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Scientists have discovered a new species of miniature marsupial frog. The frog carries its young in a natural pouch on its back, a research institute said last month.
The new amphibian species has the scientific name Gastrotheca mittaliiti. It measures 2.7 to 3.3cm. It was discovered in a mountainous area in the Peruvian Amazon near Ecuador.
The frog is bright green and has small bumps on its back. Its number in the wild is unknown.
The Gastrotheca mittaliiti is called a mini marsupial. This is because it carries its babies in a pouch, like a kangaroo. While a kangaroo carries its joey in a pouch on its front, this frog carries its eggs in a pouch on its back.
Its pouch helps the marsupial frog nurture its young. This is different to other frogs. They usually rely on a water environment to help an egg grow.
The study said the frog is at “high risk”. Its habitat is suffering because of climate change. It is also affected by fires started by farmers clearing the region.
This is further proof of the enormous natural wealth we have, Manuel Oliva said. He is the director of the Ceja de Selva Research Institute for Sustainable Development at the Toribio Rodriguez de Mendoza National University in Peru. “If we continue our research, there are many species still waiting to be discovered,” he said.
