The Search for Critically Endangered or Possibly Extinct Ecuadorean Frogs using eDNA

Amphibians began declining abruptly worldwide starting in the late 1980s, attributed mainly to a fungal disease, chytridiomycosis. Some of the most major declines in amphibian species have been observed in Ecuador, where several species in the genera Atelopus and Telmatobius have not been observed for decades and are listed as critically endangered and possibly extinct. However, it is unclear if these species are indeed extinct or whether conventional search techniques have failed to find them. Understanding whether these amphibian species are still extant is critical for determining whether they should be the targets of intensive conservation efforts.

In this study, we will use eDNA techniques to search for the DNA of seven possibly extinct amphibian species in water samples collected from their historical ranges in Ecuador.  Results will be used to determine whether the species are still present, whether additional searches for species are warranted, where search efforts should focus, and whether efforts should be made to conserve these species.

Research Team

Christine Edwards, Missouri Botanical Garden
Mark Wanner, St. Louis Zoo
Lauren Augustine, St. Louis Zoo
Luis Coloma, Centro Jambatu