Rare Frog Rediscovered After 130 Years—Scientists Confirm Survival of Lost Species in Chile

For more than 130 years, the Alsodes vittatus frog was believed to be lost to history, a ghost species known only from a handful of specimens collected in 1893. Now, in a stunning rediscovery, Chilean researchers have confirmed that this elusive amphibian still exists, providing the first-ever biological and ecological data on a species once feared extinct. This remarkable find not only reshapes our understanding of South American biodiversity but also underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this rare species and its fragile Andean river ecosystem.

The story of Alsodes vittatus began in 1902, when the German-Chilean naturalist Rodulfo Amando Philippi first described the species based on specimens collected in 1893 by Philibert Germain in Hacienda San Ignacio de Pemehue, Chile. For over a century, no new sightings were recorded, leading scientists to assume the species had succumbed to habitat destruction, climate change, or environmental shifts. However, a research team from the University of Concepción’s SyCoH laboratory took on the challenge of finding this lost amphibian, embarking on an expedition that would ultimately rewrite history.

Retracing Germain’s original expedition route was no simple task. With only vague historical descriptions to guide them, the researchers combed through rugged Andean landscapes, searching for signs of the elusive frog. After multiple failed expeditions, their perseverance finally paid off when they discovered three populations of Alsodes vittatus in the Andean foothills of La Araucanía Region, Chile. The rediscovery, detailed in the journal ZooKeys, marks a major milestone in South American herpetology, proving that even species lost for over a century can still survive in remote and unexplored habitats.

One of the biggest challenges in identifying Alsodes vittatus was the lack of clear distinguishing features in historical records. Many species in the Alsodes genus share similar physical characteristics, making accurate identification difficult. Further complicating matters, the original locality description was imprecise, forcing researchers to painstakingly reconstruct historical routes to identify possible habitats. However, the breakthrough came when they identified specimens with a vertebral line, a trait that turned out to be intrapopulationally polymorphic, meaning that while some individuals exhibited this feature, others did not. This confirmed that they had, at long last, found Alsodes vittatus.

Now that the species has been rediscovered, scientists can finally study its biology, behavior, and ecology for the first time. However, the excitement of this find is tempered by serious conservation concerns. Given the limited number of observed populations, Alsodes vittatus may already be critically endangered. Amphibians worldwide are facing drastic population declines due to habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and deadly fungal infections like chytridiomycosis. The fragile Andean river ecosystems where Alsodes vittatus was found are particularly vulnerable, threatened by deforestation, human encroachment, and water pollution. Without immediate conservation measures, this species could once again be pushed to the brink of extinction.

The rediscovery of Alsodes vittatus highlights the importance of sustained conservation efforts and continued field research. Protecting these ecosystems is crucial not just for this frog but also for the many other undiscovered or poorly studied species that may be at risk. This case also serves as a reminder that biodiversity loss is not always irreversible—species thought to be extinct may still survive in hidden corners of the world, waiting to be rediscovered.

This success story reinforces the need for environmental protections, public awareness, and proactive conservation strategies. If a species lost for over a century can be found again, it raises hope that other “lost” species—perhaps even those considered extinct—may still persist in remote habitats, offering another chance to preserve the rich and diverse web of life on our planet.