During 2025, Ecuador documented the discovery and scientific description of 78 new species of wild flora and fauna. This achievement was made possible through the efforts of the National Institute of Biodiversity (INABIO) in collaboration with national and international universities and research centers. The discoveries highlight Ecuador’s status as one of the world’s most biodiverse countries and support conservation policies promoted by the national government.
Among the new findings are 13 species of amphibians, mainly frogs and toads from Andean and Amazonian regions, found in provinces such as Carchi, El Oro, Tungurahua, Napo, and Zamora Chinchipe. Several of these species face threats like deforestation and climate change. As a result, they have been classified as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.
In botany, five new species were reported: two orchids (Telipogon cruentilabrum and Porroglossum hildeae), two cedars (Cedrela brevicarpa and Cedrela pubescens), and Ormosia neillii—a tree endemic to the Cordillera del Cóndor. These plants are native to highly biodiverse but threatened areas such as the Cordillera del Cóndor and Western Andes.
Fifty-seven new insect species were also discovered. These include ants, flies, orchid bees, beetles, and butterflies that play important ecological roles in pollination, biological control, and nutrient recycling.
Additionally, a new mammal species was identified: Cryptotis albujai—a shrew living on the eastern slopes of Zamora Chinchipe province.
The year concluded with descriptions of two microscopic terrestrial snail species—Chocodiscops minutissimus and Radiadiscops demistriatus—in Un poco del Chocó Nature Reserve in Pichincha province. Belonging to the Scolodontidae family, these snails measure less than two millimeters wide.
“These results are fruit of coordinated work promoted by the National Government and Ministry of Environment and Energy through INABIO, Ecuadorian universities, foreign academic institutions, and conservation foundations,” according to the press release. “They contribute directly to the objectives of the National Biodiversity Agenda by strengthening public decision-making based on scientific evidence.”
