Vilca-Alzamora, C., A. Wong, D. Barrera-Moscoso, J. Escudero-Guerrero & C. Aguilar-Puntriano

A new locality for the Critically Endangered Atelopus peruensis (Anura: Bufonidae) in an inter-Andean valley from Áncash, Peru. pp. 140-144.

Abstract. The harlequin toad Atelopus peruensis is a Critically Endangered species endemic to the Peruvian Andes. Although once relatively common, there have been no confirmed records in several parts of its range for over a decade. Here, we report a new locality for the species in an inter-Andean valley of Áncash Department, Peru in Huayllán District. Two individuals were observed in November 2024 and January 2026. Both records occurred near an irrigation canal at approximately 2900 m a.s.l. The new locality is located approximately 220 km southeast of the type locality. Morphological characteristics of both individuals are consistent with published descriptions and museum specimens, allowing their identification as A. peruensis and differentiation from closely related species. Notably, the encounters were made in a highly modified landscape dominated by small-scale agriculture, suggesting certain degree of tolerance to anthropogenic disturbance. However, major threats such as chytridiomycosis and habitat degradation are likely still relevant for this population. This represents the first confirmed record in the region in over 12 years, which highlights the importance of continued field surveys in poorly explored Andean regions and provides new hope for the persistence of this species. Targeted research and conservation actions are urgently needed to assess population status and support its long-term survival.