This is a continuation of 2011 and 2010 CREOi-funded projects. The Pampas region of Argentina has experienced the historic and wide-ranging land use changes occurring across the nation, including the replacement of natural pasturelands to agroecosystems. The advance of agriculture and the intensification of its practices were based on the implementation of production models that include direct seeding, genetically modified seed varieties and the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Amphibians inhabit the complex landscape of this region, finding themselves exposed to a variety of stressors (e.g., habitat reduction, exposure to pesticides and emergent diseases).
This project continued research and outreach previously funded by CREOi. In 2014, we formalized the initiative Conservation of Amphibians in Agroecosystems (CoAnA), which is currently being implemented in rural areas of the Pampas region. We established a group of students and professionals of the biological sciences from (mostly) La Plata National University and other universities around the country (Buenos Aires University Favaloro and University of Morón). This initiative has two central efforts: research and outreach.
Research progress includes the continued survey and characterization of amphibian communities that inhabit agroecosystems in the Pampas region, and their relationship to environmental variables and landscape spatial scales. The work takes place in agroecosystems with different land use types: intensive cultivation and livestock pastures (managed and unmanaged). Results have shown decreases in diversity and abundance across the gradient of high to low intensity of agricultural use. Meanwhile, we continue studying disease and parasites in amphibians, including malformations and chytridiomycosis. We documented a dramatic (77%) decline in the frequency of the fungus that causes chytridiomycosis, presumably from the extreme drought suffered by the region during this period, limiting the survival and propagation of the fungus. Surveys also revealed the presence of two IUCN-listed amphibians, one engendered and the other vulnerable.
Outreach and extension activities aim to reach the varied social classes represented in the rural communities with information about the amphibians that inhabit the region and the conservation problems that they face, with special emphasis on the effects due to agricultural practices. During 2014, outreach events were conducted at elementary and high schools in 13 different counties. Although activities take place primarily at rural schools, we work to amplify our efforts by interacting with NGOs, universities and local media. ($8,170)