Borneo's fanged frogs are actually just 6 or 7 species
Technology
Turns out, Borneo's famous fanged frogs aren't 18 different species: new research says it's really just six or seven.
Scientists dug into their DNA and found that earlier studies got a bit carried away by missing how much these frogs actually mix and mingle.
Getting the number of species right is a big deal
Getting the number of species right is a big deal.
If we split them up too much, conservation efforts can get wasted on groups that aren't truly unique, especially important since nearly half of amphibian species worldwide are at risk of extinction.
This study highlights how using better genetic data gives us
This study highlights how using better genetic data gives us a clearer picture of animal diversity.
It also shows why scientists need to keep checking their work, especially in places like Borneo that are packed with rare creatures.