Animalia | Chordata | Amphibia | Anura | Hemiphractidae | Gastrotheca | Gastrotheca monticola |
Taxonomic notes: Section empty
This species occurs on the Andean slopes around the Huancabamba Depression region, Loja Province, southern Ecuador; and Amazonas, Cajamarca and Piura regions, northern Peru. It can be found from 1,900 to 3,180 m asl (von May et al. 2008). Its range, taken as a proxy for extent of occurrence (EOO), is estimated at 30,967 km2.
It occurs in shrubs in humid montane tropical forests (R. Gutierrez pers. comm. in Amphibian Red List Assessment Forum March 2013) and in altered habitats, suggesting a degree of tolerance to habitat modification. The females carry the eggs in pouches on their backs and put the tadpoles in streams.
Habitat destruction and degradation is a threat to this species, especially forest destruction caused by agricultural activities in the locality of Celendín, Cajamarca region, Peru. In addition, Aguilar et al. (2012) report this species' occurrence in a mining concession in Cajamarca. Enciso et al. (2008) reported Aeromonas caviae and other bacteria from skin samples, where this species was one of those sampled. These authors suggest that there is a potential for infection and development of the disease if biological populations undergo stress.
In Ecuador its geographic range overlaps with Parque Nacional Podocarpus. In Peru it is present in some natural forests and also in Cutervo National Park and Área de Conservación Privada Huiquilla. Further protection is required of the habitats where this species occurs. In addition, further research is required into the population status, ecology and threats.
Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance to a degree of habitat modification and presumed large population.
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