Brazilian researchers discover seven toadlet species
Researchers found seven new miniature-size frog species of the Brachycephalus genus, ranging between six millimeters and one centimeter in size, in the mountains of Serra do Mar, between the southern states of Paraná and Santa Catarina. 
Researchers affiliated with the non-governmental organization Mater Natura Institute for Environmental Studies found seven new miniature-size frog species of the Brachycephalus genus, ranging between six millimeters and one centimeter in size, in the mountains of Serra do Mar, between the southern states of Paraná and Santa Catarina.
The discovery was published on the PeerJ journal, in an article by ecologist Marcos Bornschein (Federal University of Minas Gerais) and biologists Márcio Pie (Federal University of Paraná) and Luiz Fernando Ribeiro (Mater Natura).
Bornschein told Agência Brasil that although toadlet species can only be considered to be endangered in Brazil if listed as such by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, for practical purposes given their sensitivity to climate change, the toadlets were included in the Environment Ministry's National Plan for Threatened Amphibian and Reptile Conservation in Southern Brazil.
The fact that the species were included in the plan is a recognition that they are threatened with extinction, according to the researcher. The plan includes priority conservation actions. The new frogs are not easily seen because they live hidden under the leaves that accumulate on the forest ground.
The newfound species are the Brachycephalus boticario, the Brachycephalus mariaeterezae, the Brachycephalus olivaceus, the Brachycephalus auroguttatus, the Brachycephalus verrucosus, the Brachycephalus fuscolineatus, and the Brachycephalus leopardus. Bornschein said the finding is scientifically important because “the Brachycephalus genus has grown from 21 to 28 species.”
He pointed out that the discovery of seven new amphibians in a small area indicates that many other animal species are likely to be found there, including insects or small organisms that live in the soil and on which the toadlets feed. “That's why we must proceed with the project,” he said.
The next stage of the study, already approved, aims to look for new species and additional specimens of the recently found species. Field collection should begin in September.
Translated by Mayra Borges
Fonte: Brazilian researchers discover seven toadlet species
