What he has named
Around 35 amphibian and reptile species new to science carry his signature as author or co-author. These are the ones with a documented story.
Greta Thunberg’s rainfrog
Abel led the international team that discovered and described this rainfrog in the highlands of eastern Panama. The species was named after climate activist Greta Thunberg —the epithet was chosen by the winner of a Rainforest Trust naming-rights auction.
Highland salamander
A salamander from the cloud forests of the Chiriquí highlands.
Border harlequin toad
A harlequin toad from Darién, part of the most threatened amphibian group on Earth. Abel collected the type specimen in 2012 and is a co-author of the species’ formal description.
Orange poison dart frog
A tiny, intensely orange frog with a unique call, from a Caribbean forest in Colón Province. Abel is the first author of its description; the species honors Geminis Vargas for her support of Panamanian herpetology.
Fringe-limbed gliding frog
Tree frogs with membranes that let them glide between branches. Abel described two new species of the genus in a single paper, as first author.
Eyelash palm-pitvipers
A revision that revealed five eyelash palm-pitvipers new to science. Abel is a co-author of this study that reorganized an iconic group of Neotropical venomous snakes.
Snail-eating snake
Harmless snakes that feed on snails and slugs. Abel is a co-author describing several new species; this one is named after Irmelin, Leonardo DiCaprio’s mother, in support of conservation.
Dwarf leaf-litter gecko
Among the smallest lizards in Panama. Abel led the revision of the genus in Central America and, as first author, described three new species.
Species with a published description. The full count is around 35 and still growing.