NEW SPECIES DISCOVERY
Litoria insularis
WHAT IS IT?
Litoria insularis is a new species of frog described by two scientists from Australia. It’s part of the L. thesaurensis species group but detailed morphological and genetic analysis proved it to be an undescribed species.
WHERE IS IT?
It is known only from the Nakanai Mountains in New Britain, an island in Papua New Guinea. Found in only the single locality, it is described from just a couple of male specimens collected in 2009. As so little is known about this species the scientists recommend that it is listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.
WHAT IS THE MEANING BEHIND THE SCIENTIFIC NAME?
The specific epithet of ‘insularis’ refers to the species’ limited distribution to both the island of New Britain and possibly to the Nakanai Mountains.