The Population Decline and Extinction of Darwin’s Frogs
Author
dc.contributor.author
Soto Azat, Claudio
Author
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Valenzuela Sánchez, Andrés
es_CL
Author
dc.contributor.author
Collen, Ben
es_CL
Author
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Rowcliffe, J. Marcus
es_CL
Author
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Veloso Martínez, Alberto
es_CL
Author
dc.contributor.author
Cunningham, Andrew A.
es_CL
Admission date
dc.date.accessioned
2014-01-30T15:25:15Z
Available date
dc.date.available
2014-01-30T15:25:15Z
Publication date
dc.date.issued
2013
Cita de ítem
dc.identifier.citation
PLoS ONE 8(6), June 2013
en_US
Identifier
dc.identifier.other
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0066957
Identifier
dc.identifier.uri
https://repositorio.uchile.cl/handle/2250/119734
General note
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Artículo de publicación ISI
en_US
Abstract
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Darwin’s frogs (Rhinoderma darwinii and R. rufum) are two species of mouth-brooding frogs from Chile and Argentina. Here,
we present evidence on the extent of declines, current distribution and conservation status of Rhinoderma spp.; including
information on abundance, habitat and threats to extant Darwin’s frog populations. All known archived Rhinoderma
specimens were examined in museums in North America, Europe and South America. Extensive surveys were carried out
throughout the historical ranges of R. rufum and R. darwinii from 2008 to 2012. Literature review and location data of 2,244
archived specimens were used to develop historical distribution maps for Rhinoderma spp. Based on records of sightings,
optimal linear estimation was used to estimate whether R. rufum can be considered extinct. No extant R. rufum was found
and our modelling inferred that this species became extinct in 1982 (95% CI, 1980–2000). Rhinoderma darwinii was found in
36 sites. All populations were within native forest and abundance was highest in Chiloe´ Island, when compared with Coast,
Andes and South populations. Estimated population size and density (five populations) averaged 33.2 frogs/population
(range, 10.2–56.3) and 14.9 frogs/100 m2 (range, 5.3–74.1), respectively. Our results provide further evidence that R. rufum is
extinct and indicate that R. darwinii has declined to a much greater degree than previously recognised. Although this
species can still be found across a large part of its historical range, remaining populations are small and severely
fragmented. Conservation efforts for R. darwinii should be stepped up and the species re-classified as Endangered.