See PICTURES!! Several new species discovered in Ecuador's rainforests

• Tuesday, 9 March 2010
• Alexandra Wenman
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But they may already be under threat from humans

According to Dr Paul Hamilton from Reptile and Amphibian Ecology International, who led a recent expedition to the dwindling rainforests of Ecuador, several amazing new species of reptile have been discovered in the delicate ecosystem.

Among the new discoveries were a miniature gecko, a blunt-snouted, slug-sucking snake, 3 new species of salamander and 30 previously unknown types of rain frog. 

However, along with this incredible discovery comes the huge disappointment that these amazing species are under threat from human exploits, such as deforestation from logging and cattle grazing, in the region. 

Dr Paul Hamilton tells the Daily Mail: "There is a great concern that these species will disappear as soon as,
or even before, they are formally described by science. This study just
scratches the surface of what we know about this region."

To see PICTURES of the new species, click here!