A Toad the Size of a Pencil Tip Was Found in Brazil (6 photos)

Biologists have discovered a charming "pumpkin" toad, previously unknown to science, in the Brazilian rainforest. This amphibian has a bright orange body with green and brown spots, graceful legs, and black eyes. It's truly tiny—about half a centimeter long!





A cute toad has been discovered in the dense thickets of the Serra do Quiriri mountain range in southern Brazil. Scientists believe it is a new species of brachycephalian toad.

The amphibian was named Brachycephalus lulai in honor of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Males of this species reach 8.9–11.3 millimeters in length, while females are typically larger, at 11.7–13.4 millimeters.



The specimen was discovered thanks to its unique mating call, unlike other brachycephalians. Brachycephalus lulai is distinguished by its bright coloration and genetic and anatomical features that distinguish it from related species in the area. Researchers used DNA analysis and CT scanning to confirm its uniqueness.





"We discovered and described a population on the eastern slope of the Serra do Quiriri as a new species. This was based on several characteristic features," the researchers say.

For several years, they studied the Atlantic Forest region, searching for and describing species of frogs in the genus Brachycephalus.

Brachycephalians are microendemics, found only in limited areas and at risk of extinction.



B. lulai's range covers only a few square kilometers of high-altitude Atlantic coastal forests.

In a paper in PLOS One, where the species is described in detail, scientists note that it is currently classified as "least concern." This means it is not currently in danger of extinction.



"There are no signs of population decline and no obvious threats," experts say. "Nevertheless, ongoing monitoring is necessary." We aim to stimulate conservation initiatives targeting the Atlantic Forest in general and the highly endemic miniature toads in particular."