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We provide the first distribution pattern of the Microhyla heymonsi group based on available molecular and morphological data collected from East and Southeast Asia. Our analyses show a high level of genetic diversity in the M. heymonsi group with nine distinct lineages from China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, as well as Singapore, and Indonesia. The study also reveals the discovery of two new species in Vietnam, Microhyla hmongorum sp. nov. from Lai Chau Province and Microhyla xodangorum sp. nov. from Kon Tum Province. When comparing the 12S–16S rRNA gene, the genetic divergence between Microhyla xodangorum and other congeners of the Microhyla heymonsi group ranges from 7.5-- to 8.9% (M. cf. heymonsi) and approximately 8.4% between the new species and M. heymonsi s. str. from Taiwan, China. The genetic divergence between Microhyla hmongorum and its congeners ranges from 4.5–5.6% (M. cf. heymonsi) to 8.7% (Microhyla xodangorum). These new findings bring the total number of known species in the genus Microhyla to 48 and the recorded species of Microhyla from Vietnam to 14.
We describe a new species of Theloderma from northeastern Vietnam based on morphological differences and molecular divergence. Theloderma khoii sp. nov. is distinguishable from its congeners on the basis of a combination of the following characters: large size, SVL 52.1 mm in male, 59.4 mm in female; head length and width equal; vomerine teeth present; snout pointed and truncated, eye large, ED 4.7 mm in male, 5.6 mm in female, spinules on upper eyelid; tibiotarsal articulation reaches to the posterior border of the eye or the tip of the snout; dorsal skin very rough with large irregular gland ridges and warts, ventral surface of body granular; tips of all digits dilated but all considerably smaller than tympanum; dorsal surface mossy green or olive mottled with dark magenta. The distribution of the new species is unknown but probably extends into adjacent high elevation forested areas in Ha Giang Province, Vietnam and in Yunnan Province, China with an extent of occurrence of only < 1000 km2 and continuing decline in the quality of its habitat due to deforestation. Thus, we suggest the species should be considered Endangered following IUCN’s Red List categories.