VietNamNet Bridge – One flora and two amphibian species have been discovered in the central provinces of Khanh Hoa and Lam Dong, creating more demand for the protection of biodiversity around the provinces.

Russian and Vietnamese scientists in Hanoi-based Vietnam–Russia Tropical Centre have discovered Miguelia cruenta, a new orchid species, in Hon Ba Nature Reserve in Khanh Hoa.

The orchid is a long plant and grows on rocks or tree trunks. The diameter of the plant's flower is 6–7 centimetres. The flora habituates in evergreen forest, on mountain walls or granite rock cliff at a height of 1,500 metres above sea level.

M. cruenta is the second orchid species found in the reserve in three years, and the scientists expect to find more new species at the site.

At the nature reserve, the scientists have also found a new amphibian species, spotted toad Kalophrynus honbaensis, which is named after Hon Ba site.

The toad populates in evergreen forests at a height of 1,500 metres above sea level. Each individual toad has an average body length of 26–36 millimetres and has a different complexion character compared to other toad species.

In a trip to Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, the scientists discovered another new toad species - the bamboo toad Kalophrynus cryptophonus - living in bamboo trees at a height of 800 metres above sea level.

The toad has a body length of 23–30 millimetres, pointed mouth and prickle complexion around jaw.

The species have been announced on vncreatures.net. The scientists expect better conservation of nature for the protection of the species and other potential species in this rich biodiversity site.

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