Cualita
Pristimantis w-nigrum
Pristimantis w-nigrum, also known as the Zurucuchu robber frog or w rainfrog, is a species of frog in the family Strabomantidae. It is found on both Pacific and Amazonian slopes of the Andes in Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pristimantis_w-nigrum
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Amphibia
Order
Anura
Family
Craugastoridae
Genus
Pristimantis
Cualita belongs to the family Craugastoridae, order Anura, within the Amphibia class.
Species Profile
Pristimantis w-nigrum, also known as the Zurucuchu robber frog or w rainfrog, is a species of frog in the family Strabomantidae. It is found on both Pacific and Amazonian slopes of the Andes in Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru. The species is divided to at least eight clades that are genetically highly divergent but morphologically similar; it may be a species complex.
Pristimantis w-nigrum faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited montane forest range. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its restricted distribution and specialized habitat requirements in cloud forests of the Colombian Andes.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
The natural habitats of Pristimantis w-nigrum are cloud forest and sub-páramo, but it occurs also in deforested and disturbed areas. It is a nocturnal species that can be found perched on vegetation up to 3 metres above ground; during the day it can be found on fallen leaves. It is a common species although it has declined in many areas.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Pristimantis w-nigrum faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited montane forest range. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its restricted distribution and specialized habitat requirements in cloud forests of the Colombian Andes.
Deforestation for cattle ranching
Habitat loss from agricultural expansion
Climate change affecting montane ecosystems
Pollution from agricultural chemicals
Urban development and infrastructure
Community Sightings
Report a sightingNo community sightings yet. Be the first to report!
Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Cualita (Pristimantis w-nigrum). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/cualita