Researchers from the Institute for Sustainable Development Research of the Cloud Forest (INDES-CES) at the National University Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza (UNTRM), along with international institutions, have confirmed the discovery of a new frog species in the northern Andes of the country.
The species, named Gastrotheca mittaliiti, was found in the subalpine páramo of Huancabamba, an ecosystem recognized for its high biodiversity. The discovery was made through DNA analysis and detailed morphological evaluations, confirming that it is an amphibian distinct from those already recorded.
Unique Characteristics
The Gastrotheca mittaliiti has striking features:
- Special reproduction: females have a pouch on their back where they carry their young, a key trait for evolutionary studies.
- Reduced size: males measure between 27.6 and 32.5 mm.
- Distinctive morphology: rough skin, prominent folds, and unique body structures.
Additionally, the study reported for the first time the presence of Gastrotheca turnerorum in Peru, expanding knowledge about the distribution of this frog genus.
The work involved the participation of the Natural History Museum of the National University of San Marcos, the Florida International University, and the University of Seville, among other entities. The results were published in the scientific journal Zootaxa.
Another Discovery: A New Andean Rodent
In March 2026, a new species of semi-aquatic rodent was also identified: Incanomys parviauris, described in the montane forests of the eastern slope of the Andes.
- It has small ears hidden by fur.
- It is adapted to humid environments.
- It presents specific traits in the skull and incisors.
Genetic analyses confirmed its relation to another recently described species in Machu Picchu, providing information on the evolution of these animals in high-altitude ecosystems.
Key Protected Areas
The new rodent was recorded in at least four protected natural areas in Peru, including:
- National Sanctuary Cordillera de Colán.
- Río Abiseo National Park.
These spaces are essential for scientific research, as they host habitats where unknown species are still being discovered.
The discoveries of Gastrotheca mittaliiti and Incanomys parviauris reinforce the importance of high Andean ecosystems as reservoirs of biodiversity that are still largely unexplored.
The Amazonas region and the montane forests of Peru are consolidated as privileged scenarios for science, reminding us that the conservation of these spaces is vital to protect unique species and understand the evolution of life in the Andes.
