Denver Zoo uses ecological and social science to better understand the ecology and range of human threats related to Titicaca water frogs and Junin frogs. We work with Peruvian colleagues to monitor frog populations and identify which species are being sold illegally. A team led by our veterinarians documented the first case of chytrid on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca.
PERU: Alpine Aquatic Ecosystems
Titicaca Water Frogs
+ Lake Junín Frogs
YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of the difference we’re making in Peru and around the world—support Denver Zoo Field Conservation programs!
HELP FOR ENDANGERED AQUATIC SPECIES OF THE HIGH ANDES
Both the Titicaca water frog (TWF) and Lake Junín frog (LJF) are sentinel 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
POACHING for human consumption in frog smoothies
INTRODUCED SPECIES including trout
INTRODUCED DISEASE including infectious chytrid
OUR SOLUTION
AS A ZOO-BASED CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION, DENVER ZOO UNDERSTANDS that long-term change requires a spectrum of holistic conservation efforts in the communities we serve. Here’s a quick overview of the multi-pronged approach we take to achieve conservation solutions for our Peruvian field programs.
OUR RESULTS
LAKE JUNIN IS A GLOBALLY IMPORTANT HABITAT FOR MANY SPECIES.
As we continue to elevate endemic amphibians as top conservation priorities here, Denver Zoo will also expand our work with other threatened species 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.