Abstract

Many montane endemic species throughout the Neotropics are at risk of extinction due to climate change, however many of these species lack data to sufficiently assess this. One such species is the golden treefrog (Phytotriades auratus, Hylidae). This is a phytotelma-breeding frog species, known to spend its entire life cycle within the giant arboreal bromeliad (Glomeropitcairnia erectiflora, Bromeliaceae). P. auratus is an endangered mountaintop endemic, native to two mountains in Trinidad and one in the country of Venezuela. This study aims to uncover the elevational distribution of the frog species, so that the extinction risk of the species can be properly assessed. The vocalization of P. auratus was recently characterized, as it had previously been thought to be a mute species. Audio recorders were deployed throughout the north and south trails of El Tucuche, Trinidad at various elevations, using the vocalizations of P. auratus as an ecological biomarker. These deployments also included data loggers that track the temperature and humidity throughout El Tucuche. Counts of G. erectiflora were also performed, to further the knowledge of the symbiotic relationship between P. auratus and G. erectiflora. Its current elevational distribution on El Tucuche was also assessed, with comparison to historical data. After three months of deployment on El Tucuche, 14 P. auratus vocalizations were detected on the north side of the mountain at 900 m, while one vocalization was detected at the peak. A positive correlation was found between P. auratus detections and G. erectiflora count, and the elevational range of G. erectiflora was found to have shifted upslope on the mountain over the past three decades. This study offers a baseline of data on the elevational distribution of the golden treefrog, as well as the environmental conditions at different elevations of El Tucuche. This can be used by future studies to assess the shift in the range in P. auratus, as well as any changes in the environmental conditions of its natural habitat. This project also reveals the urgent need for conservation action in P. auratus and G. erectiflora.

Advisor

Lehtinen, Richard

Second Advisor

Edgington, Hilary

Department

Biology

Disciplines

Biology | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | Life Sciences

Publication Date

2026

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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Available for download on Thursday, May 15, 2031

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© Copyright 2026 Jack Schuller