Whistling Dwarf Frog
EN

Whistling Dwarf Frog

Physalaemus fernandezae

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physalaemus_fernandezae

Overview

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

The Whistling Dwarf Frog faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in southeastern South America. Wetland drainage for cattle ranching and soybean cultivation has eliminated critical breeding sites, while pollution from agricultural runoff degrades remaining aquatic habitats. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns essential for this species' reproductive cycle.

Threat summary

Habitat

This small frog inhabits temporary and permanent wetlands, including shallow ponds, marshes, and flooded grasslands in the Pampas region. It requires areas with emergent vegetation for breeding and adjacent grasslands for foraging and shelter.

Other threatened species in Leptodactylidae

San Jose White-lipped FrogCR

San Jose White-lipped Frog

Leptodactylus stenodema

Unknown
Physalaemus atlanticusVU

Physalaemus atlanticus

Unknown
Potter Foam FrogCR

Potter Foam Frog

Leptodactylus furnarius

Unknown

Threatened in Argentina

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
VU

Achala Escuerzo-Frog

Odontophrynus achalensis

Declining
CR

Trichomycterus ramosus

Unknown
CR

Rio Treefrog

Boana claresignata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Whistling Dwarf Frog classified as Endangered?
Whistling Dwarf Frog is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Whistling Dwarf Frog faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in southeastern South America. Wetland drainage for cattle ranching and soybean cultivation has eliminated critical breeding sites, while pollution from agricultural runoff degrades remaining aquatic habitats. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering precipitation patterns essential for this species' reproductive cycle.
Where does Whistling Dwarf Frog live?
Whistling Dwarf Frog occurs in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Whistling Dwarf Frog?
The main threats to Whistling Dwarf Frog are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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