A recent study has revealed that Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador, hosts species that have not been seen in over a century. This discovery challenges expectations, showing that the biodiversity in Guayaquil is richer than previously thought, even amidst its rapid urbanization.
Guayaquil: Refuge for Forgotten Species
Researchers from the National Institute of Biodiversity (Inabio) and local universities have confirmed the reappearance of species in Guayaquil, some of which had not been documented since the 19th century. This finding highlights the city’s ability to serve as a refuge for a variety of rare amphibians and reptiles.
During an extensive 17-year study, 63 species were identified, including 19 amphibians and 44 reptiles, in areas such as remnants of tropical dry forest and urban parks. This discovery underscores the importance of maintaining green spaces in urban areas as ecological refuges.
One of the most notable discoveries was the appearance of Caecilia tenuissima, seen again after nearly 50 years, and Drymobius rhombifer, whose presence had not been confirmed in over a century. Atractus microrhynchus, a snake not seen since 1868, was also documented.
Additionally, for the first time, the spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) was identified in the city, providing new information about its distribution on the coast of Ecuador.
However, urban expansion has introduced significant challenges for conservation. Between 2008 and 2022, the urban area of Guayaquil increased by 26%, leading to a concerning decrease in native forests.
This urbanization has allowed invasive species, such as the house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) and the bullfrog (Aquarana catesbeiana), to adapt and compete with local fauna, altering ecosystems and increasing pressure on vulnerable native species.
Despite these challenges, Guayaquil remains a biological treasure, hosting 40% of the amphibians and 50% of the reptiles known in the province of Guayas. These data highlight the critical need to protect and conserve the remaining urban natural areas.
The study emphasizes the importance of integrating biodiversity into urban planning, promoting green spaces that can serve as sanctuaries for local species and ensure their long-term survival.
