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Exquisite Spike-Thumb Frog (Plectrohyla exquisita)

2015 IUCN Red List Status: “Critically Endangered due to a projected decline of greater than 80% over the next ten years due to the potential impacts of chytridiomycosis.”

Fun Fact: In 10 years, we have NEVER heard this frog croak!  It's the only endangered species in Cusuco whose call remains unknown to science.  Adult males of this species have a large "second thumb", which is actually a fleshy appendage that hides a bone spike used in territorial combat with other frogs.  There are two color morphs of this species: some frogs are green while others are brown.

Cusuco Spike-Thumb Frog (Plectrohyla dasypus)

2015 IUCN Red List Status: “Critically Endangered because of a drastic population decline, estimated to be more than 80% over the last ten years, inferred from the apparent disappearance of most of the population, probably due to chytridiomycosis; and because its Extent of Occurrence is less than 100 km2, and its Area of Occupancy is less than 10 km2, all individuals are in a single location, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat, and in number of mature individuals.”

Fun Fact: Although these frogs live up in the trees, they will sometimes dive to the ground, quickly dig a hole, and hide inside to escape a predator. Not exactly what you would expect for a "tree" frog!  Also, their croak sounds a bit like a duck's "quaaaaack!"  Some of these frogs have incredible patterns of black and lime green speckles to blend in with the vegetation.

Mossy Red-Eyed Frog (Duellmanohyla Soralia)

2015 IUCN Red List Status: “Endangered because its extent of occurrence (EOO) is calculated at 3,746 km2, the population is restricted to isolated remnant forests, and the extent of its forest habitat in Guatemala and Honduras is declining. Habitat loss is occurring rapidly in its range outside of protected areas, and while the species occurs in several protected areas, there is need for enforcement measures to eliminate habitat loss within these reserves.”

Fun Fact: Tadpoles of this frog swim UPSIDE-DOWN!  No one knows why....(but we're studying this right now, so stay tuned!). Some adults are very particular with where they sit in the forest and can often be found sitting on the same exact rock or tree branch for several nights. Their croak sounds very much like a dog's squeaky toy.