New frog species found in NYC area

NEW YORK (AP) — Scientists have identified a new species of leopard frog in and around New York City. The frog was found hiding in plain sight on Staten Island.

The New York Times ( http://nyti.ms/zI0tBt ) reports the find is surprising because the frog was discovered in one of the world's most populated urban areas.

Researchers say the new frog species was confused for a long time with a frog it closely resembles, the southern leopard frog.

So far, the new species has been positively identified on Staten Island. A Rutgers University doctoral candidate in ecology and evolution says it probably inhabited the city's other boroughs at one time.

Jeremy Feinberg also found specimens in parts of New Jersey and to counties north of New York City, all within commuting distance of Manhattan.