A new species of the genus Rana sensu lato Linnaeus, 1758 (Anura, Ranidae) from Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province, China

Researchers have identified a new frog species within the genus Rana from Mount Wuyi, Fujian Province, China. This discovery was supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses, which revealed that the new species is genetically distinct from its closest relatives in the R. johnsi group. The species exhibits unique morphological traits, including medium body size (41.4–50.3 mm), internal subgular vocal sacs in males, lateroventral grooves on toe tips, and a distinctive creamy white nuptial pad with velvety spines during breeding. Additionally, the dorsal surface of its thighs and tibias features prominent transverse skin ridges, averaging 26.5 ± 2.7 in number. These characteristics collectively differentiate it from known congeners, contributing to our understanding of biodiversity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wu, Y., Shi, S., Zhang, H., Chen, W., Cai, B., Hoang, V. C., Wu, J., & Wang, B. (2021). A new species of the genus Rana sensu lato Linnaeus, 1758 (Anura, Ranidae) from Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province, China. ZooKeys, 1065, 101–124. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1065.67005