By Shawn Gaynor

Three glass frogs of the Nymphargus, Cochranella and Centrolene genera are among the 60 species of amphibians identified by scientists during a three-week expedition in Colombia. Photo by Marco Rada, courtesy of Conservation International

Feb. 3 (GNT) — A team of scientists exploring Columbia’s Darien region announced the discovery of ten new amphibian species today.

The expedition, a three-week long project in this remote region near the Panama boarder, was undertaken by Conservation International as part of its Rapid Assessment Program, and was aided by the local indigenous Emberá community of Eyakera.

The newly recorded species include three glass frogs of the Nymphargus, Cochranella and Centrolene genus; three poison dart frogs of the Dendrobatidae family (Colostethus, Ranitomeya and Anomaloglossus genera), one harlequin frog of the Atelopus genus, two species of rain frogs of the Pristimantis genera and one salamander of the Bolitoglossa genus.

Two species of rain frogs (Pristimantis genus) potentially new to science were discovered in an expedition in the hills of Tacarcuna, a mountainous area of the Darien in the border limit of Colombia with Panama. Photo Marco Rada, courtesy of Conservation International

Salamander (Bolitoglossa taylori) potentially new to science discovered in Colombia. The country is home to over 754 species of amphibians-one of the highest in the world. Photo by Marco Rada, courtesy of Conservation International

According to Conservation International, Columbia is one of the worlds most biologically diverse countries in the world, with one of every 10 species of animals and plants found there.

“This region is a true Noah’s Ark. The high number of new amphibian species found is a sign of hope, even with the serious threat of extinction that this animal group faces in many other regions of the country and the world,” said Jose Vicente Rodriguez-Mahecha, Scientific Director of Conservation International-Colombia.

In reaction to the new discoveries, Colombia’s Minister of Environment Juan Lozano said, “Without a doubt this discovery represents a great milestone for science and human health.”

Worldwide amphibians have suffered declining numbers, due to their sensitivity to pollution. With porous, absorbent skin, they are particularly sensitive to acid rain, heavy metals, and agricultural chemicals.

Too little is known about the new species to label them as endangered or threatened, however the Darien region is undergoing rapid changes as this relatively pristine area faces expanded logging, mining, and cattle ranching. Between ¼ and 1/3 of the area is threatened by deforestation.

Over the last five years, Columbia has been participating in a Debt-for-nature swap. In return for strengthening its protection of critical habitat, Columbia receives some relief from its debt to the US.

GreenNewToday.org

Tags: amphibians, Columbia, Conservation International, Darien, Embera, endangered species, frogs

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