CR

Isla Bonita Treefrog

Isthmohyla debilis

Declining

Overview

Isthmohyla debilis is a rare species of frog in the family Hylidae. It occurs in the Atlantic slopes of the Cordillera Central and Cordillera Talamanca in Costa Rica and western Panama as well as on the Pacific slopes in southwestern Panama. Common name Isla Bonita treefrog has been suggested for it.

Isthmohyla debilis faces severe population decline primarily due to the devastating chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) that has decimated amphibian populations across Central America. Habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited montane range has further fragmented remaining populations. Climate change is altering the cool, moist conditions this species requires, pushing suitable habitat to higher elevations where less area is available.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits cloud forests and montane rainforests at elevations between 1,200-2,400 meters in Costa Rica and Panama. It requires cool, humid conditions with dense vegetation cover, typically found near streams and in areas with persistent fog and high moisture levels.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist montane· major

Conservation measures underway

Resource & habitat protectionSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservation

Other threatened species in HYLIDAE

VU

Maracas Heart-tongued Frog

Phyllodytes tuberculosus

Declining
VU

Papallacta Treefrog

Hyloscirtus psarolaimus

Declining
VU

Scinax rupestris

Unknown
CR

Nyctimantis pomba

Declining

Threatened in Costa Rica

EN

Passiflora chimuensis

Unknown
EN

Palicourea brenesii

Unknown
EN

Baird's Tapir

Tapirus bairdii

Declining
CR

Mespilodaphne paradoxa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Isla Bonita Treefrog classified as Critically Endangered?
Isla Bonita Treefrog is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Isthmohyla debilis faces severe population decline primarily due to the devastating chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) that has decimated amphibian populations across Central America. Habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in its limited montane range has further fragmented remaining populations. Climate change is altering the cool, moist conditions this species requires, pushing suitable habitat to higher elevations where less area is available.
Where does Isla Bonita Treefrog live?
Isla Bonita Treefrog occurs in Costa Rica, and Panama. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Isla Bonita Treefrog?
The main threats to Isla Bonita Treefrog are 1.1, 11.1, 2.1, and 4.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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