CR

Vanzolini's Leaf Frog

Phrynomedusa vanzolinii

Unknown

Overview

Phrynomedusa vanzolinii, or Vanzolini's leaf frog, is a frog in the subfamily Phyllomedusinae. It is endemic to southeastern Brazil where it is currently known from Teresópolis in the state of Rio de Janeiro and Boraceia in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It is possible that this species is a synonym of Phrynomedusa appendiculata.

Phrynomedusa vanzolinii faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation within Brazil's Atlantic Forest, one of the world's most endangered biomes. Urban expansion and agricultural conversion have eliminated much of its original forest habitat, while remaining fragments are too small and isolated to support viable populations. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the species' breeding cycles and microhabitat requirements.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered frog is endemic to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, inhabiting humid montane forests with dense canopy cover. It requires pristine forest environments with stable microclimates and permanent water sources for breeding.

Forest· 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

Frequently asked questions

Why is Vanzolini's Leaf Frog classified as Critically Endangered?
Vanzolini's Leaf Frog 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 vanzolinii faces severe threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation within Brazil's Atlantic Forest, one of the world's most endangered biomes. Urban expansion and agricultural conversion have eliminated much of its original forest habitat, while remaining fragments are too small and isolated to support viable populations. Climate change poses additional risks through altered precipitation patterns that could disrupt the species' breeding cycles and microhabitat requirements.
Where does Vanzolini's Leaf Frog live?
Vanzolini's Leaf Frog 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 Vanzolini's Leaf Frog?
The main threats to Vanzolini's Leaf Frog are 8.1, ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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