Scientists discovered a new and strange frog species smaller than a fingernail rainforest in the northeast Brazilshines more light on the rich diversity Life forms in the region

When the species becomes an adult, its length reaches less than 1 cm and is referred to by this name. Brachycephalus dacnis later protection NGO Project Dacnis is behind the discovery.

Researchers studying similar small-sized “fleas” frogsHe found that this species, one of the smallest known vertebrates, was of particular interest due to its diminutive size. animals.

“Although it is among the smallest frogs worldwide (the second smallest amphibian species), it exhibits skeletal features typical of larger frogs,” the scientists wrote.

“During its evolution, it went through a process that we biologists call miniaturization, which means the loss, shrinkage and/or fusion of bones, as well as a smaller number of fingers and the absence of other parts of the anatomy,” said Luís Felipe Toledo. study published in the journal PeerJ.

The species is very similar in appearance to another species in the area. B hermogenesis – It has the same yellowish-brown skin, lives in leaf litter, and hatches from its eggs as tiny frogs, not tadpoles.

However, they became aware of the existence of this new species through its different calls.

DNA analysis later confirmed that: B dacnis It was truly a new genre.

“In this study, we describe a new species. brachycephalyone of the smallest known vertebrates,” the scientists wrote.

There may have been examples of the new species among those that formed the basis for the explanation. B hermogenesis In 1998,” Dr Toledo said.

In the description of the new species, scientists included its skeleton, internal organs, molecular data, as well as vocalization details.

Since most species are cryptic and cannot be distinguished by external anatomy alone, these details are necessary to distinguish them more precisely from others.

“Our description highlights how discoveries in the diverse fauna of the Atlantic Forest, a rich biodiversity hotspot, can shed light on vertebrate body size,” the researchers said.

“The diversity of these miniature frogs may be much greater than we thought. Therefore, it is important to identify as many traits and characteristics as possible to speed up the identification process and start working on conservation as quickly as possible,” said Dr. toledo