Taxonomic notes: Section empty

This species is known from the central páramos in Tolima, Caldas and Quindio Departments, on the eastern flank of the central Andes, in Colombia, between 2,700 and 3,700 m asl. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) is estimated to be 2,340 km².

It is not a common species. Current information on the population's status is lacking. There has been little sampling effort within the species range; however, it was recently recorded in 2013 in Reserva Robert Gilesi (O. Cortés pers comm. August 2014). It is found only in pristine forest and páramo habitat, which has been fragmented by forest loss and land use. Habitat fragmentation has likely reduced connectivity among remnant subpopulations, rendering the population severely fragmented (O. Cortés pers. comm. August 2014).

It occurs on leaf-litter and rocks on the ground in Andean forests and páramos, and has not been recorded from anthropogenic habitats. It is a direct developing species.

There are no reports of this species being utilized.

It is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, mainly due to the expansion of agriculture, and pollution from the fumigation of illegal crops. Climate change is also a potential threat to this high-elevation species, although this requires verification.

• 2.1.2 Small-holder farming
• 11.1 Habitat shifting & alteration
• 9.3.3 Herbicides and pesticides

Its range includes several protected areas, including Reserva Robert Gilesi, Reserva Loros Andinos, and Reserva Roncesvalles, but improved and expanded protection of the montane habitat of this species is necessary. More information is needed on its population status and threats.

• 2.1 Site/area management
• 1.2 Resource & habitat protection

Listed as Endangered because its extent of occurrence (EOO) is estimated at 2,430 km², its population is considered to be severely fragmented, and there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat on the Central Cordillera of the Colombian Andes.

• Acosta-Galvis, A.R. 2000. Ranas, Salamandras y Caecilias (Tetrapoda: Amphibia) de Colombia. Biota Colombiana: 289-319.
• Ardila-Robayo, M.C. and Acosta-Galvis, A. 2000. Anfibios III. In: Rangel (ed.), Colombia Diversidad biótica de la región de vida paramuna, pp. 902. Bogotá, Colombia.
• Gluesenkamp, A.G. 1995. A new species of Osornophryne (Anura: Bufonidae) from Volcán Sumaco, Ecuador with notes on other members of the genus. Herpetologica: 268–279.
• Ruiz-Carranza, P.M. and Hernández-Camacho, J.A. 1976. Osornophryne género nuevo de anfibios bufónidos de Colombia y Ecuador. Caldasia: 93-148.