The Toad that defied a Hydroelectric Power Plant

The Admirable Red-Belly Toad (Melanophryniscus admirabilis) is a Critically Endangered microendemic species of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. It is known only from its type-locality, along 700 m of a river. Until recently, it was severely threatened by the construction of a hydroelectric power plant (HPP). Joint efforts between academia, government, and non-governmental organizations have succeeded in stopping the construction of the HPP, showing that multi-institutional and collaborative work is essential when dealing with conservation.

This was the first time in Brazilian history that an amphibian prevented the construction of such a big enterprise. This is a very successful conservation story that always brings hope and optimism to everyone working within the sector. By Luis Fernando Marin da Fonte from Amphibian Survival Alliance.