The critically endangered Amphibians from the small Escudo de Veraguas Island Panama

Abstract

Escudo de Veraguas, a small island in Western Panama, is home to the maritime worm salamander Oedipina maritima and the Costa Rica Stream-welling Frog Craugastor ranoides, both species are in continuing decline in the extent and quality of their habitat. During three monitoring surveys of the island, 50 plots were installed, 25 in forest and 25 in swamps. The population was estimated at 88 ind./ha for O. maritima and 59 ind./ha for C. ranoides.  As a conservation measure, we recommend long-term monitoring to guarantee the survival of these Critically Endangered species.