A genetically distinct species of leopard frogs has been found in New York City and surrounding regions, confirming earlier claims of its existence.

Back in 1937, herpetologist Carl Kauffeld first speculated that an as-yet-unidentified leopard frog might inhabit the metropolitan area. But his claims went unheeded because of the lack of technology in his day.

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By using genetic testing and bioacoustic analysis, Rutgers University ecologist Jeremy Feinberg and his team proved that although the new frog is identical to the two other leopard frogs in the area, it was, in fact, a third and entirely separate species.

The new species was named Rana kauffeldi to acknowledge the work of Kauffeld. It will also be commonly known as the Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog.

Though it's also spotted and moist-skinned, R. kauffeldi has a very revealing characteristic in the mating call of the males. Researchers described it as short, repetitive croaks, unlike the pulsing and snore-like calls of the other leopard frogs. 

When they traced the call to the leopard frog, researchers discovered it was a previously undocumented species.

Closer examination also showed that R. kauffeldi breeds for just a few weeks each year. Within that short time, their calls are often drowned out by the sounds of other amphibians. This helps keep them hidden, said Feinberg.

The new frog is thought to reside in parts of New York City where it was first identified. It also extends its range to the narrow and largely coastal lowlands from Connecticut to North Carolina.

Researchers suggest R. kauffeldi typically resides in wetlands diversified with upland patches. Much of its habitat, however, has been lost to development.

The study, which shows new species such as the Atlantic Coast leopard frog can still be found even in the most densely populated places, was published Wednesday in the journal, PLOS ONE.

TagsNew Frog, Leopard Frog, Atlantic Coast Leopard Frog, Rutgers University, Rana kauffeldi