CR

Lutz's Phyllomedusa

Phrynomedusa appendiculata

Unknown

Overview

Phrynomedusa appendiculata, the Santa Catarina leaf frog, is a species of frog in the subfamily Phyllomedusinae. It is endemic to Brazil, where it is only known from the southern Atlantic Forest.

Phrynomedusa appendiculata faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in Brazil's Atlantic Forest region. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes, while climate change poses additional threats through altered precipitation patterns that affect breeding pools. Pollution from agricultural runoff and invasive species introduction further compound the pressures on remaining populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered frog inhabits the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, specifically requiring pristine forest streams and adjacent riparian vegetation for breeding and shelter. The species depends on clean, flowing water with specific temperature and pH conditions found only in undisturbed montane forest environments.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical moist lowland· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Conservation measures underway

Species managementSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservation

Other threatened species in PHYLLOMEDUSIDAE

EN

Purple-sided Leaf Frog

Callimedusa baltea

Unknown
VU

Agua Rica Leaf Frog

Callimedusa ecuatoriana

Declining
CR

Pithecopus rusticus

Declining
VU

Mato Grosso Leaf Frog

Pithecopus centralis

Declining

Threatened in Brazil

Striped SmoothhoundCR

Striped Smoothhound

Mustelus fasciatus

Declining
VU

Mussismilia hispida

Declining
VU

Myrcia carioca

Declining
Brasilia TapaculoEN

Brasilia Tapaculo

Scytalopus novacapitalis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Lutz's Phyllomedusa classified as Critically Endangered?
Lutz's Phyllomedusa 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. Phrynomedusa appendiculata faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development in Brazil's Atlantic Forest region. The species' extremely limited range makes it particularly vulnerable to local environmental changes, while climate change poses additional threats through altered precipitation patterns that affect breeding pools. Pollution from agricultural runoff and invasive species introduction further compound the pressures on remaining populations.
Where does Lutz's Phyllomedusa live?
Lutz's Phyllomedusa occurs in Brazil. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Lutz's Phyllomedusa?
The main threats to Lutz's Phyllomedusa are 2.1, 3.2, 5.1, and 5.1.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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