Conservation initiatives
Support initiatives to save the forests for Ranitomeya
Save the habitat of Ranitomeya fantastica
"true nominat"
Start of the project
After the discovery and description of Ranitomeya fantastica by Boulenger in 1883, the described morph of this species went unnoticed until its rediscovery in 2011. The location where Boulenger originally collected these animals had been deforested for decades, and the site of its rediscovery was found to be under serious threat in 2021, putting this morph at risk of eradication. With the help of Josh Allen (Andes to Amazon) a new population was found on land that could be acquired for conservation. In response, a group of enthusiasts joined forces under the German NGO Plant for Future to save these animals.
In 2022, efforts began to acquire land for their protection. Contracts have been signed for three parcels of land totaling 40 hectares, provisionally securing the area. Over the coming months, it is crucial to complete the payments for this land, and the necessary financial resources are still required. The costs for purchase, maintenance, and protection are roughly €5,000 per hectare.
Dendrobatidae Nederland (DN), the Dutch association for enthusiasts of poison dart frogs, committed €5,000 to finance one hectare through their donation program. A fundraising campaign was launched to finance at least a second hectare in the name of the frog community. This fundraiser ended on May 8, 2023, raising over €11,000, far exceeding the goal. The total amount donated was €16,384.69.
Plant for Future is very pleased with the significant contribution DN was able to donate on behalf of a very international frog community. Donations came in from all over the world, demonstrating the collective capability of many hobbyists through DN.
To protect the reserve, a park ranger is appointed to detect any illegal activity, keep unwanted visitors away, maintain trails, and report to Plant for Future.
Reforestation is also be a key part of the protection measures, allowing deforested parts of the purchased land to regrow into suitable habitat or serve as a buffer zone for the area. Reforestation will also help reconnect patches of forest.
After one year of conservation
After one year of protecting this forest you can see the progress and biodiversity on this small piece of land in this video (9:42).
Opening of the new build ranger station
As a board member of DN I had the opportunity to visit the Plant for Future forest near Yurimaguas in Peru guided by Josh Allen.
Luckily we found Ranitomeya fantastica "true nominat" in good health. By attaching a plaquette of DN and Plant for Future to the new ranger station we consolidated our commitment to this project.
There is a nice thank-you-page on the site of Plant for Future foor all the efforts of DN.
DN still raise funds for buying extra parcels of land to expand the area of protection. See the DN site for donations.
