What Happened
Panamanian biologists have confirmed the first record in Panama of the worm salamander Oedipina berlini, a species previously known only from Costa Rica. The finding adds a new species to the country’s scientific record and places the province of Colón at the center of an important biodiversity discovery.
The observation extends the species’ known range by about 371 kilometers to the southwest, widening understanding of where the salamander lives in Central America. The record was published in the Latin American Journal of Herpetology.
Where the Species Was Found
Researchers observed the salamanders in the Gatun Lake Recreational Area, in tropical rainforest near streams. The animals were seen at night, mainly between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., especially after rain.
Oedipina berlini is a small salamander with subterranean habits and elusive behavior, making it difficult to detect. Its nocturnal activity and preference for wet forest conditions help explain why the species had not been documented in Panama before.
Why the Discovery Matters
The finding strengthens Panama’s standing as a country with rich and still-revealing biodiversity. It also suggests there may be more undocumented populations of amphibians in Central America, especially in forested areas that remain underexplored.
Colón’s role in the discovery highlights the province’s scientific value beyond its well-known economic and logistical importance. The area is also ecologically significant, but it faces pressures from habitat fragmentation and human activity that can affect forest and freshwater ecosystems.
Scientific Team and Conservation Value
The research was carried out by specialists affiliated with the Biological Association of Panama (ABIOPA), the University of Panama, and other research centers. Their work adds to the growing body of knowledge on Panama’s fauna and the need to continue field research in biodiverse regions.
Researcher Manuel Walter-Conrado said the discovery shows there are still species left to find in the country and reflects the scientific potential of Colón, supported by young people committed to conservation.
For Panama, the record is more than a new species entry. It is a reminder that tropical forests continue to yield discoveries, and that protecting those habitats is essential for preserving the country’s natural heritage.