Taxonomic notes: Section empty

This species is endemic to the Cordillera Azul, Huánuco Region, Peru, where it can be found at an altitude of between 1,200 and 1,600 m asl. It has also been introduced to the Tarapoto area of San Martin Region, although very little is known about this population. It is considered to occur in two threat-defined locations (based on the currently known disjunct geographical areas and trade pressure exerted in Cordillera Azul). Its range, taken as a proxy for extent of occurrence (EOO), is estimated to be 763 km².

It inhabits montane tropical rainforest. Eggs are deposited in leaf-litter, and the larvae are carried to streams for their development.

In 1979, 26 individuals were recorded with a survey effort of 6 person/days; however, in 2006 only 8 individuals were observed in 15 person/days (von May et al. 2008), which suggests a population decline.

This poison frog is consistently smuggled for the pet trade via Pucallpa, in Ucayali region (von May et al. 2008). 

This species is generally threatened by habitat clearance for agricultural activities (such as cultivation of tea, and other small scale farming). In the past the habitat area where it occurs had been somewhat protected by the presence of terrorist groups (excepting drug crops used in drug trafficking); more recently, coca eradication campaigns and alternative development programs have diminished the presence of drug crops in the region (CIMA 2012). It is also under threat due to illegal collecting for the pet trade (von May et al. 2008).

It is found in Parque Nacional Cordillera Azul. Conservation of other areas where this species occurs is required, as is enforcement on smuggling activities. Further research is needed into the population status, ecology and threats affecting this species, especially with regards to the impact of illegal trade.

Listed as Endangered given that its extent of occurrence is estimated to be 763 km², it is considered to occur in two threat-defined locations (based on the currently known disjunct geographical localities and trade pressure exerted in Cordillera Azul) and a continuing decline in the number of mature individuals.

• Centro de Conservación, Investigación y Manejo de Areas Naturales – Cordillera Azul (CIMA). 2012. Cordillera Azul National Park REDD Project. Lima, Chicago and Peoria.
• Myers, C.W. and Daly, J.W. 1979. A name for the poison frog of the Cordillera Azul, eastern Peru, with notes on its biology and skin toxins (Dendrobatidae). American Museum Novitates: 1-24.
• Rodríguez, L.O., Cordova, J.H. and Icochea, J. 1993. Lista preliminar de los anfibios del Peru.: 1-22.
• von May, R., Catenazzi, A., Angulo, A., Brown, J.L., Carrillo, J., Chávez, G., Córdova, J.H., Curo, A., Delgado, A., Enciso, M.A., Guttiérez, R., Lehr, E., Martínez, J.L., Martina-Müller, M., Miranda, A., Neira, D.R., Ochoa, J.A., Quiroz, A.J., Rodríguez, D.A., Rodríguez, L.O., Salas, A.W., Seimon, T., Seimon, A., Siu-Ting, K., Suárez, J., Torres, C. and Twomey, E. 2008. Current state of conservation knowledge on threatened amphibian species in Peru. Tropical Conservation Science 1(4): 376-396.