Brachycephalus quiririensisvive-New Species of Toad Found in Southern Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO – Brazilian researchers have found a new species of toad that is a little more than 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) long and appears to be in danger of extinction. The species, named Brachycephalus quiririensisvive, was discovered by researchers from Parana Federal University, or UFPR, in the Serra do Quiriri highlands of the southern state of Santa Catarina, according to the Grupo Boticario Foundation for the Protection of Nature, which sponsored the study. The newly identified species is greenish-brown with a broad, orange stripe on its back that distinguishes it from related species. “We still have not confirmed it, but we believe that its striking coloration is to indicate to predators that the toad is poisonous, to protect itself,” UFPR scientist Marcio Pie said. The species was described in an article published in this week’s edition of the scientific journal PeerJ. Brachycephalus quiririensisvive is found only in the Serra do Quiriri, characterized by a cold and humid environment.