An amphibian strategy for the consolidation of the Páramo de Sonsón action plan in Colombia

Gissella Pineda Sanchez

The purpose of this project is to evaluate the population status of three threatened frog species (Pristimantis leopardus VU, Andinobates opisthomelas VU, and Hyloscirtus antioquia VU). These species are in the newly created protected area "Distrito Regional de Manejo Integrado (DRMI) Páramo de Vida Maitamá" that encompasses the Páramo de Sonsón, an important ecological reserve located in the jurisdiction of the municipality of Sonsón. These species have been recently described and very little is known about them. We will use capture-mark-recapture methods to assess population statuses, using the ventral and dorsal coloration pattern as a non-invasive method of identification. In addition, we will use thick environmental data (WorldClim) and microenvironmental data (data loggers) to create species distribution models. With our results, the first action plan for the conservation of amphibians in the Páramo de Sonsón will be created through a strategy that also integrates environmental education and articulation with stakeholders.