Photos by Nikolay A. Poyarkov
Cao Bang Crocodile Newt (Tylototriton Koliaensis)
A new crocodile newt species was discovered in the Viet Bac Mountain Range, northern Vietnam. Previously confused with other species like T. asperrimus and T. ziegleri, it was identified through detailed genetic and physical analyses. Key differences include body shape, skin texture, orange markings, and limb size.
Genetic testing confirms it as a close relative of T. ziegleri, but the two species are geographically separated by the Gam River Valley. The new species is found in evergreen forests at elevations of 1,000–1,400 m in Cao Bang Province, Vietnam, and possibly Guangxi, China.
The species is endangered due to its limited range and ongoing habitat loss caused by deforestation and human activity. This discovery highlights the importance of protecting small, isolated habitats that are home to unique, undiscovered species. It also demonstrates the role of advanced tools like genomic sequencing in wildlife conservation, helping scientists identify and protect cryptic amphibian species before they disappear.
