Chinese researchers have discovered a new species of horned toad during a recent field survey in the Lianhua Mountains of eastern Guangdong Province. The new species, named Boulenophrys elongata, was identified by a research team from the Guangdong Polytechnic of Environmental Protection Engineering.
Discovery in the Lianhua Mountains
The discovery was made in the high-altitude mountainous areas of the Lianhua Mountains, an area known for its rich biodiversity. The findings were published on March 15 in the journal Asian Herpetological Research.
Unique Features of Boulenophrys elongata
Boulenophrys elongata is distinguished by its elongated body shape and unique coloration, which sets it apart from other known horned toad species in the region. The discovery adds to the growing body of knowledge about amphibian diversity in China and highlights the importance of conservation efforts in these habitats.
“The identification of a new species underscores the rich biodiversity of the Lianhua Mountains and the need to protect these unique ecosystems,” said Dr. Li Wei, lead researcher of the study.
Importance of Conservation Efforts
The Lianhua Mountains are part of the Nanling Mountain Range, which stretches across several provinces in southern China. The region is considered a biodiversity hotspot, home to many endemic species of plants and animals.
The discovery of Boulenophrys elongata not only contributes to the scientific understanding of amphibian species in China but also emphasizes the importance of ongoing research and conservation initiatives in the area.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
