New Golden Frog Discovered in Remote Region of Colombia
29/8/2007
A new poisonous frog was recently discovered in a remote mountainous region in Colombia by a team of young scientists supported by the Conservation Leadership Programme, a partnership between BP, BirdLife International, Fauna & Flora International, Conservation International and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Fauna & Flora International has been involved in this partnership for almost 20 years.
The new frog, which is almost two centimetres in length, was given the name the “golden frog of Supatá.” The frog is unique and only found within a 20 hectare area in Colombia’s Cundinamarca region. Colombia is one of the world’s richest countries in amphibian diversity, with more than 583 species.
Little is known about this species of frog. So far, scientists say that the golden frog of Supatá belongs to a group of “dart frogs” that are known to be highly venomous. In the coming months, the young scientists hope to gather more information.
“The importance of this project is not just the discovery of the new frog,” said Oswaldo Cortes, team leader and one of the winners of the 2007 Conservation Leadership Programme awards. “But, most importantly, what this new discovery shows is how little we still know about our planet, and the many species that haven’t yet been discovered. This is why it is so important to work with local communities and educate them about the need for conservation.”
The Conservation Leadership Programme has been running since 1985. The partners share a common concern for, and a commitment to, the natural environment and its constituent biodiversity.
Contact : Paul Herbertson, Fauna & Flora International: paul.herbertson@fauna-flora.org or call +44 (0)1223 571000.
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