A new species of toothed frog discovered in Vietnam: it was sitting on top of a mountain. Photo

A new species of toothed frog has been discovered in Vietnam. An international team of conservationists named it Mount Po Ma Lung (Oreolalax adelphos) in honor of the mountain where it was found. The Hoàng Liên Range is a well-known global hotspot for endangered species.

A team of conservationists climbed to the top of Mount Po Ma Lung in search of the region's famous duckweed. However, while descending from the 2967-meter-high peak, the research team discovered a hitherto unknown species of frog, ZSL reports.

The Mount Po Ma Lung toothed toad has a row of tiny teeth. The amphibian is covered with black, cream, and gray spots. According to the researchers, it also has several unique features - a narrow fold of skin behind its eyes, a distinct mottled pattern on its belly, and an eye-catching two-toned iris.

Scientists are concerned because the toothed frog's forest habitat is under threat of destruction due to firewood collection for the tourism industry, as well as the creation of cardamom plantations on the lower slopes of the mountain. If further research confirms that the new frog species is dependent on the environment around the top of Po Ma Lung, so it may be included in the IUCN Red List.

"This is a very exciting new discovery, and one that highlights the need to protect the forests of the Hoàng Liên Range and their remarkable biodiversity. Over the past 10 years, we have described 6 frogs and a snake as new species to science; now we have the important task of working with our partners to conserve them," said Dr. Ben Tapley, Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians at London Zoo.

According to scientists, Vietnam has the highest rate of amphibian species discovery in mainland Southeast Asia, but the country has relatively few conservation initiatives focused on their preservation.

The Hoàng Liên Range is home to more than 80 amazing amphibian species, many of which are endangered and found nowhere else on the planet.

"If we are to protect some of our rarest amphibian species, striking a balance between biodiversity conservation and the area’s economic growth is essential. By focusing on sustainable ecotourism initiatives, we can work to protect the region's remarkable amphibian diversity before it's too late," Ben Tapley summarized.

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