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Newly Discovered Flea Toad Becomes Second Smallest Vertebrate

The tiny Brachycephalus dacnis, found in Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest, measures just 6.95 mm, highlighting the diversity of miniature amphibians.

  • Brachycephalus dacnis is the seventh species of flea toad discovered, characterized by its miniature size and cryptic nature.
  • Researchers identified the new species by its unique vocalizations, despite its morphological similarity to B. hermogenesi.
  • The discovery underscores potential undiscovered diversity among miniature frogs, emphasizing the need for detailed species descriptions.
  • Flea toads, including B. dacnis, are known for their evolutionary miniaturization, involving anatomical reductions and loss of certain structures.
  • The species was named in honor of Project Dacnis, an NGO dedicated to conservation efforts in the Atlantic Rainforest.
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