Ranitomeya lamasi from western Panguana in central Peru. Photo by Evan Twomey. |
Distribution
Lowlands to the west of Pucallpa, up to the highlands of the Divisoria near Tingo Maria. Confirmed from elevations up to 650 m, however, most farmers in the Divisoria are familiar with this frog and report its presence up to at least 1500 m. View type locality in Google Maps.
Natural history
This species occurs in areas where phytotelmata are abundant (i.e. bromeliads and Xanthosoma) and are occasionally observed in bamboo forests (using the phytotelmata within the bamboo plants for reproduction).
Call recording
Conservation status
Highland populations are disturbingly rare and do not seem to be nearly as common as reported in the 1980s and 90s. Smugglers have been hitting these populations hard for several years and appear to have made a significant negative impact on wild populations. Other morphs, such as the lowland 'Panguana' morphs, have been similarly targeted by smugglers. During an expedition to the Cordillera El Sira, we were stunned to learn from locals that not 1 month prior to our arrival, the area had been visited by a group of Europeans buying hundreds of lamasi from the locals at about 5 soles ($1.50) per frog. Those that did not die on their way to Europe have been recently cropping up at frog shows, diminishing greatly the potential for forest conservation projects in these areas.
Notes
Member of the vanzolinii group, sister to R. biolat.
Highland morph
These frogs are referred to as 'standard lamasi' in the hobby. However, this is not the nominal form of R. lamasi, which comes from southern Panguana. The highland frogs have broad yellow stripes, blue legs, and can be found breeding in bamboo stands. This morph appears to be very rare, perhaps in part due to smuggling.
Panguana morph
This is an extremely variable population found along Rio Pachitea. In single localities, one can find frogs that are yellow, green, orange, or red. These frogs are extremely common in disturbed habitats, especially along small roads. These roads provide perfect habitat for Xanthosoma plants, their preferred breeding habitat.
Western Panguana morph
This morph was found in 2007 on a trip to the east-Andean versant in the Panguana region. These frogs appear to be similar to the normal Panguana morph, except that they tend to be brighter green, have whiter legs, and have a bright-yellow ventral patch.
Lower Ucayali morph
This morph is found far to the north of Pucallpa, and is characterized by a darker green dorsum and large, white spots above the groin and armpits. It is common in secondary growth, and can be found breeding in Xanthosoma and Heliconia.
