Amphibian Biodiversity Thrives in Vietnam’s High Mountain Regions with New Species Discoveries

Researchers from the Institute of Genome Research, in collaboration with scientists from Germany and Russia, have recently discovered two new species of amphibians in Vietnam. The herb frog (Zhangixalus Thaoae) was found at an altitude of nearly 1,900 m above sea level in Lao Cai province. This discovery brings the total number of species in this genus recorded in Vietnam to 10. Herb frogs, also known as tree frogs, are known for their 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 the new species of tree frog was identified during field research in the forest area of Ty, Lao Cai province. This new species has unique morphological characteristics, including a green back without spots, a large black spot on the orange thigh, and distinctive eye and pattern colors. The research team is continuing to study 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 was 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.

The discoveries of these new species highlight the rich biodiversity of amphibians in Vietnam