ADVERTISEMENT


frog

six long lost species of frogs found in Haiti

six long lost species of frogs found in Haiti

six long lost species of frogs found in Haiti.

In January 2011, scientists exploring the pristine Haitian forests found an abundance of frogs, including six species lost for nearly two decades. On the one-year anniversary of Haiti's earthquake nightmare on January 11, 2011, the scientists from the Conservation International (CI) and the Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) found six globally unique frog species in the tropical jungles of Haiti. The researchers were working in Haiti, especially in search of long lost La Selle Grass frog (E. glanduliferoides) which had not been seen since 1991. In 2011, Conservation International was working in 18 countries with the goal of locating species that have not been seen in a decade or more and which are feared to be extinct. The six species that the scientists have found are: (i) La Hotte Glanded Frog; (ii) Hispaniola Crowned Frog; (iii) Haiti Macaya Burrowing Frog; (iv) Haiti Macaya Breast Spot Frog; (v) Haiti Ventriloqual Frog; and (vi) Haiti Mozart's Frog.

La Hotte Glanded Frog is a critically endangered species that sees the world through unusual, sapphire colored eyes. Hispaniola Crowned Frog was named after a subtle row of protuberances resembling a crown on the back of its head. The males of the Macaya Burrowing Frog species call from underground chambers. This was the first record of the species from this area. The females of this species lay eggs underground. Skipping the tadpole stage, they hatch directly into 'froglets'. A fully grown Macaya Breast-spot Frog, about the size of a grape, is one of the smallest frogs in the world. Hispaniola Ventriloquial Frog projects its bird chirping voice like a ventriloquist. 'Mozart's Frogs' are whistling frogs that make whistle-like call resembling musical notes. The species is named after composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The Haitian cloud forest is home to many critically endangered amphibian species. However, due to the massive deforestation, many Haitian species of plants and animals might become extinct within the next few decades.

Permalink | Comments