HELP FOR ENDANGERED AQUATIC SPECIES OF THE HIGH ANDES
Both the Titicaca water frog (TWF) and Lake Junín frog (LJF) are indicator species, which means biologists can use these animals’ health to measure the overall condition of the ecosystems in which they live. As two of the world’s largest aquatic frogs, their classification as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) means that not just the frogs, but also their namesake lakes—as well as the people and animals that these lakes support—are under significant threat.
Denver Zoo and our partners are working to understand and mitigate these threats through research, conservation breeding, community engagement, capacity building and more. Here’s a quick overview of our efforts and impact in alpine Peru.
OUR CHALLENGES
DENVER ZOO’S PERUVIAN FIELDWORK BEGAN IN 2008, THE YEAR OF THE FROG, as all of our programs begin—with thorough research to understand the specific problems these animals are facing. Our conservation scientists found that both frog species were facing four key threats:
POLLUTION from nearby mines and municipal wastewater
HARVESTING for human consumption in frog smoothies
INTRODUCED SPECIES including trout
DISEASE including infectious chytrid fungus
OUR APPROACH
AS A ZOO-BASED CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION, DENVER ZOO UNDERSTANDS that long-term change requires a spectrum of holistic conservation efforts in the communities we work with. Here’s a quick overview of the multi-pronged approach we take to achieve conservation solutions for our Peruvian field partnerships.
Foundational Research
Denver Zoo uses ecological and social science to better understand the ecology and range of human threats related to Titicaca water frogs and Lake Junin frogs. We work with Peruvian colleagues to monitor frog populations. A team led by our veterinarians, and working with our community partners documented the first case of chytrid on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca.
Capacity Strengthening
Denver Zoo partners with key conservation authorities such as Peruvian zoos, universities, nature reserves, and to the IUCN. The Peruvian government has declared both frogs as species of priority and mandated the development of regional and national conservation plans and we are proud to have co-authored the first published conservation strategies for both species. Internationally, a campaign conducted by Denver Zoo and partners successfully elevated the local, national, and global conservation profile of the Titicaca water frog. We also support research, training and professional exchange programs for our partners.
Local + Global Outreach
Collective efforts to raise awareness through species awareness days, and more are working!
OUR PROGRESS
As we continue to elevate endemic amphibians as conservation priority here, Denver Zoo will also expand our work with other species of concern in Latin America, including Chilean flamingos. We’re currently engaged with Peruvian non-profit ECOAN and Junín National Reserve, conducting critical research so that a long-term flamingo conservation strategy may take shape—and soon, take flight.
Our Partners
Denver Zoo is grateful for the network of partner organizations working in Peru and on the home front to affect meaningful change:
Huachipa Zoo
Cayetano Heredia Peruvian University
Titicaca + Junin National Reserves
National University of the Altiplano
Regional Government of Puno, Peru
Grupo RANA | ECOAN | US Peace Corps
Ccori Ampara Collective
Innovation Center of St. Vrain Valley Schools
Asia | Since 2008
Africa | 20+ Years
