VietNamNet Bridge - Scientists recently discovered a new species of toad at altitude of about 2,800, near the top of Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina.

During the survey in Hoang Lien National Park in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, the scientists at the Vietnam Museum of Nature and the Australian Museum found a new species of toad of the genus Leptolalax.

Its name is L. botsfordi sp. nov., after scientist Christopher Botsford to honor his contributions in the study and conservation of amphibian reptile and scientific capacity building in Asia.

At present, the new species is known only from the upper mountain forest between 2,795–2,815 m elevation on Mount Fansipan, Hoang Lien National Park. Leptolalax botsfordi sp. nov. occurs at higher elevations than any other species in the genus.

According to the website Vncreatures, Leptolalax botsfordi sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of supra-axillary and ventrolateral glands present; dark brownish red ventral surface with white speckling; medium body size for the genus; black markings on the flanks absent; toes with rudimentary webbing and weak lateral fringing; large pectoral glands and femoral glands and an advertisement call with a dominant frequency of 2.6–3.2 kHz (at 14.0º C).

Scientists warn, if L. botsfordi sp. nov. is truly restricted to a narrow, high-elevation band, it is likely to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The new species also faces the immediate threat of habitat degradation and pollution due to tourist activity.

Na Son