New horned toad species discovered in East China

NANCHANG -- Chinese researchers have discovered a new horned toad species in the Jiulianshan National Nature Reserve in East China's Jiangxi province, according to the reserve.

The new species, Boulenophrys huangniushiensis, is described in a study published online in the international journal Zootaxa on Wednesday.

In August 2024, researchers Wu Xiaogang and Zhuo Xiaohai from the reserve, along with Professor Wang Yingyong's team from Sun Yat-sen University, discovered an unknown species of horned toad. Subsequent genetic sequencing and further analysis revealed significant genetic and morphological differences from known species of the genus Boulenophrys, confirming it as a new species.

The new species is currently known to be endemic to the Jiulianshan nature reserve. It is distinguishable by its moderate male body size of about 37.9 to 40.7 mm, absence of vomerine teeth, and toes without lateral fringes and webs.

The discovery not only enriches the global taxonomy of the horned toad family but also reflects the significant achievements of China's efforts in maintaining subtropical mountain biodiversity and preserving species gene pools, according to Wu.