FT264

A month-long expedition in late 2005 to the hitherto unexplored Foja Mountains of New Guinea resulted in the rediscovery of a bowerbird and bird of para­dise, and the discovery of a wholly new honey­eater and giant rat. In November 2008, zoologist Dr Bruce Beehler led a second Conserv­ation International expedition to the Fojas, lasting another month. The official press release, in May this year, revealed that the team had once again discovered some truly remarkable animals.

One of their finds this time was a seemingly new species of Litoria tree frog instantly distinguished by the long, pointed protuberance on its nose that rises up when the male is calling out, but deflates and drops back down when he becomes less active.