Scientists have discovered a new high altitude species of frog that lives in mountainous regions at least 3,000 metres above sea level in the Amazonian region of Peru.
The new species of marsupial frog was found in the Cordillera de Colan National Sanctuary located in the department of Amazonas in north-eastern Peru and its discovery is considered to be a major scientific development.
The official government statement on the discovery, obtained by Newsflash, said the species was named ‘Gastrotheca gemma sp. nov.’ and confirm that they are found between 3,136 and 3,179 metres above sea level.
They are from the frog genus ‘Gastrotheca’ which are found in Central and South America.
However, it varies from other members of its genus as it has thick granular skin on its back which is green in colouration but presents no patterns.
Other distinctions are their turquoise-coloured iris and the fact their bellies present no marks or dots.
The official statement added the discovery is “considered a major find for science” as the national sanctuary is home to a number of unique species and is of great biological importance.
The discovery was made in a collaboration with the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Florida International University and the NGOs Ornithology and Biodiversity Centre (CORBIDI) and the Peruvian Institute of Herpetology.
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Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
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