Story perspectives

New Costa Rica “Coffee Frog” Discovered, Threatened by Pesticides

8/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers in San Lorenzo de Tarrazu, Costa Rica announced the discovery of a new endemic tree-frog species.
The frog, called the “spring frog” or “coffee frog,” measures under 4 cm and bears dark green spots.
Males have a translucent throat that inflates during a short, high-pitched nocturnal call on coffee shrubs.
Researchers warned that pesticide drift, waste dumping, tourism growth and vegetation loss from protected-area invasion threaten the species.

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Story summary

Researchers in San Lorenzo de Tarrazu, Costa Rica announced the discovery of a new endemic tree-frog species.
The frog, called the “spring frog” or “coffee frog,” measures under 4 cm and bears dark green spots.
Males have a translucent throat that inflates during a short, high-pitched nocturnal call on coffee shrubs.
Researchers warned that pesticide drift, waste dumping, tourism growth and vegetation loss from protected-area invasion threaten the species.