Little is known about the habits of the Mucuchies frog, which averages two centimeters in length and is distinguished by the subtle light spots that dot its skin.

It was only discovered in... 1985 by Enrique La Marca, now head of the breeding project that is part of the program of the Center for the Preservation of Venezuelan Amphibian Species (REVA).

Aromobates zippeli, from its scientific name, baptized in tribute to the American researcher Kevin Zippel - renowned for his defense of amphibians - is an endemic species of the Andean forest, the +paramo+ biotope, a dry and mountainous environment characteristic of the Mucuchies region (state of Mérida, West).

Mr. La Marca, together with Reinhold Martinez and Janina Puente, leads a program initiated in 2018 that encompasses field research, "ex situ" reproduction and reintroduction into the wild.

Enrique La Marca (d), head of the reproduction project of the Venezuelan Amphibian Species Preservation Center, searches for specimens of the Mucuchies frog, on April 28, 2022 in Merida, Venezuela Miguel ZAMBRANO AFP

“A major problem that affects the last populations of frogs in the region is the excessive extraction of water from the lagoons of the paramo, which depletes the aquifers (areas with water), “notes Mr. La Marca.

“Streams have dried up and the amount of water produced by springs has decreased considerably. All of this has a negative impact on organisms that are directly associated with water,” he adds.

Mr La Marca points out that the Mucuchies frog "is an integral part of a very complex ecosystem that has existed since this forest appeared".

"They are predators of insects and invertebrates harmful to humans, such as mosquitoes and other disease vectors. They are also a food source for other species," he adds.

The decline in their populations is a sign of a "disruption of the forest ecosystem due to human intervention", deplores the scientist, who is worried about the widespread deforestation of the area.

A frog from Mucuchies, on April 28, 2022 in Merida, Venezuela Miguel ZAMBRANO AFP

To avoid their disappearance, the trio of researchers sought to breed them in captivity.

A challenge: "We did not know what they fed on, how they reproduced, we improvised and learned as we went along", underlines Mr. La Marca.

Breeding takes place in disinfected containers where the habitat of the Mucuchies frog is reconstituted, which lays its eggs on dry leaves.

Place plants such as bromeliads, for example, rocks, dry leaves and a container of water that simulates a stream.

The frogs are fed with insects and larvae.

"We managed to reproduce this endangered species in captivity and therefore to carry out a repopulation program", says Mr. La Marca for whom the program is a major step forward in the preservation of all endangered amphibians.

Croaks, a sign of success

"When we managed to breed the Mucuchies frog, it was very exciting because it was the first time that a species from this forest had bred in captivity," he explains.

To fertilize the eggs, "both sexes must be involved. The male climbs and clings to the back of the female to fertilize the eggs deposited by her, releasing the sperm that will fertilize them".

Biologist Enrique La Marca examines a Mucuchies frog on April 28, 2022 in Merida, Venezuela Miguel ZAMBRANO AFP

The male is responsible for caring for the eggs.

Due to the "high probability of extinction of the species in its natural environment", the objective is to maintain its assisted reproduction as long as possible, because "most populations have disappeared throughout the region already fifteen at twenty-five."

"The release of the specimens into their natural environment takes place about a year after they have completed their metamorphosis from tadpole to four-legged frog", specifies Mr. La Marca.

A frog from Mucuchies, on April 11, 2022 in Merida, Venezuela Miguel ZAMBRANO AFP

Once freed, "the biggest challenge is to enable them to survive in the new natural conditions they will face," he says.

Therefore, "we are proud to note (...) that the croakings are more numerous on the site, which indicates that the frogs reproduce again but... in their environment" natural.

© 2022 AFP