Researchers in Foshan, Guangdong Province, have unveiled a remarkable discovery this week – Leptobrachella kungfu, a new frog species named after China's iconic martial art. The finding celebrates Foshan's status as a UNESCO-recognized hub of traditional kung fu culture.
Discovered through a joint effort by environmental scientists from Guangdong Polytechnic of Environmental Protection Engineering and the Guangdong Provincial Academy of Environmental Science, the amphibian was formally described in Wednesday's edition of ZooKeys, a leading international taxonomy journal.
"This naming bridges biological discovery with cultural preservation," said lead researcher Dr. Liang Wei. "Just as kung fu embodies harmony between humans and nature, this species reminds us of Guangdong's rich but fragile ecosystems."
The discovery comes as Guangdong intensifies biodiversity conservation efforts under China's 2025 Ecological Civilization Development Plan. Scientists note the frog's forest habitat near Foshan's historic Wing Chun training centers could boost eco-tourism while raising environmental awareness.
