New toad species discovered, found only in Vietnam
A new species of toothed toad (genus Oreolalax) has been recognized as endemic to Vietnam, according to a report published in the journal Zootaxa.
The new toad, found only in Vietnam, was discovered on Pờ Ma Lung mountain in Lai Châu province, northern Vietnam (Photo: Zootaxa).
During an expedition to Pờ Ma Lung mountain in Phong Thổ (a former district of Lai Châu province), a research team from the organization Indo-Myanmar Conservation, led by a Vietnamese scientist, discovered a new toad species with distinctive features never recorded before.
Dubbed the Po Ma Lung toothed toad by the team, it is the second amphibian of the genus Oreolalax found in Vietnam, and it shares many traits with Sterling's toothed toad (Oreolalax sterlingae).
However, the researchers quickly identified features unique to the new toad, including black spots on its body, skin folds behind the eyes and on the belly, and a two-toned iris.
According to experts, the discovery of the new toothed toad is a "win" for a region dubbed Vietnam's "frog hotspot" and an important step toward better conservation of wildlife — including species we don't even know about yet.
"This is an exciting discovery, and it once again highlights the importance of protecting the forests of the Hoàng Liên Sơn range and their biodiversity", said Dr. Ben Tapley, curator of reptiles and amphibians at London Zoo.
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