Cave-Dwelling Populations of the Monstrous Rainfrog (Craugastor pelorus) from Mexico

Amphibians are known cave dwellers, and a few anurans have shown to make exploratory or opportunistic use of subterranean environments. We report on the use of karst ecosystems and cavernicolous environments by the monstrous rainfrog Craugastor pelorus in Chiapas and Tabasco (Mexico). Individuals were found in crevices and wall depressions within the twilight zone of the cave, both during the day and at night. Although threatened by human activities and often severely understudied, caves are the last refugia for some endangered species. This report allows us to extend the known distribution of the species, increase our knowledge on a threatened species, and better understand the biodiversity and ecology of cave environments.

Automated summary

This article describes the use of karst ecosystems and cavernicolous environments by the monstrous rainfrog Craugastor pelorus in Chiapas and Tabasco (Mexico). The frogs were found in crevices and wall depressions within the twilight zone of the cave, both during the day and at night. Despite being threatened by human activities and being understudied, caves serve as the last refuge for some endangered species. This report expands the known distribution of the species, contributes to our knowledge of a threatened species, and enhances our understanding of the biodiversity and ecology of cave environments.