කඳුකර දියකඩිත්තෙන් මතුවූ අලුත් සතා

New newt species discovered in mountains of east China

Chinese researchers from Anhui Normal University have discovered a new newt species on Huanggang Mountain, the main peak of Wuyishan National Park, which spans east China's Jiangxi Province and Fujian Province.

Called "Huanggangshan Fire-bellied Newt," the new species is characterized by the 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 Huanggangshan Mountains in Yanshan County. Through analysis of these samples, the fire-bellied newt has been identified as a new species.

Huang Song, a professor with College of Life Sciences under 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 the Huanggangshan area is acknowledged as a new and valid species. Based on its origin, we suggest 'Huanggangshan Fire-bellied Newt' as its name," said Huang.

Wuyishan National Park has a comprehensive forest ecosystem representative of the mid-subtropical zone. It is also 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 or 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 stressed that more such discoveries are bound to be made as long as efforts to conserve and monitor the rich biodiversity in Wuyishan 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 this area of Huanggang Mountains. 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.

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