Scientist announced on Monday the discovery of 10 amphibian species in Colombia that are potentially new to science. They include an orange-legged rain frog, three poison frogs and three transparent "glass" frogs. During a three-week expedition in Colombia's north western Tacarcuna hills in the Darien Gap bordering Panama, scientists identified about 60 species of amphibians, 20 reptiles and almost 120 species of birds. Many of them are apparently unique to the area."without a doubt this region is a true Noah's Ark"' said Jose Vicente Rodriguez Mahecha, Conservation International's (CI) scientific director in Colombia".
The expedition, led by CI herpetologists and ornithologist from Colombia's Ecotropico Foundation, yielded potentially new species of amphibians, including three glass frogs, whose transparent skin care reveal internal organs, a harlequin frog, two rain frogs and one salamander. Colombia has one of the most diverse amphibian communities in the world, with 754 species currently recorded. Scientists consider amphibians important indicators of ecosystem health", the group said in a statement. Many species are impacted by climate change. "With porous, absorbent skin, they often provide early warnings of environmental degradation caused by acid rain, or contamination from heavy metals and pesticides that can also harm people".The scientists found large mammals such as the endangers Baird's tapir, the white lipped peccary and four species of monkeys Geoffroy's spider monkey.Geoffroy's tamarin, the white-throated capuchin and the mantled howler monkey. Other finds included Central American species never before recorded in northern South America, including a salamander, a rain frog, a small lizard and a snake
The expedition, led by CI herpetologists and ornithologist from Colombia's Ecotropico Foundation, yielded potentially new species of amphibians, including three glass frogs, whose transparent skin care reveal internal organs, a harlequin frog, two rain frogs and one salamander. Colombia has one of the most diverse amphibian communities in the world, with 754 species currently recorded. Scientists consider amphibians important indicators of ecosystem health", the group said in a statement. Many species are impacted by climate change. "With porous, absorbent skin, they often provide early warnings of environmental degradation caused by acid rain, or contamination from heavy metals and pesticides that can also harm people".The scientists found large mammals such as the endangers Baird's tapir, the white lipped peccary and four species of monkeys Geoffroy's spider monkey.Geoffroy's tamarin, the white-throated capuchin and the mantled howler monkey. Other finds included Central American species never before recorded in northern South America, including a salamander, a rain frog, a small lizard and a snake
The Hindu, 3rd February 2009
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