Eugenia’s rain-peeper (Pristimantis eugeniae)

Cute Frog of the Week: June 11, 2012

In northwestern Ecuador lies a beautiful cloud forest. In the sub-canopy of this forest is an equally beautiful and exotic frog. Cradled within the delicate petals of the bromeliad flower lives Pristimantis eugeniae, also known as Eugenia’s rain peeper.

The species occurs in only four localities in a limited area of the cloud forest, in the upper valley of the Rio Pilaton in the province of Pichincha, Ecuador. As of now the range in which the Eugenia’s rain peeper calls home is not a protected area. The cloud forest is in need of protection as much as the frogs that inhabit it.

This species is listed as endangered on the IUCN’s Red List. Threats to Eugenia’s rain peepers include the slashing and burning of its habitat, logging and human encroachment.

Photo by Alejandro Arteaga via Flickr.

Every week the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project posts a new photo of a cute frog from anywhere in the world with an interesting, fun and unique story to tell. Be sure to check back every Monday for the latest addition.

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