Researchers discover incredible new glass frog
QUITO-Scientists have discovered a remarkable new species of glass frog whose beating heart can be seen right through its chest.
The creature, found in the Amazonian
lowlands of Ecuador, has green spots across its back and a ‘red heart
fully visible’ underneath, thanks to the transparent membrane around its
organs. While it isn’t the only see-through species in existence,
scientists say its markings, unusual call, and reproductive behaviour
set it apart from the rest – but, they warn it may be in danger, as oil
extraction and other human activities threaten its habitat. Scientists
have placed the newly discovered frog in the genus Hyalinobatrachium,
which are known to share some of its extraordinary traits. ‘All species
in this genus have a completely transparent ventral peritoneum, which
means that organs are fully visible in ventral view,’ researchers
explain in a new paper, published to ZooKeys.
‘The reproductive behaviour is also
unusual, with males calling from the underside of leaves and providing
parental care to egg clutches.’ But, the new species, H. yaku, stands
out with its dark green spots and atypical reproductive behaviours. ‘I
work with frogs every day and this is one of the most beautiful species I
have ever seen,’ Juan Guayasamin, of the Universidad San Francisco de
Quito, in Ecuador, told New Scientist.
And, while other frogs in the genus
Hyalinobatrachium may have transparent features, not all have a bright
red heart like that observed in the new species. Not all glass frogs
have hearts that are visible through the chest,’ Paul Hamilton, of the
US non-profit the Biodiversity Group, told New Scientist.
‘In some, the heart itself is white, so you don’t see the red blood.’
Given their habitat in the Amazonian lowlands, though, the researchers warn that these frogs are at risk.
Scientists have placed the newly
discovered frog in the genus Hyalinobatrachium, which are known to share
some of its extraordinary traits. The frog Hyalinobatrachium pellucidum
is shown above. Scientists have placed the newly discovered frog in the
genus Hyalinobatrachium, which are known to share some of its
extraordinary traits. The frog Hyalinobatrachium pellucidum is shown
above. Oil extraction and the resulting road development could destroy
their habitat and create barriers between nearby populations, preventing
their dispersal and interaction
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