Researchers from INABIO identify a new species of frog, a new amphibian in the Kutukú Mountain Range, reinforcing the country’s status as a global epicenter of biodiversity.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists has documented the discovery of a new species of frog in Ecuador, scientifically named Hyloscirtus jiedelmar.
The discovery was located in the Kutukú Mountain Range, an area of vital ecological importance situated in the country’s Amazon region.
This discovery, led by the National Institute of Biodiversity (INABIO) in collaboration with international institutions, underscores the complexity and richness of the Andean-Amazonian ecosystems.
The Hyloscirtus jiedelmar is distinguished from its closest relatives by a particular morphology and coloration.
According to technical reports, this amphibian features a pattern of orange spots on a dark-toned body, in addition to possessing a unique nuptial call that allowed experts to differentiate it from other species of the Hyloscirtus larinopygion group.
Its habitat is restricted to high humidity montane forests, where specific climatic conditions have favored its isolated evolution.
The identification process was not only based on physical observation. The researchers employed advanced genetic analyses and bioacoustic studies to confirm that it was a previously unknown lineage to science.
The new frog species in Ecuador
This protocol ensures that the description of the new frog species in Ecuador meets international taxonomy standards, providing valuable data on the evolutionary history of amphibians in the Andes region.
Despite the enthusiasm generated by this discovery, the scientists warn about the species’ vulnerability. The Kutukú Mountain Range faces significant environmental pressures, including the expansion of the agricultural frontier and extractive activities.
Given that the distribution range of the Hyloscirtus jiedelmar, the new frog species, appears to be extremely limited, any alteration in its ecosystem could jeopardize its survival in the short term.
With the integration of this specimen into the national registry, Ecuador reaffirms its position as one of the countries with the highest diversity of amphibians per square kilometer on the planet.
Experts agree that the protection of these remote areas is essential not only for the study of biology but for the preservation of critical ecosystem services that depend on the health of the local fauna.
