The Committee of the Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research awarded Gustavo a grant in the amount of $5,000 in support of his proposed research with bromeliad-dwelling salamanders in Guatemala. Recipients of grants are known as Lewis and Clark Field Scholars. Congratulations Gustavo!
 Researchers have identified two new species of rain frogs in the Andes mountains of northern Peru. Previously confused with another species, Pristimantis phoxocephalus, these new frogs boast unique characteristics and highlight the remarkable biodiversity of the region. The research, published in the journal Holotipus, describes P. rameshpateli from the Cordillera Occidental and P. yanahampatu from the Cordillera Central. Both were found at elevations exceeding 3,200 meters a.s.l. “These frogs may look similar to their previously known relative,” said lead author Pablo Venegas, “but detailed examination reveals distinct physical features that set them apart.” Both new species share a pointed projection on their snouts (rostral papilla) and a sharply angled profile when viewed from above. They also exhibit vibrant coloration on their groins and inner thighs, visible only when the legs are extended. However, genetic and morphological analysis demonstrates these frogs belong to a different evolutionary lineage than Pristimantis phoxocephalus. The combination of their unique snout shape, bumpy skin texture, and specific color patterns allows scientists to definitively distinguish them from similar frogs found throughout Peru and Ecuador.
“The discovery of these new species underscores the importance of ongoing biodiversity research in the Andes,” said lab PI Catenazzi. “These fragile ecosystems harbor a wealth of unknown creatures, and further exploration is crucial for their conservation.” FIU and the Instituto Peruano de Herpetologa are committed to ongoing research efforts that document and protect the remarkable biodiversity of the Andean cloud forests. Alessandro is the current Half-Earth Chair with the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation. |
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