Angamarca Jambato (100124)
Ecuador, South America
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1e, B1
Year of last assessment: 2025
National site name: Angamarca Jambato
Central coordinates: Latitude: -1.1231, Longitude: -78.8911
System: terrestrial, freshwater
Elevation (m): 2600 to 3599
Area of KBA (km2): 114.24637
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: No
Site details
Site description: The Angamarca river has had human presence for centuries. Land tenure is divided into numerous small properties privately owned. Common economic activities include ranching (mainly sheep and cows) and cereal agriculture. Most of native vegetation of the basin has been modified because of such activities, showing a patchy agricultural landscape over steep ruged terrain. However, especially in the river waterheads, there are still patches of native paramo and shrubs.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site contains the entire known extant population of Atelopus ignescens. In the current UICN Red List assessment, the historical distribution range is shown, but the species has not been recorded in any historical locality since 1988. This is actually stated in the text (Geographic range in detail), as follows:
"Historically, this species is known from the Inter-Andean valleys and highlands of the major Andean Cordilleras of Ecuador, from Imbabura to Chimborazo and Bolívar Provinces. Once thought to be extinct, the species is now known from only a single site within its historic distribution following the discovery of an extant subpopulation in 2016 (Ecuador Red List Assessment Workshop July 2016)."
So, despite the 2018 assessment mentions the only currently known site, it does not say its name (Angamarca valley), nor updated the distribution range correcting the actually "extant distribution" and leaving the previous one (currently shown as "extant") as "historical distribution".
The proposed boundary change is based on updated spatial data and ecological assessments that provide a more accurate representation of the distribution of KBA trigger elements within the site. In particular:
For criterion A1e, updated ecosystem mapping revealed that a significant portion of the threatened ecosystem lies outside the original boundary, while some areas within the original boundary no longer meet the ecological condition thresholds.
For criteria A1a and B1, revised estimates of Area of Occupancy (AOO) and Extent of Suitable Habitat (ESH) using recent field surveys and habitat modeling have led to a refined understanding of species distributions.
The new boundary includes all areas that are critical to maintaining the ecological integrity and viability of the KBA trigger elements, while excluding non-essential areas. This change improves the accuracy of site delineation and ensures better alignment with conservation priorities and land use realities.
Additional biodiversity: Other recorded species:
Atelopus ignescens
Centrolene buckleyi
Gastrotheca riobambae
Pristimantis actites
Pristimantis phoxocephalus
Gastrotheca pseustes
Riama cashcaensis
Atractus modestus
Dipsas elegans
Vultur gryphus
Tremarctos ornatus
Ecosystems:
Paramo, rocky outcrops, shrubland, grassland, cereal crops, small temporal ponds, rapid oligotrophic rivers and streams
Manageability of the site: The management of the basin requires agreements with the landowners and local authorities. Preliminary conversations have taken place and local partners are optimistic that formal agreements can be reached. The relationship between Alianza Jambato and local communities is very good, which facilitates conversations with the owners of the areas that require management. Their work involves educational activities with students, wider communication through media and events (including a "Jambato Harlequin Toad Day" officially recognize by the Angamarca Government), support to local authorities for issuing regulations, and others. Additionally, Alianza Jambato is currently applying for funds to create a protected area for this site, with the support of local, provincial and national authorities.
Other site values: There are several communities belonging to the Kichwa-speaking Panzaleo peoples of Cotopaxi province. Although there is no communitary land, tradicional governance structures remain for decision making over some issues. Also, communies are part of the governance structure of the Ecuadorian Confederation of Indigenous Nations (CONAIE).
Delineation rationale: The delineation follows suitable habitat surrounding the headwaters of the Angamarca, Yalliví and Guambaine rivers where Atelopus ignescens has been recorded.
The site was delineated based on the boundaries of the micro-watersheds where Atelopus ignescens (Jambato) has been recorded, encompassing both breeding streams and adjacent terrestrial habitats used by adults. The delineation follows hydrological units derived from DEM analysis and field-verified occurrence data. The extension site was delineated following the boundaries of the Guambaine watershed, using hydrological data to define the area of ecological influence. The delineation aims to support habitat suitability and restoration actions for Atelopus ignescens (Jambato) by focusing conservation efforts at the watershed level. The boundary enables integrated management that addresses environmental threats such as habitat degradation, water contamination, and infrastructure development.
