Discovered Frog Species Pristimantis ruidus, among two females, snapped during a 2022 research venture. This marked the initial time these creatures were photographed alive.
A Long-Lost Frog Species Rediscovered in Ecuador
A long-lost amphibian species, Pristimantis ruidus, has been rediscovered in the Molleturo Forest, Ecuador, after nearly a century of absence. Biologist Juan Sánchez-Nivicela and his team made the discovery during an expedition in 2022[1].
The frog, known as a "Lazarus taxon," was last seen in the wild in 1922 by zoologist George Tate[2]. This rediscovery offers a significant opportunity to conserve its potential unique locality, not only in Ecuador but globally, according to herpetologist Diego Armijos Ojeda from Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja[1].
Pristimantis ruidus is part of the genus Pristimantis, which includes many species endemic to Ecuador, often associated with vulnerable cloud forests and Andean habitats that face multiple threats such as habitat loss, fragmentation, and environmental degradation[1].
The exact distribution, population status, and conservation needs of P. ruidus are not well-documented, but closely related Pristimantis species in Ecuador typically benefit from protection within national parks and reserves like Llanganates National Park and Cordillera del Cóndor, areas of known Pristimantis diversity where threats include deforestation and human encroachment[1].
The rediscovery of P. ruidus has been hailed as a hopeful sign for conservationists, as it highlights the potential for further discoveries of lost amphibian species. Sánchez-Nivicela and his team aim to use the genetic material of Pristimantis ruidus to confirm whether other frogs belong to new or rediscovered species in the laboratory[1].
Meanwhile, the legal fight to protect the southern Andes continues. María del Carmen Vizcaíno, director of the Alianza Jambato, believes that P. ruidus could become a "flag of resistance" in this battle[1]. The discovery was reported in the journal Zoosystematics and Evolution in February 2023[2].
In related news, several conservation NGOs and northern Ecuadorian communities have used the rediscovery of Atelopus longirostris as a symbol in their battle against mining concessions granted to CODELCO and Enami EP. Activists and scientists warned that mining operations in northern Ecuador were violating the rights of nature and contaminating habitats where A. longirostris was found[1].
In 2019, an IUCN group led by Armijos Ojeda updated Ecuador's Red List assessment of amphibian species, revealing that 57% of the total species in the country are under threat[3]. The frog Pristimantis ruidus was listed as "possibly extinct" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)[2].
The rediscovered frog has rough skin, many bumps, and singular W-shaped ridges on its back. One unique feature of P. ruidus is that its tympana or eardrums do not stick out from its head[1].
The researchers remain committed to finding more amphibians believed to be extinct, and with the rediscovery of Pristimantis ruidus, they are one step closer to preserving these unique species and their habitats.
[1] Biologist Juan Sánchez-Nivicela and his team made the discovery during an expedition in 2022. (Source: National Geographic) [2] The frog was last seen in the wild in 1922 by zoologist George Tate. (Source: Zoosystematics and Evolution) [3] A long-lost frog species, Pristimantis ruidus, has been rediscovered in the Molleturo Forest, Ecuador. (Source: BBC News)
- The rediscovery of the long-lost frog species, Pristimantis ruidus, in Ecuador's Molleturo Forest offers an opportunity for global conservation efforts, particularly for the unique locality it inhabits.
- Biologist Juan Sánchez-Nivicela and his team discovered the endangered species, Pristimantis ruidus, during their expedition in 2022, which was a significant event in environmental science.
- The expedition yielded the discovery of Pristimantis ruidus, a species previously thought to be extinct, hidden within the biodiversity of Ecuador's forests.
- This long-lost amphibian, Pristimantis ruidus, is part of the genus Pristimantis, which contains many species endemic to Ecuador, contributing to the country's rich biodiversity.
- The surroundings of Pristimantis ruidus, such as cloud forests and Andean habitats, face multiple threats like habitat loss, fragmentation, and environmental degradation, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
- The rediscovery of Pristimantis ruidus may lead to further discoveries of lost amphibian species, fueling the adventure of both scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.
- Protecting the Andean habitats of species like Pristimantis ruidus is essential for the preservation of unique ecosystems, contributing to the health-and-wellness of both humans and the planet.
- The education-and-self-development value of biodiversity conservation extends beyond science into sports, as the fostering of a sustainable environment aligns closely with the principles of fitness-and-exercise, promoting overall well-being for future generations.
