Tadpole_CIBQY20200719006_of_Megophrys_baishanzuensis

The Baishanzu horned toad (''Boulenophrys baishanzuensis'') is a species of amphibian found in Baishanzu National Park in Lishui City, Zhejiang Province. It is located in Zhejiang Baishanzu National Park at an altitude of 1400–1600 meters of mountain streams. On January 19, 2021, the press office of the Lishui Municipal Government held a press conference to announce the discovery of new amphibian species in the city.

Appearance characteristics

The male is about 30.5 mm long and has inverted triangles and X-shaped brown markings on the back. The

tadpole A tadpole is the larval stage in the biological life cycle of an amphibian. Most tadpoles are fully aquatic, though some species of amphibians have tadpoles that are terrestrial. Tadpoles have some fish-like features that may not be found ...

eyes are large, speckled, and have an umbrella-shaped mouth with an enlargement lip.

Discovery

In June 2020, when the Biodiversity Background Investigation Team of the Ecological Environment Bureau of Lishui City investigated amphibian reptiles in Baishanzu National Park, it found the species in a stream. In view of the

morphology Morphology, from the Greek and meaning "study of shape", may refer to: Disciplines * Morphology (archaeology), study of the shapes or forms of artifacts * Morphology (astronomy), study of the shape of astronomical objects such as nebulae, galaxies ...

, the call and the close relative Kuatun horned toad are different, it is identified as a new species. The researchers believe that differences in the time of call and reproduction may cause the two to reproductive isolation. The Boettger's horned toad in the same habitat are related to them far away. Since only 15 male adult individuals and 4 tadpoles were found in one stream, the researchers believe that the species should be protected. It has been suggested that the species be classified as

endangered An endangered species is a species that is very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction. Endangered species may be at risk due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching and in ...

by the

IUCN Red List The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, also known as the IUCN Red List or Red Data Book, founded in 1964, is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of biol ...

References

Amphibians described in 2020 Amphibians of China Boulenophrys Endemic fauna of Zhejiang {{Megophryidae-stub