A team from the Andean Ecoregions Institute (INECOA – UNJu/CONICET), in collaboration with the Laguna de los Pozuelos Natural Monument, has launched an ambitious project for the monitoring and conservation of the rusty frog (Telmatobius rubigo), a vulnerable and endemic species of this region in the Jujuy puna.
During a meeting held at the protected area’s headquarters, the first participatory census was planned to begin in March of next year, accompanied by a theoretical-practical training for the personnel involved, and the definition of materials and a task schedule.
Subaquatic monitoring, biometric data, and community science
The project is led by researchers Soledad Gastón and Mauricio Akmentins, who, along with the park rangers team, conducted surveys in the Cincel, Chico, and Guayatayoc rivers, key habitats for this native species.
As part of the scientific monitoring, HydroMoth acoustic recorders and thermal sensors were installed to carry out passive and subaquatic monitoring.
Records of adult specimens and tadpoles were also obtained, from which biometric data were collected to analyze their development and physical condition.
The Pozuelos rusty frog is at risk due to its restricted geographical distribution, loss of natural habitat, and the introduction of exotic species, such as the rainbow trout, which poses a direct threat to its reproduction.
Conservation in protected areas and decision-making tools
The data obtained through this study will allow for the evaluation of the conservation status not only of the rusty frog but also of the surrounding aquatic ecosystems.
This is a scientifically valuable tool to strengthen the management of the Laguna de los Pozuelos Natural Monument, declared a protected area of high ecological interest in the Andean puna region.
