‘Copper’-eyed creature with ‘bumpy’ skin found on Vietnam peak. It’s a new species
As night fell across a mountain in Vietnam, a “bumpy” creature emerged from the forest. Its “copper” eyes scanned the dark landscape, but it wasn’t the only one looking.
Passing scientists spotted the “slender” animal — and discovered a new species.
Researchers hiked up Deo Ca Mountain in April 2022 to survey wildlife, according to a study published Jan. 8 in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa. During some nighttime searchers, they noticed some unfamiliar-looking frogs.
Intrigued, researchers took a closer look at the patterned amphibians and soon realized they’d discovered a new species: Microhyla roedderi, or Roedder’s narrow-mouthed frog.
Roedder’s narrow-mouthed frogs are considered “medium”-sized, reaching just under an inch in length, the study said. They have “slightly bumpy” skin, “long” legs and “slender” fingers with “skin fringes.” Their “copper” eyes stick out slightly.
Photos show the various brown hues of the new species. “Dark brown markings” dot its back, while its head and legs have a slight orange tint.
Roedder’s narrow-mouthed frogs live in an evergreen forest at elevations of 1,400 to 2,600 feet, the study said. The frogs were found at night “on the ground nearby streams.”
A photo shared on Instagram by the Thomas Ziegler Work Group shows the new species’ habitat.
Researchers said they named the new species after Dennis Rödder, a scientist and professor, “to (honor) his long-term support of conservation-based research including the support of student work.”
So far, Roedder’s narrow-mouthed frogs have only been found at a few locations on Deo Ca Mountain, a peak in central Vietnam and roughly 225 miles northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. Researchers suggested follow-up surveys to confirm “its actual distribution range.”
The new species was identified by its body size, skin texture, finger shape and markings, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had at least 9% genetic divergence from other related frogs.
The research team included Chung Van Hoang, Cuong The Pham, Truong Quang Nguyen, Tien Quang Phan, Thomas Ziegler, Nikolai Orlov, Jianping Jiang and Dang Trong Do.
This story was originally published January 9, 2025 at 10:03 AM with the headline "‘Copper’-eyed creature with ‘bumpy’ skin found on Vietnam peak. It’s a new species."
