Peering Pristimantis

Pristimantis sp - Buenaventura Reserve, Ecuador

 

Pristimantis can be notoriously difficult to ID, and this one is no exception! It comes from Buenaventura Reserve and this particular individual was found next to a river running through the cloud forest. New species of Pristimantis are frequently described, however this does not mean they are doing well. There are doubtless many species disappearing before we ever learn of their existence or they are discovered in already dire circumstances. This little frog may very well be an example of one of those as Buenaventura reserve is one of a few areas of high quality habitat in the region, the rest of the province has been largely deforested and fragmented. Buenaventura Reserve has proven to be a treasure trove of Pristimantis and new species continue being found there.

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