Plectrohyla pycnochila
Overview
Plectrohyla pycnochila – also known as the thicklip spikethumb frog or thick-lipped spikethumb frog – is a frog in the Hylidae family. It is endemic to Mexico and occurs in the Chiapas Highlands of central Chiapas state. Its natural habitats are pine–oak forests. It is threatened by habitat loss caused by logging and transformation of the forest to agricultural land. Chytridiomycosis might also be a threat.
Plectrohyla pycnochila faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and logging activities in its montane forest range. The species is particularly vulnerable to chytrid fungal infections, which have devastated amphibian populations throughout Central America. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the temperature and humidity conditions essential for this moisture-dependent species' survival.
Habitat
This species inhabits montane cloud forests and pine-oak forests at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters in the mountains of Guatemala and southern Mexico. It requires areas with high humidity and consistent moisture levels, typically found near streams and in dense forest canopy.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in HYLIDAE
Threatened in Mexico
Frequently asked questions
Why is Plectrohyla pycnochila classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Plectrohyla pycnochila live?
What are the main threats to Plectrohyla pycnochila?
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