Chinese scientists have recently identified a previously unknown species of tree frog in Medog County, located in the Xizang Autonomous Region of southwest China.
This discovery was the result of a collaborative study involving the Institute of Plateau Biology in Xizang, Southwest University, the Xizang Museum of Natural Science, and Guangxi Normal University. Their findings were published in the scientific journal Zoosystematics and Evolution.
During fieldwork conducted in the mountainous regions of Medog County at elevations between 500 and 1,700 meters, the researchers collected frog specimens they initially believed to be the known “two-spotted tree frog” (R. bipunctatus).
After carrying out thorough morphological examinations and genetic analyses, the researchers concluded that the specimens belonged to a previously unidentified species, which they officially named Rhacophorus medogensis.
The newly discovered Medog tree frog is medium-sized, with adult lengths ranging from 31.6 to 55.5 millimeters. The team found clear morphological distinctions and genetic divergence from the two-spotted tree frog.
Using molecular data, the researchers also reevaluated the geographical range of the two-spotted tree frog. Contrary to earlier beliefs that it was widespread across Southeast Asia, it is now known to be confined to northern India and central-western Myanmar.
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