Sixty species new to science, including a chocolate-coloured frog and a tiny dung beetle less than 3mm long, have been discovered by scientists in Suriname.

 

An expedition of scientists spent three weeks in 2012 exploring an area of rivers, mountains and rainforest in the south-eastern region of Suriname that has "virtually no human influence". The Conservation International team found 11 new species of fish, one new snake, six new frogs and a host of new insects in the South American country.

 

Dr Trond Larsen, one of the field biologists, said they were particularly surprised by the number of frogs. "With many frog species rapidly disappearing around the globe, we were surprised and uplifted to discover so many frogs potentially new to science, including a stunningly sleek 'cocoa' tree frog," he said.

 

The cocoa frog (Hypsiboas sp) was named after its chocolate coloring, and described as an "especially heartening" find by Larsen. It lives on trees, using the round discs on its fingers and toes to climb.

 

Among the other new finds were a ruby-coloured lilliputian beetle (Canthidium cf minimum), named after its tiny dimensions that make it possibly the second smallest dung beetle known in South America.

 

In total, they found 1,378 different species, and their report concluded "there are very few places left on Earth that are as pristine and untouched as this region."