Telmatobius

Telmatobius is a genus of frogs that inhabit the Andean highlands of South America. These amphibians can be found in countries such as Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, northwestern Argentina, and northern Chile. Notably, Telmatobius is the sole genus in the Telmatobiidae family, although some taxonomists argue that Batrachophrynus should be classified as a distinct genus. The members of Telmatobius are predominantly aquatic, with some species being semi-aquatic while others are fully aquatic. They flourish in lakes, rivers, and wetlands at high altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 5,200 meters.

Some of the most prominent members of this genus include the Lake Junin frog (Telmatobius macrostomus) and the Titicaca water frog (Telmatobius culeus), both of which are sizable and entirely aquatic. However, the genus also comprises smaller species.

There are over 60 recognized species within the Telmatobius genus, but many are facing severe threats. They are endangered by habitat loss, pollution, diseases such as chytridiomycosis and nematode infections, the introduction of invasive trout species, and over-exploitation for human consumption. Alarmingly, some species, including three in Ecuador and seven in Bolivia, have not been observed for several years and may be extinct. Nevertheless, there is still hope. For example, the Bolivian species Telmatobius yuracare was presumed extinct until wild individuals were rediscovered in 2019.

Currently, 63 species are officially recognized in the Telmatobius genus. However, the classification of some species remains contentious, and there might yet be undiscovered species awaiting identification.