New caecilian species discovered in southwest China's Yunnan

(ECNS) -- Chinese researchers have discovered a new caecilian species in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, according to local authorities.

The findings were published in the international academic journal Asian Herpetological Research.

The new species, named “Honghe Ichthyophis,” is identified as China’s second known caecilian species, following the “Banna Ichthyophis” found in Xishuangbanna, Yunan Province in 1976. The latter mainly lives in China’s Yunnan, Guangxi and Guangdong.

Amphibians are among the most diverse and familiar groups of vertebrates on Earth. However, among living amphibians, the apoda species are relatively rare.

Only a minimal population of Honghe Ichthyophis was found in a restricted area in Jinping County, Yunnan Province, calling for immediate protection of this species and its habitat.