Ameerega braccata

Ameerega braccata, formerly classified as Epipedobates braccatus, is a species of frog belonging to the family Dendrobatidae. This small amphibian is native to the Central-West Region of Brazil, with confirmed presence in the states of southern Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, and southwestern Goiás. It is believed that the species' natural range extends into neighboring areas of Bolivia and Paraguay.

Description and Characteristics

Ameerega braccata are relatively small frogs, typically measuring between 14 and 17 millimeters in snout-to-vent length. Their skin has a slightly granular texture, and their fingers are equipped with small discs. The dorsal coloration is predominantly dark brown, often adorned with pale brown marbling and, in many individuals, distinct yellowish spots. The flanks are a solid black, contrasting with two prominent yellowish-white to yellow dorsolateral stripes that run from the tip of the snout all the way to the groin. The ventral side, or belly, is brownish-white and sparsely speckled with small black spots, while the chest and throat are brown.

Habitat and Ecology

These frogs inhabit gallery forests within the Cerrado biome, commonly found amidst the leaf litter. They have also been recorded in more open environments and have been observed at elevations ranging from 180 to 260 meters above sea level. The reproductive cycle involves eggs being laid on land. Notably, the larvae are subsequently transported to streams for their aquatic developmental stage, a task that has been observed to be carried out by the male frog.

Diet and Vocalizations

The diet of Ameerega braccata is specialized, consisting primarily of ants, termites, and mites. Studies have indicated that the abundance of consumed prey can vary between the male and female individuals of the species. Ameerega braccata is known to produce a variety of vocalizations. The male's advertisement call is a brief, unpulsed note lasting about 0.1 seconds, with a frequency range of 3.5 to 4.2 kHz. Their territorial call is composed of 5 to 6 repeated notes that are structurally similar to the advertisement call. Additionally, a courtship call is emitted during close-range interactions between males and females. These courtship calls consist of short notes, approximately 0.04 seconds in duration, and can reach frequencies between 2.2 and 5.3 kHz.

Conservation Concerns

Ameerega braccata does not adapt well to anthropogenic disturbances. Consequently, the species faces threats primarily from habitat loss, driven by agricultural practices such as crop cultivation and livestock farming, as well as by wildfires. The species is known to occur within protected areas, including the Pantanal Matogrossense and Chapada dos Guimarães National Parks.