Amphibians
Patagonia Frog
Atelognathus patagonicus
Spending almost its entire life submerged in a handful of cold Andean lakes, a Patagonia frog now faces a mounting threat from introduced trout that prey heavily on its tadpoles across its already narrow range.
Overview
The Patagonia frog, Atelognathus patagonicus, is an Endangered amphibian native to wetland and mountain habitat found only in a small number of cold lakes in the Patagonian Andes. Its almost entirely aquatic lifestyle, its extremely restricted geographic range, and its vulnerability to introduced trout predation make it one of the more conservation-critical amphibians found anywhere in South America.
A frog that never really leaves the water
Unlike most frogs that split their lives between land and water, the Patagonia frog remains almost entirely aquatic throughout its life, a specialisation that leaves it with nowhere to retreat now that introduced trout have moved into its lakes.
Status
Endangered, with populations restricted to a small number of cold Andean lakes and declining due to predation from introduced trout on tadpoles.
Patagonia Frog: common questions
Why is the Patagonia frog considered so restricted in range?
This species is restricted to a small number of cold lakes in the Patagonian Andes, one of the more geographically limited amphibian ranges found anywhere in South America.
Why do introduced trout threaten the Patagonia frog?
This species faces significant predation pressure from introduced trout, which prey heavily on its tadpoles and have contributed directly to population decline in affected lakes.
Does the Patagonia frog spend time on land?
Rarely, this species spends almost its entire life in water, rarely leaving the cold lakes it depends on even as a fully grown adult.
How does the Patagonia frog cope with cold water conditions?
This species tolerates cold, often oxygen-poor water conditions typical of high-altitude Patagonian lakes, an adaptation suited to its restricted mountain habitat.