A Distributional Study of the Amphibians of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, México

The study takes listeners on a detailed exploration of the amphibian life that thrives in the narrow Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the natural bridge linking North and Central America. Drawing on decades of museum collections and fresh field work conducted along the Trans‑isthmian Highway, the author maps out where thirty‑six frog species call the lowlands home. He places the region’s peculiar geography, climate, and vegetation at the heart of the discussion, showing how each factor shapes the distribution of these often‑overlooked animals.

In the first half of the book, listeners encounter vivid descriptions of the frogs’ habitats, from humid rainforest to arid scrub, and learn how overlapping breeding ponds foster subtle competition among tree‑frogs. The narrative also raises enduring mysteries—where do the tiniest species hide during the dry season, and why do some amphibians succeed where others cannot? By the end, the listener gains a clear picture of the Isthmus’s role as a zoogeographic crossroads and the many questions that still beckon researchers.