CR

Sonson Frog

Atopophrynus syntomopus

Declining

Overview

Atopophrynus is a genus of frogs. It is monotypic, being represented by a single species, Atopophrynus syntomopus, also known as the Sonson frog. Its taxonomic placement within the superfamily Brachycephaloidea is uncertain, although many sources place it in the family Craugastoridae. It is endemic to Colombia and only known from its type series from Sonsón, in the Cordillera Central, Antioquia Department.

Atopophrynus syntomopus faces severe threats from habitat destruction and fragmentation due to agricultural expansion, urban development, and deforestation within its limited range in Colombia. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human activities. Climate change and pollution further compound these pressures on remaining populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits montane cloud forests and humid tropical forests in the Cordillera Oriental of Colombia, typically at elevations between 1,500-2,500 meters. It is associated with pristine forest streams and adjacent terrestrial areas with dense vegetation cover.

Forest· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· major

Conservation measures underway

Habitat & natural process restorationSpecies recovery

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Unknown

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Varied White-fronted Capuchin

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Brunellia pallida

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Chaceus ibiricensis

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Sonson Frog classified as Critically Endangered?
Sonson 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. Atopophrynus syntomopus faces severe threats from habitat destruction and fragmentation due to agricultural expansion, urban development, and deforestation within its limited range in Colombia. The species' restricted distribution makes it particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human activities. Climate change and pollution further compound these pressures on remaining populations.
Where does Sonson Frog live?
Sonson Frog occurs in Colombia. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sonson Frog?
The main threats to Sonson Frog are 2.1, 6.2, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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