Brachycephalus lulai is a newly described orange toad from the Serra do Quiriri cloud forests in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, measuring under 14 mm (males 9–11 mm; females 11–14 mm). Scientists identified it by a unique two‑burst mating call and confirmed the discovery with CT scans and DNA analysis. Authors urge creation of the Refúgio de Vida Silvestre (RVS) Serra do Quiriri and ongoing monitoring to protect these micro‑endemic, conservation‑sensitive frogs.
New Orange Toad So Small It Fits on a Pencil Tip — Scientists Urge Protection for Serra do Quiriri
Scientists discover orange toad species so tiny it can fit on pencil tip
Researchers have described a striking new species of tiny orange toad, Brachycephalus lulai, discovered deep in the cloud forests of the Serra do Quiriri mountain range in Brazil’s southern Atlantic Forest. At under 14 mm in length, these micro‑toads are among the smallest four‑limbed vertebrates on Earth and can fit entirely on the tip of a pencil.
The specimens display a bright orange body speckled with green and brown freckles. Measured individuals show males from 9–11 mm and females from 11–14 mm. Scientists identified the species by a distinctive mating call — a vocalization made of two short bursts — and confirmed its uniqueness with CT (X‑ray) scans of skeletal features and DNA analysis.
Tiny toadlet measuring less than 14 mm in length (Luiz Fernando Ribeiro)
Where It Lives
Brachycephalus lulai was found in high‑elevation cloud forest, an ecosystem typically occurring between about 1,000 and 2,500 m where a persistent canopy‑level cloud layer helps maintain cool, humid conditions. The Serra do Quiriri region is known for hosting micro‑endemic frogs and toads that occupy very small, localized habitats and are therefore especially vulnerable to disturbance.
Conservation Call
Following the discovery, the research team urged immediate conservation measures to protect this species and other endemic miniaturized frogs. In their paper published in PLOS One, the authors propose creating a Refúgio de Vida Silvestre (RVS) Serra do Quiriri — a wildlife refuge intended to protect these populations without requiring government acquisition of private land.
"Through this tribute (the act of naming a new species), we seek to encourage the expansion of conservation initiatives focused on the Atlantic Forest as a whole, and on Brazil's highly endemic miniaturised frogs in particular," the study authors wrote.
Researchers also recommend ongoing monitoring to detect emerging threats — such as habitat loss, climate change, and disease — and to guide management strategies for these fragile, range‑restricted species.
