Distribution and abundance of Craugastor vulcani: an endangered frog species from Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

More than a half of all amphibian species occurring in Mexico are threatened, and for most of them there is no current information to assess the status of their populations. Craugastor vulcani is an endemic frog from the Los Tuxtlas mountains, Veracruz, and it is classifi ed as an endangered species. We examine the distribution and abundance of C. vulcani as a function of rainforest transformation in Los Tuxtlas. We consulted historical records in databases and sampled 12 sites representing common habitats of the region. We recorded a total of 524 individuals of which 77% were found in rainforest fragments, 20% were collected in riparian remnants and just 3% in cattle pastures. Most individuals (62%) were recorded during the dry season. The known distribution of C. vulcani is biased toward northern portion of the sierra, and there is little information about species occurrence in the southern part. Permanence of the species in the region seems to depend on the continued existence of the few forest fragment remnants. An increase in the number, area and connectivity of such forest fragments are some of the necessary actions to protect this and other threatened species in the studied region.