In an unexpected twist, herpetologists from ZSL (Zoological Society of London) have discovered a brand-new species of amphibian high in Vietnam’s Hoàng Liên mountain range, one of the world’s key biodiversity hotspots.
The Mount Po Ma Lung toothed toad (Oreolalax adelphos) was found during an expedition to locate a different species, making the discovery even more remarkable.
ZSL EDGE Fellow Luan Thanh Nguyen, along with an international team of conservationists, stumbled upon the vibrant new toad while descending from the peak of Mount Po Ma Lung after a strenuous 12-hour hike.
The toad, with its striking black, cream and grey-spotted body, a unique fold of skin behind its eyes, and an unusual two-toned iris, immediately stood out to the researchers. Upon further study, they confirmed it was a species unknown to science.
“This was a completely unexpected and thrilling discovery,” says Dr. Ben Tapley, co-author of the study and London Zoo’s Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians. “It shows just how critical it is to protect the rich, yet fragile ecosystems of the Hoàng Liên Range, home to some of the world’s most remarkable amphibians.”
The discovery also sheds light on the mounting threats facing these mountain habitats. The toad’s forest home is being steadily degraded by fuelwood collection for tourism and the spread of cardamom plantations. Conservationists warn that this tiny high-altitude refuge could make the species vulnerable, potentially earning it a spot on the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered.
Named adelphos, meaning "brother" in Greek, the toad shares its habitat with the Sterling’s toothed toad, making it the second species of its kind found on Mount Po Ma Lung.
The findings, published in Zootaxa, add to a series of new amphibian discoveries in Vietnam, a region teeming with yet-to-be-explored biodiversity. Despite these exciting finds, conservation efforts for amphibians remain sparse.
Vietnam’s mountain ranges are home to over 80 distinct amphibian species, many of which are critically threatened. Conservationists are calling for sustainable ecotourism and protection of these habitats to safeguard species like the Mount Po Ma Lung toothed toad before it’s too late.
“This discovery brings us closer to understanding the incredible amphibian diversity in Vietnam’s high mountains,” say lead researcher Luan Thanh Nguyen. "But it’s also a stark reminder of how fragile these ecosystems are."
Find out more about the study: A new Oreolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from the Hoang Lien Range, northwest Vietnam
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