Teeny-tiny frogs found by isle scientist
Bishop Museum researcher Fred Kraus has found the world’s smallest frogs.
The frogs, which live in southeastern New Guinea, as adults are only 8 mm to 9 mm, or one-third of an inch in length, according to a study published in the open-access journal ZooKeys. That also makes them the world’s smallest tetrapods, or nonfish vertebrates.
By comparison, an adult male coqui frog averages 34 mm (1.3 inches) in length.
Previous research had led to the discovery of the genus, Paedophryne, by Kraus in 2002 from nearby areas in New Guinea, but the genus was not formally described until last year.
"Miniaturization occurs in many frog genera around the world," Kraus said in a statement Monday. "But New Guinea seems particularly well represented, with species in seven genera exhibiting the phenomenon. Although most frog genera have only a few diminutive representatives mixed among larger relatives, Paedophryne is unique in that all species are minute."
The four known species all inhabit small ranges in the mountains of southeastern New Guinea or adjacent, offshore islands. Their closest relatives remain unclear.
Public asked to help identify credit card thief
Hawaii County police are asking for help in identifying a man suspected of using a stolen credit card.
A 63-year-old man reported that someone stole a credit card and other items from his car near Kapoho Beach in Puna sometime between 11 p.m. Sept. 30 and 7:30 a.m. Oct. 1.
Police later recovered a security camera image of a man who used the credit card at a store in Hilo.
He was described as possibly in his late 40s to early 60s, with long, wavy black hair possibly in a ponytail, a bushy beard and a mustache. He wore a brown T-shirt, tan shorts and black slippers.
Anyone with information on the card user’s identity should call the nonemergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who wish to stay anonymous may call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 or 329-8181 and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
Youths accused of damaging 11 vehicles
Hawaii County police said three juveniles are suspected of causing more than $1,500 in damage to 11 vehicles at Konawaena High School last week.
Officers arrested the juveniles after the vehicles were damaged Thursday during an evacuation drill at the school. The three allegedly scratched the paint of 11 vehicles parked on Konawaena School Road.
Two juveniles were held Thursday and one juvenile on Friday on suspicion of second-degree criminal property damage; they were released pending further investigation.
