An article published in the scientific journal ZooKeys describes the discovery of a new species of frog that was found in the Chucantí Private Nature Reserve in Panama. The amphibian was named Pristimantis gretathunbergae, in honor of the young Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, known worldwide for her efforts in the fight against climate change.
Led by scientists Abel Batista, from Panama, and Konrad Mebert, from Switzerland, the international team of biologists responsible for the study says that the animal can measure up to about 46 millimeters in length, has a short, rounded snout, as well as prominent black eyes. Its body has an olive color, colored by reddish or yellowish tones on the back. Black eyes are a unique feature among frogs located in Central America and their closest relatives in Northwest Colombia.
According to Panama's Ministry of the Environment, the new species lives in a severely fragmented habitat that is highly threatened by rapid deforestation for agricultural activities.
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Also according to the ministry, the Cerro Chucantí region has already lost more than 30% of its forest cover in recent years, in a context closely linked to climate change, as rising temperatures would destroy its tiny habitat in the mountains.
As highlighted by Época magazine, another threat is posed by the deadly chytrid fungus. Therefore, the conservation of the site of this new species, popularly called frog-greta-thunberg, is essential to ensure its survival.
How Greta Thunberg was named for the frog
Also according to the Panamanian Ministry of the Environment, the Rainforest Trust – a non-profit environmental organization focused on purchasing and protecting tropical lands to strategically conserve endangered species – celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2018 through an auction in which it offered the naming rights. some species new to science. Thus, the funds raised would benefit the conservation of newly discovered species.
The auction winner then proposed honoring Greta Thunberg by naming the new frog, noting that her “School Strike for Climate Action” before the Swedish Parliament “inspired students around the world to carry out similar strikes called Fridays for Future”. ”.
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The post New species of frog named after Greta Thunberg appeared first on Olhar Digital.
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