RESEARCHERS in Zimbabwe say they have found a rare frog that hasn’t been seen in decades.
The Artholeptis troglodytes, also known as the “cave squeaker”, was discovered in 1962, but there were no reported sightings of the elusive amphibian after that and it was tagged as possibly extinct.
Robert Hopkins, a researcher at the natural history museum in Bulawayo city, said four specimens had been found in Chimanimani, a mountainous area in the east.
The team found the first male specimen on December 3 after following an animal call that they had not heard before, Hopkins said. They then discovered another two males and a female. Hopkins said he had been looking for the cave squeaker for eight years.
"I was not with my team when they were found," Hopkins said. "I was at the base. I can no longer climb the mountains as I am 75."
Researchers plan to breed more frogs with the ones taken from their habitat and then reintroduce them to the mountain summit. The frog is tiny and light brown with dark spots.
Now authorities fear for the security of the frogs, especially as huge interest from "the scientific world" could result in the animal being captured and illegally exported. Hopkins said 16 specimens are on display at various museums, including the British Museum.
"We are expecting an influx of scientists looking for it," said Caroline Washaya-Moyo, spokeswoman for the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. "We will do everything in our power to protect and conserve the frog."
She said a park management plan will be devised to protect the cave squeaker.
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