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This species is known only from the vicinity of the type locality on the border of Risaralda and Quindio Departments, Colombia, between 2,200 and 2,900m asl. It might occur more widely than current records suggest.

It is found on vegetation along streams and away from streams in sub-Andean and Andean forests; it has not been recorded outside forest habitat. Breeding and larval development take place in streams.

This is a rare species, This species has not been reported since 1996. Recent extensive surveys conducted by a WCS-Colombia herpetologist team (2009-2010) in the type localities failed to find any alive individual. We considered that this species is extinct (J A Velasco et al. not published).

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The most serious risk to this species is chytridiomycosis, which has had a devastating impact on other high-altitude species of Atelopus. Recent surveys in the type localities revealed that rainbow trout is extensive in this area, even in small streams.

• 8.1.2 Named species

It might occur within a protected area (Parque Regional Natural Ucumarí, in Risaralda Department). Further survey work is required to determine the population status of this species and whether or not it occurs outside the vicinity of the type locality. Given the threat of chytridiomycosis, recommended conservation measures will probably need to include the maintenance of any surviving individuals in captivity.

• 3.4.1 Captive breeding/artificial propagation

Listed as Critically Endangered because of a projected population decline, estimated to be more than 80% over the next ten years, inferred from declines in other high altitude Atelopus species in the same region, probably due to chytridiomycosis.

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• Ruiz-Carranza, P.M. and Osorno-Muñoz, M. 1994. Tres nuevas especies de Atelopus A.M.C. Dumeril and Bibron 1841 (Amphibia: Bufonidae) de la Cordillera Central de Colombia. Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales: 165-179.
• Ruiz-Carranza, P.M., Ardila-Robayo, M.C. and Lynch, J.D. 1996. Lista actualizada de la fauna de Amphibia de Colombia. Revista de la Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales 20(77): 365-415.