New Frog Species Named After Ecuador's First Gold Medalist

A tiny translucent frog just became a symbol of breaking barriers, both in science and sports.

Researchers exploring Ecuador's El Quimi Nature Reserve stumbled upon a new species of glassfrog and chose to honor Neisi Dajomes, the first Ecuadorian woman to win Olympic gold. Dajomes claimed her victory in weightlifting at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, lifting her way into history in the women's 76 kilo event.

The Dajomes glassfrog lives up to its family's name with see-through skin on its underside that reveals its heart and internal organs. On top, it sports uniformly green skin with a pebbly texture, while specialized light-reflecting cells cover some organs like a biological privacy screen.

Scientists first encountered the little amphibian during biological surveys in 2017 and 2018 in the mountainous southern region of Ecuador. DNA analysis suggests the species likely originated about 4.5 million years ago during the Pliocene Epoch, quietly hopping through time until researchers finally noticed it.

What makes this discovery even more exciting is what it represents. During those two expeditions to El Quimi Nature Reserve, more than 85% of the amphibian species observed were completely unknown to science.

"We were astonished by the high number of new species found at the site," said Mylena Masache, a biology student at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador who co-authored the study. "Few places in the tropical Andes harbor amphibian assemblages as novel as the one found at El Quimi."

Why This Inspires

The decision to name this discovery after an Olympic champion carries deeper meaning than simple celebration. Dr. Diego Cisneros, a co-author of the study published in PLOS One, pointed out the significance: a young woman scientist leading the discovery and honoring a female athlete who shattered barriers.

It's a reminder that progress happens on multiple fronts. While Dajomes lifted weights that most people couldn't budge, scientists like Masache are lifting the veil on biodiversity we never knew existed.

The frog does face uncertainty. Its home sits just miles from agricultural regions and large-scale mining operations that have already caused declines in local amphibian populations. But knowing it exists is the first step toward protecting it.

The researchers are calling for continued biodiversity surveys across southeastern Ecuador and into northeastern Peru, believing the region could harbor countless more unknown species.

Science just proved that champions come in all sizes, even ones small enough to fit in your palm.