Atelopus: The World's Most Endangered Large Genus

The genus Atelopus is a group of neotropical toads with over 100 members. These colorful, diurnal toads exploit a variety of habitats, from sea level, to high in the Andes. This adaptive radiation has led to tremendous diversity, but the genus is in crisis now, as the amphibian Chytrid fungus sweeps across Central and South America. Of the 87 species that have been assessed by the IUCN's red list initiative, only 8 are listed as vulnerable or data deficient. The remaining members are considered to be endangered, critically endangered or extinct. Critically endangered is by far the most common designation. In the summer of 2011, I traveled to Panama to photograph as many members of the genus as I could. I visited El Valle, where the culturally important "rana dorada" was common as recently as ten years ago. I traveled to the caribbean slope where some populations of Atelopus still persist. And finally to the Panamanian Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project near Gamboa to see some spectacular animals and meet some extremely passionate people who are working to save some of these imperiled species. For inquiries about use of any of these images please e-mail info@insituexsitu.com.