New glass frog species discovered in Brazil's Cerrado

Researchers from the Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás, the Federal University of Goiás, and the University of Brasília have officially described a new species of glass frog, named Vitreorana micaelae. The amphibian was discovered in the gallery forests near tributaries of the Corumbá River in Luziânia, Goiás, within the Cerrado biome.

The species is characterized by its greenish coloration and nearly transparent body, measuring just over 2 centimeters. To confirm the discovery, scientists employed a multidisciplinary approach involving morphological analysis, bioacoustics, and molecular genetics. This find marks the 11th species of the glass frog genus cataloged in Brazil, and only the second found exclusively in the Cerrado.

Biologists noted that the species is difficult to detect because it sings from high in trees on steep banks only during heavy rains. The study, published in the journal ZooKeys, suggests the species be classified by the IUCN as ‘Data Deficient’ (DD) until population sizes and specific threats are better understood. Potential risks to the species include deforestation, river damming for hydroelectricity, and climate change.