Purple-throated creature with ‘horn-like' eyelids discovered in China mountains
The unusual specimens have been identified as a new species of toad, according to a study published July 17 in the peer-reviewed journal Zoosystematics and Evolution.
Boulenophrys changyangensis, or the Changyang horned toad, lives in the northeastern section of the Wuling Mountains, at elevations of about 2,000 feet, according to the study.
Researchers said they were often found perched on stones in streams in the middle of evergreen broadleaf forests.
The Changyang horned toad measures just over an inch and a half long. It has 'large' eyes, a wide head and 'horn-like' growths on the edge of each upper eyelid, giving it is name.
The toad's body is mostly brown, but it has a dark purple throat, a white belly and 'purple-brown' skin under its slender limbs, according to the study.
Researchers said the Changyang horned toad may have evolved into a new species through geographic isolation in the mountains.
The team noted that while the Guizhou and Hunan sections of the Wuling Mountains are well studied, there is 'a serious lack of systematic research' in Hubei, where the Changyang horned toad was discovered.
In June, researchers announced the discovery of a similar new toad species —the Yezhong horned toad — about 650 miles away in the mountains in Guizhou Province, McClatchy News previously reported.
The Yezhong horned toad also had horn-like growths on its eyelids, a shield-like snout and purple coloration on its underside.
Hubei province is about a 730 mile drive southwest from Beijing.
The research team included Shize Li, Shengchao Shi, Jing Liu, Jingjing Zhao, Shuo Gao and Bin Wang.
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