Tiny beaked toad, two other species discovered
November 28th, 2010 - 4:57 pm ICT by IANSLondon, Nov 28 (IANS) Deep within the Colombian jungle, scientists have stumbled upon a bizarre-looking beaked toad, along with two hitherto unknown species.
Tinier than a human thumbnail, the beaked toad, with deep purple skin and small blue blotches, was among three new species of the amphibian discovered by a British-led scientific team.
Researchers who made the discovery were actually looking out for a lost species of toad not seen since World War I.
Instead they unearthed these three creatures - caught on camera by a British researcher, reports the Daily Mail.
The next newly found treasure is a red-legged tree frog with distinctive black streaks from nose to body. A brown toad with red eyes completes the new additions for the zoological record.
The pictures show the creatures in their native environment where they seem to scramble without fear of their human visitors.
As expedition leader, Scottish amphibian conservation officer and photographer, Robin Moore, 35, from Edinburgh, played a key role in the discovery.
“The amazing part is that nobody, in the history of its existence, has ever recorded its presence,” he said.
- Search on for 'lost amphibians' before they go extinct - Aug 09, 2010
- British drought brings harsh time for wildlife - Mar 19, 2012
- World's smallest frog discovered - Jan 12, 2012
- Greens hop along to catch Goa's frog poachers - Jun 10, 2011
- Two new frog species discovered in Panama - May 28, 2010
- New frog species found in New York - Mar 18, 2012
- Toads living on mountains at higher risk of dying from fungal infection - Jan 25, 2010
- Toad's brain too contain potent germ-fighters - Apr 14, 2011
- Elusive long fingered frog rediscovered after 62 years - Mar 28, 2012
- Scientists reveal secret disposal system of frogs - Jan 06, 2010
- New aquatic fungus pushing amphibians on road to extinction - Nov 24, 2009
- Scientists find female frogs call out during sex to excite lover - Apr 30, 2011
- Goa wants frogs off menu and into ponds - May 15, 2010
- Scientists discover 'unique' frog species in India - May 14, 2010
- Stinking frogs are rich source of antibiotic compounds - Dec 01, 2011
Tags: amphibian conservation, black streaks, blotches, british researcher, colombian jungle, conservation officer, daily mail, deep purple, expedition leader, human visitors, key role, native environment, new additions, purple skin, red eyes, robin moore, toad, tree frog, unknown species, zoological record