One of the rarest frogs in the world have been spotted again in Zimbabwe in southern Africa, where researchers say that this amphibian has not been seen in decades. This "cave squeaker" frog is also known as the Arthroleptis troglodytes, and is known to thrive in cave habitats.

This frog was first found in 1962 however, this is also the last known sighting of the creature. Now, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List has classified this threatened frog species as "critically endangered" and possibly extinct.

According to researcher Robert Hopkins of the Natural History Museum in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, his team was able to locate some specimens of the frog in its natural habitat, the Chimanimani mountains in the eastern region of the country.

Researchers reveal that they discovered the first male specimen of the cave squeaker last December 3, when they heard an animal call that sounded foreign to the region. Hopkins also adds that they also discovered two males and a female frog, where they have been searching for the elusive cave squeaker for around eight years.

 

Hopkins said that unfortunately, he was not with my team when these frogs were found. He was at the base since Hopkins can no longer climb the mountains as he is already 75 years old. Now, researchers plan to breed these frogs and reintroduce them to a newer mountain habitat. This unique frog species appears smaller than the others, with light brown and dark spots.

However, local authorities warn the scientific community that the rare cave squeaker frogs are in danger, since generating this massive interest can also spark illegal trade and export. Hopkins adds that there are 16 frogs that are on display in many museums around the world, one of them is in the British Museum.

According to Caroline Washaya-Moyo of the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, after this new discovery, we will expect more scientists searching for this rare frog. We will do everything in our power to protect the cave squeaker along with stricter conservation efforts.