In the valley of Los Chillos, on the outskirts of Quito, a chorus of frogs marks the pulse of a recovering ecosystem. There operates Wikiri Sapoparque, a space driven by the Jambatu Center that has become a bastion for the conservation of amphibians in Ecuador.
However, this effort arises in a complex context. Although the country is home to 709 species of frogs, more than 400 face some degree of threat, reflecting the fragility of these ecosystems.
Additionally, the initiative seeks to bring science closer to society, promoting environmental education and citizen participation as fundamental tools for conservation.
A refuge for biodiversity: education, science, and conservation in the heart of the valley of Los Chillos
The park hosts about 70 species of frogs, of which 35 are part of scientific programs. In this sense, it combines research, captive breeding, and environmental dissemination.
On the other hand, the space also fulfills an educational function. In this way, it allows visitors to understand the importance of amphibians as indicators of ecosystem health.
Furthermore, some species are integrated into legal circuits of international trade. This aims to reduce the pressure of illegal trafficking, one of the main threats to these animals.
Species on the brink of extinction: reintroduction and monitoring in threatened territories
Among the most notable actions is the reintroduction of the Íntag snout frog, which had been considered extinct for decades. Its rediscovery in 2016 marked a starting point for its recovery.
However, its natural populations are located in areas crossed by mining concessions. Therefore, programs of controlled release in safer areas are developed.
Additionally, daily monitoring in the field allows for evaluating their adaptation. Thus, the success of the process depends not only on survival but also on their ability to reproduce in the wild.
Persistent threats: diseases, infrastructure, and human pressure on amphibians
The decline of these species is due to multiple factors. Firstly, climate change alters the humidity and temperature conditions necessary for their development.
Added to this is the impact of extractivism, especially mining, which degrades key habitats. Likewise, the construction of infrastructure fragments ecosystems.
On the other hand, diseases such as the chytrid fungus have caused population collapses. Consequently, many species disappeared even before being studied in depth.
Causes of danger and benefits of the sanctuary for amphibian conservation in Ecuador
The main causes that have brought these species to the brink of extinction include habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and illegal trafficking. These factors act simultaneously, worsening the crisis.
In the face of this scenario, the sanctuary offers multiple benefits. On one hand, it allows for the reproduction of species in controlled conditions, ensuring their survival.
On the other hand, it facilitates key scientific research to understand their biology and threats. Finally, it promotes environmental education, raising awareness about the importance of protecting biodiversity.
In summary, Wikiri Sapoparque represents a concrete response to the environmental crisis affecting amphibians in Ecuador. Although challenges persist, the articulation between science, education, and conservation offers hope for these endangered species.
