Scientists have announced the discovery of 20 new species in the Andes in Bolivia, as well as the rediscovery of many species of flora and fauna that seemed to have been extinct for decades.
Located near the Bolivian capital La Paz, the Zongo Valley is known as the “heart” of the region. The high, steep and rugged mountains are well-preserved and thriving habitats with lush biodiversity.
In these cloud forests, researchers have discovered new species of snakes and frogs, as well as orchids and butterflies.
The finds were made during a 14-day expedition in March 2017 by the non-profit environmental protection organization Conservation International.
“We didn’t expect to find many new species and rediscover those that were once thought to be extinct,” said Trond Larsen, who led the research team.
Bolivian flag snake
A Bolivian flag snake.
This poisonous king mountain cobra has large fangs and heat sensor holes on its head to help detect prey.
The name of this snake is derived from the bright colors of its body: red, yellow and green, similar to the flag of Boliavia. They were found in dense vegetation in the highest part of the mountain that the team studied.
Lilliputian frog
The Lilliputian frog is one of the smallest amphibians in the world.
Larsen’s team has also found some of the smallest amphibians in the world: the Lilliputian frog. This animal has a very small length, only about 1 cm. With a camouflage brown color and a tendency to hide in thick layers of moss and dirt, they go virtually undetected.
“We saw them in the forest, but as soon as you get close to them they will shut up, so it’s difficult to locate them,” Larsen said.
Devil Eyes Frog
Devil-eyed frog species rediscovered in Boliavia.
Along with identifying the new species, the team rediscovered four species considered extinct, including the “demon-eyed frog,” which is black with dark red eyes.
They were last seen 20 years ago, before a hydroelectric dam was built in a natural habitat. After many attempts to find the species, it was thought that this species no longer existed.
“We didn’t expect to find it and when we found it it was an extremely interesting thing,” said Larsen.
Satyr butterflies, last seen 98 years ago, have also been rediscovered in the woods of Zongo Valley, when they are trapped by a team.
