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Scientists have discovered a new frog in Panama in el Valle de Anton. The news of a new species of frog in Panama comes on the heels of news that a deadly, amphibian-killing fungus has been found on the East side of the Panama Canal. The discovery is so new that scientists have not yet picked a name for the new species of frog. The finding of a surviving frog species when other species of frog are dying is attributed to conservation efforts in el Valle de Anton.

The previously unknown Panama frog species is eight inches long as an adult and lives in trees. The new frog species was discovered during a nature survey in el Valle de Anton. The survey is being carried out by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute which is headquartered in Panama and well as the Amphibian Center at El Valle de Anton, the University of Miami, the Atlanta Zoo, and Utah State University.

Once the new Panama tree frog was recognized scientists looked for other elsewhere and it seems as though the new species only lives in a small area in El Valle de Anton. Scientists speculate that this is an endangered species by virtue of the fact that its range is so small.

For those with an abiding technical interest in frogs the finding of a new species of frog in Panama will be published in the December 2008 Journal of Herpetology.

New Frogs, the Panama Environment, and Eco Tourism in Panama

Panama is a world class destination for eco tourism. El Valle de Anton as well as areas around Volcan attracts nature lovers from across the globe. Panama has many national parks and other areas where nature is preserved. Many visitors are surprised at the close proximity of a first world city such as Panama City and untouched rain forest in the old Panama Canal Zone or the Darien. Panama’s central highlands with their relief from costal heat and humidity offer large areas of untouched natural beauty.

Panama is hoping to see 1.4 million tourists by the end of 2008. Many who come to Panama will go beyond Panama City and Colon to explore Panama’s natural environment. Many living the ethic of taking only photos and leaving only footprints will find tropical rain forest and highlands in their undisturbed, natural state.

Considering the competing needs facing the government of Panama they seem to be making a good faith effort to preserve nature. Part of this is enlightened self interest. Untouched nature attracts eco tourism with means income for Panama. Preservation of nature, especially in the comarcas, helps preserve ways of life for the indigenous peoples of Panama. Preservation of nature in and of its own right preserves the natural history of our planet.

Eco tourism for the sake of seeing nature is worthwhile and eco tourism that brings an appreciation of unspoiled nature back to the outside community helps in the politics of preservation. Hopefully the finding of a new frog species in Panama will call attention to Panama’s areas of unspoiled natural environment. In turn the attraction of eco tourism will serve to pay the bill for further preservation of Panama’s natural environment.