Core Insights - A new amphibian species, the Huangniushi Toad, has been discovered in the Jiulian Mountain National Nature Reserve, with research results published on September 10 in the international journal Zootaxa [1][2]. Group 1: Discovery Details - Researchers Wu Xiaogang and Zhuo Xiaohai found an unknown toad species in the Huangniushi area of the reserve in August 2024 [2]. - Genetic sequencing and morphological analysis revealed significant genetic and morphological differences from known species in the Bufonidae family, confirming it as a new species [2]. Group 2: Species Characteristics - The Huangniushi Toad belongs to the Bufonidae family and is named after its discovery location [5]. - Male individuals measure approximately 37.9-40.7 millimeters in length, with distinctive features such as a rounded snout, yellow-brown back with black "X" markings, and a white belly adorned with red spots [5]. Group 3: Conservation Significance - The discovery of the Huangniushi Toad enriches the species lineage of the Bufonidae family globally and highlights China's efforts in maintaining biodiversity and preserving genetic resources in subtropical mountainous regions [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the stable population of the critically endangered Chinese pangolin in the Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve, managed by the South China Botanical Garden, showcasing the reserve's unique biodiversity and conservation efforts [1][5]. Group 1: Conservation Efforts - The Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve, covering an area of 11.33 square kilometers, preserves nearly 400-year-old South Asian tropical monsoon evergreen broadleaf forests and seven other forest vegetation types [3]. - The reserve has been actively involved in biodiversity monitoring since 2016, with evidence of the Chinese pangolin's presence captured through infrared cameras since 2018 [5]. - Advanced technologies such as drones for forest patrols and artificial intelligence for fire detection are utilized for monitoring and research purposes [5]. Group 2: Global Contributions - The South China Botanical Garden is engaged in global biodiversity mapping and has contributed to the Global Plant Protection Strategy (2023-2030), sharing China's experience in plant conservation at international forums [6]. - Dinghu Mountain has established itself as a "laboratory for observation" for global ecologists, collaborating with over 20 countries on long-term research projects since 1988 [6]. - The reserve's "forest ecosystem carbon sink model" has been included in the United Nations climate change assessment reports, providing reference for developing countries in addressing climate crises [7]. Group 3: Biodiversity Significance - The Dinghu Mountain serves as a "gene pool" with 202 species named after it, and 44 species directly named "Dinghu," emphasizing its ecological importance [3]. - The presence of the Chinese pangolin, known as a "forest guardian," plays a crucial role in controlling ant populations, highlighting its ecological significance [5].