Wildlife
Three new species of frogs discovered in Peru
Scientists have identified these amphibians in an unlvely explored forest ecosystem in the north of the country. Their habitat is threatened by deforestation.
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A team of Peruvian scientists has discovered three new species of frogs in a mountain range in the north of Peru, announced the Peruvian herpetology institute on Friday.
The frogs were found a few weeks ago in a forest ecosystem located between 2000 and 3000 meters above sea level in the Piura region.
“We have found three new species of frogs of the genus Pristimantiswhich live in the little explored areas of northern Peru, “the herpetologist told AFP (specialist in reptiles and amphibians) German Chavez.
Amphibians were baptized Pristimantis chinguelas, P. nunezcortes et P. jonke by scientists.
Five centimeters frogs
The discovery took place in the mountains that cross the chain from Huancabamba to Piura, in the middle of persistent fogs, dwarf forests and silent moors, said Chavez.
“These frogs do not depend a lot on the expanses of water and the fact that they do not depend is a good indicator of the health of the habitat around them,” he explained.
The new species are approximately five centimeters long and are distinguished by their large yellow eyes and their cream, yellow and brown coloring. They are also characterized by their acute song.
The ecosystem in which they live is constantly threatened, in particular by agricultural burns and deforestation. The Huancabamba mountain range is an area of great biogeographic importance because of its biodiversity and the connection it establishes between the Amazon and the Pacific Coast.
AFP
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