New species of rain frog discovered in South Africa In the damp, grassy slopes of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, an unassuming amphibian has leapt into the scientific spotlight.

It is also a cautionary tale about the fragility of ecological knowledge. The new frog was once misidentified as Bilbo’s rain frog (Breviceps bagginsi), a mistake with far-reaching consequences.

A new frog species, Boston rain frog, was discovered in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal during an electrical storm after being misidentified as the Bilbo’s rain frog.

The new rain frog species was discovered in a small town in South Africa during an electrical storm, researchers said.