Researchers describe new frog species Rana hainan in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park

Researchers led by specialists from Hainan Normal University have described a new amphibian species, the Hainan grooved-toed frog (Rana hainan). The frog was found in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park in China's Hainan province, according to the Xinhua agency, as reported by Report.az. report.azReport.azreport.azOpen source ↗ The results were published in the international journal ZooKeys.

How the species was identified

From 2024 to 2026, the scientists conducted field surveys of amphibians in the national park. The frogs they found had distinctive features that allowed them to be assigned to a previously unknown species. The conclusions were confirmed by molecular phylogenetic analysis and a study of morphological characteristics.

Range and protection

At present the species is known only from a few protected zones of the national park. It lives mainly in tropical forests at elevations of 350 to 950 metres above sea level and prefers evergreen broadleaf forests.

Wang Jichao, dean of the university's faculty of biological sciences, called the discovery an important result of biodiversity research in the park and adjacent areas. According to the park administration, more than 90 new animal and plant species have been found there over the past five years. More than 95% of Hainan's primary forests and over 55% of its natural forest areas are under effective protection. report.azReport.azreport.azOpen source ↗