Researchers Describe Four New Frog Species in Ecuador’s Carchi Province

Four previously undescribed frog species have been identified in Carchi, an Ecuadorian province on the Colombian border. The species, all from the highly diverse Pristimantis genus, were documented by researchers from the University of San Francisco of Quito, Complutense University of Madrid and Ecuador’s National Biodiversity Institute.

The study combined morphological, acoustic, molecular, ecological and biogeographic evidence. That approach helped the researchers distinguish cryptic species, which can look very similar externally. The work grew out of systematic expeditions across Carchi conducted as part of doctoral research on amphibian diversity in high-Andean ecosystems.

The newly described species are Pristimantis cantrix, P. carchi, P. levi and P. marquezi. P. cantrix was recorded at Virgen Negra, Cerro La Bretaña and Loma La Esperanza, between roughly 3,019 and 3,612 meters above sea level. Its name refers to the males’ characteristic call. With a known distribution of less than 100 square kilometers, it faces deforestation and habitat fragmentation, and the researchers propose listing it as Critically Endangered.

P. carchi occurs more widely within the province, on both the western and eastern Andean slopes, including Tufiño-Maldonado, Cascadas de Cartagena, Cerro La Bretaña and Morán. Researchers propose an Endangered classification because its montane forest habitat has been reduced and fragmented. P. levi was found around Morán at elevations of 2,784 to 2,895 meters, mainly in altered high-Andean environments, roadside margins, grasslands and transition zones. It is named for Jaime Levy and his family, and researchers also propose listing it as Critically Endangered because its known range is below 100 square kilometers.