Abstract

Continuous sampling in well studied areas may lead to new amphibian species discoveries, because population dynamics allow rare species to go unnoticed for years. Based on recent sampling of frogs in the northeastern region of Colombia, here we provide genetic, morphological, and bioacoustics evidence to support the description of a new species of the genus Pristimantis. Phylogenetic analysis suggests the new species is a member of the P. lacrimosus species group, a clade of 25 species that is highly diverse in Ecuador and Peru. This new species is more closely related to allopatric species from Peru and Guyana (i.e. P. olivaceus, P. pluvialis, P. pulchridormientes, and an undetermined Pristimantis). The new species has green-yellow coloration and a remarkable brown interocular band, which is unusual in the genus and which inspired the epithet. Pristimantis zorro sp. nov. has only been found at one locality at 1860 m s.a.l., on the eastern flank of the northern Cordillera Central in Department of Antioquia, Colombia. The new species inhabits the ecotone between the humid cloud forest and open areas. Repeated visits to the type locality suggest high variation in population abundance and/or species detection, because we have occasionally observed many individuals in briefs periods of times. In addition, we discuss the biogeographical and systematic implications of our species discovery.