New species of frog discovered with nose like tapir, skin like chocolate

Scientists have discovered a new species of burrowing frog with a very impressive appearance in the wet peatlands of the Amazon rainforest.

As described in the journal Evolution Systematics on February 16, the new species, named the tap frog (Synapturanus danta) , is only 1.79 centimeters long, and is characterized by a long, pointed and curved nose resembling a South American tapir. They have brownish-red skin like chocolate, except that the belly and chest are cream-yellow.

New species of frog discovered in the Amazon forest. (Photo: Germán Chávez)

The shape, size and color suggest that Synapturanus data seems to have adapted to the soft, moist peatland environment of the Amazon rainforest. The team was only able to find the creature by monitoring its distinctive calls.

"This amphibian looks like a caricature of a tapir, because it has a chubby body with a tiny head. This is an example of the hidden diversity of the Amazon. It's important. We have to document it to understand the ecosystem's function," said researcher Michelle Thompson at the Keller Center for Science Action at the Field Museum in Chicago, one of the study's authors.

South American tapir. (Photo: Vladmir Wrangel)

According to co-author Germán Chávez at the Peruvian Institute of Reptiles and Amphibians, the burrowing frogs of the genus Synapturanus live mainly underground and cannot travel far by burrowing, so have a relatively small distribution range. Proboscis frogs are only found in the Amazon peatlands, so it is not unusual for them to be restricted to this environment.

With their burrowing habits, most Synapturanus frogs contribute to nutrient cycling and soil structure change. "They're part of the subterranean ecosystem. They move down there, eat and lay their eggs there, so it's important to the peatland environment ," Thompson said.

In the next stage, the team wants to determine if tap frogs are indeed restricted to peatlands. "If true, their presence could be taken as a sign of a healthy peatland ," adds Chávez.