A coalition of conservation groups working on the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation (PARC) Project— a venture aimed to rescue amphibian species that are in extreme danger of extinction throughout Panama, establish assurance colonies, and develop ways to combat the spread of chytrid fungus—has announced the discovery of three potential new frog species in Panama.

The discovery includes two frogs from genus Pristimantis, one with a “red tomato” colored stomach and another that is quite larger than other related species. An additional frog is believed to be a new species of the genus Craugastor, also known as robber frog.

Jamie Rappaport Clark, executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife, released the following statement regarding the findings:

"The discovery of these new frog species in Panama shows us exactly what's at stake. Without dedicated efforts like the PARC Project, we could lose these beautiful creatures before we even know they exist. A confluence of factors including habitat loss, climate change and especially the chytrid fungus is wiping out amphibian species at an alarming rate. Our immediate goal has to be to rescue as many of them as possible before it's too late. But we must also address the long-term threats to their survival around the world and protect this unparalleled reservoir of biodiversity."

The PARC Project is a collaboration between many conservation organizations including Africam Safari, Autoridad Nacional del Ambiente, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Defenders of Wildlife, El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center, Houston Zoo, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Summit Municipal Park, and Zoo New England.

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Photo Credit: Brian Gratwicke / Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute