Thought extinct after fires in southern Argentina, this species has been detected again

A unique frog species, believed to have been wiped out by wildfires in southern Argentina's Patagonia region, has been rediscovered. Herpetologists working in Los Alerces National Park confirmed the continued presence of the Alerce frog (Batrachyla fitzroya), a species found nowhere else in the world.

The fires in the summer of 2026 significantly impacted the island habitat of the microendemic frog. With much of the forest destroyed, experts had presumed the small amphibian had perished due to extreme conditions and lack of resources. However, recent post-fire monitoring efforts by specialized biologists and park rangers have located living specimens.

This finding has brought considerable relief to experts dedicated to conserving Argentina's natural areas. According to a statement from the National Parks Administration, the discovery was confirmed through post-fire monitoring. The presence of the frogs will enable further research into the amphibian's biology, the extent of damage to its populations, and the overall impact of the fires on its habitat.

The Alerce frog is exclusively found on Isla Grande del Lago Menéndez, making its protection crucial due to its vulnerable status. Current research indicates the species reproduces in the damp forest floor and along the lake's shores, typically residing in vegetation with open or closed canopies of trees over 15 meters tall, as well as in freshwater or saltwater bodies. The National Park will continue to monitor safe zones to protect the species from future threats.