A vibrant new species of newt has been discovered in the lush forests of Mt. Wuyi National Park, spanning the Chinese mainland’s Jiangxi and Fujian provinces. Dubbed the Mt. Huanggang fire-bellied newt, this tiny amphibian sports a striking tan back, black patches, and a bright orange underside that looks straight out of a sci-fi film 🦎✨.
Researchers from Anhui Normal University found nine specimens in a small mountain waterhole on Huanggang Mountain. Using a ‘four-difference’ method—analyzing appearance, habitat, mitochondrial DNA, and nuclear genes—the team confirmed it’s a totally new species. ‘This discovery proves Mt. Wuyi still has secrets to share,’ said Professor Huang Song, who led the study.
Mt. Wuyi, nicknamed the ‘paradise for birds’ and ‘kingdom of snakes,’ is a biodiversity hotspot with over 7,400 recorded species. Since 2021, 11 new species have been uncovered in its Jiangxi section alone. 🌳🔬
But here’s the kicker: It takes 10 million years for a new species to evolve! Yet, Prof. Huang believes more discoveries await: ‘We’ve underestimated this area’s diversity. Protect it, and who knows what’s next?’ Conservation efforts could unlock even more of nature’s hidden gems.
