Atelopus ignescens is a small toad in the genus Atelopus, commonly called the Jambato toad or the Quito stubfoot toad. It is a recognized species in the family Bufonidae, the group that contains the true toads.
Distribution and habitat
This toad is native to the Andes of Ecuador, where it was historically recorded at high elevations. Its preferred habitat includes mountain streams and adjacent moorland and grassland typical of high-altitude Andean environments, such as páramo and cloud-forest edges.
Conservation status and rediscovery
Populations of Atelopus ignescens declined drastically during the 20th century, and the species went unobserved for many years, leading to assumptions that it had become extinct. In 2016, researchers reported locating individuals in the wild, confirming the species' continued existence. Because of its small and fragmented populations, it remains of serious conservation concern.
Taxonomy and relationships
The exact evolutionary relationships of A. ignescens within Atelopus are not fully resolved. It is generally treated as part of the Andean radiation of harlequin toads; comparisons with other highland Atelopus species suggest close affinities to a number of geographically nearby taxa, but detailed molecular studies are needed to clarify its closest relatives.
Notes on protection
- Ongoing monitoring and surveys are important to document remaining populations.
- Protecting streamside habitat at high elevations helps conserve the species and other endemic amphibians.
- Ex-situ conservation (captive-breeding) is sometimes used for critically endangered Atelopus species and may be considered where feasible.