Range contraction of the endemic Patagonian frog Atelognathus patagonicus (Anura, Leptodactylidae): Effect of introduced fish

CUELLO, ME, MG PEROTTI AND G IGLESIAS

ORYX

Cambridge University Press

Lugar: Cambridge, UK; Año: 2009 vol. 43 p. 1 - 4

0030-6053

Atelognathus patagonicus occurs in the Laguna Blanca Wetland System (LBWS), Patagonia, Argentina. This frog exhibits a significant contraction of its original distribution, including a complete decline of the main population that was located in Laguna Blanca lagoon. The current distribution of A. patagonicus is restricted to several small lagoons representing a small percentage of the total wetland area. The decline of this species was perceived in 1986 and is thought to be partially associated with the anthropogenic introduction of fish. Possible mechanisms that led to the extirpation of A. patagonicus from Laguna Blanca include habitat loss, competition, and predation by introduced perch (Percichthys colhuapiensis). The decline of A. patagonicus from Laguna Blanca represents the loss of the largest population. The small lagoons that are currently inhabited by this endemic anuran represent fragmented populations that urgently require adequate management guidelines. Currently, a project to restore Laguna Blanca amphibian population and educational programs emphasizing the protection of Patagonian wetlands as reservoirs of regional biodiversity are under development.