Aromobates alboguttatus

Aromobates alboguttatus (common name: whitebelly rocket frog) is a species of frog in the family Aromobatidae. It is endemic to the Andes in the Táchira and Mérida states, western Venezuela.The synonymy of Colostethus inflexus is still not fully resolved.^[2]

Aromobates alboguttatus
Conservation status
Critically Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Anura
Family:	Aromobatidae
Genus:	Aromobates
Species:	A. alboguttatus
Binomial name
Aromobates alboguttatus (Boulenger, 1903)
Synonyms
Nephelobates alboguttatus (Boulenger, 1903) Colostethus inflexus Rivero, 1980 "1978"

Habitat

The natural habitat of Aromobates alboguttatus is clear, fast-flowing streams in Andean cloud forest. Scientists observed the frog between 1600 and 3090 meters above sea level.^[1]

Scientists have seen this frog in the protected parks Sierra Nevada National Park and Sierra de la Culata National Park.^[1]

Reproduction

The male protects the eggs that are laid on land. After hatching, the male carries the tadpoles on his back to water where they develop further.^[1]

Threats

The IUCN classifies this frog as critically endangered. Aromobates alboguttatus is threatened by habitat loss caused by agriculture, involving both crops and livestock, as well as by logging. Introduced trout are also a threat. It is also declining in undisturbed habitats, suggesting additional threats such as disease (e.g., chytridiomycosis).^[1]