A new amphibian species – Megophrys baishanzuensis – is now known to live in the Baishanzu National Park in Lishui. [Photo/WeChat account: lsnews]

A new species of Asian horned toad was discovered in Lishui city in East China's Zhejiang province, according to a news conference held by the municipal bureau of ecology and environment on Jan 19.

The species was named Megophrys baishanzuensis, since it was discovered in the Baishanzu National Park in June last year during a biodiversity investigation of Lishui. It was found in a narrow range, some 1,400 meters to 1,600 m above sea level in the park.

The result was published in the journal ZooKeys on Dec 18. The journal said the Asian horned toad is widely distributed in eastern and central China, throughout southeastern Asia and extends to the islands of the Sunda Shelf and the Philippines.

During the biodiversity investigation carried out by Lishui in its county-level city of Longquan, as well as in Suichang and Qingyuan counties last year, a total of 2,014 species of higher plants, 429 species of vertebrates, 1,100 species of terrestrial insects and 407 species of macro fungi were found.

Moving forwards, officials said Lishui will embark on the construction of a number of biodiversity experience demonstration bases, such as a firefly theme park in Jiulong National Wetland Park and a biodiversity museum in Zhulong town.

The city will combine ecotourism, nature education, research and in-depth experiences to promote the development of a regional tourism industry and the sustainable utilization of biological resources.