Researchers have announced the discovery of a new species of poisonous frog in the Amazon region of Peru. The amphibian, named Ranitomeya hwata, stands out for its tiny size — about 15 millimeters long — and its striking, colorful appearance.
According to the National Service of Protected Natural Areas (Sernanp), this is one of the smallest species ever recorded within the Ranitomeya genus, known for both its vibrant colors and its unique reproductive behavior. Males, for instance, usually attract several females to the same breeding site.
These tiny frogs live exclusively in areas of Guadua bamboo forests. They reproduce inside the hollow stems of the plants, where rainwater collects and provides a suitable environment for their eggs.
The species was found in the Alto Purús National Park, a region stretching between Ucayali and Madre de Dios, near the border with Brazil.
For Sernanp, the discovery highlights the importance of conservation areas:
“This finding shows the fundamental role of protected areas as sanctuaries of biodiversity and unique Amazonian species.”
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