Scientists have discovered a new species of frog in the Amazon, which they have named Pristimantis cajanumaensis. The frog measures less than three centimetres in length and was discovered in the Cajanuma sector of the Podocarpus National Park in the southern Ecuadorian Andes. Its unique call, which sounds like a small bell, helped the scientists to identify the previously unknown species. It has orange markings on its legs, a distinctive green stripe on its back, and bright green eyes. The frog’s habitat in the páramo, a unique and fragile ecosystem found in high Andes, is under threat from mining, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
Scientists discover new species of frog in the Amazon
A team of scientists have discovered a new species of frog in the Amazon Basin that has been named Pristimantis cajanumaensis. The frog is very small and has a unique call, which gave it away to the scientists investigating the Amazon’s fauna.
The discovery of Pristimantis cajanumaensis
The Amazon Basin is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, and new species are discovered there regularly. Pristimantis cajanumaensis was discovered by a team of scientists led by Dr Diego Armijos-Ojeda, Dr Alex Achig and Dr Carolina Reyes-Puig.
The frog, which measures less than 3 cm in length, was found in the Cajanuma sector of the Podocarpus National Park in the southern Ecuadorian Andes. The team spent several days surveying the park, listening for frog calls and collecting specimens, before finally discovering the new species.
The frog’s unique call, which sounds like a small bell, helped the scientists to identify a previously unknown species. The team found that the frog’s call is distinct from other similar species in the area, which led to the discovery of Pristimantis cajanumaensis.
What makes Pristimantis cajanumaensis unique?
Aside from its unique call, the new species of frog is notable for its coloration. The frog has orange markings on its legs and a distinctive green stripe on its back. Its eyes are also unusual, being a bright green color.
The frog’s habitat is also noteworthy. It lives in the páramo, a unique and fragile ecosystem found in the high Andes of Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and northern Peru. The páramo is characterized by high altitude grasslands, lakes, and peat bogs, and is home to many unique species of flora and fauna.
What does the discovery of Pristimantis cajanumaensis mean for conservation?
The discovery of Pristimantis cajanumaensis highlights the importance of preserving the Amazon’s biodiversity. The region is under threat from habitat loss, hunting, and climate change, and many unique species are at risk of extinction.
The discovery of a new species of frog in the páramo highlights the need to protect this fragile ecosystem from further damage. The páramo is already under threat from mining, agriculture, and infrastructure development, and the discovery of Pristimantis cajanumaensis serves as a reminder that this unique ecosystem must be protected.
FAQs
How many species of frog are there in the Amazon Basin?
The Amazon Basin is home to over 500 species of frog, and new species are discovered there regularly.
What is the Cajanuma sector of the Podocarpus National Park?
The Cajanuma sector of the Podocarpus National Park is a protected area of high altitude grasslands, lakes, and peat bogs in the southern Andes of Ecuador. It is home to many unique species of flora and fauna.
What is the páramo?
The páramo is a unique and fragile ecosystem found in the high Andes of Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and northern Peru. It is characterized by high altitude grasslands, lakes, and peat bogs, and is home to many unique species of flora and fauna.
Why is the Amazon’s biodiversity under threat?
The Amazon’s biodiversity is under threat from habitat loss, hunting, and climate change. Deforestation, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure development are all major threats to the region’s unique ecosystems and the species that live there.
