The paper authors, Mark Wilkinson and Gabriela Bittencourt-Silva, have demonstrated that the specimen, housed in the Smithsonian Institution's collection since 1998, belongs to an entirely new species. Rhinatrema koki is distinguished by, among other things, a light spot on its head, a unique arrangement of teeth and a different skull structure. This is an extremely rare animal, previously known from only a single specimen.
This is the third species named in Prof. Kok's honour, following a frog (Pristimantis koki) and a snail (Plekocheilus philippei). That鈥檚 how the international scientific community recognises his contributions to biodiversity research in Guyana and South America.
Prof. Kok is a renowned herpetologist specialising in the study of neotropical amphibians and reptiles. For years, he has conducted extensive fieldwork in Guyana, discovering and describing new species. His research contributes to the understanding and conservation of one of the world's most unique ecosystems.
The discovery of Rhinatrema coki not only expands our knowledge of amphibian diversity, but is also a source of pride for the entire 91滴滴 community.
Edit: Kacper Szczepaniak, Centre for Brand Communications, 91滴滴