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| Boulenophrys raoping Wang, Zhan, Xiao, Tan, Chen, Li, Lin, Lyu & Zeng, 2026 |
Abstract
Two new species, Boulenophrys dongli sp. nov. and Boulenophrys raoping sp. nov., are described from the coastal mountains of Raoping County, Chaozhou City, eastern Guangdong, China, based on morphological and molecular evidence. Currently, these two new species are known only from low-altitude mountainous areas (below 500 m a.s.l.), where they inhabit fragmented patches of secondary forest interspersed with bamboo plantations. Given their extremely limited distribution, ongoing habitat loss, and isolated populations, we recommend listing these two new species as Critically Endangered (CR) in accordance with IUCN Red List criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii)c(i,ii)+B2ab(i,ii,iii)c(i,ii). Continued research is critical to fill existing knowledge gaps and to guide coordinated conservation efforts aimed at protecting these unique amphibians within the critical montane refugia of eastern Guangdong.
Keywords: Conservation, highly threatened, horned toads, morphology, mountain refugia, phylogeny
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| Life aspect of the holotype (GEP a514) of Boulenophrys dongli sp. nov.: A dorsolateral view, B dorsal view, C ventral view, D ventral view of hand, E ventral view of foot. |
Boulenophrys dongli sp. nov.
Dongli horned toad (in English)
dōng lǐ jiǎo chán (东里角蟾 in Chinese)
Etymology. The specific epithet dongli is derived from the ancient name “东里 (dōng lǐ)” of the region where the new species is distributed, meaning the eastern boundary of Guangdong, indicating the distribution area of the new species.
Diagnosis. (1) Small size (SVL 30.3–35.6 mm in six adult males); (2) snout rounded in dorsal view, canthus rostralis well developed, tongue not notched distally; (3) tympanum visible, tympanic margin indistinct, temporal region bearing conical spines except tympanum; (4) vomerine ridges and vomerine teeth present; (5) dorsal skin rough and highly granular, discontinuous X-shaped or V-shaped ridge on center of dorsum, dorsolateral ridges absent, sparse large tubercles on flanks, dorsal limbs with tubercles bearing conical spines, sparse rounded tubercles on belly, dense tubercles ...
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| Life aspect of Boulenophrys raoping sp. nov. the holotype (GEP a519): A1 dorsolateral view, A2 dorsal view, A3 ventral view, A4 ventral view of hand, A5 ventral view of foot; female paratype (GEP a523): B1 dorsolateral view, B2 dorsal view, B3 ventral view, B4 ventral view of hand, B5 ventral view of foot. |
Boulenophrys raoping sp. nov.
Raoping horned toad (in English)
ráo píng jiǎo chán (饶平角蟾 in Chinese)
Etymology. The specific epithet raoping is derived from its type locality, Raoping County. The name “Raoping (饶平)” combines the characters “饶” (ráo), meaning “rich” or “abundant,” symbolizing prosperous harvests and natural resources, and “平” (píng), meaning “peace” or “stability,” reflecting aspirations for social harmony. Together, they convey the traditional Chinese ideal of material prosperity and enduring peace.
Diagnosis. (1) Small size (SVL 34.1–36.6 mm in four adult males, 39.2–41.8 mm in three adult females); (2) snout rounded in dorsal view, canthus rostralis well developed, tongue not notched distally; (3) tympanum distinct, tympanic margin distinct and raised, temporal region bearing conical spines except tympanum; (4) vomerine ridges present, vomerine teeth absent; (5) dorsal skin rough and highly granular, discontinuous X-shaped or V-shaped ridge on center of dorsum, dorsolateral ridges absent, sparse large tubercles on flanks, dorsal limbs with tubercles bearing conical spines, dense rounded tubercles on belly, dense tubercles bearing conical spines on ...
Jian Wang, Bin-Bin Zhan, Wei-Wen Xiao, Lin Tan, Hong-Hui Chen, Yuan-Hang Li, Shi-Shi Lin, Zhi-Tong Lyu and Zhao-Chi Zeng. 2026. Survival in Fragmented Landscapes: Two New Boulenophrys Species (Anura: Megophryidae) from the coastal mountains of eastern Guangdong, China. Vertebrate Zoology. 76: 381-399. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e195550 [02-07-2026]
