Andean amphibians and the studies of environmental impact in mining concessions of Peru

A list of Andean amphibian species found in nine mineral concessions from 2004 to 2009 is provided. A total of 27 species were recorded and half of them are endemic to Peru, 67% are not found within the National System of Protected Areas in Peru (SINANPE), 78% are not listed in IUCN threatened categories and 89% of them are not included in the list of protected species by the Peruvian State. Geographic ranges are extended for Pleurodema cinereum, Pristimantis cordovae, Pristimantis lymani, Telmatobius brevipes and Telmatobius jelskii. Two of three concessions where mineral exploitation takes place showed a decrease in species richness, linked to the destruction and pollution of their habitats due to this activity. Likewise, in some concessions where activities were limited to exploration, especially those from the north and centre of Peru, some species previously found there have never been recorded again. Although such decrease could be caused by mineral exploration activities, there may be an interaction with other threats.