Two new toad species—Raoping horned toad and Dongli horned toad—have been discovered in Raoping County, Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province by researchers from the Guangdong Polytechnic of Environmental Protection Engineering, the Guangdong Wildlife Monitoring Rescue and Conservation Center, and the Chengdu Institute of Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Their findings were published in Vertebrate Zoology, the prestigious international zoological journal, on July 2.
The two new species are both small-sized horned toads with short hind legs and a similar overall appearance. However, the Raoping horned toad features prominent tympanic annuluses (clearly visible ear rings) and slightly webbed toes, but it lacks vomerine teeth (small gripping teeth on the roof of the mouth). On the other hand, the Dongli horned toad has indistinct tympanic annuluses and unwebbed toes, but it possesses vomerine teeth.
Raoping horned toad
According to Lin Shishi, the lead researcher of the team, the Raoping horned toad is named after its discovery location, Raoping County, a name that traditionally signifies abundant resources and peace. In contrast, the Dongli horned toad is named after "Dongli," an ancient local name representing the eastern border of Guangdong.
Dongli horned toad
According to the research team, both species inhabit distinct environments and have highly restricted ranges of distribution. Based on the assessment criteria established by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the researchers recommend classifying both the Dongli and Raoping horned toads as Critically Endangered (CR).
Lin emphasized that this discovery demonstrates that even within the densely urbanized coastal regions of Southeast China, crucial micro-habitats still survive. This finding highlights the urgent need for systematic biodiversity surveys and targeted conservation efforts, signaling that wildlife protection has entered a more refined and localized era.
Author | Liu Yue
Photo | Chaozhou Fabu
