In a significant discovery for global biodiversity, four new species of frogs have been identified in the mountainous forests of northern Ecuador's Andes, as announced by the National Biodiversity Institute (Inabio) on January 29, 2025.
The newly discovered frogs, named 'pristimantis praemortuus', 'pristimantis broaddus', 'pristimantis satheri', and 'pristimantis robayoi', inhabit forest ecosystems at elevations between 1,600 and 2,300 meters in the Carchi province, which borders Colombia.
These species were found around the Mira River basin, where the biodiversity is rich with over 124 documented amphibian and reptile species. In the past decade, seven new species have been described, with an estimated 15 more awaiting classification, according to Inabio researcher Mario Yánez Muñoz.
The findings enhance the understanding of biogeographical patterns influencing species diversity in these regions and highlight the critical importance of the montane forests of the Mira River basin, which span Ecuador and Colombia. These forests are vital for the adaptive radiation of flora and fauna, shaped by their complex geological and climatic history.
The names of the new species honor various individuals committed to environmental leadership, herpetology, cooperation, and hope—essential qualities for tackling pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges.
This research involved collaboration between Inabio, the Ecominga Foundation, the Oscar Efren Reyes Foundation, and San Francisco de Quito University (USFQ).