Nocturnal 'coffee frog' discovered in Costa Rica
A tiny greenish, nocturnal frog that thrives in coffee plantations has been discovered in Costa Rica's central Pacific region, where it also faces risks from agrochemicals used in farming.
A newly discovered, nocturnal frog species thrives in Costa Rica's coffee plantations, facing potential threats from agrochemicals used in farming. Measuring less than 4 centimeters in length, this tiny greenish amphibian, dubbed the "spring frog" or "coffee frog," was observed in San Lorenzo de Tarrazú by AFP reporters. The species, described as a new tree frog for science and endemic to Costa Rica, is known for its distinctive translucent throat that inflates during short, high-pitched calls primarily at night.
Chaves-Acuna, the researcher leading the study, explained that these frogs prefer shade, moisture, and small insects within the coffee crop, rather than the berries themselves. He cautioned that pesticide usage on coffee farms could pose a risk to these amphibians, as poisons can travel through the air, seep into the soil, and contaminate aquatic systems where tadpoles develop.
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