Researchers have described a new species of scarlet frog in the eastern Andes mountain forests of Ecuador, named Pristimantis fergusoni. The discovery, published by the National Institute of Biodiversity of Ecuador (INABIO), was made after a phylogenetic analysis that associates it with a specific group of spiny frogs native to this region.
The species was found only in two nature reserves in the province of Tungurahua: Cerro Candelaria and Chamana, both part of the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor, at altitudes between 2,972 and 3,200 meters. Its restricted distribution reinforces the need to assess its conservation status.
Distinctive Morphological Traits
Pristimantis fergusoni presents unique characteristics that differentiate it from other Andean spiny frogs:
- Short snout with a small papilla, more visible in males.
- Prominent conical tubercles on eyelids and heels.
- Dorsum with variable colorations: lime green, light orange, or cinnamon tones.
- Belly and groin of intense scarlet color, especially in females.
- Yellow iris crossed by an orange horizontal stripe.
These traits, along with its spiny appearance, make it an easily recognizable specimen within the Strabomantidae family.
Ecological Importance and Threats
Researchers warn that information about the size and dynamics of its populations is limited. Therefore, they propose classifying it as “Data Deficient” under the criteria of the IUCN. Among the main threats are:
- Climate change, which alters montane habitats.
- Agricultural expansion, which reduces forest cover.
- Habitat loss, a consequence of human pressure in areas of high biodiversity.
The protection of these forests is vital, as they act as refuges for endemic species and support key ecological processes.
A Diversity Hotspot in the Pastaza River
The finding reinforces the biological significance of the upper Pastaza River valley, where more than 30 species of frogs from the Strabomantidae family have been identified in recent decades.
The genus Pristimantis currently includes 627 recognized species, consolidating this region as one of the main hotspots of amphibian diversity in South America.
Collaborative Research
The documentation of the new species combined field collections between 2008 and 2023, morphological analyses, and molecular tests conducted in laboratories in Quito. The study involved collaboration from Ecuadorian, American, and Peruvian institutions, including the EcoMinga Foundation, the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, the Peruvian Institute of Herpetology, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and the San Francisco University of Quito.
The discovery of Pristimantis fergusoni expands knowledge about Ecuadorian biodiversity and underscores the urgency of conserving Andean ecosystems in the face of growing threats. Each new species documented in these mountainous areas provides valuable information for designing management strategies to address current and future environmental challenges.
