Elusive and rare frog rediscovered in Chile after 130 years

Elusive Frog Rediscovered in Chile After 130 Years. (Image: Correa C, Riveros-Riffo E, Donoso JP/ ZooKeys.)

A rare frog thought to be lost forever has reappeared. Scientists in Chile have confirmed the rediscovery of Alsodes vittatus, a species not seen since 1893. The discovery was announced in a blog post on 11 March 2025 by researchers from the University of Concepción and the University of Valparaíso. Their study, published on 6 March in the journal ZooKeys, provides fresh insights into the species.

A Long-Lost Species

French entomologist Philibert Germain first discovered Alsodes vittatus in 1893 at Hacienda San Ignacio de Pemehue in Chile’s La Araucanía region. He collected three specimens, which were later described scientifically in 1902 by Rodolfo Amando Philippi, a well-known zoologist.

Since then, the frog vanished. Despite multiple searches, no confirmed sightings were recorded for 130 years. Scientists made several attempts between 1995 and 2002, but no evidence of the frog was found. Even a later expedition in 2015 and 2016 identified two different Alsodes species, but not Alsodes vittatus.

A Decades-Long Search Ends

The biggest challenge was determining where Germain originally found the frog. Hacienda San Ignacio de Pemehue was an enormous estate, and records lacked precise details. Scientists carefully examined Germain’s historical notes to narrow down the search area.

Between 2023 and 2024, researchers Claudio Correa and Edvin Riveros led another expedition. This time, they finally spotted Alsodes vittatus in the Lolco, Portales, and Tupuyuntué river basins.

Threats and Conservation Efforts

Rediscovering Alsodes vittatus has provided crucial biological and ecological data. However, field observations indicate the species faces severe threats in its natural habitat.

Chile’s diverse ecosystem hosts many unknown amphibians, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts. Scientists stress that more studies are required to understand and protect these rare species.