‘Bright'-eyed creature with a ‘whirring' call found in Australia. It's a new species
In a small patch of rainforest in northern Australia, a 'bright'-eyed creature perched on a bush and called out. Its 'whirring' sounds were meant to attract potential mates — but hooked nearby scientists instead.
Although it wasn't clear right away, the calling animal turned out to be a new species.
A team of researchers set out to study a supposedly widespread species of tree frog known as Litoria revelata. For years, these frogs had been a puzzle for scientists because they lived in three isolated areas of Queensland yet looked relatively similar. Some scientists thought the frogs were all the same species, while others thought there were important differences between the populations.
Hoping to settle the debate, a team of researchers analyzed over 180 specimens of Litoria revelata from all three population areas, tested their DNA and compared recordings of their calls, according to a study published Feb. 10 in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa.
Patterns began to emerge. In each location, the tree frogs were subtly yet consistently distinct, the study said.
Researchers concluded they were looking at three distinct species: the true Litoria revelata, or southern whirring tree frog; the previously contested Litoria corbeni, or Atherton Tablelands whirring tree frog; and a new species Litoria eungellensis, or the Eungella whirring tree frog.
Eungella whirring tree frogs can reach about 1.5 inches in length, the study said. They have 'relatively large' eyes with 'bright copper-gold' color on top and a 'brown copper-gold' color on the bottom. Their fingers are 'long,' and their snouts are 'rounded.'
Photos show the new species, which varies from tan to creamy brown to 'bronze' but always has dark blotches on the undersides of its legs and a colorful groin.
Eungella whirring tree frogs live in upland rainforest at elevations of at least 2,800 feet, the study said. They are often found sitting on the ground near 'slow-flowing' creeks and streams or perched on 'farm dams.'
FrogID, a project led by the Australian Museum, includes a recording of the Eungella whirring tree frog's call. It sounds like a high-pitched warbling and can be heard here.
Researchers said they named the new species after the Eungella region of Queensland where it was discovered and the only place where it lives. Because of its 'extremely small' distribution, it is already 'in urgent need of conservation attention.'
The new species and other whirring tree frog species were identified by their DNA, subtle physical features and call sounds, the study said.
The research team included Luke Price, Conrad Hoskin, Michael Mahony and Stephen Donnellan.
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