Conservation status of Amphibians of Argentina: An update and evaluation of national assessments

Abstract

We present a review on the conservation status of the 177 species and subspeciesof amphibians of Argentina and compare the frst national assessment, conducted in 2000, with the most recent one, from 2012, to determine changes in conservation status over time. We also evaluate the degree of taxonomic and geographic non-randomness in extinction risk among these taxa. The present study shows an improvement in the knowledge of amphibian diversity in Argentina, but also increasing evidence of population declines and species absences. Twenty-twospecies showed a genuine increase in threat status between national assessments, and habitat loss and/or degradation, chytrid fungus infection, and introduction of invasive species have been reported as the main threats. Randomization tests showed families Telmatobiidae and Batrachylidae to be over-threatened and Hylidae and Leptodactylidae to be signifcantly under-threatened. Also, four ecoregions were shown to be signifcantly over-threatened (Patagonian Steepe, Patagonian Woodlands, Puna, and Yungas Forests). This evaluation help to identify groups of species that face similar suites and intensities of threat as a result of their overlapping geographical distributions and shared biological susceptibility as a result of their evolutionary history. We consider that our results highlight patterns and trends to alert policymakers and to guide priority actions.