35 new species were found in the Andes and Amazon of Ecuador

35 new species were found in the Andes and Amazon of Ecuador

35 new species were found in the Amazon and in the Ecuadorian Andes. Fungi, reptiles, birds, amphibians, mammals with different DNA part of the biodiversity of the country and now such investigations are published in 40 journals internationally.

Studies were made from 2008 until 2012, by researchers from the Catholic University and the National Polytechnic School, mostly. Consultants from other higher institutions of the country we also participating.

More than USD 2 million were invested in the project. For the research plan Noah’s Ark, which will start this year, will be allocated $ 11 million.

Santiago Ron, researcher at the Catholic University and contributor to the inquiry, said that  have been realized scientific collections, strengthening of the Bank of genomes, genetic characterization and bioinformatics. After finding the species DNA testing asked to differentiate it from the existing ones. Analyses were stored in tubes of a special material for conservation within designed freezers to carry out further investigations in the future.

The country will benefit in the medical field, environmental, in pest control, as well as allowing that the region remains rich in fauna.