Human attitudes as threats in amphibians: the case of the Ornate Horned Frog (Ceratophrys ornata)

Abstract

We analyzed the characteristics of the human-animal conflict coming from the attitudes that local communities have toward Ceratophrys ornata, focusing on two threats: aversion and pet trade. Surveys conducted in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay (n = 194) showed a strong aversion to this species (45% of respondents), causing the death of at least 364 individuals. This aversion was strongly linked to symbolism and folklore beliefs, and also influenced by gender and education level. Pet trade interviews (n = 30) showed that 77% of the specimens kept in captivity were wild-caught (≈178 individuals). The killing of specimens based on aversion might have impacts at local level, especially in populations occurring in recent urbanized areas. Our results also revealed that capture of specimens for pet trade is an ongoing process. Due to the context of illegality in which trade occurs, it is highly challenging to determine/predict the extent of impacts.