Could you imagine that Golum exists! A previously unknown frog species was recently discovered in the mountains of Ecuador. These frogs look like they came from the fantasy world of “Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings”.

Frogs of a rare gray-green color have pale pink eyes and golden paws, covered with spots and stripes. On an average, amphibians reach 6 - 7 cm.

The research team who discovered newfound species of frog decided that they look like amphibians came straight out of Middle-earth. That's why the scientists named them Hyloscirtus tolkieni — in honor of the creator of this fairy world — J.R.R. Tolkien.

Unusual amphibians have been found in the mountain rivers and streams of the Rio Negro Soplador National Park. They reside in clean and fresh water. Scientists believe that Tolkien's frogs are expanded over a large area of ​​the National park. Researchers have just begun to study this unknown species of frogs, so they don’t have enough data to assess its conservation status and risk of extinction.