New newt species discovered in mountains of east China

Chinese researchers from Anhui Normal University have discovered a new newt species on Huanggang Mountain, the main peak of Wuyishan National Park, which spans east China's Jiangxi Province and Fujian Province.

Called "Huanggangshan Fire-bellied Newt," the new species is characterized by the conspicuous black patches on its whole body, a tan-colored dorsal body and a bright orange underside.

According to researchers, nine specimens were collected in a small waterhole from Huanggangshan Mountains in Yanshan County. Through analysis of these samples, the fire-bellied newt has been identified as a new species.

Huang Song, a professor with College of Life Sciences under Anhui Normal University, explained how the team arrived at that conclusion.

"The four variances are in appearance, geographic and ecological factors, mitochondrial genes and nuclear genes. Following the four-difference principle proposed by our team, the newt found in the Huanggangshan area is acknowledged as a new and valid species. Based on its origin, we suggest 'Huanggangshan Fire-bellied Newt' as its name," said Huang.

Wuyishan National Park has a comprehensive forest ecosystem representative of the mid-subtropical zone. It is also dubbed a "kingdom of snakes", "world of insects" and "paradise for birds" by biologists for its rich biodiversity.

So far, more than 7,400 species of wild plants or animals have been observed at the national park.

Since the establishment of the park's Jiangxi section, a total of 11 new species have been found there.

Huang stressed that more such discoveries are bound to be made as long as efforts to conserve and monitor the rich biodiversity in Wuyishan National Park continue.

It takes at least 10 million years for a new species to appear, but these 10 million years are a very short moment in the entire geological history, Huang said.

"In recent years, new species have been discovered in this area of Huanggang Mountains. On the one hand, this is partly due to the high level of biodiversity in the area. On the other hand, the biodiversity there has long been underestimated. The efforts in field surveys need to be strengthened. I believe that more new species will be discovered in this area," Huang noted.

New newt species discovered in mountains of east China

Thailand has temporarily closed more than 1,000 schools in border areas following a new round of armed clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops along their shared border.

The Thai Ministry of Education ordered the suspension of classes on Friday in seven provinces bordering Cambodia, affecting a total of 1,060 schools, to ensure the safety of students and teachers.

Buriram Province is among the areas most affected by the renewed fighting, with more than 100 schools shut down. At local shelters, displaced residents, including children and teenagers, have sought refuge as fighting continues.

One girl said she had stayed in the shelter for 11-12 days already. "I moved here because of the clashes between Thailand and Cambodia," she said, adding that she could hear very loud gunfire at her home.

She said school won't be open until the clashes end, and she misses her classmates very much.

A teenage boy in the shelter expressed the same emotions.

"It's been 13 days since I moved here. I heard gunfires at home and I was so scared that I moved to the shelter. I want to return to school to study and see my friends," he said.

A displaced woman recalled her time in a shelter when border clashes between the two countries broke out earlier this year.

"I stayed in the shelter for a week when the last clashes broke out. This time I don't know how long I need to stay here before I can return home," she said.

Border clashes between the two sides reignited on Dec 7, less than two months after the two sides signed a joint peace declaration, with both sides trading the blame for instigating the attacks.

Thailand closes over 1,000 schools near border amid armed clashes with Cambodia