This species is known from the central part of the Venezuelan Coastal Range, in the vicinity of Caracas, from around 800 to at least 1,520m asl. Its presence has been suggested, but not confirmed, in Quebrada de Caurimare, Miranda State, also in the vicinity of Caracas.
Habitat and Ecology
It inhabits seasonal montane forests. Its breeding habits are unknown, although the larvae are likely to develop in water, like other species of the genus.
This species was once considered one of the more common species of the Caracas Valley; however, comprehensive surveys in 1992-1993 and, more recently, in 2004 have failed to find any populations in these areas. It is not known when exactly the decline began, but the decline of Atelopus cruciger, another formerly common frog from the same region, has been documented. It is possible that P. dunni has experienced a similar decline. There are no known extant populations in the wild at present, even in suitable habitat.
The major threats to the species include habitat loss due to urban development and fires, and pollution. The cause(s) of the recent dramatic decline have not been established, but it is characteristic of declines seen in other species impacted by chytridiomycosis.
Some populations might be protected in Parque Nacional El Avila, near Caracas. Research into the cause(s) of the population decline is urgently needed, as are surveys to determine the current status of populations.
Red List Status
Critically Endangered (CR)
Enrique La Marca, Jesús Manzanilla, Celsa Señaris 2006. Prostherapis dunni. In: IUCN 2014