Transparent Frogs Discovered in Colombia

Scientists from Conservation International and the Ecotropia Foundation have discovered ten new amphibian species.

Their discoveries took place in a mountainous area near Panama called Tacarcuna. The newly identified species include three transparent, or ‘glass’ frogs, three poison dart frogs, and one frog with spiky skin and orange legs. Glass frogs have a partly transparent skin which makes some of their internal organs visible. Frogs with this type of smooth, absorbent skin are seen by some as indicators of ecological health because they are very sensitive to toxins. They live mainly in forests, except during the breeding season.

Juan Lozano, the Colombian Minister of Environment remarked, “Without a doubt this discovery represents a great milestone for science and human health.”

Research was conducted in the Taracuna hills for 3 weeks. With the discoveries there is new hope the habitat’s protected status will be solidifed. The area is considered to have a high potential for endemic species because it is both fertile and isolated from the larger surrounding landscape. For example, 120 birds were also discovered during the research expedition.

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The very biodiverse land of these amphibians is currently under threat from logging, ranching, and other human developments.  An indigenous human community, the Embera, has also been affected by encroaching development.

To date, a total of 754 amphibians have identified in Colombia.

Image Credit: Conservation International Colombia, photo by: Marco Rada

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