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Miami Herald
02-05-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
‘Spiny' creatures get stomachs ‘flushed' to reveal their mystery diets in Vietnam
In northeastern Vietnam, researchers spent nearly a decade scouring mountain forests and nature reserves for a little-known endangered species of frog. Quasipaa acanthophora, or the Mau Son spiny frog, was discovered in 2009 on Mau Son Mountain and has now been reported in a new location, bringing the number of known populations to three, according to an April 29 study published in Biodiversity Data Journal. Researchers said recent fieldwork led to the discovery of a Mau Son spiny frog population in Dong Son–Ky Thuong Nature Reserve in Quang Ninh Province, about a 120-mile drive east from Hanoi. Experts have also begun to unlock mysteries about the diet of the Mau Son spiny frog, which was previously unknown, according to the study. Staked out along rocky streams in evergreen forests — the species' natural habitat — researchers caught 38 spiny frogs by hand and 'flushed' their stomachs to analyze the contents. The process, which caused no harm to the frogs, revealed '446 prey items,' giving researchers insights into the types and size of prey, as well as possible differences in consumption habits between males and females and adults and young, according to the study. Researchers found 27 different categories of prey, 21 of which were insects, in the stomachs of the Mau Son spiny frogs. Cockroaches and beetles are the most prominent or 'important' food source to the opportunistic feeders, according to the study. Crustaceans and whip scorpions were found only in the stomachs of female frogs, while crane flies and centipedes were found only in the stomachs of males, according to researchers. The spiny frogs are described as being 'large' and 'robust' with warty skin, 'pale copper' irises and 'immaculate white' bellies, according to the study. Mau Son spiny frogs are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List and endangered in Vietnam's Red Data Book, according to researchers. The research team included Vien Hong Thi Nguyen, Anh Van Pham, Truong Quang Nguyen, Tung Thanh Tran, Thomas Ziegler and Cuong The Pham.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists stunned after accidentally finding ultra-rare creature: 'It is the first record of a juvenile of the species made anywhere'
For the first time, scientists have spotted a young Himalayan frog in Tibet, marking a breakthrough for a species rarely seen since its initial discovery over a century ago, reported the Idaho Statesman. The Himalayan frog, known scientifically as Amolops himalayanus, was accidentally found during a routine survey of forest pests. This small, green amphibian with distinctive disc-shaped toes had previously been documented in only India and Nepal. This discovery represents the first-ever documented juvenile of the species anywhere in the world. The finding gives researchers valuable insights into the early life stages of these elusive amphibians and offers new hope for understanding their life cycle and habitat needs. This conservation success story also points to the possibility of healthier stream ecosystems throughout the Himalayan region. Amphibians are natural indicators of environmental health. Their permeable skin makes them sensitive to water and air quality changes. The presence of this frog in a new location suggests clean waterways exist across a wider range than previously thought. The beautiful creature certainly stands out. Its bright green body is spotted with black markings, and its yellowish-green limbs are crossed with brown bars. Perhaps most distinctive is the black stripe running from its snout through its eyes to its ears, giving it a masked appearance that helps it blend into streamside vegetation. "The team of scientists found the frog at night, sitting in shrubland by a river. It is the first record of a juvenile of the species made anywhere," according to the study published in the Biodiversity Data Journal, the Idaho Statesman said. "Amolops himalayanus was discovered in Darjeeling, India, in 1888 and is considered 'poorly known,'" according to researchers, the Idaho Statesman added. The research team, which includes JiShan Wang, Shuo Liu, Hengying Wang, Mo Wang, and Dingqi Rao, has opened new doors for protection efforts that could help secure this amphibian's future and the ecosystems it calls home. Do you worry about the quality of the air inside your home? Yes — often Yes — but only sometimes Only when it's bad outside No — I never do Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Miami Herald
21-03-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Elusive striped creature — with disc toes — found for first time in Tibet. See it
A creature rarely seen since it was discovered more than 100 years ago was found for the first time — accidentally — in Tibet. Researchers conducting a survey of harmful forest pests recorded a single young Amolops himalayanus — a frog species previously only seen in India and Nepal, according to a study published March 14 in the peer-reviewed journal Biodiversity Data Journal. Amolops himalayanus, or the Himalayan frog, was first discovered in Darjeeling, India, in 1888 and has not been extensively studied, researchers said. The team of scientists found the frog at night, sitting in shrubland by a river. It is the first record of a juvenile of the species made anywhere, according to the study. From this fortunate chance encounter, scientists were also able to capture the first 'reliable' photos of the species alive, according to the study. The young frog is described as having a green body with black spots, long 'yellowish-green' limbs with 'brown crossbars,' and a black stripe that runs from its snout to its ear through its eyes on both sides of its head, according to the study. The frog's fingers expand into grooved discs at the tips, researchers said. Researchers used genetic analysis to confirm the identity of the species, the study said. The frog was found in Yadong County in southeastern Tibet, an autonomous region controlled by China near a disputed China-India border. According to the study, 16 species of frogs in the Amolops genus are found in this region. The research team includes JiShan Wang, Shuo Liu, Hengying Wang, Mo Wang and Dingqi Rao.
