Brazilian researchers describe new glass frog species in Cerrado
A new species of glass frog has been described and named Vitreorana micaelae following its discovery in Luziânia, in the state of Goiás. The study was conducted by researchers at the Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás, the Federal University of Goiás, and the University of Brasília (UnB). The small, greenish, nearly transparent frog caught the attention of a group of researchers led by…
In a recent study, Brazilian researchers have discovered a new species of glass frog, named Vitreorana micaelae, in the Cerrado biome. The research was conducted by experts from the Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás, the Federal University of Goiás, and the University of Brasília (UnB). The tiny, greenish frog was found in the gallery forests near the Corumbá River tributaries. Despite resembling other known glass frogs, the researchers distinguished it from the group due to its unique characteristics.
The study involved an integrated approach, combining morphology, bioacoustics, molecular genetics, and fieldwork. Their findings revealed that Vitreorana micaelae is the 11th species of the glass frog genus, with only four other species found in Brazil. This new species is the second known to exclusively inhabit the Cerrado.
The researchers attribute the limited knowledge about Vitreorana micaelae to the frog's habits and limited occurrence. It sings from tree tops in steep ravines along the riverbank and only during heavy rain. Additionally, its small size (over 2 centimeters) and scattered presence have hindered its association with common names used by local communities.
The study, published in the September issue of ZooKeys, recommends classifying Vitreorana micaelae as Data Deficient (DD) under the IUCN system. This classification calls for further research to determine its population size and potential threats. The researchers emphasize the urgency of conservation efforts as climate change and human activities, including deforestation and river damming, pose significant risks to the new species' habitat.
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