60 Possibly New Species Discovered in the Forests of Suriname

Researchers have discovered 60 new species, including three frogs, one snake and 11 fishes in the remote forests of Suriname.

The expedition to the inaccessible lands of Suriname was led by researchers from The Conservation International team. One of the new frog species is a chocolate-colored frog called the "cocoa frog". The experts were pleasantly surprised to find this tree-dwelling amphibian as many species around the world are rapidly going extinct.

Another interesting species described by the researchers is the lilliputian beetle. This tiny tuby-red beetle might be the second-smallest dung beetle found in South America.

Suriname contains 25 percent of the world's rainforests. Population of the country is a little over 500,000 and it has maintained about 95 percent of its forest cover, making it one of the greenest countries in the world.

For the study, conservationists spent three weeks exploring eastern Suriname. Reaching the remote site in itself was a big challenge. The scientists had to first travel by a plane, then on a helicopter and then by a boat. About 30 native people helped them travel through the forest and set-up camp, The Guardian reported.  

"I have conducted expeditions all over the world, but never have I seen such beautiful, pristine forests so untouched by humans. Southern Suriname is one of the last places on earth where there is a large expanse of pristine tropical forest. The high number of new species discovered is evidence of the amazing biodiversity of these forests that we have only just begun to uncover," said Dr. Leeanne Alonso, expedition leader, ant expert, and former CI scientist, according to a news release.

Dr. Trond Larsen, from CI who worked on the recent Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) has written an amazing blog about his experiences in the remote forests of Suriname. Read it here.

The survey report can be found here.