This project aims to save the only known population of the critically endangered Mindo Harlequin Toad (Atelopus mindoensis), rediscovered in 2019 after being thought extinct for 30 years. The project will implement a rapid-response monitoring program, the sourcing of a backup ex-situ colony based on tadpoles, and the creation of a reserve to protect the habitat of the only surviving population. All these actions seek to increase population densities and ultimately help save the species from extinction.
1. Create a 220-ha reserve to protect the habitat of the last survivors of the Mindo Toad.
2. Establish a permanent monitoring project to track the status of the population.
3. Create a backup assurance ex-situ colony based on tadpoles as founders.
4. Help keep ~118,000–162,000 tCO₂e from being dumped into the atmosphere.
5. Create an ecotourism project to sustain the reserve economycally.
Goal: This project seeks to save the only known relict population of Atelopus mindoensis, rediscovered after being thought extinct for 30 years. With your help, Khamai can create a reserve for the toad and maintain a permanent monitoring program.
Proposed area: 220 hectares (543 acres)
Altitudinal range: 1,920–2,160 m.
Carbon stored: ~118,000–162,000 tCO₂e.
33 hectares of 220 goal protected.
84 backers. 193 days to go.
Habitat you’ll saveArlequín Reserve |
The fundraiser for the project is officially launched. This allowed the team of Khamai Foundation begin exploring the target land lot immediately and sign an agreement to purchase the land.
Our team begins intermittent explorations of the site with the intention of recording additional toads. No individuals were found between February and July.
Thanks to a grant from Ceiba Foundation our team found the first individual of Atelopus mindoensis seen in five years and only the sixth recorded in 30 years.
Two additional survivors of the Mindo Toad have been spotted thanks to the support of a grant from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. These correspond to survivor #7 (Malki) and survivor #8 (Tyroncito).
Thanks to the support of World Rainforest Fund, Ceiba Foundation, the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, and 55 backers, Khamai Foundation has officially protected the first five hectares of Arlequín Reserve.
A gravid female Mindo Harlequin Toad is found in the Arlequín Reserve! This individual, survivor #9, marks the first sighting of a female of this species since 1989. Special thanks go to the Burgers’ Zoo Conservation Foundation and the Van Tienhoven Foundation for their support of the 2025 Mindo Harlequin Toad monitoring season.
Survivor number #10, is the second female of her species seen since 1989. We’ve named her “Gwenda” after ornithologist Dr. Gwenda Brewer. Gwen and her husband George Jett have been one of the most important driving forces behind the urgent expansion of our reserve. A huge thanks to the Zoological Association of America for their support of our 2025 monitoring season of the Mindo Toad.
Another male and one female Atelopus mindoensis are spotted. The male, named “Gerardo,” corresponds to survivor #11. Curiously, the female is not new, but our beloved “Mami” (survivor #9), reappearing 40 days later after laying about half her egg mass.
Four tadpoles of Atelopus mindoensis are located in the reserve, the first seen in almost 50 years! They become the founders of an ex-situ breeding colony.
Thanks to the 80 backers and the 12 institutions listed below (most notably the Quick Response Fund for Nature), the reserve safeguards an additional 28 hectares of critical habitat for the Mindo Harlequin Toad.
Deadline for completing the purchase of an additional three land lots currently up for sale around the reserve, totalling 187 hectares.
