Orlando Ariel Garces

• Bachelor of Science
• Biologo at Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Variable harlequin frogs Atelopus varius have declined significantly throughout their range as a result of infection with the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium den-drobatidis (Bd). The Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project maintains an ex situ population of this Critically Endangered species. We conducted a release trial with surplus capt...

Captive breeding to safeguard against extirpation in the wild is a practice for many animal groups. Animals in captivity experience reduced contact with natural substrates and other animals, and consume atypical diets that may alter naturally occurring microbial associations. Amphibian skin microbiomes are vital for amphibian health, protecting the...

Spindly leg syndrome (SLS) is a relatively common musculoskeletal abnormality associated with captive-rearing of amphibians with aquatic larvae. We conducted an experiment to investigate the role of environmental calcium and phosphate in causing SLS in tadpoles. Our 600-tadpole experiment used a fully-factorial design, rearing Atelopus varius tadpo...

Cerro Chucantí in the Darién province is the highest peak in the Majé Mountains, an isolated massif in Eastern Panama. In addition to common herpetological species such as the Terraranas, Pristimantis cruentus, and P. caryophyllaceus, rare species such as Pristimantis moro and Strabomantis bufoniformis occur as well. Recent expeditions to Cerro Chu...

Anolis sagrei Duméril & Bibron, 1837 is one of the most widespread reptiles in the world, having colonized more than 15 countries on 2 continents. It inhabits open areas and is commonly found around big cities. We noticed the presence of an unreported, nonnative population in Panama City, Panama, which has been established since at least 5 years. W...

Bolitoglossa chucantiensis only is known from premontane cloud forest on Cerro Chucantí, with the two specimens having been found on a bromeliad and a palm leaf, at elevations above 1,200 m; its known distribution currently is estimated at fewer than 2 km, at the summit of Cerro Chucantí (see Batista et al., This issue). To date, we have spent 147...

El Parque Nacional General de División Omar Torrijos Herrera (PNGDOTH), en la provincia de Coclé, es un área de importancia ecológica por ser parte del Corredor Biológico Mesoamericano del Atlántico Panameño. La Rica se encuentra en una zona intermedia entre el PNGDOTH y la zona de impacto de las minas de cobre y oro administradas por Minera Panamá...