CR

Santa Cruz Dwarf Frog

Physalaemus soaresi

Stable

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Physalaemus soaresi faces severe threats from rapid urban expansion and agricultural conversion throughout its extremely limited range in southeastern Brazil. The species' specialized breeding requirements in temporary pools make it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and hydrological changes from development. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban waste further degrades the ephemeral wetlands essential for reproduction.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered frog inhabits Atlantic Forest remnants in southeastern Brazil, specifically requiring temporary pools and shallow wetlands for breeding within forest clearings and edge habitats. The species depends on ephemeral water bodies that form during rainy seasons in areas with specific soil and vegetation characteristics.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Species managementSpecies recoveryAwareness & communications

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Santa Cruz Dwarf Frog classified as Critically Endangered?
Santa Cruz Dwarf 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. Physalaemus soaresi faces severe threats from rapid urban expansion and agricultural conversion throughout its extremely limited range in southeastern Brazil. The species' specialized breeding requirements in temporary pools make it particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and hydrological changes from development. Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban waste further degrades the ephemeral wetlands essential for reproduction.
Where does Santa Cruz Dwarf Frog live?
Santa Cruz Dwarf Frog 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 Santa Cruz Dwarf Frog?
The main threats to Santa Cruz Dwarf Frog are 1.1, 2.1, 2.3, and 3.2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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