Historical and geographic distribution, natural history and population genetics applied to the conservation of the fruit tree frog, Xenohyla truncata

• Grant number: 24/09081-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: February 29, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Luis Felipe de Toledo Ramos Pereira
• Grantee: Thaynara Mendes Machado
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/11096-8 - From the natural history to the conservation of Brazilian amphibinas, AP.TEM

Abstract

Currently, more than 44,000 species of living beings are globally threatened, primarily due to environmental degradation and climate change. Neotropical regions, such as the Atlantic Forest-a biodiversity hotspot-are particularly affected because of their high diversity that harbors many endemic species and are severely impacted by forest fragmentation and isolation. Amphibians, in particular, are especially affected. They are the most threatened animals on the planet, with about 40% of the species categorized as threatened with extinction. They face threats from a myriad of factors, including habitat fragmentation and climate change, which directly result in the reduction of genetic variability within populations, pollution, and diseases such as chytridiomycosis, leading to population declines and extinctions. Therefore, monitoring genetic diversity, local impacts, and pathogen dynamics in wild populations is essential for practical conservation actions.Among the endemic species of the Atlantic Forest, Xenohyla truncata stands out for its vulnerability: restricted to the restingas of the state of Rio de Janeiro, it faces threats from urbanization, in addition to current and future climate changes, such as the predicted sea level rise. Xenohyla truncata uses bromeliads for shelter, which are subject to removal for landscaping and illegal trade. Xenohyla truncata is also unique for its dietary habits, consuming plant parts and potentially acting as a pollinator and seed disperser, thus providing ecosystem services that enhance its relevance in the ecology of the restingas. Therefore, we aim to complement the information on the natural history of X. truncata, assess the threats to different populations, investigate population genetics, develop predictive models of potential habitat occupancy, and search for new populations. Together, these studies will contribute to the conservation of this species, as the data will be integrated into ongoing programs by RAN (ICMBio), such as the Southeast PAN (National Action Plan) and the molecular inventory in collaboration with RAN and ITV (Instituto Tecnológico Vale).