A new species of frog identified in Africa’s Eastern Arc Mountains has been named after UNEP-WCMC’s Head of Science, Professor Neil Burgess. Professor Burgess has worked in the region for almost 20 years, describing its unique biodiversity and encouraging its conservation.

 
Hyperolius burgessi is a newly discovered species that has been named after UNEP-WCMC's Head of Science, Professor Neil Burgess. Photo copyright Michele Menegon

Hyperolius burgessi, the frog named after Professor Burgess, is one of three new species of spiny throated reed frogs discovered in the evergreen forests of Tanzania. Although similar in appearance, these three species live in fragmented populations on isolated mountaintops and genetic analysis confirmed a prediction that they are distinct species.

The Eastern Arc Mountains are home to at least 136 endemic vertebrate species, including 11 mammal, 23 bird, 42 reptile and 60 amphibian species. The forests on these mountains are thought to be up to 30 million years old and a long period of climate stability has led to a unique and important biological diversity. As a result, the area has been identified as a global priority area for conservation.

UNEP-WCMC is currently engaged in a project that is undertaking a valuation of the Eastern Arc Mountains ecosystem services which includes water, carbon, tourism, and non-timber forest products. Funded by the Eastern Arc Mountains Conservation Endowment Fund, Tanzanian’s are in the field collecting data in order to update the existing carbon valuation of the area. With this information, UNEP-WCMC and its project partners hope to affirm the biological value of the region and help build the case that the Eastern Arc Mountains meet the biodiversity criteria to be designated a World Heritage site.

The main conservation issues within the Eastern Arc Mountains are hunting for bushmeat and the threat of fire spreading from surrounding areas. However, the primary concern for protecting the newly described frogs will be maintaining capacity to adequately protect the fragmented, isolated reserves in which the frogs live. Official recognition of the economic value of the biodiversity within the Eastern Arc Mountains will help ensure the importance of the region is recognized and managed appropriately.

 
Hyperolius burgessi is found in the forests of the Eastern Arc Mountains. Photo copyright Michele Menegon