National Geographic Photo Ark Directs 3rd Species Impact Initiative to Survival of Endangered Harlequin Frogs

(December 17, 2025) – As the holiday season illuminates our lives with the sparkling colors of festive displays, a different kind of colorful array is flickering in the forest mountains of Ecuador.

(December 17, 2025) – As the holiday season illuminates our lives with the sparkling colors of festive displays, a different kind of colorful array is flickering in the forest mountains of Ecuador. With radiant skin that pops like neon against the forest floor – from bright sunny yellows to deep purples, sunset oranges to glowing greens, and numerous colors in between – the vibrant hues of Harlequin frogs are nature’s own spectacular light display. But these luminous creatures are facing urgent threats to their survival and without immediate intervention, could be facing a permanent blackout.

Amphibians are one of the most endangered classes of animals on Earth – 41% of amphibians, or two out of every five species, are threatened with extinction – and Ecuador’s colorful Harlequin frogs are among the hardest hit. Threatened by climate change, habitat loss and disease, as many as 12 species of Harlequin frogs are possibly extinct already, and those that remain are close to extinction. Roughly 80% of Harlequin frogs are listed as endangered, or critically endangered, by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Beyond their ability to dazzle the eye — Harlequin frogs are essential indicator species illuminating not merely the urgent reality of the global amphibian extinction crisis, but also the health of the habitats they call home. Their presence among the tropical rainforests across Central and South America signifies healthy, clean streams and robust ecosystems. Conversely, their alarming decline can signify an ecosystem in distress.

To help keep these beacons alight, the National Geographic Photo Ark is granting its third Photo Ark Species Impact Initiative to support the ongoing work of leading amphibian biologist and National Geographic Explorer Luis A. Coloma. Coloma is the founder and director of the Centro Jambatu de Investigación y Conservación de Anfibios in Quito, Ecuador, a regional and global leader in amphibian conservation that currently safeguards around 60 Ecuadorian amphibian species for research and conservation. Centro Jambatu combines laboratory breeding, habitat protection, biobanking (a method of preserving genetic material to safeguard genetic diversity for future wildlife conservation efforts) and education to prevent amphibian extinctions.

Since 2011, Coloma and his team have developed groundbreaking methods to raise frogs in human care, with the aim of recovering species populations once thought lost forever and reintroducing them into their natural habitats. One of their greatest achievements is the rediscovery of the long-nose Harlequin frog (Atelopus longirostris) in 2016, which was assumed extinct for over two decades, and the successful breeding of thousands of long-nose Harlequin frogs for eventual reintroduction into private, protected lands.

“Harlequin frogs are the jewels of the cloud forest, and not seeing them in the wild for so long was a true tragedy. I can only describe it as a dream to see them splashing in these streams again,” Coloma said. “As stewards of their environments, these Harlequin frogs are warning signs to us all: that their permanent loss could upend entire ecosystems in ways we don’t yet know. Our work to recover these species isn’t just saving these precious animals but it’s saving us too, because after all, we are all a part of this ecosystem and they can be our saviours, if we listen to them.”

Coloma and his team began reintroducing the first populations of long-nose Harlequin frogs into private, protected land this year. However, mining activities and ongoing habitat alteration undermine conservation efforts for many of the surviving Harlequin frogs. Moreover, attempts to reintroduce this species into their natural habitats is challenging given that previous efforts with similar species have not yet been successful.

With the support of the National Geographic Photo Ark Species Impact Initiative and alongside scientists at Centro Jambatu, Coloma will release additional groups of lab-bred long-nose Harlequin frogs, monitor their survival and study their genetics to ensure long-term success, and create a global model for all amphibian recovery to inform other conservation practitioners in restoring and reintroducing endangered species back into their native habitats. The grant will also support Centro Jambatu’s ability to expand their facilities to care for more endangered frog species, as well as to support education and community engagement efforts in the region.

“Harlequin frogs are so worthy of our protection, not just because they are beautiful but because they are unique and irreplaceable,” said Joel Sartore, National Geographic Explorer, photographer and founder of the Photo Ark. “Coloma’s work is critical to their continued survival.”

National Geographic Species Impact Initiative

The National Geographic Photo Ark Species Impact Initiative is a multiyear effort to raise awareness of and find solutions to some of the most pressing issues affecting wildlife and their habitats. Led by the National Geographic Photo Ark, the initiative supports science-based, on-the-ground conservation projects chosen through a peer-reviewed grant process. Through this initiative, the National Geographic Photo Ark elevates the work of conservationists and their focal species by leveraging the voice and reach of the Photo Ark with the goal to have direct impact for threatened species.

The initiative has already supported two grantees: Explorer George Gann who works to protect the federally endangered Miami tiger beetle from habitat destruction; and Explorer David Sischo, who is working with a team to conserve three near-extinct snail species in Hawaii.

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In 2006, National Geographic Explorer and photographer Joel Sartore started the National Geographic Photo Ark in an effort to document every species living in the world’s zoos, aquariums and wildlife sanctuaries, inspire action through awareness and education, and help protect species and their habitats by supporting on-the-ground conservation efforts.

To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org/photo-ark

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content.

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