Chinese researchers from Anhui Normal University have discovered a new species of newt in Mt. Wuyi National Park, which spans east China's Jiangxi and Fujian provinces.
The new species, named the \"Mt. Huanggang fire-bellied newt\", is characterized by conspicuous black patches covering its body, a tan-colored dorsal side, and a bright orange underside.
According to the research team, nine specimens were collected from a small waterhole on Huanggang Mountain, the main peak of Mt. Wuyi. Through analysis of the samples, the fire-bellied newt was identified as a new and valid species.
Huang Song, a professor at the College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, explained how the team reached this conclusion.
\"The four variances are in appearance, geographic and ecological factors, mitochondrial genes, and nuclear genes,\" said Huang. \"Following the four-difference principle proposed by our team, the newt found in the Mt. Huanggang area is acknowledged as a new and valid species. Based on its origin, we suggest 'Mt. Huanggang fire-bellied newt' as its name.\"
Mt. Wuyi National Park boasts a comprehensive forest ecosystem representative of the mid-subtropical zone. Biologists have dubbed it a \"kingdom of snakes\", \"world of insects\", and \"paradise for birds\" due to its rich biodiversity.
To date, more than 7,400 species of wild plants and animals have been observed in the national park. Since the establishment of the park's Jiangxi section, a total of 11 new species have been discovered there.
Huang expressed optimism about future discoveries as conservation and monitoring efforts continue in Mt. Wuyi National Park.
\"It takes at least 10 million years for a new species to appear, but these 10 million years are a very short moment in the entire geological history,\" Huang noted. \"In recent years, new species have been discovered in the Mt. Huanggang area. On one hand, this is partly due to the high level of biodiversity in the area. On the other hand, the biodiversity there has long been underestimated. The efforts in field surveys need to be strengthened. I believe that more new species will be discovered in this area.\"
Reference(s):
New newt species discovered in national park in E China's Jiangxi
cgtn.com
