Cualita
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Cualita

Pristimantis w-nigrum

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pristimantis_w-nigrum

Overview

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.

Threat summary

Habitat

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.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Cualita classified as Endangered?
Cualita is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. 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.
Where does Cualita live?
Cualita occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cualita?
The main threats to Cualita are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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