Detection of tree frogs and brown dwarf frogs in Vietnam

Researchers from the Institute of Genome Research discovered new amphibian species called the grass frog (Zhangixalus Thaoae) and the brown dwarf frog (Vietnamophryne aurantifusca).

A research team from the Institute of Genome Research and German and Russian scientists discovered the herb frog (Zhangixalus Thaoae) in Lao Cai province. This species belongs to the genus Zhangixalus , discovered at an altitude of nearly 1,900 m above sea level. The work was just published in Zookeys magazine on April 8, increasing the number of species of this genus recorded in Vietnam to 10.

Tree frogs are a group of frogs whose main habitat is in trees. They have the most beautiful colors among the amphibians in Vietnam. Herb frogs have typical morphological features such as light-colored legs and red eyes. However, the new species has morphological characteristics that are different from other species in the same species: the back of the head and body are green without spots, there is a "large black spot" on the orange thigh, the underside of the orange membrane. has some gray patterns, copper-red iris.

Herb frogs are found in the wild. (Photo: Research team)

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thien Tao, Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, said that the new species of tree frog was discovered during field research and surveys in the forest area of ​​Yen province. Ty, Lao Cai province. At first glance, the external morphology of this species is easy to confuse with the previously described species, but when compared genetically, there is a separation. Close examination of the specimens revealed several distinct morphological features. The research team continues to study the biology and ecology of this new species, such as learning about reproduction, describing tadpoles and the population size of the new species in the wild.

Previously, Associate Professor Tao's research team also discovered the orange-brown dwarf frog species in Tuyen Quang. The orange-brown dwarf frog has the scientific name Vietnamophryne aurantifusca , based on its characteristic body color, a combination of the Latin orange (aurantium) and brown (fuscus).

The new species has similar morphological characteristics to the chiang rai dwarf frog species V.occidentalis distributed in Thailand, however, is characterized by an orange-brown color on the back with large black spots, and a yellow-orange chest and abdomen.

Dorsal view (A), ventral view (B), profile (C), upper right forelimb (D) and lower left hind limb (E) of the orange-brown dwarf frog. (Photo: Research team).

Associate Professor Tao said that both new species were discovered to be distributed in Northern Vietnam, showing that the new discovery of amphibian fauna in Vietnam is highly diverse in species composition and has many interesting potentials. especially in hard-to-reach locations in high mountains.