Conservation initiatives in Neotropical high Andean rivers applying a participatory monitoring guide for aquatic macroinvertebrates

Abstract

As part of the conservation activities carried out on the high Andean amphibians Telmatobius macrostomus and Telmatobius brachydactylus in the central Andes of Peru, both categorized as Endangered by the IUCN and Peruvian regulations, a guide was developed for monitoring the quality of their habitats using aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates. This guide was developed based on historical monitoring reports of aquatic macroinvertebrates in the Junín and Pasco regions of Peru and was designed to be used by residents and park rangers allied to the conservation of both species without the need to rely on expensive equipment or specialists. The guide was published in August 2023 and disseminated among allies dedicated to the conservation of these species during a field trip. The results showed a high degree of similarity between the results obtained by the residents and park rangers and those of the aquatic macroinvertebrate specialist, with the youngest participants showing better responses. Finally, the results allowed for the validation of a macroinvertebrate monitoring guide that would allow rural communities to monitor their water quality and, consequently, the frog habitat.