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Monte Iberia Dwarf frog (Eleutherodactylus iberia)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 13056409

Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation (Project No. 13056409) - Monte Iberia Dwarf frog - Awarded $3,000 on February 26, 2014

Cuba is an island situated in the Caribbean Sea, is the largest land mass in this area making up nearly one-half of the total area of the Antillean islands. Cuba harbors a spectacular amphibian fauna (66 species and 95% of endemism), including five of the world smallest frogs, which reach about a centimeter. These species are listed as Critically Endangered (Eleutherodactylus iberia, E. jaumei, E. cubanus, E. orientalis) or Vulnerable (E. limbatus) in the IUCN Red List. Most of these species are local endemics naturally limited to small areas within two mountain ranges in eastern Cuba, living preferably in natural, preserved, moist forests. Despite the vulnerability of these species, few field studies have been made to known their distribution and status in Cuba. That is why this project aims to produce updated information on distribution, abundance and status of these six threatened and few known Cuban frogs. Also, we will make educational materials to contribute to a conservation-oriented education of decision-makers and local residents.


The project includes the next activities:


1-Intensive field expeditions to survey the main habitats and surrounding ecosystems, aimed to document local status and distribution data of the target species.


2-Species distribution modeling and overlaying maps with a map of protected areas to detect coincidences and effectiveness of the protected areas network.


3-Identifying conservation threats and needs, and making general recommendations to diminish or eliminate pressures.


4-Dissemination of results and education of local residents and decision-makers: printing and distributing brochures and posters in human communities and reserves.

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