Lin Shi-Shi, Li Yuan-Hang, Su Hong-Lin, Yi Hui, Pan Zhong, Sun Yan-Jun, Zeng Zhao-Chi, Wang Jian
Guangdong Polytechnic of Environmental Protection Engineering, Foshan 528216, China Guangdong Polytechnic of Environmental Protection Engineering Foshan China.
Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou 510630, China Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong Province Guangzhou China.
Zookeys. 2022 Sep 5;1120:47-66. doi: 10.3897/zookeys.1120.87067. eCollection 2022.
Karstic landscapes play an important role in biodiversity formation and often contain high levels of endemism. However, site-endemic taxa in karstic landscapes are being threatened by exploitation and weak legal protection. In this study, we describe Wang, Zeng, & Lin, , a limestone karst-restricted odorous frog from northern Guangdong, China. This new species shows distinctive genetic divergence and morphological differences from its congeners. Phylogenetic results suggest that the new species represents an independent lineage that is grouped with and based on the mitochondrial 16S and 12S ribosomal RNA genes. We recommend the new species be listed as Vulnerable (VU) in the IUCN categorization as it is only known from the type locality with limited microhabitats and is threatened by habitat degradation.