New frog species discovered in the middle of New York City
It may seem like an unlikely place to find a new species, but scientists have identified a frog not previously described by science in the very heart of the most populous city in the United States-- New York City. Though similar to the leopard frog in appearance, the new species has a discrete croak and a distinct genetic makeup, reports Discovery.
"The discovery of a new frog species from the urban Northeast is truly remarkable and completes a journey that began six years ago with a simple frog call in the wilds of New York City," told researcher Jeremy Feinberg from Rutgers University.
Feinberg, who is an expert in frog calls, first caught wind of the new species while wandering New York City. "What the heck is that?", he recalled asking himself six years ago when he first heard the short, repetitive croak. The local leopard frog usually sounds more like a long snore or throaty laugh.
Feinberg's research team managed to trace the call to what appeared to be a leopard frog, a beautiful species characterized by its leopard-print spots. But DNA analysis later revealed what the frog's croak had hinted at: this was no typical leopard frog. Rather, it was a related, though very distinct species.
Read more: http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/new-frog-species-discovered-in-the-middle-of-new-york-city#ixzz3HaBm99NR
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