In a groundbreaking discovery, an international team of researchers has identified seven new frog species in the Ecuadorian Andes, including one named in honor of actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio.
The study, led by Jhael A. Ortega from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, highlights the remarkable biodiversity of the region, which is crucial for conservation efforts.
The species Phyllonastes dicaprioi, a small brown frog with dark markings, inhabits the Western Montane Forest of El Oro province. This discovery not only pays tribute to DiCaprio's commitment to environmental causes but also emphasizes the urgent need to protect these critical habitats from threats like deforestation and climate change.
Additionally, the researchers introduced a new genus of amphibians called Urkuphryne, which showcases distinct evolutionary traits. The other newly discovered species include Phyllonastes cerrogolondrinas, Phyllonastes ecuadoriensis, Phyllonastes macuma, Phyllonastes plateadensis, Phyllonastes sardinayacu, and Phyllonastes personinus, all of which face significant survival challenges.
These findings underscore Ecuador's status as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, highlighting the need for immediate conservation actions to safeguard the unique flora and fauna that thrive in its forests.
The research was published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, utilizing genetic, morphological, and osteological tools to identify the new species and genus.