Six species of Haiti's 'lost frogs' are found
Conservationists say they have found six rare frog species that are unique to the Caribbean nation of Haiti and have not been seen in about two decades.
The discovery, which came despite heavy deforestation and widespread damage from last year's deadly quake, was made during an expedition in October to search for frogs that are rarely seen and could be on the verge of extinction.
Among the unusual frogs researchers found were a whistling frog named after composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and a "ventriloquist" frog that can throw its voice to send predators in the wrong direction.
They also found in the mountains of southwest Haiti a burrowing, black-eyed frog with orange hind legs and a speckled frog with dazzling sapphire eyes.
The team, led by Conservation International scientist Robin Moore and Blair Hedges of Pennsylvania State University, embarked on the search in order to find the elusive La Selle Grass frog (E. glanduliferoides), unseen in over 25 years.
They didn't find that frog, but uncovered tantalizing glimpses of a handful of Haiti's other 48 native species of amphibians.
"We went in looking for one missing species and found a treasure trove of others," said Moore.
"That, to me, represents a welcome dose of resilience and hope for the people and wildlife of Haiti."
(c) 2011 AFP
