Biodiversity
Amazon frogs galore
The number of frog species living in the Amazon basin could be several times greater than currently recognized.
A team led by Chris Funk at Colorado State University in Fort Collins gathered and analysed genetic, morphological and acoustic data for 252 Engystomops frogs and 208 Hypsiboas tree frogs from across six Amazonian countries, focusing on Ecuador. The authors found that the two known species of Engystomops in fact encompass between five and seven species. Meanwhile, the two recognized Hypsiboas species represent between six and nine species (one undescribed species pictured).
The team concludes that more accurate estimates of biodiversity will improve risk assessments and conservation efforts.
