**Discovery of a new species of the African frog Pyxicephalus beytelli**
An exceptional discovery was recently made in the remote regions of northeast Namibia, southern Angola, southwest Zambia and northwest Botswana: a new species of African frog has been identified , the Pyxicephalus beytelli. This frog, the largest ever recorded in more than 100 years, can reach up to 210 millimeters long and weigh up to 1 kilogram.
Professor Louis du Preez, from North West University in South Africa, and his team of researchers played a crucial role in this discovery. This new species was named in tribute to the late Ben Beytell, Director of Parks and Wildlife in Namibia, who contributed greatly to the establishment of Khaudum National Park in Namibia, where the species was first observed.
Distinctive features of Pyxicephalus beytelli include its bright yellow and lime green color, blue spots, a white spinal line along its back, and prominent teeth and bony growths on its lower jaw.
Researchers are excited to learn more about this frog’s feeding habits, including its varied diet that includes mice, small birds, snakes, insects and even other amphibians.
Du Preez emphasizes the importance of discovering new species for their protection. Indeed, frogs, which evolved around 350 million years ago, are today among the most endangered vertebrate animals in the world due to the destruction of their natural habitat.
Research around this new African frog species is only just beginning, promising exciting new discoveries for science and biodiversity conservation.
This discovery once again highlights the importance of preserving natural habitats to protect the wealth of wildlife found there. The biological diversity of our planet remains a treasure to be preserved for future generations.
Learning more about this fascinating African frog species and the conservation efforts dedicated to it is essential to ensuring its survival and that of so many other species threatened by human activities.
Let’s highlight the beauty and importance of the nature around us, and commit to protecting it for a sustainable and harmonious future.
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