Kissed frogs transforming into princes may be the stuff of fairy tales but one very real amphibian just acquired a royal pedigree, thanks to environmental group Amphibian Ark.
The frog in question didn't have a scientific name as it's only been recently discovered living in the wilds of Ecuador. Displaying a myriad of orange spots against its dark brown skin, the frog is definitely a standout – only its rarity prevented science from noting it until now. Unfortunately, the frog's once-isolated stomping grounds are now under threat from expanding human activities in the Ecuadorean rainforest.
At a ceremony attended by the Price of Wales and representatives of Amphibian Ark, Ecuadorian scientist Dr. Luis A. Coloma presented the heir to the British throne with a glass replica of "Hyloscirtus princecharlesi", the brown and orange frog he discovered four years ago. The sculpture was crafted by the Frabel Glass Art Studio and Gallery, and was presented to HRH at his home, Highgrove House, on July 5th.
“It's fairly unusual to name a new species after someone but this is seen as something special in honor of the Prince,” said a spokesman for Amphibian Ark. Prince Charles himself was “very touched” by the gesture and as he held up the exquisite glass Hyloscirtus princecharlesi model for photographers, vowed “I shall battle even harder now.” (via France 24 and Welt Online)