Researchers in Ecuador found a new species of glass frog, termed ‘centrolene kutuku’, in the Amazon area, with a translucent belly that shows its internal organs.
Scientists have discovered a new species of glass frog in the Ecuadorian Amazon, distinguished by a translucent abdomen that reveals parts of its internal organs. This major discovery was described in a recent news release by the Ecuadorian Institute of Biodiversity (Inabio), which emphasised the Amazon’s continued richness and mystery.
The newly discovered frog, dubbed ‘centrolene kutuku,’ honours the Kutukú mountain range where it was discovered. This location, part of a massif that predates even the Andes, has discovered its first known glass frog species, a huge step forward in the study of the area’s rich ecology. The centrolene kutuku is a rare species distinguished by its remarkable translucent skin and transparent belly, which reveals part of its internal organs. This property continues to captivate scientists and nature lovers alike.
The finding was made through a collaboration between Inabio, the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (PUCE), and the University of San Francisco of Quito (USFQ). This collaborative study enabled a thorough grasp of the centrolene kutuku’s distinctive habitat and environmental demands, laying the groundwork for future conservation initiatives.
The Glass Frog’s Endangered Status
However, this astounding discovery is not without problems. The Inabio has expressed concern about the hazards presented by mining concessions in the region, which are not yet part of any protected zones. The extraction activities pose considerable dangers to the newly found species and its environment, potentially resulting in negative consequences if not adequately controlled or regulated. This highlights the critical need for strong conservation efforts to safeguard this rare species and its environment.
The centrolene kutuku has ecological value beyond its uniqueness. Further study is needed to fully understand the species’ possible range within the Kutukú Range, including the hazards it faces from environmental deterioration and human activities. The Inabio emphasises the importance of continued research to determine the true area of the frog’s habitat, conserve it, and develop conservation efforts to assure the species’ survival for future generations.
(Source: Latin America Post)
