Rare Bolivian glass frogs seen for first time in 18 years

BBC News reports: A rare species of frog with translucent skin has been seen in Bolivia for the first time in 18 years. Three Bolivian Cochran frogs, a species of so-called “glass frogs”, were spotted by conservationists earlier this month in a national park. The tiny amphibians weigh just 70-80g and measure 19-24mm. Glass frogs…

Judge ratifies prison for two fang traffickers

El Diario reports: The illegal trade of fangs in most cases occurs through the internet. The fifth Criminal Investigation Judge of the city of La Paz, Juan Carlos Moltabán, ratified the three-year prison sentence against two Argentine citizens, convicted of trafficking jaguar tusks and cougars, the Environment Ministry reported. According to the government entity, the…

Our Fish

Michael Snyder and Felipe Luna write for Pulitzer Center: Fishermen use machetes to hack away the giant scales of the invasive paiche before skinning them and casting the refuse into the river. Growing up to three meters and 250 kilograms, the paiche (Arapaima gigas) is the largest scaled fish in the Amazon and one of…

Traffic destroys wildlife in Bolivia

El Diario reports: Animals abandoned to their fate • Chinese citizens promote the killing of species in the country, offering money to local people in exchange for jaguar tusks and other parts • Senator Yerko Núñez said that out of more than 100 complaints only two are sentenced and regretted for the little control exercised…