Researchers have identified a new species of rocket frog from a single specimen collected in 1963, which is now considered probably extinct. The study, published in the journal Zootaxa, highlights the significance of biodiversity loss in urban areas like Curitiba, Brazil, where the frog once thrived.
The species, named Dryadobates erythropus, was described by a team from the University of São Paulo and the Smithsonian Institution. The only known specimen, measuring approximately 14 millimeters, is housed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. It was collected by prominent herpetologist Doris M. Cochran during her visit to Brazil, alongside entomologist Doris H. Blake.
Despite its recent classification, D. erythropus is likely extinct in the wild. Extensive surveys in the states of São Paulo and Paraná over the past six decades have yielded no further specimens. Taran Grant, a professor at USP and the study’s lead author, explained, “The habitat of D. erythropus has been destroyed, and no other specimen has been collected, making it most likely extinct.”
The genus name Dryadobates originates from Greek mythology, while the species name reflects the reddish soil of northern Paraná, where rural workers were often referred to as “red foot.” This new identification adds to the growing list of species within the genus, which includes at least 13 recognized species, of which four are already extinct.
Historical Context and Research Methodology
To pinpoint the location where the frog was captured, Grant examined Cochran’s travel diary, which provided valuable context. The diary indicated that the frogs were collected in a large field in the Tarumã neighborhood, a site now heavily urbanized. This area, once rich in biodiversity, has undergone significant transformation since the 1960s, leaving little trace of its former ecological significance.
The distance from the nearest known relative, D. olfersioides, located about 550 kilometers south in Angra dos Reis, also suggests that there may have been additional, unidentified populations of the genus in between these locations.
Grant attempted to extract historical DNA from the original specimen to further understand its genetics, but the effort proved unsuccessful. “We were unable to find sufficient genetic material, only contamination from human DNA and bacteria,” he noted. The specimen’s condition suggested it likely died before being preserved, hindering any genetic analysis.
Despite the lack of DNA evidence, researchers identified morphological features that distinguish D. erythropus from its relatives. This underscores the importance of thorough sampling and preservation of natural habitats to prevent future extinctions.
Legacy of Pioneering Women in Science
The study also serves as a tribute to the contributions of women scientists like Cochran and Blake, who played vital roles in herpetology and entomology. Grant stated, “If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t know that we once had this species.” Their work highlights the need for ongoing research and conservation efforts to protect vulnerable ecosystems.
As the global community continues to confront biodiversity loss, the identification of Dryadobates erythropus exemplifies the challenges faced in preserving the planet’s natural heritage. The research emphasizes the critical need for conservation strategies to safeguard remaining frog populations and their habitats from further decline.
For more information, refer to Grant et al.’s study, “A recently extinct new species of Dryadobates from South Brazil,” published in Zootaxa in 2025.
