Photos from the 2017 SAVE THE FROGS! Ecuador Ecotour
From June 8th-20th, 2017, frog enthusiasts from Canada, Mexico, the U.K. and the USA joined SAVE THE FROGS! for the second SAVE THE FROGS! Ecuador Ecotour. From frog-watching in the Amazon Basin to hiking in the Andes, our group was overcome by the remarkable biodiversity of Ecuador. The ecotour was simply wonderful and truly an amphibian extravaganza!
Our group observed 37 species of frogs and toads, 3 species of salamanders and 2 species of caecilians! We trekked through rainforests, hiked up mountains, swam in beautiful waterfall pools and took in the magnificent nature of Ecuador. We experienced the culture and traditions of indigenous groups and they honored us with their incredible knowledge of the rainforest. We ate fabulous food, made new friendships and integrated with people of different cultures, spreading amphibian awareness as we traveled.
“I can honestly say it was the best trip of my life (and I’ve travelled a lot!)” – Melissa Steele-Ogus, 2017 Ecuador Ecotour Participant
United by a love of frogs and an appreciation of nature, our participants left Ecuador feeling inspired and connected with the natural world. Every SAVE THE FROGS! Ecotour is wonderful, but this trip was truly special.
Enjoy These Ecuador Ecotour Photos!
“I just wanted to thank you for the great ecotour in Ecuador. I went with my daughter, and we both had the time of our lives. There were non-stop activities and interesting things to do. We loved going out at night to see the frogs and other critters. I wanted to especially express our appreciation for the leadership of Chelsea and Michael. They kept everything going in a seamless way. I can’t believe how well Chelsea managed the logistics of the whole tour.”
– Jenifer Steele, 2017 Ecuador Ecotour Participant
Exploring Ecuador’s Biodiversity: Highlights From Our Journey
Our journey through Ecuador was an unforgettable adventure that showcased the country’s incredible biodiversity and cultural richness. At the Suchipakari Jungle Lodge in the Amazon Basin, we explored the rainforest by canoe, learned about medicinal plants, swam in pristine rivers, and hiked up waterfalls. We encountered unique wildlife, such as the Polka Dot Tree Frog (Hypsiboas punctatus), the wax-producing Pterodictya reticularis insects, Poison Dart Frogs, and Monkey Frogs. Our exploration continued at Anaconda Lodge, where we observed caimans, yellow-tailed cribos (Drymarchon corais), woolly monkeys, and even rare limbless amphibians called caecilians. We learned about Quechua culture, enjoyed spectacular sunsets, and enhanced our photography skills with guidance from wildlife photographer Jaime Culebras.
In Mindo’s cloud forest, based at Casa Divina Lodge, we marveled at species like the Emerald Glass Frog (Espadarana prosoblepon), trekked to breathtaking waterfalls, and hiked rainforest streams to discover amphibians and their egg masses. Our journey continued into the highlands at Papallacta, where we explored lush cloud forests, and at El Crater, where we enjoyed serene hikes and panoramic views. The Teleferico above Quito offered sweeping vistas of the Andes, capping off a remarkable adventure. Throughout the trip, we immersed ourselves in the natural and cultural diversity of Ecuador, learning about the vital role amphibians play in these ecosystems while fostering a deep appreciation for their conservation.
“A nice balance of rustic comfort, nature and frogs, good food, great guides and were supporting ‘responsible tourism.’ They were all really great though. Casa Davina just felt like a place I could stay forever and write poems in between jungle walks.”
– Stephanie Steelman, Ecuador Ecotour Participant
Amphibians of Ecuador
Here are the amazing amphibians we observed or heard during the 2017 SAVE THE FROGS! Ecuador Ecotour:
Salamanders
Bolitoglossa cf. peruviana
Bolitoglossa cf. equatoriana
Bolitoglossa cf. palmata
Caecilians
Caecilia tentaculata
Caecilia sp.
Frogs and Toads
Rhinella margaritifera
Rhinella marina
Teratohyla midas
Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni (sound)
Pastures Rainfrog (Pristimantis achatinus)
Pristimantis altamnis
Pristimantis aureolineatus
Spring Rainfrog (Pristimantis crenunguis)
Yellow-groined Rainfrog (Pristimantis luteolateralis)
Ameerega bilinguis
Ameerega hahneli
Ameerega parvula
Ranitomeya variabilis
Darwin Wallace Poison Frog (Epipedobates darwinwallacei)
GaStrotheca pseustes (sound)
Boana boans
Boana lanciformis
Boana punctata
Dendropsophus bifurcus
Dendropsophus brevifrons
Executioner Clownfrog (Dendropsophus carnifex)
Dendropsophus marmoratus
Dendropsophus parviceps
Dendropsophus reticulatus
Dendropsophus rhodopeplus
Emerald Glassfrog (Espadarana prosoblepon)
Babbling Torenteer (Hyloscirtus alytolylax)
Palm Treefrog (Hypsiboas pellucens)
Nictymantis rugiceps (sound)
Osteocephalus fuscifacies (sound)
Phyllomedusa vaillanti
Leptodactylys mystaceus
Leptodactylus pentadactylus
Leptodactylus wagneri
Lithodytes lineatus
Adenomera andreae
Adenomera hylaedactyla
“Suchipakari was wonderful. They had the best food, were very thoughtful with how they gave tours, and seemed out of all the places, like they cared the most. They worked really hard to make sure everything was that much better. I also loved their location; we did not have to walk far at all to see so many cool things…the wilderness was right there. I think it was the perfect place to start the trip.”
– Haleigh Bush, Ecuador Ecotour Participant
