A NEW CRYPTIC SPECIES OF THE GENUS Microhyla (AMPHIBIA: MICROHYLIDAE) FROM LANGBIAN PLATEAU, VIETNAM

Abstract

An integrative taxonomic analysis combining molecular and morphological lines of evidence revealed a new cryptic species of the Microhyla achatina species group from the Langbian Plateau of southern Vietnam. The new species was previously confused with its recently described morphologically similar and sympatric sister species, M. pineticola. The new species can be distinguished from M. pineticola by the presence of a continuous dark stripe running from the posterior edge of its eye towards the groin (vs dark markings interrupted above the axilla), snout acuminate in lateral profile (vs rounded), belly colour pattern, and foot webbing. The new species is currently known only from Bidoup–Nui Ba National Park in Lam Dong Province, Langbian Plateau in southern Vietnam (at elevations of 1300–1600 m a.s.l). We suggest the new species to be considered as Near Threatened (NT) in the IUCN Red List. Our results emphasize that our understanding of the diversity of genus Microhyla is still far from complete, and provide further evidence for montane areas of southern Vietnam to be a centre of Microhyla species richness. Our study further underscores the urgent need for intensified integrative taxonomic research on Microhyla spp. in order to clarify the taxonomy of wide-ranging species complexes and to elaborate effective conservation measures.