Scientists uncover a tiny, pouch-carrying frog in Peru's remote Amazon

A new species of marsupial frog, named Gastrotheca mittaliti, has been discovered in the Peruvian Amazon. Scientists from Peru, the US, and Spain worked together to identify the tiny, brightly coloured amphibian in a remote mountainous area. The findings were recently published in the journal Zootaxa. The frog stands out for its vivid green colour and small, bumpy protrusions along its back. Measuring just 2.7 to 3.3 centimetres long, it carries its eggs and tadpoles in a specialised dorsal pouch. This unique feature allows the species to reproduce without relying on water, unlike most frogs.

The discovery took place in the Amazonas region of Peru, part of a broader effort that identified around 85 new amphibian species between 2021 and 2025. Researchers from Florida International University and the University of Seville collaborated with Peruvian experts on the project. Their studies appeared in journals such as *Zootaxa* and *Herpetozoa*. Despite its recent discovery, *Gastrotheca mittaliti* is already classified as critically endangered. Climate change and increasing wildfires threaten its survival in the fragile mountain ecosystem. The exact number of individuals left in the wild remains unknown.

The identification of Gastrotheca mittaliti adds to the growing list of unique amphibians found in the Peruvian Amazon. Its unusual reproductive method and small size make it a notable find. However, urgent conservation efforts may be needed to protect the species from extinction.