Scientists discover a host of new species in remote mountains of Ecuador

17/06/2009 05:20:36 Harlequin frogs and crystal frogs plentiful in studied region - Courtesy of Conservation International
June 2009. A scientific expedition along one of the most bitterly contested international borders in recent history has revealed a fascinating array of species, many of which are believed to be new to science, Conservation International (CI) has announced.

The new species were found by Conservation International's Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) in the mountainous forests of the Cordillera del Condor of southeastern Ecuador, an area of high biological, ecological and social importance near the border with Peru. The survey concentrated on the Upper Nangaritza River Basin, which is geologically isolated from other parts of the Andes, helping to stimulate the evolution of species which are found nowhere else.

POTENTIALLY NEW TO SCIENCE. This beautiful poison arrow frog is from the genus Dendrobates and is potentially new to science. It was discovered on a RAP survey in the Nangaritza region of southeastern Ecuador. Here the male can be seen carrying one of its tadpoles. © Jessica Deichmann

4 amphibians, a lizard and 7 insects
The newly discovered creatures - four amphibians, a stunning new lizard and seven insects - include a remarkably ugly bug-eyed salamander and a tiny but beautiful poison arrow frog. CI is hoping that the discoveries will encourage the government of Ecuador to strengthen the protection of the area, which is close to a "peace park", created to cement the end of hostilities between Ecuador and Peru in the late 1990s after decades of conflict over the disputed border.

Leeanne Alonso, Vice President of CI's Rapid Assessment Program said: "The species that we discovered on this expedition are fascinating and make clear how biologically important this area is - not only because of the wealth of plants and animals that inhabit it but also because of the service that it provides to local people, like clean water and the opportunities for income from ecotourism. It is crucial that it is protected properly."

Hyalinobatrachium pellucidum is a species of glass frog or crystal frog (so called because you can see their internal organs through their translucent skin). This species is listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List. Copyright: © Luis Coloma.

New population of very rare frogs
As well as the species believed to be new to science, the team also found a number of extremely rare animals including a crystal frog and healthy population of harlequin frogs (Atelopus sp.) which have been devastated throughout their range by the amphibian Chytrid fungus, that threatens to wipe out up to 30 per cent of the world's amphibian species.

More rare discoveries
Other unusual creatures recorded during the RAP survey included many beautiful katydids (crickets) that are probably new to science, and several species of frogs and mammals not previously known in Ecuador. The RAP survey also revealed two bird species that are endemic to the this mountain range, at least 25 species considered rare in Ecuador, and 11 species threatened or near threatened at the global level.

Leeanne Alonso added: "Preservation of this incredible mountain range is definitely possible, even more so than for many other tropical forests, because of the active role of the local communities are playing in pushing for its protection."

POTENTIALLY NEW TO SCIENCE. This emerald-legged katydid is potentially new to science and also potentially a new genus to science. It was discovered during a 2009 RAP survey of the Nangaritza region of southeastern Ecuador and is fairly common. It was found on low vegetation close to creeks and rivers at between 850 - 1,300 m. Copyright: © Holger Braun.

Pristine mountain forest
Luis Suarez, Executive Director of CI's Ecuador program said: "This is pristine mountain forest, and the flora and fauna of this area was largely undisturbed by people other than local communities - who treated it with respect. But now there are many threats from agriculture, logging and mining, so it is crucial that the global community and the government of Ecuador recognize the importance of this place and give it the strong protection it deserves."

The expedition was undertaken by Conservation International -Ecuador and partners including Fundacion Arcoiris and the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, and CI's Rapid Assessment Program, with financial support from The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, The Mulago Foundation - through the Conservation Stewards Program (CSP), and The Leon and Toby Cooperman Foundation.

POTENTIALLY NEW TO SCIENCE. Ugly salamander. This fascinating looking salamander is from the genus Bolitoglossa and is potentially new to science. It was discovered on a RAP survey in the Nangaritza region of southeastern Ecuador. Salamanders of this genus are rare, nocturnal amphibians and those found in Ecuador will mostly inhabit forests below 1000 m (3280 ft).