[3] It is endemic to the state of Paraná, Brazil, and known from the municipalities of Guaraqueçaba, Piraquara, and Morretes.

[1] The specific name sambaqui is a Tupi language word referring to mollusk shell mounds left by earlier inhabitants of the Brazilian coast.

[2] The species' natural habitats are secondary and old growth coastal rainforests at elevations of 40–1,100 m (130–3,610 ft) above sea level.

The eggs are laid on the ground where they develop directly into froglets, without free-living tadpole-stage.

[1] Ischnocnema sambaqui is threatened by habitat loss caused by logging, cattle ranching, and tourism.