A frog has been found in Peru that carries its eggs in a "pouch" on its back

It is about a miniature frog found in mountainous areas.

Details

The new species has been named Gastrotheca mittaliiti and lives in the Peruvian part of the Amazon.

The frog is only 2.7-3.3 centimetres in size, has bright green colouring and small protrusions on its back.

The main feature is the presence of a special sac in which the female carries her eggs.

Unlike most frogs, which need water to reproduce, this species protects the offspring directly on the body.

This increases the chances of survival, as the eggs do not depend on the external environment.

Scientists note that the species' numbers are still unknown.

Why it matters

The discovery emphasises how little biodiversity in tropical regions has been studied.

Researchers note:

• there remain many unknown species in nature
• unique reproductive mechanisms require further study
• new species may be vulnerable to environmental changes

That said, the frog's habitat is already under threat.

Background

Some species of so-called "marsupial frogs" do carry offspring in skin folds on their bodies.

However, such mechanisms are rare and are considered an evolutionary adaptation.

Source

The study is based on the description of a new amphibian species found in the Amazon region of Peru. The frog carries its eggs in a skin sac on its back. Material published in Zootaxa (2026).