User:Sgferber/Starry night toad

Lead Section
The starry night toad (Atelopus arsyecue) is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae endemic to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. Its natural habitats are sub-Andean and Andean forests, sub-páramo and páramo at 2,000–3,500 m (6,600–11,500 ft) above sea level. Reproduction takes place in fast-flowing rivers. It is named after its unique coloration, being largely black with white spots.

It is primarily threatened by chytridiomycosis and habitat loss. Coupled with the inaccessibility of the area, the species was feared extinct for over 30 years. However, its continued existence was known to the Arhuaco community in Sogrome, who referred to the animal as gouna and considered its habitat a sacred location. In 2019, the tribe consented to collaboration with researchers and showed them the living population, marking the first sighting of this species by researchers in over 30 years.

Anatomy and Morphology
This diminutive toad is less than 5 cm (2 in) in length. The toad's coloration consists of irregular white patches dappled across a black background. The white markings can present as separate spots or as an interconnected mosaic. Their skin texture is defined by clusters of warts.