims to become Wildlife Trust. and research. As a result, Esther one of the leaders in conservation [email protected] pursued additional training with na- canine research, because she is pas- tional and international profession- sionate about dog training, wildlife Esther Matthew grew up in central als in the canine behavior and scent conservation, and research. She has South Africa and became fascinated detection fields. Esther joined the an aptitude for the application of with nature and animals at a very Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Drylands novel approaches in her work. Her young age. Following High school, Conservation Program (EWT-DCP) enthusiasm and drive motivates Esther pursued degrees in Zoology, in 2016 and is currently working as other team members and her strong Physiology, Biodiversity and Con- their Specialist Conservation Of- foundation in conservation biology servation Ecology. In 2015, Esther ficer, focusing on in situ Endangered allows her to lead by example. became an ASA Future Leader of species conservation and research. Amphibian Conservation and in the Esther also has a passion for shar- same year she completed her M.Sc. ing conservation knowledge. As in Environmental Science, through such she works closely with learners the North-West University. As part students from local schools, taking of her studies, she successfully them into the field to teach them raised and trained a scent detection about nature through environmental dog to locate Giant African Bullfrogs education. Esther also coordinates (Pyxicephalus adspersus) under- the program’s volunteer project, ground. In January 2021, a paper aimed at exposing young career on this research component of the conservationists to field work in the project was accepted and published Karoo. by the Journal of Vertebrate Biology Esther became a National Geo- (Click here to view article). graphic Society Explorer in 2018 and 20