New salamanders discovered in Costa Rica - January 04, 2008
Researchers probing a virtually unexplored forest on the Costa Rica-Panama border have discovered three new species of salamander.
Led by Alex Monro, a biodiversity expert at the Natural History Museum in London, the three expeditions to the La Amistad National Park recorded 5,300 plants, insects and amphibians.
“Finding so many new species in one area is exciting. Particularly as this is probably the only place in the world you can find these animals,” says Monro (press release).
Two of the Salamanders are from the Bolitoglossa genus. The Times says they were so slow-moving it was amazing they were able to find mates and too feed. However a tongue that can shoot out, catch an insect and be back in their mouths in seven milliseconds helps with the latter.
The other species is a type of dwarf salamander, measuring only 3cm in length according to the Natural History Museum. Which makes the thumb in this picture huge...
At present the species are unnamed.
Image top: dwarf salamander / A Monro
Image bottom: bolitoglossa species 1 salamander / A Monro
Comments
It is amazing how scientist still discover new species. Costa Rica is a great place to enjoy nature.
www.costaricaonlinemap.com
Posted by: carolina | October 17, 2009 11:30 PM