Scientists discover a mysterious new frog hiding in the Amazon

Scientists discovered a new frog species in the flooded forests of the western Amazon, distinguishing it from nearly identical relatives through DNA and its unique call. Adenomera varcena highlights how much Amazonian biodiversity remains hidden even as habitat loss and climate change threaten these poorly understood species. Scientists discover a mysterious new frog hiding in the Amazon.

Scientists discover a mysterious new frog hiding in the Amazon Science News from research organizations Scientists discover a mysterious new frog hiding in the Amazon A newly discovered frog hiding in the Amazon’s flooded forests reveals just how much biodiversity scientists may still be missing. Named Adenomera varcena, the species adds to growing evidence that Amazonian biodiversity is even richer than it appears. The discovery also highlights the importance of cryptic diversity, in which animals that look nearly identical can actually belong to separate species.

Researchers distinguished the new frog by combining several lines of evidence, including its DNA and distinctive call. The findings were published in the journal Ichthyology & Herpetology. Haddad, a professor at São Paulo State University (UNESP), and Thiago R.

Carvalho, a professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG).