Members of the first 2025 ASA Future Leaders of Amphibian Conservation cohort (left to right, top to bottom): Dina Lydie Ramamonjisoa, Brandon Brand Buitrago Marulanda, Amoghavarsha M, Tiaan Botha, Abraham Mugoya Wayirawo, Melisa Rolón, Rodrigo Calvo, and Gabriel Callapa Escalera.

The Amphibian Survival Alliance is pleased to introduce the first group of recipients of the Future Leaders of Amphibian Conservation Capacity Building Grant for 2025. These early-career conservationists are working across Latin America, Africa, South Asia, and island nations, tackling urgent threats to amphibians through research, education, and community engagement.

Selected through a competitive review process, each awardee demonstrated strong alignment with ASA’s mission, a clear commitment to amphibian conservation, and the potential to grow their impact with targeted training. ASA is proud to support their development through courses delivered in collaboration with WildTeam UK and Durrell Conservation Academy.

Meet the Awardees

Gabriel Callapa Escalera (Bolivia)
Gabriel is a biologist and co-founder of the Bolivian Amphibian Initiative. He has worked extensively on the conservation of threatened species such as Telmatobius gigas, T. simonsi, and Atelopus tricolor. His current efforts focus on strengthening the Titicaca Water Frog Sanctuary (T. culeus), supporting both technical conservation actions and local community involvement. Gabriel’s work bridges research, environmental education, and grassroots engagement to support long-term amphibian conservation in Bolivia.

Melisa Rolón (Argentina)
Melisa is a PhD student focused on the ecology and conservation of the Critically Endangered Patagonia frog (Atelognathus patagonicus). Based at the Universidad Nacional de La Plata, she is developing research to better understand this species’ population dynamics and inform its conservation. She also leads efforts in habitat restoration, the creation of sanctuaries, and species translocations to safeguard the species in the face of ongoing threats.

Brandon Brand Buitrago Marulanda (Colombia)
Brandon is a Biology undergraduate and co-director of the Herpetology Group at the University of Quindío. His work focuses on prioritizing conservation for poison frogs (Dendrobatidae), and includes species distribution modeling, field surveys, and community engagement. Brandon has led education projects and collaborated internationally through internships at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and the University of Texas. He is currently preparing several publications related to amphibian ecology, morphology, and conservation planning.

Tiaan Botha (South Africa)
Tiaan is a PhD candidate working on active and adaptive amphibian conservation and Breviceps taxonomy. His research includes designing a conservation plan for the Critically Endangered Bilbo’s Rain Frog (Breviceps bagginsi) in KwaZulu-Natal. Tiaan’s work integrates biodiversity surveys, habitat assessments, and community-based conservation to address the urgent challenges facing South African amphibians.

Rodrigo Calvo (Argentina)
Rodrigo is dedicated to conserving Pleurodema somuncurense, a Critically Endangered amphibian endemic to the hot springs of the Somuncurá Plateau. His approach emphasizes local community involvement, science communication, and building shared values for conservation. Rodrigo is committed to strengthening awareness and advocacy for amphibians in Argentina, ensuring these unique species continue to have a place in the landscape.

Abraham Mugoya Wayirawo (Uganda)
Abraham is a conservationist focused on improving public understanding of reptiles and amphibians in Uganda. With experience at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center and Herp Fauna Foundation, he works on education and outreach that bridges science and local perspectives. His current efforts focus on shifting public perceptions through conservation education, particularly in addressing human–wildlife conflict. Abraham is also a member of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas.

Dina Lydie Ramamonjisoa (Madagascar)
Dina is the Project Coordinator for Miaro ny Sahona (MISA), a Malagasy amphibian conservation association affiliated with the IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group. With a background in animal conservation biology and field research, she is building networks that link researchers, NGOs, and communities to strengthen amphibian protection across Madagascar. Dina aims to make MISA a central hub for amphibian conservation action and collaboration.

Amoghavarsha M (India)
Amoghavarsha is a researcher and educator whose work explores the ecology of lesser-known amphibians, invasive species impacts, and citizen science. Based in southern India, he combines research with public engagement through amphibian workshops and biodiversity training for students, forest staff, and communities. His interdisciplinary approach connects field-based conservation with education and data-driven monitoring to inform long-term amphibian protection strategies.

Thank You to Our Review Panel

We’d like to thank all of the reviewers who contributed their time and expertise during this round. Their careful assessments and thoughtful feedback helped shape the selection process and supported our goal of identifying applicants who are ready to grow their impact in amphibian conservation.