Sinimbú casque-headed tree frog
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Tracks featuring this species:
’Conopophaga lineata’, CØELHO
The Sinimbú casque-headed tree frog (Nyctimantis pomba) is a frog in the family Hylidae, endemic (native and restricted) to Brazil. Scientists have seen it in exactly one place, 233 meters above sea level in the rainforest in Minas Gerais. With blood-red eyes and golden ‘leopard print’ skin patterning, the Sinimbú casque-headed tree frog is one of the world’s most visually striking frogs. Its scientific name references the discovery of the species near the Pomba River.
Photo Credit: Guilherme Lopes Machado (all rights reserved)
Climate connections
Climate change presents a serious and emerging challenge to the survival of many amphibians, which are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. While habitat loss remains a key threat, climate change is now the most common cause of declines in around 30 - 40% of species. This is mostly due to rising temperatures and increasing periods of drought, which limits the ability of amphibians to keep themselves and their offspring moist. Research also suggests that when temperatures vary unpredictably, amphibians might succumb faster to chytridiomycosis - a fungus that has been responsible for killing large numbers of amphibians around the world.
Read more about the threats posed to amphibians by climate change.
