Threats to Darwin's frog
The world is facing a major loss of biodiversity, with amphibians being the most threatened group of vertebrates. Darwin's frogs (Rhinoderma darwinii and R. rufum) are species endemic to the native forests of Chile and Argentina. These species have faced an alarming population decline, becoming a symbol of conservation at a global level.
Habitat loss
One of the main threats to both Darwin's frogs, according to a study published in 2013, is the development of urban projects in areas that were previously covered by native forest, as well as the replacement of native forest with agricultural and forestry plantations of exotic species.
Diseases
Chytridiomycosis in amphibians is a fungal skin disease. Individuals who develop this disease show a thickening of the skin, with a loss of osmoregulatory capacity, which can eventually lead to death from cardiac arrest. This is a major threat to Darwin's frogs.
Climate change
The world is facing climate change at an unprecedented rate due to human activity, posing a major threat to ectothermic organisms such as amphibians. Due to their limited dispersal capacity, it is unlikely that Darwin's frogs will be able to colonise new areas with climatic conditions suitable for their survival and reproduction.
Communication and education
The conservation of Darwin's frogs is limited by poor coordination between different relevant stakeholders and by the absence of certain protocols and public policies aimed at ensuring their conservation. In addition, there is still limited awareness among the general public about the conservation status, uniqueness and importance of these species.