
“Given that all these other expeditions failed we did not think that we would and when we did discover it, it was quite an epiphany, incredibly exciting,” says Larsen. After numerous attempts to find the frog it was assumed the species no longer existed. It was last sighted 20 years ago, before a hydroelectric dam was built in its habitat. A newly discovered bamboo has been regularly used by indigenous people for construction materials and to make wind musical instruments.Īs well as identifying new species, the team rediscovered four species thought to be extinct, including the mesmeric “devil-eyed frog,” which is black in color with deep red eyes. The newly found Adder’s mouth orchid has parts that cleverly mimic insects, tricking them into transferring pollen.Īlthough the discoveries are new to science, they are familiar to local indigenous communities. Zongo’s valley flourishes with orchid flowers varying in size, shape and color. Courtesy of Conservation International / Trond Larsen The surprising find began Wednesday night when a family in. The Lilliputian frog is just 10 millimeters long. 1:33 An Illinois family made an unusual home discovery when they found an endangered ring-tailed lemur inside their garage. Previously unknown to science, since the expedition the viper has been found elsewhere in the Andes says Larsen. The extremely venomous mountain fer-de-lance viper has large fangs and heat-sensing pits on its head to help detect prey. “We didn’t expect to find so many new species and to rediscover species that had been thought to be extinct.” Everything is covered in thick layers of moss, orchids and ferns,” Larsen tells CNN. “ the noises you hear are from nature – all sorts of insects, frogs and birds calling, wonderful rushing sounds and cascades of waterfalls. The findings, revealed in research published today, were made on a 14-day expedition in March 2017, co-led by Trond Larsen of the non-profit environmental group Conservation International. But most recent estimates lie somewhere in the range of around 5 to 10 million.

It was among the cloud forests that researchers discovered the “mountain fer-de-lance” viper, “Bolivian flag snake” and “lilliputian frog,” as well as glorious orchids and butterfly species. The fact that there are so many species that weve yet to discover has.

High up steep, rugged mountains are an array of well-preserved habitats, which are thriving with lush biodiversity.

Located near the Bolivian capital of La Paz, Zongo Valley is known as the “heart” of the region. Scientists have announced the discovery of 20 new species in the Bolivian Andes, as well as sightings of plants and animals not seen for decades.
