Aye-aye frogs reappear in Burundi after 62 years

Two researchers David Blackburn and Eli Greenbaum from the University of Texas have discovered an individual Aye-aye frog (Cardioglossa cyaneospila) - the endemic, endangered frog of Burundi small African nation - in Burundi reserve. This frog has been transferred to the US for genetic analysis.

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Aye-aye frogs are about 3.8cm long, especially with very long toes and separated from each other like the hands of Aye-aye monkeys (Daubentonia madagascariensis) in Madagascar. This frog has not appeared for more than 60 years. Currently there are not many studies of this frog, even the interpretation of the meaning of its special long toe is not known.

Frog Aye-aye

Also on this trip, Blackburn and Greenbaum scientists also gathered a lot of data on amphibians that have never been recorded in Burundi. Greenbaum claims that the number of amphibians in Burundi could be twice as many people know.

Up to now, Burundi Conservation Area with an area of ​​3,300 hectares has recorded 25 species of mammals and 117 rare bird species.

The Republic of Burundi is one of the most populous countries in Africa and one of the poorest countries in the world. Regular civil war not only threatens the peace of the people but also affects the biodiversity of the country.