Three new species—Microdytes danxiaensis, Strobilanthes danxiaensis, and Cantharellus danxiashanensis—have recently been identified in Danxia Mountain, Shaoguan, in south China's Guangdong Province, bringing the total number of newly discovered species in the area to 56.
These findings have increased the total number of newly identified species in this area to 56, underscoring its significance as a unique "species evolution island".
Microdytes danxiaensis, measuring just 1.7–1.8 millimeters, is the smallest known diving beetle species in China. It inhabits water pockets in rock crevices on damp Danxia cliffs. The discovery was made by researchers from Sun Yat-sen University in collaboration with international scholars and published in the professional journal Koleopterologische Rundschau.
Strobilanthes danxiaensis blooms with blue-purple flowers and grows up to 80 centimeters tall. Found in humid, shaded mountain valleys, it is currently classified as a plant species with a very small population. Well adapted to moist, low-light environments, it is considered particularly suitable for ecological restoration and ornamental greening applications.
Cantharellus danxiashanensis features orange-yellow fruiting bodies and is the first edible new species discovered in Danxia Mountain. Confirmed through molecular phylogenetic analysis by the Guangdong Academy of Sciences, it is expected to support future scientific cultivation and develop into a local specialty.
Why has Danxia Mountain become a cradle for new species in such a short time? The answer lies in its unique "terrestrial island" ecology. Its red sandstone peaks act as isolated ecological islands, where steep cliffs and diverse habitats restrict species migration and drive independent evolution. Danxia Mountain will further enhance conservation and research efforts, offering valuable insights for global biodiversity protection.
Author | He Fengyu
Photo | Nanfang Plus
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
