A frog species thought to be lost for over a century has been rediscovered in Chile. Alsodes vittatus, first identified in 1893, was recently located by a team of researchers from the University of Concepción and the University of Valparaíso. The discovery, which marks the first confirmed sighting of the frog since its original documentation, was announced in a blog post by the team on March 11, 2025. The team’s findings were also published in the peer-reviewed journal ZooKeys on March 6, 2025.
A Century of Absence
The Alsodes vittatus frog was first discovered by French entomologist Philibert Germain in the La Araucanía region of Chile, specifically at the former Hacienda San Ignacio de Pemehue. Germain collected three specimens and handed them over to Rodolfo Amando Philippi, a prominent paleontologist and zoologist, who formally described the species in 1902. However, after this initial sighting, the frog was not observed again, despite numerous efforts to locate it.
Elusive and Rare
Regarded as one of the rarest amphibians in Chile, Alsodes vittatus proved to be particularly elusive. Despite several expeditions over the years, researchers were unable to confirm any sightings. Between 1995 and 2002, multiple attempts were made to find the frog in the northwest Pemehue area, but to no avail. In 2015 and 2016, researchers Claudio Correa and Juan Pablo Donoso led another search, uncovering two populations of frogs. However, these specimens did not exhibit the distinctive white or yellow dorsal line that characterizes Alsodes vittatus.
Rediscovery: A ‘Treasure Hunt’
The breakthrough came after Correa and his team spent years combing through historical records, including Germain’s original papers, to refine the frog’s potential habitat. Their meticulous research led them to the Lolco and Portales river basins, as well as the Tupuyuntué River in La Araucanía. In 2023 and 2024, Correa, along with renewable natural resources engineer Edvin Riveros Riffo, confirmed the presence of two populations of Alsodes vittatus, marking the first time the species had been observed in over a century.
Why the Delay?
The difficulty in locating Alsodes vittatus is due in part to the rich biodiversity of the Southern Cone of Latin America, which spans Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. The region’s vast and varied ecosystems may have obscured the frog’s presence, despite its rarity.
The rediscovery of Alsodes vittatus underscores the importance of continued research and conservation efforts in preserving the rich wildlife of the Southern Cone. As scientists continue to study this elusive amphibian, the hope is to gain a deeper understanding of its habitat, behavior, and role in the local ecosystem.
The rediscovery of Alsodes vittatus after 130 years highlights the enduring mystery of nature and the ongoing efforts of scientists to uncover the hidden wonders of our planet.
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