By Dean Murray via SWNS
ZSL (Zoological Society of London) herpetologists have described a new amphibian species for the first time – after making the surprise discovery while searching for a different animal.
The newly-described Mount Po Ma Lung toothed toad (Oreolalax adelphos) has been named by an international team of conservationists after the mountain on which it was found – in Vietnam’s Hoàng Liên mountain range, a known global hotspot for threatened species.
ZSL EDGE (Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered) Fellow Luan Thanh Nguyen led a group expedition to find a known toad in the region, and instead they found a species unknown to science.
Following a grueling 12-hour-long hike during an eight-day-long survey of the mountain range, the conservationists climbed to the peak of Mount Po Ma Lung in search of the Sterling’s toothed toad.
On the way down from the 2967-meter-high summit, the research group found the Mount Po Ma Lung toothed toad on a path well-trodden by tourists, and upon spotting its unfamiliar color markings, quickly believed it to be a new and undescribed species.
True to its name, the Mount Po Ma Lung toothed toad has a row of tiny teeth on the roof of its mouth, known as vomerine teeth.
The newly described amphibian is covered with black, cream and gray spots and has several unique features, including a narrow fold of skin behind its eyes, a distinct mottled pattern on its belly, and an eye-catching two-toned iris.
Dr. Ben Tapley, London Zoo’s Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians andâ¯the paper’sâ¯co-author, said:⯓This is a very exciting new discovery, and one that highlights the need to protect the forests of the Hoàng Liên Range and their remarkable biodiversity.
“Over the past 10 years, we have described 6 frogs and a snake as new species to science; now we have the important task of working with our partners to conserve them.”
ZSL EDGE Fellowâ¯and lead researcher on the paper Luan Thanh Nguyen of Indo-Myanmar Conservation,â¯who is based in Vietnam,â¯said:⯓The discovery of Oreolalax adelphos is a surprising finding and the result of a truly unforgettable day of searching, climbing to the mountain’s highest summit.
“Our initial goal on this trip was to find a Sterling’s toothed toad, but while surveying Mount Po Ma Lung under very challenging weather conditions, we came across what we’re thrilled to have uncovered a species that is new to science: the Mount Po Ma Lung toothed toad.
“This important discovery in our Hoàng Liên Range amphibian research brings us one step closer to better knowledge of the true diversity of amphibians in Vietnam’s high mountain ranges.”