This approach facilitates risks prevention, ensuring connectivity, ecological integrity, and long-term viability of the species.
Habitats
Land use: The land is privately owned, and each owner uses it for their own agricultural and livestock activities.
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 | |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 30 | Pastureland |
| Artificial - Terrestrial | 25 | Arable Land |
| Grassland | 35 | Grassland – Subtropical/tropical high altitude |
| Shrubland | 5 | Shrubland – Subtropical/tropical moist |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: The main threats in the area are habitat loss due to fires, expansion of the agricultural frontier, and road construction. In addition, there is the presence of trout in the rivers and the pathogneous fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Added to this is the expanding use of agrochemicals by the local population (very seldom used a few decades ago).
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Only in the past and unlikely to return |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Annual & perennial non-timber crops | Small-holder farming | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: - IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. 2018. “Atelopus ignescens”. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T54518A98641865, acceso el 17 de abril de 2024, https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T54518A98641865.en
- Quezada-Riera, Amanda, María del Carmen Vizcaíno-Barba, William Millingalli, Patricia Salerno, Juan Manuel Guayasamín, Andrés Mármol-Guijarro, Andrea Varela-Jaramillo, David Salazar-Valenzuela, Darwin Núñez, Eduardo Herrera y David Parra Puente. 2024. “Anfibios y reptiles de la parroquia Angamarca Último refugio del jambato”. Quito: Alianza Jambato, Fundación Jocotoco y KBA, DOI 10.5281/zenodo.14906035
- Ron, Santiago, Luis Coloma, Stefan Lötters, William Duellman, Martín R. Bustamante, Wilmar Bolívar, Enrique La Marca. 2004. “Atelopus ignescens”. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2004: e.T54518A11157432, https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T54518A11157432.en, acceso: 20 de marzo de 2021.
- Vega-Yánez Mateo, Amanda Quezada-Riera, Blanca Ríos-Touma, María del Carmen Vizcaíno-Barba, William Millingalli, Orlando Gancino, Luis Coloma, Elicio Tapia, Nadine Dupérré, Mónica Páez-Vacas, David Parra-Puente, Daniela Franco-Mena, Gabriela Gavilanes, David Salazar-Valenzuela, Carlos Valle, Juan Manuel Guayasamin. 2024. “Path for recovery: an ecological overview of the Jambato Harlequin Toad (Bufonidae: Atelopus ignescens) in its last known locality, Angamarma Valley, Ecuador”. PeerJ 12:e17344 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17344
- Vizcaíno-Barba, María del Carmen, David Parra Puente, Juan M. Guayasamín & Andrea Terán Valdéz. 2022. An Alliance to Save the Jambato Harlequin From Extinction. FrogLog (29)1: 32-33. https://www.iucn-amphibians.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/FL124.pdf
- Vizcaíno-Barba, María del Carmen, Juan M. Guayasamín, Luis A. Coloma, David Parra Puente & Andrea Terán Valdéz. 2022. A Second Chance: In Situ Conservation 0f fhe Critically Endangered Jambato Harlequin Toad (Atelopus ignescens) Through Local Community Involvement. FrogLog (29)1: 26. https://www.iucn-amphibians.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/12/FL124.pdf
- Vizcaíno-Barba, María del Carmen et al. 2022. Una alianza para salvar de la extinción al jambato negro de páramo. IUCN Bulletin. https://www.iucn.org/es/news/america-del-sur/202205/una-alianza-para-salvar-de-la-extincion-al-jambato-negro-de-paramo
- Vizcaíno-Barba, María del Carmen. 2025. ¿La ciencia al servicio de la naturaleza o la naturaleza al servicio de la ciencia? El caso del jambato negro del páramo. Tesis de Maestría, FLACSO Ecuador. https://repositorio.flacsoandes.edu.ec/handle/10469/23464
Contributors: Alianza Jambato: María del Carmen Vizcaíno Barba, David Santiago Parra Puente, Gabriela Doménica Cevallos Chicaiza, Juan Manuel Guayasamín, Mónica Páez Vacas, Luis Coloma.