Herpetologists from Germany and Madagascar have concluded years of research that led to the discovery of unique species of tiny tree frogs that emit unusual whistling sounds, reports infohub.kz.
An international team of scientists led by experts from the Technical University of Braunschweig has completed a 12-year study on the island of Madagascar. As a result, they described seven new species of tree frogs belonging to the genus Boophis.
All the discovered amphibians inhabit tropical forests along the mountain range in the eastern part of the island. Due to their very small size and similar appearance, scientists were long unable to distinguish them as separate species. The key to success was the analysis of unique acoustic signals that males use to attract females. The calls of these frogs resemble whistles or high-frequency sound effects from science fiction films.
Genetic analysis confirmed that each of the seven groups has significant differences in DNA. The researchers emphasize that all newly discovered species live in limited areas, making them extremely vulnerable to deforestation and climate change. The authors call for enhanced conservation measures to protect Madagascar's unique ecosystems.