Entrix Latin America

Entrix Latin America works in the conservation and monitoring of biodiversity in areas of great ecological importance, such as the Cordillera del Cóndor in Ecuador. Thus, together with a team of scientists from the National Polytechnic School, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador and experts from the Ecuadorian Museum of Natural Sciences, Entrix Latin Americaconducted faunal assessments on the upper Machinaza River located between 1,200 and 2,200 m above sea level, on the mountainous forests of the western slopes of the Cordillera del Cóndor, located in the south-east of the country.

This extensive monitoring and sampling of Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) led to the discovery of several new species of amphibians, one of which corresponds to the genus Chiasmocleis— the sixth species of the genus in Ecuador. This type of fossorial species has terrestrial and arboreal habitats, with a wide distribution in tropical zones. The new species differs from similar ones by its brick-brown coloration, covered by tiny white-yellow spots, and by the male singing that attracts the females during mating season.

Specimens of this new species are currently housed in the Herpetology area of the Museum of Natural History of the National Polytechnic School, in the Museum of Zoology of the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, and the Ecuadorian Museum of Natural Sciences.

During the execution of our projects, Entrix Latin America contributes to the scientific development of Ecuador, providing support and advice with a team of qualified professionals with extensive experience working in high-biodiversity areas, such as the Cordillera del Cóndor.

Chiasmocleis parkeri specimen (adult male) Zamora Chinchipe Province. Photo: J. Brito.
Source: Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia (São Paulo) 57(10):119–136 · March 2017.

The complete published article of this discovery can be accessed here.