Though the find of 24 new species in the South American highlands of Suriname is a good news for researchers, it is at the same time disappointing for them to know that there may be several still-undiscovered species that are going extinct by our misdeeds, as that of the newly-discovered purple fluorescent frog.
Illegal gold mining by man is threatening this new found species, according to conservationists.
Thus, this discovery of so many extraordinary species outside the insect realm is not just revealing the need to survey distant regions, but also, if and from what they are endangered.
Leading the expedition that found the new species, Leeanne Alonso of Conservation International said,
When you go to these places that are so unexplored and so remote, we do tend to find new species … but most of them are insects.
What’s really exciting here is we found a lot of new species of frogs and fish as well.
Though, far from human civilization, the region is totally unprotected and may be threatened not just by illegal gold mining being practiced here, but also the highland areas’ resources of bauxite — used to make aluminum.
But, researchers are made to rest assure at least by the two mining companies that — sponsored the study — most likely, will not mine in the region in the future.
But, threats from other companies spotting this resource-rich lucrative region are no less. So, attempts to protect the species from extinction are of great importance.
Image Credit