Researchers from the Institute of Genome Research have recently made two exciting discoveries in the realm of amphibian species in Vietnam. The first species, known as the grass frog (Zhangixalus Thaoae), was discovered by a team of researchers from the Institute of Genome Research, alongside German and Russian scientists, in Lao Cai province. This species belongs to the genus Zhangixalus and was found at an altitude of nearly 1,900 m above sea level. The discovery was published in the magazine Zookeys on April 8, adding to the number of species of this genus recorded in Vietnam to 10.
The second species, known as the brown dwarf frog (Vietnamophryne aurantifusca), was previously discovered by Associate Professor Nguyen Thien Tao and his research team in Tuyen Quang. This species has similar morphological characteristics to the chiang rai dwarf frog V. occidentalis found in Thailand, but is characterized by its orange-brown back with large black spots, and a yellow-orange chest and abdomen. Both new species were found to be distributed in Northern Vietnam, highlighting the diverse amphibian fauna in Vietnam, especially in hard-to-reach locations in high mountains.
Associate Professor Tao emphasized the importance of studying the biology and ecology of these new species, including reproduction, tadpole description, and population size in the wild, to further understand and protect these unique amphibians. These findings are a testament to the rich biodiversity that exists within Vietnam’s borders and underscore the need for continued research and conservation efforts to preserve these precious natural resources for future generations.
