They discover two new species of crystal frogs: this is how the heart of these amphibians beats

Two new species of crystal frogs were discovered by American and Ecuadorian scientists. These amphibians have the peculiarity of having their translucent underside, which allows us to observe the functioning of their internal organs. The place where they were found is in the tropical Andes of Ecuador, an area where there are a large number of mining sites. That's why experts warn that they could be in danger of extinction.

Becca Brunner, co-author of the study detailing these new species of crystal frogs that was published in the journal PeerJ, said: “Many of these sites are incredibly remote, which is one of the reasons we were able to discover new species.” In that sense, he assured that just by “walking a couple of kilometers on a ridge and you can find a different frog community from where you started”.

The place to which the expert refers is the tropical Andes of Ecuador, being that it is on the western coast of South America where experts managed to identify a large number of native plants and animals, which can only be found there.

The scientific names of these amphibians are the Mashpi crystal frog (Hyalinobatrachium mashpi) and the glass frog Hyalinobatrachium nouns; both of which live in similar conditions. In other words, they live at a similar altitude, with very similar conditions of humidity and temperature.

Despite their similarity, the experts were able to determine, through DNA analysis, that both types of frogs are new species and different from each other; since their genetic makeup is different. However, both measure between 1.9 and 2.1 centimeters from the nose to its cloaca and its back is lime-green, with black dots around yellow spots.

The common aspect, which is why they are called crystal frogs, is that their lower part (belly) is translucent, which allows us to observe the functioning of their organs: heart (red), liver (white) and digestive system. Moreover, in the case of females you can also notice the eggs, which are shown in green color.

The scientists also pointed out that most of the individuals of these species were detected on the underside of the leaves, where females lay their eggs and where, together with the male, they remain caring for them.

Just found and already in danger of extinction

Beyond the discovery, scientists have already raised their voices and announced that these amphibians may be in danger of extinction. The site where these new species were found is located near mining sites in the Andes in Ecuador. Therefore, they requested that these new crystal frogs be included in the list of endangered species.

Endangered species must comply with the guidelines of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the organization that produces the so-called IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. A sort of catalog that tracks and brings together what state of conservation animals and plants are in.

The experts explained that these crystal frogs inhabit forested areas that suffered from deforestation linked to agriculture, since the humidity and temperature conditions of the region make them the most chosen place by farmers. Another action that puts these amphibians in danger, since their breathing is not through gills or lungs, but cutaneous. Because of this peculiarity, they can breathe underwater, since a process of gas exchange is generated through the skin, leaving them vulnerable to water pollution.

In this regard, biologist Juan M. Guayasamín, from the University of San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador, said: “The problem is not to find new species, the real challenge is to have the time and resources to describe them,” while warning about the future of these amphibians: “The few remaining patches are now under pressure of mining activities, which are highly polluting and are opposed by many local communities”.

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