Russian and Vietnamese scientists in Hanoi-based Vietnam–Russia Tropical Centre have discovered Miguelia cruenta, a new orchid species, in Hon Ba Nature Reserve in Khanh Hoa. The orchid is a long plant and grows on rocks or tree trunks. The diameter of the plant's flower is 6–7 centimeters. The flora habituates in evergreen forest, on mountain walls or granite rock cliff at a height of 1,500 meters above sea level.
At the nature reserve, the scientists have also found a new amphibian species, spotted toad Kalophrynus honbaensis, which is named after Hon Ba site.
The toad populates in evergreen forests at a height of 1,500 meters above sea level. Each individual toad has an average body length of 26–36 millimeters and has a different complexion character compared to other toad species.
In a trip to Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, the scientists discovered another new toad species - the bamboo toad Kalophrynus cryptophonus - living in bamboo trees at a height of 800 meters above sea level. The toad has a body length of 23–30 millimeters, pointed mouth and prickle complexion around jaw.
The species have been announced on vncreatures.net. The scientists expect better conservation of nature for the protection of the species and other potential species in this rich biodiversity site. (Vietnam News June 22)
