Helena's Marsupial Frog

Gastrotheca helenae is a large marsupial frog. The holotype, an adult female, measured 62 mm (2.4 in) in snout–vent length. The dorsum is smooth and bright green in color; the sides and belly are reddish brown with white markings. The belly and throat are quite rugose. The toes are about half-webbed whereas the fingers have only traces of webbing.

Its natural habitats are cloud forests and páramo at elevations of 2,300–3,600 m (7,500–11,800 ft) above sea level. It is much more easily heard than seen. The species occurs in the Tamá National Natural Park in Colombia and El Tamá National Park in Venezuela. Within the park, it is considered safe. Outside the park, threats include fires, logging, livestock cultivation, and feral horses. The frog appears to be sensitive to even small changes in microclimate. It was abundant in the mid-1980s when last surveyed. Scientists have not detected the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis on this species as yet.

== References ==