Siomara Zendejas, Celena Camarillo, Benjamin Martinez and Dr. Rudolf von May
Abstract
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List provides data on the conservation status of species based on different criteria including the condition of their habitat, their population size, and the threats affecting their long-term survival. A key factor in IUCN Red List assessments is the size of the geographic distribution of a species (i.e., the distributional range). With amphibians currently facing many threats ranging from the chytrid fungus to habitat loss, it is imperative to know the full extent of species ranges to optimize conservation efforts to the species that need it most. Here we present updated geographic distribution maps of three species of South American amphibians: Osteocephalus mutabor, Osteocephalus verruciger, and Pristimantis delius. One of the species, Pristimantis delius, is currently categorized as Data Deficient (DD) according to the IUCN Red List. The other two species are categorized as Least Concern (LC). However, new localities for all three species have recently come to light. Thus, we focused on these three species because currently available maps need to incorporate new data obtained in recent years. First, we used databases like the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and museum records to obtain georeferenced data from known localities from all three species. Subsequently, we carried out a literature review to compile new distributional data based on field assessments conducted over the past 15 years. We used these data to generate an updated geographic distribution map and calculate the Extent of Occurrence (EOO) and Area of Occurrence (AOO), two key criteria used in IUCN Red List assessments. We examine differences between the past and present EOO and AOO. Given that the known distribution of Pristimantis delius includes a large region, and that some records are from protected areas, we suggest categorizing this species as Least Concern (LC). We will also discuss preliminary findings on Osteoc
Presentation
Session 3 – 4:30p.m. – 5:45p.m.
Room A – Sierra 1411
