‘Horned’ creature with over 250 eggs found in forest of China. It’s a new species
In a nature reserve of southern China, a “horned” creature with over 250 “creamy white” eggs sat on the ground near a stream. Its eyes scanned the surrounding forest, but it wasn’t the only one looking around.
Passing scientists found the “rough”-textured animal — and discovered a new species.
Researchers hiked into Dupangling National Nature Reserve several times in 2016 and 2022 to survey wildlife, according to a study published Feb. 5 in the peer-reviewed journal Animals. The team mainly focused on documenting the area’s reptiles and amphibians.
During the visits, researchers found some unfamiliar-looking frogs, the study said. They took a closer look at the frogs and quickly realized they’d discovered a new species: Boulenophrys dupanglingensis, or the Dupangling horned toad.
Dupangling horned toads are considered “moderate”-sized, reaching just under 2 inches in length, the study said. They have “rough” skin with a “‘V’‑shaped ridge” and lots of bumps on their back. Their eyelids have a “small horn‑like tubercle at the edge,” and their hindlimbs are “slender.”
Photos show the various brown hues of the new species. One toad has a sandy brown body that seems to blend in with the surrounding rock. Others have a darker brown-black coloring with blotchy pinkish stomachs. Another has an orangish belly.
Dupangling horned toads live in evergreen forests and were “typically” found on the ground “near mountain streams” at elevations of 1,250 to 1,500 feet, researchers said. The toads seemed “abundant” and were heard calling.
One female Dupangling horned toad was found with over 250 “creamy white” eggs, the study said.
Researchers said they named the new species after the Dupangling National Nature Reserve where it was first discovered and, so far, the only place where it has been found. The reserve is near the southern border of Hunan Province in south-central China.
The new species was identified by its body shape, texture, legs and other subtle physical features, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had at least 2% genetic divergence from other related toad species.
The research team included Bei Xiao, Jiayan Xi, Shengchao Shi, Hui Li, Leqiang Zhu, Ayinuer Maimaiti, Yalan Xu, Shunhua Liao, Bin Wang and Xiaoyang Mo.
This story was originally published February 13, 2025 at 1:14 PM with the headline "‘Horned’ creature with over 250 eggs found in forest of China. It’s a new species."
