Tree frog and brown dwarf toad discovered in Vietnam

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

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

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

Herbaceous tree frog species found in the wild. Photo: Research team — Herbaceous tree frog species 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 tree frog species was discovered during field research in the forest area of Y Ty, Lao Cai province. At first glance, the external morphology of this species is easily confused with previously described species, but when compared genetically, there is a separation. A close examination of the specimens shows some clearly different morphological characteristics. The research team continues to study the biology and ecology of this new species, such as studying 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 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 morphological similarities to the chiang rai dwarf frog V. occidentalis distributed in Thailand, however, it is characterized by an orange-brown back with large black spots, and an orange-yellow chest and belly.

Dorsal (A), ventral (B), profile (C), upper right forelimb (D) and lower left hindlimb (E) views 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 the amphibian fauna in Vietnam has high species diversity and is potentially interesting, especially in difficult-to-reach locations in high mountains.

Nhu Quynh

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