Chinese researchers from Anhui Normal University have discovered a new newt species on Huanggang Mountain, the main peak of Mt. Wuyi National Park, which spans east China’s Jiangxi and Fujian provinces.
The new species is called “Mt. Huanggang fire-bellied newt.” It is characterized by conspicuous black patches on its whole body, a tan-colored dorsal body, and a bright orange underside.
According to researchers, nine specimens were collected in a small waterhole from Mt. Huanggang in Yanshan County. Through analysis of the samples, the fire-bellied newt was identified as a new species.
Huang Song, a professor at the College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, explained how the team arrived at that conclusion.
“The four variances are in appearance, geographic and ecological factors, mitochondrial genes and nuclear genes. Following the four-difference principle proposed by our team, the newt found in Mt. Huanggang area is acknowledged as a new and valid species. Based on its origin, we suggest ‘Mt. Huanggang fire-bellied newt’ as its name,” said Huang.
Mt. Wuyi National Park has a comprehensive forest ecosystem representative of the mid-subtropical zone. It has been dubbed a “kingdom of snakes,” “world of insects” and “paradise for birds” by biologists for its rich biodiversity.
So far, more than 7,400 species of wild plants and animals have been observed at the national park.
Since the establishment of the park’s Jiangxi section, a total of 11 new species have been found there.
Huang said that more discoveries are bound to be made as long as efforts to conserve and monitor the rich biodiversity in Mt. Wuyi National Park continue.
It takes at least 10 million years for a new species to appear, but these 10 million years are a very short moment in the entire geological history, Huang said.
“In recent years, new species have been discovered in Mt. Huanggang area. On the one hand, this is partly due to the high level of biodiversity in the area. On the other hand, the biodiversity there has long been underestimated. The efforts in field surveys need to be strengthened. I believe that more new species will be discovered in this area,” Huang noted.
(Cover a still from the video)
