Significant Metapopulation of Darwin's Frog Discovered in Villarrica
Researchers from the Villarrica Campus of the Catholic University made a groundbreaking discovery at the El Copihual estate, located in the La Araucanía region of Chile. The Darwin's frog (Rhinoderma darwinii), a species classified as endangered, has not only been sighted in the area, but the existence of a metapopulation extending throughout much of the forested property has been confirmed.
Academic Nicolás Gálvez, part of the research team, shared his experience upon noticing that the frogs' calls were heard "everywhere," indicating that these were not isolated individuals but a population that has persisted over time. Additional studies suggest the species could occupy up to 60% of the estate's forested area.
In response to this discovery, the CAZ Foundation, owner of the El Copihual estate, has taken drastic measures to protect these creatures. Hans Muhr, a board member, announced the indefinite suspension of the forest management program, forgoing the income it generated to prioritize the conservation of Darwin's frog.
The importance of this finding is emphasized by Andrés Valenzuela, president of the Darwin's Frog NGO, who notes that this population is crucial for the species' conservation, especially because it is found outside the mountainous areas where they are typically located. The distribution of individuals across the estate suggests a metapopulation structure, which could be key to their long-term survival.
This discovery is not only a victory for the conservation of Darwin's frog but also highlights the importance of collaboration between academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and private landowners in protecting threatened species.
