Three new <i>Pristimantis</i> species in the subgenus <i>Huicundomantis</i> (Amphibia: Anura: Strabomantidae) from Reserva Biológica Cerro Plateado, southern Ecuador

We describe three new species of direct-developing frogs of the genus <i>Pristimantis</i>, subgenus <i>Huicundomantis</i>, from the Reserva Biológica Cerro Plateado in southern Ecuador, one of the most biodiverse yet least explored regions of the Cordillera del Cóndor. Combining molecular, morphological, and bioacoustic data, we provide diagnoses and phylogenetic placements for <i>Pristimantis verrucosus</i> sp. nov., <i>P. plateado</i> sp. nov., and <i>P. melanops</i> sp. nov. The first two species are placed within the <i>P. cryptomelas</i> species group, while the third belongs to the <i>P. phoxocephalus</i> group. The new species can be readily distinguished from their local congeners by the following combination of traits: <i>P. verrucosus</i> sp. nov. exhibits a coarsely tuberculate dorsum and flanks, lacks dermal folds or ridges in the occipital/scapular region, has a distinct tympanic annulus and membrane, low cranial crests, Toe V longer than Toe III, and males possess a vocal sac and slits; <i>P. plateado</i> sp. nov. has a silver or light bronze iris, lacks dermal folds or ridges in the occipital/scapular region, a rounded snout in dorsal and lateral views, a distinct tympanic annulus and membrane, Toe V longer than Toe III, and males lack a vocal sac and slits; <i>P. melanops</i> sp. nov. is characterized by a uniquely blackish iris with a white circumpupillary ring and coarsely pustulate flanks. Additionally, we provide the first description of the advertisement call for a species in the <i>P. cryptomelas</i> group, thereby contributing novel bioacoustic data for a clade in which vocalizations were previously unknown. All three species are endemic to a single locality and two exhibit ecological specialization, being bromeliad specialists. Given their extremely restricted distributions and the ongoing threat of habitat degradation from illegal mining activities close to their distribution site, we recommend that all three species be listed as Critically Endangered under IUCN criteria.