“Tyrone the Solitary” or “Soli-Tyrone González Obando” is the first living individual of this species found in five years, and could also be the last one. Photo by David Jácome.
In the misty cloud forests of the Arlequín Reserve, a discovery was made that brings hope to amphibian conservation. Thanks to a grant from the Ceiba Foundation, the Khamai Foundation embarked on a series of monitoring expeditions with one crucial goal: to determine whether any individuals of the critically endangered Mindo Harlequin Toad (Atelopus mindoensis) still survived in the wild. This species, once thought to be nearing extinction, had not been observed in five years and had only been recorded five times in the last three decades.
On September 10, 2024, at 7:30 pm, after days of patient searching, Gerardo Obando, a dedicated park ranger at the Khamai Foundation, spotted a single individual of the species—an unforgettable moment. This toad, named “Tyrone the Solitary,” or “Soli-Tyrone González Obando,” is the first Mindo Harlequin Toad seen in five years and only the sixth documented in 30 years.
Although Tyrone was the only toad found during this phase of monitoring, the team made the conscious decision to leave him in his natural habitat, within a carefully constructed semi-permeable quadrant to allow for the tracking of his health and movements. Gerardo, along with Amanda from the monitoring team, continues to observe Tyrone closely to better understand his condition.
The rediscovery of Tyrone is a milestone for conservation efforts in Ecuador’s cloud forests, offering a glimmer of hope for a species that has been so close to disappearing. While no other toads were located, this discovery underscores the importance of continued conservation efforts, careful monitoring, and the protection of the delicate ecosystems in which these species live.
The journey ahead is still uncertain, but Tyrone’s survival offers a powerful reminder that even the rarest species can persist, given the right conditions and dedication from those working to protect them. This rediscovery marks a pivotal moment in the fight to save the Mindo Harlequin Toad.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Khamai Foundation continues its important work, and follow Tyrone’s journey as his progress is carefully watched in the coming months.
You can watch a video of this story here.