Costa Rica's Critically Endangered Amphibians

Costa Rica is a country in Central America officially known as the Republic of Costa Rica. Costa Rica is bordered by such countries as Nicaragua to the north, while to the southeast is Panama. The Pacific Ocean lies to the west, and on the east coast is the Caribbean Sea. It covers an estimated area of 19,653 square miles with a population of 4.5 million with the highest percentage of this population living in San Jose which is the capital and largest city in the country. Costa Rica is a biodiverse country and is home to various plants and animals, and the state has increased the conservation efforts of the different habitats like reduction of deforestation. It is also home to thirteen critically endangered amphibians. Some of which are discussed below.

Cartago Worm Salamander

The Cartago worm salamander is the common name for Oedipina altura, a species of salamander belonging to a family characterized by the absence of lungs. Thus, it, alongside 28 other species in its genus, are referred to as lungless salamanders. Therefore, their respiration is achieved through their skin and tissues that are lined in their mouth. They are moderately large species slender, dark gray to black salamander with little markings and is found in the tropical moist montane forests because it is humid and is threatened by habitat loss either through deforestation or grazing

Narrow-Lined Tree Frog

The narrow-lined tree frog is a species of frog with the binomial name of Isthmohyla angustilineata. the frog is found in the mountain regions of Costa Rica. They are nocturnal species hence are active at night that breeds in small groups and water-filled depressions. Over the years, there has been a constant decline in the numbers due to an infectious disease caused by a fungus known as chytridiomycosis. The lower humid montane rainforests form part of their natural habitats.

Pico Blanco Toad

The Pico Blanco toad is scientifically known as Incilius fastidious. It is a species of toad from the southeastern regions of Costa Rica. Their natural habitat includes the lower montane rainforest and is widely adapted to digging or are fossorial species which breed explosively after the heavy rains of the first quarter of every year. The recently born toads occur on the rocky stream margin throughout the year. They have been listed as a critically endangered species, and there has been a notably drastic drop in their population due to chytridiomycosis and also habitat loss.

Lemur Frog

The lemur frog is a species of frog scientifically known as Hylomantis lemur. They are from the Hylidae Family and found in Costa Rica. They are adapted to sloping, moist, and wet areas such as the tropical moist lowland forests, tropical moist montane forests, rivers, and freshwater marshes which form their natural habitats. They are faced with a major threat of habitat loss and chytridiomycosis thus a major reduction in their numbers annually. They are nocturnal frogs who lay eggs on the leaf surfaces thus the larvae will be washed off with the water below the leaf.

Costa Rica Brook Frog

The Costa Rica brook frog is also known as the red-eyed stream frog. These are both common names for Duellmanohyla uranochroa, a species of frog found in Costa Rica. They are naturally found in the tropical moist lowland forests, tropical moist montane forests as well as rivers. It is one of the critically endangered species and even extinct in other subtropical parts of the country this is due to the infection of chytridiomycosis and destruction of the habitat by farming activities.