In a remarkable discovery highlighting the planet's hidden biodiversity, researchers have identified a new species of toad in Brazil that is so minute it can perch fully on the tip of a pencil.
A Lilliputian Discovery in the Cloud Forest
The minuscule amphibian, measuring less than 14mm (0.5 inches) in length, was found deep within the cloud forests of the Serra do Quiriri mountain range. This area forms part of the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest, a region renowned for its unique and often isolated wildlife.
Scientists have bestowed the name Brachycephalus lulai upon the new species, honouring Brazil's president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The discovery was officially documented in a study published in the journal PLOS One on Tuesday 16 December 2025.
Identifying a Miniature Marvel
The toadlet is distinguished by its vivid orange body adorned with green and brown freckles. Males are exceptionally small, measuring between 9 and 11mm, while females are slightly larger at 11 to 14mm, ranking them among the smallest four-legged animals on Earth.
Researchers confirmed it was a distinct species through several methods. They identified its unique mating call, which consists of two short bursts of sound, differing from other known Brachycephalus toads in the region. CT X-ray scans were used to examine its skeletal structure, and DNA analysis confirmed its genetic uniqueness, showing it is most closely related to two other species residing in the Serra do Quiriri.
An Urgent Call for Conservation
The discovery has prompted an immediate plea from scientists for enhanced protection measures. The Atlantic Forest is known for hosting micro-endemic species—creatures found only in tiny, restricted areas—making them acutely vulnerable to habitat loss and extinction.
In their study, the researchers stated that naming the species after President Lula was a deliberate tribute, intended to "encourage the expansion of conservation initiatives" focused on the Atlantic Forest and Brazil's highly endemic miniature frogs.
They have proposed the creation of a protected area named the Refúgio de Vida Silvestre (RVS) Serra do Quiriri to safeguard this toad and other endemic species, suggesting a model that does not require government acquisition of private land. The team also calls for continued monitoring to detect any emerging threats to the fragile habitat of these newly discovered creatures.
