In a remarkable discovery, a team of collaborators from the Museo de Historia Natural in Lima has rediscovered the Rio Santa Rosa Mushroomtongue Salamander (Bolitoglossa digitigrada) in the Ayacucho region of Peru, 43 years after it was first described. This elusive amphibian, known from only a few specimens, was found during a recent expedition in the Amazonian Andean Forest. The rediscovery of Bolitoglossa digitigrada is significant because the species was previously known from only a handful of specimens collected near the Rio Santa Rosa.
The new discovery provides valuable insights into its ecology and evolutionary relationships. "This rediscovery is incredibly exciting for us," said Valia Herrera, the lead researchers on the project. "Finding these salamanders after so many years highlights the importance of continued fieldwork in under explored regions."
The research team found four individuals of Bolitoglossa digitigrada in a corn and banana field near the community of San Jose, approximately 2.7 km from the type locality. This discovery suggests that the species may be able to persist in disturbed habitats, offering hope for its conservation in the face of ongoing habitat loss.
In addition to the rediscovery, the researchers also conducted a molecular phylogenetic analysis of Bolitoglossa digitigrada using a mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequence. This analysis allowed them to clarify the evolutionary relationships of the species within the Bolitoglossa adspersa group, providing further insights into the evolutionary history of these fascinating amphibians.
The rediscovery of Bolitoglossa digitigrada underscores the importance of continued research and conservation efforts in the Andean region. The area is a biodiversity hotspot facing increasing pressure from human activities. By studying and protecting species like Bolitoglossa digitigrada, researchers can gain a better understanding of the unique ecosystems and work to ensure their preservation for future generations.
The new discovery provides valuable insights into its ecology and evolutionary relationships. "This rediscovery is incredibly exciting for us," said Valia Herrera, the lead researchers on the project. "Finding these salamanders after so many years highlights the importance of continued fieldwork in under explored regions."
The research team found four individuals of Bolitoglossa digitigrada in a corn and banana field near the community of San Jose, approximately 2.7 km from the type locality. This discovery suggests that the species may be able to persist in disturbed habitats, offering hope for its conservation in the face of ongoing habitat loss.
In addition to the rediscovery, the researchers also conducted a molecular phylogenetic analysis of Bolitoglossa digitigrada using a mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequence. This analysis allowed them to clarify the evolutionary relationships of the species within the Bolitoglossa adspersa group, providing further insights into the evolutionary history of these fascinating amphibians.
The rediscovery of Bolitoglossa digitigrada underscores the importance of continued research and conservation efforts in the Andean region. The area is a biodiversity hotspot facing increasing pressure from human activities. By studying and protecting species like Bolitoglossa digitigrada, researchers can gain a better understanding of the unique ecosystems and work to ensure their preservation for future generations.
Citation: Herrera-Alva, V., A. Catenazzi, E. Castillo-Urbina, L. Fajardo, K. Ñaccha, C. Aguilar-Puntriano. 2025. Lost in the Amazon: Rediscovery of a species of amphibian from Peru. Zootaxa 5594: 559-566.
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