Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 202524622

Ensuring the conservation of two Threatened harlequin toads (Atelopus) in the Key Biodiversity Area Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.

Our project seeks to assess and monitor the population dynamics and threats to the survival of two endemic and threatened species of harlequin toad, as well as to design and develop conservation strategies with local communities to protect these species. To do this, we propose 4 objectives: 1) Evaluate the population status of A. laetissimus and A. arsyecue to determine their population dynamics. We will collect demographic data using tagging and recapture techniques, as well as morphometric, ecophysiological and environmental variables. 2) Identify and prioritize anthropogenic threats and the presence and prevalence of the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in the populations of A. laetissimus and A. arsyecue 3) Sensitize local communities about the ecological, cultural, and conservation importance of the amphibian community in SNSM, and especially that of A. laetissimus and A. arsyecue. 4) Incorporate the information collected to design together with the community and government organizations conservation strategies to mitigate threats to Atelopus and its habitats.