[3] Atelopus podocarpus is known from páramos in southern Ecuador and northern Peru.

They've been found in scrubland and dirt banks, hiding under rocks during the day.

[3] Atelopus podocarpus experienced a massive decline in population towards the end of the 20th century.

Several surveys conducted since have failed to locate any more individuals, and it is currently listed as Critically Endangered and possibly extinct.

It's believed that disease and habitat loss led to the species' decline.