New tree frog and orange-brown dwarf frog discovered in Vietnam
Researchers at the Institute of Genome Research have discovered two new amphibian species: Thao's tree frog (Zhangixalus thaoae) and the orange-brown dwarf frog (Vietnamophryne aurantifusca).
A team from the Institute of Genome Research (Viện Nghiên cứu hệ gene) in Hanoi, working with scientists from Germany and Russia, discovered Thao's tree frog (Zhangixalus thaoae) in Lào Cai province in northern Vietnam. The species belongs to the genus Zhangixalus and was found at an elevation of nearly 1,900 m above sea level. The study, published April 8 in the journal ZooKeys, brings the number of species in this genus recorded in Vietnam to 10.
Tree frogs are frogs that live mainly in trees. They are among the most colorful amphibians in Vietnam. Thao's tree frog has characteristic features such as light-colored legs and red eyes. However, the new species differs in appearance from other members of its genus: the upper surfaces of its head and body are green without spots, there is a "large black spot" on its orange thighs, the underside of its webbing is orange with some gray markings, and its iris is copper-red.
Thao's tree frog in the wild. (Photo: Research team)
Associate Professor Nguyễn Thiên Tạo of the Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (Viện Hàn lâm Khoa học và Công nghệ Việt Nam), said the new tree frog was discovered during field surveys in forests in Y Tý, a mountainous commune of Lào Cai province. At first glance, the species is easily mistaken for previously described species, but genetic comparisons show it is distinct. Close examination of the specimens also revealed several clear morphological differences. The team is continuing to study the new species' biology and ecology, including its reproduction, a description of its tadpoles and the size of its wild population.
Earlier, Tạo's team also discovered the orange-brown dwarf frog in Tuyên Quang province (now merged with the former Hà Giang province). The orange-brown dwarf frog's scientific name, Vietnamophryne aurantifusca, refers to its distinctive body coloration, combining the Latin words for orange (aurantium) and brown (fuscus).
The new species looks similar to the Chiang Rai dwarf frog V.occidentalis found in Thailand, but it is distinguished by an orange-brown back with large black spots and an orange-yellow chest and belly.
Dorsal view (A), ventral view (B), lateral view (C), upper surface of the right forelimb (D) and underside of the left hind limb (E) of the orange-brown dwarf frog. (Photo: Research team).
Tạo said both new species are distributed in northern Vietnam, showing that Vietnam's amphibian fauna is highly diverse in species and still holds many surprises, especially in hard-to-reach high mountain areas.
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