A team of VNLC biologists assisted with field sampling for a phylogenetic study of frog speciation and evolution within the upper Peruvian Andes. Since the Andes uplifted in relatively recent times, the frog species inhabiting the upper Andes (up to 10,000 feet) likely represent recently evolved species. The project was led by Dr. Rudolph von May, a noted expert on the frogs of Peru and a previous employee of VNLC. The study site was within the Wayqecha Biological Station.
The field work involved visiting field sites across the different microhabitats in the study area and conducting intensive searches for all frogs present. Captured frogs were identified to species and collected for later extraction of genetic material for phylogenetic analysis. Captured frogs were also swabbed for chytrid.