Scientists have discovered a new species of tiny frogs in the mountains of southern Brazil

In southern Brazil, a new species of a miniature frog of bright orange color, whose length barely exceeds 1 cm, has been found. This pumpkin-colored amphibian is a previously undescribed species that is found only in a small area of mountainous forest in Serra do Quiri (Santa Catarina State) at an altitude of more than 750 m. This was reported by the journal PLOS One.

The new species belongs to the family of shortheads (Brachycephalidae). It is specified that two of his relatives are already known from neighboring areas of the same mountain system. Over the past seven years, researchers have been trying to fully catalog the local populations of the genus shorthair, and that's how they came across the unknown species.

Despite its striking color, its cry helped to detect the frog. Males were found by their quiet mating calls, while females were collected "randomly." In the laboratory, scientists conducted a genetic analysis and morphological comparison of samples with closely related species. The new species has been characterized as Brachycephalus lulai, named after Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

"With this tribute, we aim to stimulate the expansion of conservation initiatives aimed at preserving Atlantic rainforests in general and, in particular, miniature frogs endemic to Brazil," the study says.

The habitat of B. lulai remains relatively untouched, so the species is classified as "least concern." However, other frogs in Santa Catarina State are critically endangered, and protecting the region is essential. The main risks include burning of grassy fields, grazing, invasive plants, tourism, mining and deforestation. Amphibians remain the most endangered class of vertebrates in the world.

According to the publication, the creation of a federal protection zone is being discussed in the region without the need to purchase private land. The authors of the study also expect that further study of shorthead species will significantly expand the understanding of intraspecific variability and contribute to the revision of individual boundaries.

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On December 4, Science Daily magazine reported the discovery of a frog with strong resistance to poison. According to the publication, this individual regularly eats hornets, despite their dangerous stings. The researchers emphasized that this amphibian can become a useful model for studying the process of developing venom tolerance in animals.

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