The Cainarachi poison frog (Ameerega cainarachi) is a species of frogs in the family Dendrobatidae. It is endemic to Amazonian Peru and found in the lowlands adjacent to the northern end of the Eastern Andes. It was named after the Rio Cainarache Valley, where it was first discovered.
Ameerega cainarachi was described as Epipedobates cainarachi by in a publication that appeared in May 1989, and as Epipedobates ardens by in a publication that appeared in July 1989. The species was placed in Ameerega in the major revision of dendrobatids in 2006.
Males measure 25mm26mm and females 28mm31mm in snout–vent length. The back of this species is red. The sides are black.
The species' natural habitats are lowland tropical moist forests and "rolling hills" at elevations to about 600m (2,000feet) above sea level. It is threatened by habitat loss caused by agriculture (e.g., coffee and livestock production) and subsistence wood collection.
The primary threat to the Cainarachi Poison Frog is the substantial loss of its natural forest habitat, driven by agricultural activities such as coffee, palm oil, and rice cultivation, as well as livestock production and subsistence wood collection. This loss is particularly pronounced near human settlements, where much of the frog's habitat is located.
Ongoing deforestation exacerbates the vulnerability of the Cainarachi Poison Frog. As human activities continue to cause the loss of forested areas, the species faces a heightened risk of decline. Research indicates that this ongoing habitat destruction could lead to a strong negative impact on the population dynamics of the frog.