20 new species found, and lost wildlife rediscovered, in the Bolivian Andes

By Aaliyah Harris, CNN

Updated 1100 GMT (1900 HKT) December 14, 2020

Scientists have discovered 20 new species in the Zongo Valley of the Bolivian Andes. Poised in striking mode is a new species of pit viper named "mountain fer-de-lance," which has large fangs and heat-sensing pits on its head to help detect prey.
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Scientists have discovered 20 new species in the Zongo Valley of the Bolivian Andes. Poised in striking mode is a new species of pit viper named "mountain fer-de-lance," which has large fangs and heat-sensing pits on its head to help detect prey.
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As well as identifying new species, the Conservation International team rediscovered four species thought to be extinct, including the "devil-eyed frog," which was last sighted 20 years ago, before a hydroelectric dam was built in its habitat. After numerous attempts to find the frog it was assumed the species no longer existed.
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As well as identifying new species, the Conservation International team rediscovered four species thought to be extinct, including the "devil-eyed frog," which was last sighted 20 years ago, before a hydroelectric dam was built in its habitat. After numerous attempts to find the frog it was assumed the species no longer existed.
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The Bolivian flag snake earned its name from its striking red, yellow and green colors. It was discovered in dense undergrowth forest at the highest part of the mountain the team surveyed.
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The Bolivian flag snake earned its name from its striking red, yellow and green colors. It was discovered in dense undergrowth forest at the highest part of the mountain the team surveyed.
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The Lilliputian frog is a minuscule 1 centimeter in length and is camouflaged by its brown color, which helps it to hide in thick layers of moss and soil.
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The Lilliputian frog is a minuscule 1 centimeter in length and is camouflaged by its brown color, which helps it to hide in thick layers of moss and soil.
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Cup orchids have vibrant and distinct purple and yellow coloring. This new species was discovered in Zongo but is part of a group of species found throughout much of Central and South America.
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Cup orchids have vibrant and distinct purple and yellow coloring. This new species was discovered in Zongo but is part of a group of species found throughout much of Central and South America.
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The satyr butterfly was last seen 98 years ago and was rediscovered in the Zongo Valley's undergrowth, caught in a mesh trap containing its food source of rotten fruit. It is only known to live in the Zongo Valley.
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The satyr butterfly was last seen 98 years ago and was rediscovered in the Zongo Valley's undergrowth, caught in a mesh trap containing its food source of rotten fruit. It is only known to live in the Zongo Valley.
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The newly found Adder's mouth orchid has parts that cleverly mimic insects, tricking them into transferring pollen.
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The newly found Adder's mouth orchid has parts that cleverly mimic insects, tricking them into transferring pollen.
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With vibrant patterns and striking colors, Catesby's snail sucker is specialized to feed on snails and slugs.
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With vibrant patterns and striking colors, Catesby's snail sucker is specialized to feed on snails and slugs.
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Although the species are new to science, they are familiar to local indigenous communities. A newly discovered bamboo has been regularly used by indigenous people for construction materials and to make wind musical instruments called sikus or zampoñas.
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Although the species are new to science, they are familiar to local indigenous communities. A newly discovered bamboo has been regularly used by indigenous people for construction materials and to make wind musical instruments called sikus or zampoñas.
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In the cloud forest of Zongo Valley, a caterpillar from a Morpho butterfly feeds on bamboo. Morpho butterflies are highly sought after due to their bright blue color.
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In the cloud forest of Zongo Valley, a caterpillar from a Morpho butterfly feeds on bamboo. Morpho butterflies are highly sought after due to their bright blue color.
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Zongo Valley is full of dreamy, natural waterfalls and is known as the "heart of the region." Locals depend on the forest as Zongo supplies building materials, hydroelectric power and water for Bolivia's capital of La Paz and surrounding areas.
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Zongo Valley is full of dreamy, natural waterfalls and is known as the "heart of the region." Locals depend on the forest as Zongo supplies building materials, hydroelectric power and water for Bolivia's capital of La Paz and surrounding areas.
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