The red belly toad is one of the most endangered amphibians in the world, restricted to one tiny corner of the Brazilian forest.
The toads’ total range extends just a few hundred metres, making the species extremely vulnerable to any disturbance. Disturbance is, however, exactly what is going to happen if plans for another hydroelectric project go ahead.
Officials have granted permission for a small hydroelectric plant in the vicinity, which would involve a dam just a short distance upstream from the toad’s habitat.
The plant wouldn’t produce much electricity, but it almost certainly would spell the end for the red belly toad. This animal is uniquely adapted to its habitat, including current water levels, which would be drastically changed by the project.
In terms of conservation, this site is one of the worst possible for such a dam. Brazil’s wildlife is already under immense threat and once a species has gone, it won’t come back.
Ask that Brazil not let one of its rarest animals disappear for the sake of convenience.
We the undersigned ask that you ensure the red belly toad (Melanophryniscus admirabilis) is not extirpated by the hydroelectric dam planned for the Forqueta River just a few hundred metres upstream from the species’ only known location.
The red belly toad is a micro-endemic species, uniquely adapted to a very specific, and very small, habitat. Disturbance of this nature, in particularly the inevitable change in water levels, could mean the animal disappears altogether.
This project is for a small plant and the amount of electricity that would be produced certainly does not justify extirpating one of the country’s most threatened animals.
Please halt implementation of this plant immediately.
Thank you for your attention.
