Meet Costa Rica's tiny coffee frog found living among coffee shrubs
Researchers have identified a new species of tiny frog in Costa Rica that lives among coffee shrubs and near waterways. The nocturnal amphibian, nicknamed the 'coffee frog,' is endemic to the region and relies on the local ecosystem for shelter and insect prey.
Why it matters
The discovery underscores the importance of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes and the need to balance farming practices with habitat conservation.
A tiny nocturnal frog has been discovered in Costa Rica’s coffee-growing region. Researcher Wagner Chaves-Acuña told AFP that the newly identified species lives among coffee plantations and nearby waterways, according to findings from colleagues at the University of Costa Rica and Argentina's National Council for Scientific and Technical Research. The frog, which measures less than 4 centimeters (1.6 inches), has been found in the central Pacific region of the country and is endemic to Costa Rica.A tiny frog with a distinctive appearanceThe small greenish amphibian has been observed in San Lorenzo de Tarrazú, an area known for its highland coffee production. Despite its nickname, the frog does not feed on coffee berries. Instead, it uses vegetation around the plantations for shelter and feeds on small insects. The species has been nicknamed the ‘coffee frog’ because it has been found living among coffee shrubs.
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