New species of glass frog identified in Ecuador

Researchers in Ecuador have identified a new species of glass frog, naming it after Neisi Dajomes, the first Ecuadorian woman to win an Olympic gold medal in weightlifting. The discovery was made by undergraduate student Mylena Masache during the COVID-19 pandemic while analyzing museum specimens from previous expeditions to the El Quimi Nature Reserve in southern Ecuador. This new frog species is distinguished by its continuous green back and yellow fingers, and it is estimated to have evolved around 4.5 million years ago, setting it apart from about 160 other known glass frog species. The discovery highlights the unique biodiversity of the El Quimi Nature Reserve, a mountainous region in southern Ecuador. Santiago Ron, a professor of evolutionary biology at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador and an experienced frog researcher, helped confirm the species’ distinctiveness. Finding new glass frog species is relatively rare, making this identification particularly significant. The naming of the frog after Dajomes also reflects a connection to Ecuador’s cultural heritage, as she is an Afro-Ecuadorian athlete from the Amazon region, inspiring the researchers. Despite the excitement surrounding the discovery, the habitat of the Dajomes glass frog faces threats from mining activities in the area. Santiago Ron emphasized that the presence of this unique species underscores the ecological importance of the region and the need for conservation efforts. The identification of the new frog species not only enriches scientific understanding of amphibian diversity but also draws attention to the environmental challenges confronting Ecuador’s natural reserves.