Recently, a team of researchers from the Institute of Genome Research, along with scientists from Germany and Russia, made two exciting discoveries of new amphibian species in Vietnam. The first species, known as the herb frog (Zhangixalus Thaoae), was found in Lao Cai province at an altitude of nearly 1,900 m above sea level. This discovery brings the total number of species in this genus recorded in Vietnam to 10.
The herb frog is known for its vibrant colors and distinctive morphological features, such as light-colored legs and red eyes. Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thien Tao from the Institute of Genome Research stated that this new species was identified during field research in the forest area of Ty, Lao Cai province. The research team is currently studying the biology and ecology of this species, including reproduction, tadpole descriptions, and population sizes in the wild.
In a separate discovery, the orange-brown dwarf frog (Vietnamophryne aurantifusca) was found in Tuyen Quang. This species is named for its characteristic body color and has morphological similarities to the chiang rai dwarf frog V. occidentalis found in Thailand. The orange-brown dwarf frog is distinct with its orange-brown back with large black spots, and yellow-orange chest and abdomen. Both of these new species are found in Northern Vietnam, showcasing the diverse amphibian fauna in Vietnam’s high mountain regions.
These discoveries highlight the rich biodiversity of amphibians in Vietnam, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach locations. The research conducted by the Institute of Genome Research and international collaborators sheds light on the unique characteristics and habitats of these newly identified amphibian species.
