This species is known only from the vicinity of Pilaló, at 2,460-2,480m asl, in the province of Cotopaxi, western Ecuador, but it might occur more widely.
Habitat and Ecology
It is a species of humid upper montane forest. It has been found along forest edges, but is more common inside forest. Adults and juveniles have been found in terrestrial and arboreal bromeliads by day, and perched on vegetation and tree limbs at night. It is presumed to breed by direct development, but the site of egg deposition is not known.
At the time of its discovery, it was considered to be uncommon. Recent attempts to locate the species at Pilaló have been unsuccessful, but more intensive surveys are needed.
The major threat is habitat destruction and degradation which is taking place due to agricultural development (including livestock farming), logging and human settlement. As such, the forest at its only known locality is now severely fragmented.
It is not known from any protected areas, but it may occur in the Reserva Ecológica Los Illinizas. Further survey work is needed to determine whether this species occurs outside the vicinity of the type locality.
John Lynch, Luis A. Coloma, Santiago Ron 2004. Pristimantis thymalopsoides. In: IUCN 2014