A team of researchers led by herpetologist Germán Chávez confirmed the discovery of three new species of terrestrial frogs of the genus Pristimantis in the Huancabamba Mountain Range, located in the department of Piura, in the northern Peru.
The results were published in the journal Evolutionary Systematics and represent a milestone in the knowledge of the biodiversity of the tropical Andes.
The species —Pristimantis chinguelas, P. nunezcortezi, and P. yonke— were described through an integrative approach that combines morphological, genetic, and bioacoustic analyses, confirming differences greater than 3% in their DNA compared to their closest relatives.
“These frogs remind us of how much we still have to discover in the Andes”, stated Chávez in a press release. His colleague and co-author of the study, Wilmar Aznaran, highlighted the biological value of this mountainous region as a refuge for unique endemisms in the world.
A Hostile Terrain, a Unique Wealth
The Huancabamba Mountain Range does not exceed 4,000 meters in altitude, but its steep relief and variable climate have hindered scientific research. Since the 1990s, only 29 species of amphibians have been recorded, many of which are endemic.
Between 2021 and 2024, the team conducted nocturnal expeditions to areas such as Cerro Chinguelas, Laguna Negra, and Bosque de Ramos, in the provinces of Huancabamba and Ayabaca. They walked up to six hours each night, using flashlights to track frogs in microhabitats such as bromeliads, cliffs, and riparian zones.
The New Frog Species: Unique Adaptations to Their Environment
1. Pristimantis chinguelas
- Found on a cliff at 2,849 m above sea level
- Body covered with tubercles, color ranging from ochre to brown chestnut
- Emits a sharp call; named in honor of Cerro Chinguelas
2. Pristimantis nunezcortezi
- Lives near a stream in a forest in regeneration, at 2,593 m
- Color reddish-brown with red speckles, intense orange belly
- Dedicated to the ornithologist Elio Núñez-Cortez, a pioneer in local conservation
3. Pristimantis yonke
- The smallest; associated with epiphytic bromeliads at almost 3,000 m
- Color cinnamon with cream and yellow details
- Its name evokes the “yonque”, a traditional Andean liquor against the cold
Looming Threats: Fires and Habitat Loss
Despite the scientific relevance of the discovery, the outlook is concerning:
- More than 5,000 hectares of natural habitats were lost between 2001 and 2023
- The advancement of the agricultural frontier and recent fires directly endanger these new species
- All of them are classified as “Data Deficient” by the IUCN, as they are found in areas less than 10 km² with few observed individuals
An Urgent Call to Science and Conservation
The team of researchers insists that exploration is just beginning in the Huancabamba Mountain Range, and that it is vital to promote:
- New monitoring campaigns, especially during the dry season
- Legal protection measures for the territory
- Coordinated actions with local communities, key guardians of this biodiversity
“We could lose unique species before fully knowing them. This discovery not only documents new life but also warns of an endangered ecosystem,” Chávez concluded.
