Rare species of frog with translucent skin spotted in Bolivia for the 1st time in 18 years

Researchers in Bolivia were ecstatic when they stumbled upon a rare type of frog last seen nearly two decades ago.

Earlier this month, scientists went to the Carrasco National Park in order to rescue amphibians and reptiles whose habitat is threatened by a hydroelectric project, BBC News reports. While on their expedition, they discovered three rare Bolivian Cochran frogs, a species that hasn't been spotted in 18 years.

These "glass frogs" have translucent skin that reveals their internal organs, and are tiny, weighing only 70 to 80 grams and measuring 19 to 22 millimeters. They are found in Central and South America. "The rediscovery of this species fills us with a ray of hope [not only] for the future of the glass frogs, one of the most charismatic amphibians in the world, but also for other species," researchers told AFP. The frogs are now living in an amphibian conservation center, where scientists are optimistic they will soon start breeding.

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