Researchers have discovered a new species of tiny, nocturnal green tree frog living in the coffee plantations of Costa Rica [1, 2].
The discovery highlights the hidden biodiversity within agricultural landscapes and warns of the immediate threats posed by chemical farming practices to endemic wildlife [3, 5].
The species, named *Isthmohyla nacientes* and also known as the "spring frog," was identified in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica [3, 4]. Specifically, the frogs were found in San Lorenzo de Tarrazú within the Los Santos province [3, 4].
A research team led by Wagner Chaves-Acuña, from the National Council of Scientific and Technical Research of Argentina and the University of Costa Rica, documented the amphibian [1, 2]. The frog is characterized by its greenish hue and small size, measuring less than four centimeters in length [5].
"This is a new species of tree frog (…), endemic to Costa Rica," Chaves-Acuña said [2].
While the discovery adds to the known fauna of the region, scientists expressed concern regarding the frog's survival. The species resides in areas where coffee is grown, making it vulnerable to the agro-chemical pesticides used by farmers [3, 5]. These chemicals can contaminate the environment and harm the sensitive skin of amphibians, a common trait among tree frogs.
The identification of *Isthmohyla nacientes* came after reports surfaced earlier this summer and in July [3, 4]. The team worked to document the species to ensure its existence was recorded before environmental pressures could lead to its decline [3, 5].
“"This is a new species of tree frog (…), endemic to Costa Rica,"”
The discovery of Isthmohyla nacientes underscores the ecological complexity of 'working landscapes' like coffee plantations, which can support endemic species despite human intervention. However, the frog's reliance on these specific habitats creates a precarious dependency; the same agricultural activity that provides its home also introduces chemical risks that could lead to rapid population decline.
