A new Ice Age toad has been found in LA. Why the discovery matters

Key Points:

• Researchers have discovered a new extinct species of spadefoot toad, named Spea labreae, at the La Brea Tar Pits, marking the first such find in Los Angeles and only the second extinct amphibian from the Ice Age era found in North America.
• The discovery was made by José Alberto Cruz while examining bones excavated in 1929, revealing differences that indicated a previously unidentified species slightly larger than modern spadefoots.
• Amphibians like Spea labreae are sensitive to climate changes, making this find valuable for understanding Ice Age environmental conditions in the Los Angeles area, such as precipitation and temperature.
• The presence of this species and the first record of the Mexican burrowing toad in L.A. suggest significant ecological shifts possibly related to climate changes or human arrival during the late Ice Age.
• Although the La Brea Tar Pits museum is currently closed for renovations, these discoveries will be integrated into the new exhibits, highlighting the diverse ecosystem of the Ice Age including amphibians, insects, birds, and other animals.