cross-posted from: https://hexbear.net/post/8318271
The new amphibian species, with the scientific name Gastrotheca mittaliiti, measures 2.7 to 3.3 centimeters (1 to 1.3 inches).
Scientists have discovered a new species of miniature marsupial frog in the Peruvian Amazon that carries its young in a natural pouch on its back, a research institute reported Wednesday.
The new amphibian species, with the scientific name Gastrotheca mittaliiti, measures 2.7 to 3.3 centimeters (1 to 1.3 inches) and was discovered in a mountainous ecosystem in the Amazonas region bordering Ecuador.
The frog is bright green and has small protuberances on its back. The number of specimens in the wild is not known.
Its pouch enables the marsupial frog to nurture its young rather than, as other frogs, rely on aquatic environments for egg development.
The study says the amphibian is at “high risk” because its habitat is suffering the effects of climate change and the impact of fires started by farmers clearing the region.
“This is further evidence of the enormous natural wealth we possess… If we continue our research, there are many species still waiting to be discovered,” Manuel Oliva, director of the Ceja de Selva Research Institute for Sustainable Development, part of the Toribio Rodriguez de Mendoza National University, told AFP.
The discovery was published in the New Zealand scientific journal Zootaxa and undertaken in collaboration with research departments at Florida International University and the University of Seville in Spain.
Sorry for this fuss-budget comment, but how can a frog possibly be “marsupial?”
Just one of those funny species-naming things…?
carries its young in a natural pouch on its back
Like that?
This is also true of some other amphibians IIRC, but the comparison certainly holds up.
Thanks for explaining.
I don’t think it’s the only species or genus of marsupial frogs, but most frogs lay eggs in water rather than carry them.
“Marsupial,” let’s not forget.
I.e. it’s a nickname, and nothing more.most frogs lay eggs in water
Yup!
But how do they know they’re from Mars and like soup?
Everyone knows frogs like soup, but I didn’t know they were from Mars!
Everyday more species go extinct and yet we didn’t even knew all of them… on land or otherwise.
Oh it’s soooooo cute! I love hearing about new discoveries!
Just gotta prevent capitalism from destroying the planet, now, so that they can continue to be cute.
The study says the amphibian is at “high risk” because its habitat is suffering the effects of climate change and the impact of fires started by farmers clearing the region.
