Teeny-tiny creature on China mountain turns out to be new species, study says. See it
Researchers stumbled upon “small and stubby” toads while conducting a nighttime field survey on a mountain in China.
The grayish-brown amphibians turned out to be a brand new species, according to a study published on July 21 in the journal of Vertebrate Zoology.
The specimens were collected on Mount Nankun in Guangdong Province along China’s southern coast.
The toads were later euthanized and fixed in an ethanol solution for further study, which included taking detailed measurements and conducting molecular analysis, researchers said.
The toad is distinguished by its diminutive size. Males grow to around 1.5 inches long, while females are slightly larger, measuring around 2 inches.
Subtle features also differentiated the amphibian from other species, including its olive-shaped parotoid glands, which are external glands found near the face. White spots were also observed on the fingers of males.
An analysis of the toads’ DNA helped confirm the identification of a previously unknown species in the genus Bufo. The genus is currently known to contain 24 species — 18 of which are found in China.
The newfound toad was given the name exiguus, which is Latin for small, researchers said.
Exiguus toads have so far only been found on Mount Nankun, indicating they may have a small range. Much else about the toad, including details about its breeding habits, remains unknown and requires further study.
There are more than 6,000 known species of frogs worldwide, according to the American Museum of Natural History. The Cuban tree toad is one of the smallest, growing to only half an inch.
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