New frog on the block: One of two new Colombian species of rain frogs (Pristimantis).
Credit: AFP/Conservation International
BOGOTA: An orange-legged rain frog, three poison frogs and three transparent "glass" frogs are among ten new species of amphibians discovered in Colombia.
During a three-week expedition in Colombia's northwestern Tacarcuna hills in the Darien Gap bordering Panama, scientists identified about 60 species of amphibians, 20 reptiles and almost 120 species of birds, many of them apparently unique to the area.
Sanctuary for endangered species
"Without a doubt this region is a true Noah's Ark," said Jose Vicente Rodriguez-Mahecha, Conservation International's scientific director in Colombia.
"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."
The expedition, led by Conservation International herpetologists and ornithologists from Colombia's Ecotropico Foundation, yielded potentially new species of amphibians, including glass frogs, whose transparent skin can reveal internal organs, a harlequin frog, two rain frogs and one salamander.
The group said Colombia has one of the most diverse amphibian communities in the world, with 754 species currently recorded.
Ecosystem indicators
"Scientists consider amphibians important indicators of ecosystem health," the group said in a statement. "With porous, absorbent skin, they often provide early warnings of environmental degradation caused by acid rain, or contamination from heavy metals and pesticides that can also harm people."
The scientists found large mammals, such as the endangered Baird's tapir, white-lipped peccary and four species of monkeys: Geoffroy's spider monkey, Geoffroy's tamarin, the white-throated capuchin and the mantled howler monkey.
Other findings included Central American species never before recorded in northern South America, including a salamander, a rain frog, a small lizard and a snake.
"Once more we confirm we are leaders in natural diversity and not only in our region but in the world. Without a doubt this discovery represents a great milestone for science and human health," Colombian Environment Minister Juan Lozano said in a statement.
