Prelims – General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change.
Mains – GS III | Conservation.
Why in News?
Researchers discovered a rare amphibian, once thought to be extinct has resurfaced in Chile, South America recently.
Alsodes vittatus is a rare small frog known is endemic to Chile, America.
First described by -The German-born naturalist Rudolph Amandus Philippi in 1902(based on specimens collected in 1893).
Habitat –Limited, in isolated mountain streams of Chile.
Appearance -Adult males ranged from light brown with yellow and green hues to olive brown, while some juveniles showed darker brown colors.
Distinctive feature -A yellowish stripe running the length of its back.
In some individuals, this stripe was prominent, while in others, it was completely absent.
The Alsodes vittatus populations were found to be genetically close to Alsodes neuquensis, a species previously known only from Argentina.
Conservation Status -Despite significant threats to the species, researchers have suggested reevaluating the frog's conservation category from Critically Endangered to Endangered.
Threats -Deforestation, the expansion of livestock grazing, invasive species like introduced trout (which may prey on tadpoles), and the looming dangers of climate change.
