The researchers of the discovery warn of the “alert scenario” that the species face, due to the destruction of forests and the risks that arise from the irreversible elimination of the microhabitat.
Three new species of amphibians of the genus Synapturanus from the Colombian Amazon, known as “invisible frogs,” were discovered by researchers from three institutions, who warned the risks they face due to forest destruction.
These frogs got their name because they live under the foliage and root layer of the Amazon rainforest and, being hidden, they are little known and their squawking is only heard faintly, especially when it rains.
The discovery was made by researchers from the Amazon Scientific Research Institute (Sinchi), the Institute of Natural Sciences of the National University of Colombia and the University of Richmond (USA).
The destruction of forests and repeated fires alter the structure of the soil, compacting it and irreversibly eliminate the microhabitat of these species, highlighted Sinchi, in a statement. Of the three species described, there is already one at risk due to the deterioration of its habitat.
“Although they are new to science, the conditions of the ecosystems to guarantee their life face an alert scenario,” the Sinchi scientists warned. These “invisible frogs” have been located in French Guiana, Brazil, Guyana, Peru and Colombia, although their characteristics and habitat have made them It is difficult to investigate them deeper and find more species.
However, based on molecular evidence, it is estimated that there is greater diversity than currently described, the Sinchi researchers added.
It is assumed that, due to ecological habits and low movement capacity, rivers can constitute dispersion barriers. This would then mean that large areas of deforestation could affect species of this genus, which would not even be known.
Source: Observadora
