Research scientists have uncovered hidden diversity within a type of frog found only in the Seychelles, showing that those on each island have their own distinct lineage. The family tree of sooglossid frogs dates back at least 63 million years. They are living ancestors of those frogs that survived the meteor strike on earth approximately 66 million years ago, making them a highly evolutionarily distinct group. Leer más.
Scotland supports six species of native amphibian and four native reptile species. These charismatic species form a valuable part of Scotland’s biodiversity and form an important role in effective ecosystem functioning. Most are secretive and often go unnoticed, but are appreciated in the many and diverse habitats where they occur. Common frogs and common toads are perhaps the most well recorded species, being obvious in parks and gardens during spring breeding and migration. Leer más.
Muchos otros microorganismos están presentes, y buena parte de ellos han hecho de la piel de rana su hogar. Unos investigadores del Instituto Smithsonian de Investigaciones Tropicales (STRI) e INDICASAT AIP, en Panamá, han llegado a la conclusión de que algunos de estos residentes invisibles de la piel anfibia podrían estarle haciendo un favor a sus anfitriones, al producir metabolitos que inhiben el crecimiento de hongos y otras bacterias. Leer más.
Local myths about the use of their body parts, as well as an international poaching network feeding ‘traditional’ Chinese practices, have put Indian softshell turtles in peril. These softshell turtles, which get their name due to lack of scales on their outer shell or carapaces, are found in lakes and ponds as well as in the river systems of the Indus and Ganga drainages across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. They are nature’s little helpers in keeping the rivers and waterbodies clean, breaking down rotting organic matter in lakes, ponds and rivers including dead bodies of humans and animals. Unfortunately, a brisk trade in their body parts means they are disappearing from the ecosystems where they were once familiar. Leer más.
