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PERU-ENVIRONMENT-ANIMAL
New species of frog unearthed in Peruvian Amazon jungle
LIMA, April 12, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – A new species of marsupial frog
has been discovered in Peru’s Amazon jungle, the state service for
natural protected areas said on Monday.
The new species belongs to the Gastrotheca genus of tailless frogs
found in South and Central America.
“The Cordillera de Colan National Sanctuary made an important
discovery for science: a new species of marsupial frog registered for
the first time in this protected area in the Amazon region,” said the
SERNANP service.
The discovery was made a few weeks ago during a study in the humid
tundra and mountainous woodland area of the Cordilleras de Colan, an
Amazon region in the north of Peru close to the Ecuador border that
sits at 3,100 meters altitude.
“This new species is distinguished by having a thick granular skin
on the back, a green dorsal coloration without a pattern, turquoise
iris and a belly without spots, specks or dots,” said SERNANP.
The Cordillera de Colan National Sanctuary spans more than 39,000
hectares and includes six areas of threatened wildlife.
Peruvian authorities say the area is of great biological importance
as several unique species live there.
It has thus been classified as a priority site for conservation.
BSS/AFP/MRU/2328hrs