BUFONIDAE: Atelopus
This is perhaps the most endangered genus in the world. Of the 77 species in this genus, 72 are listed as endangered, critically endangered, or extinct. The most affected species are those that inhabit the highest elevations, where the chytrid fungus seems to be most dangerous. Now many mid-elevation species are also in severe danger of extinction due primarily to chytrid infections. These frogs are strictly riparian, laying strings of eggs in quick-flowing streams. Tadpoles are highly adapted to cling to rocks and scraping up algae.

Atelopus pulcher
This frog is potentially on its way to extinction. In years past it was highly abundant in several spots in the Cainarachi valley. Now it is only known from three spots, both of which have populations of probably less than 30 frogs. We were fortunate enough to have one of these populations near the station, where we could observe it daily. Amplexus is prolonged and occurs at the start of the dry season in mid-June. However, despite observing amplexus we found no eggs, tadpoles, or juveniles. Amplexus was not observed in 2005 or 2006.



Atelopus flavescens
This species of Atelopus occurs in French Guiana. We found these frogs near streams and small rivers. Coloration in the species can differ between populations. The frogs from the Kaw mountains are more yellow-brown comparing to the population at Mont Matoury. The population there has less yellow coloration. We saw no amplexus while observing these frogs in March-April 2003 and in March-April 2005. On both trips we found similar amount of Atelopus and we didn't find any dead frogs, indicating that perhaps this region is still free from chytrid. The pictures were taken in the Kaw mountains. (Contributed by Marcus Bartelds, www.tropical-experience.nl)

Atelopus tricolor
This small frog is known from the Andean versant cloud forests of southern Peru and Bolivia. They frequent streamside habitats. The tadpole of this species, as in all Atelopus, has a large suctorial disc on the undersurface of its body, thought to be an adaptation to living in fast flowing Andean streams. Communication in this genus is fascinating- composed of both auditory and visual signals.

CENTROLENIDAE
To find a glass frog is to have reached the Holy Grail of night-frogging. Their translucent bodies and huge eyes, coupled with the fact that they inhabit some of the most beautiful mountain streams in the world, makes them a highly sought-after target for night hikes. Fortunately, Peru is an ideal place to find them. Not only are there numerous Centrolenid species in Peru , but in certain places they can be quite common, an unusual phenomenon for this family. These frogs lay eggs on leaves overhanging running water. From there, in many species, the male will defend the eggs against predators (such as katydids) until hatching.

Cochranella resplendens
Up until July 2004 when an individual jumped on the boot of the author (in the day, mind you), this frog was known only from Ecuador and Colombia . This record in the Cainarachi valley extends the range 700 km to the south. Note the unusual white fringing around the mouth and legs. One can see why the specific epithet was chosen: "Resplendent: splendid or dazzling in appearance; brilliant"

Cochranella midas
This is another denizen of pristine mountain streams of the Cainarachi and Huallaga valleys. However, unlike many glass frogs, this species enjoys a large range ( Colombia through Peru ). Note the visible eggs in the amplectant females.

Cochranella croceopodes
This is another species we found in the Cainarachi valley, and appears to be endemic. This frog exhibits very strange calling behavior. Males typically aggregate around a stream pool in groups of 4-6. One male will initiate calling (a sharp rasp), the other males will then call immediately after, but in turn. The entire chorus lasts only about 2 seconds.

Cochranella chancas
Although this frog was previously known only from the Lamas-Moyobamba area, we found it in the mountains near San Jose de Sisa at 1100m.

Hyalinobatrachium lemur
Of this genus, this was the only species present in our area. We were only able to find this frog in May at the tail-end of the wet season. This was the only glass frog we ever observed guarding eggs.

HYLIDAE: Phyllomedusa
Frogs of this genus are often referred to as the 'monkey frogs'. Possessing rudimentary opposable toes, they are adept climbers and typically reside high in the canopy except for reproduction. Breeding usually occurs in small forest ponds that are surrounded by vegetation. The call of these frogs is typically a simple 'chuck' or 'tok tok tok'. Eggs are deposited on leaves above the water; upon hatching the tadpoles drop into the water below. The tadpoles of this genus are very strange - they are primarily surface feeders and are propelled by a constantly oscillating tail.

Phyllomedusa hulli
This frog was just recently found in San Martin department. Prior to this it was known only from the lowlands of Loreto, Peru. It is a strange frog in nearly every respect. First, it has a very unusual call - a high screech which from a distance sounds like a sonar sound effect. Also, it spends most of its time hanging from the underside of leaves, not only while sleeping but also while calling. Note: the second picture uses no special effects. Under the right lighting these frogs have spots that seem to glow.

Phyllomedusa tomopterna
On a night hike near Sauce this frog was found in the vegetation near a small forest pool. It appears to be a P. tomopterna lacking vibrant stripes down the flanks.