Core Insights - A new frog species named "Ouyang's Spiny Frog" has been discovered in the Yungde Daxueshan National Nature Reserve, highlighting the ecological value of the Hengduan Mountains as a global biodiversity hotspot [1][4] - The discovery reflects the effectiveness of the "research + conservation" collaborative model in biological resource surveys [1] Group 1: Discovery and Research - The discovery was made by a joint research team from the Kunming Institute of Zoology, the Southwest Survey and Planning Institute of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, and Sichuan Normal University [1] - The research team conducted long-term field investigations, leading to the identification of this unique frog species [1] - The species was first observed in 2015 during an amphibian survey in Yungde County, Yunnan Province [1] Group 2: Species Characteristics - Ouyang's Spiny Frog has a medium body size, measuring between 72.7 to 82.2 millimeters in length, with a distinctive deep purple back covered in irregular yellow spots [2] - Key morphological differences from the closely related flower spiny frog include larger eyes, narrower interocular distance, smoother skin, and deeper webbing notches between toes [2] - Male Ouyang's Spiny Frog exhibits pronounced secondary sexual characteristics, such as robust forelimbs and vocal sacs [2] Group 3: Ecological Significance - The discovery site is characterized by a subtropical mountain evergreen broadleaf forest stream ecosystem, supporting a diverse amphibian community [4] - In addition to Ouyang's Spiny Frog, eight other amphibian species were recorded in the same habitat, indicating a relatively complete amphibian community structure and high ecosystem stability [4] - The finding enriches the diversity of amphibian species in China and provides new material and scientific data for evolutionary studies in the Hengduan Mountains [4]