Multiple newly recorded species of wildlife and plants have been continuously discovered at Dinghushan National Nature Reserve

Recently, the scientific monitoring team of Dinghushan National Nature Reserve in Guangdong, China, has recorded and confirmed five new amphibian and reptile species—Sphenomorphus tonkinensis, Pseudocalotes microlepis, Dibamus bourreti, Pareas formosensis, and Paramegophrys liui—along with Epipogium roseum, a rare orchid species. These findings were obtained during routine wildlife monitoring, terrestrial vertebrate line-transect surveys, and passive acoustic monitoring of birds. These records have successively updated the species distribution database of the reserve and explicitly demonstrate the continuous improvement of the regional ecological environment and remarkable achievements in biodiversity conservation.

Sphenomorphus tonkinensis（photo by Fan Zongji.）

Two Pseudocalotes microlepis are biting each other（photo by Fan Zongji.）

Comparison photo of Pseudocalotes microlepis and a bee（photo by Bian Wenbo.）

Pareas formosensis（photo by Zhong Junjie.）

Paramegophrys liui（photo by Zhong Junjie.）

Close-up of Epipogium roseum（photo by Fan Zongji.）

Among the newly recorded amphibians and reptiles, Sphenomorphus tonkinensis is a small, forest-dwelling lizard belonging to the genus Sphenomorphus (Squamata, Scincidae). Pseudocalotes microlepis is a tropical humid-adapted agamid lizard; it is a small-to-medium-sized diurnal species capable of body color plasticity for camouflage. Dibamus bourreti is a Vulnerable (VU) species with obligate fossorial habits, rarely observed in the wild, and thus represents one of the most enigmatic rare reptiles in subtropical montane forests of southern China. Pareas formosensis is a small-to-medium-sized non-venomous snake, listed as a terrestrial wildlife species with important ecological, scientific, and social values (China’s “Three-Value” protected species) and assessed as Least Concern (LC). It possesses a blunt, rounded snout, large eyes, and a distinct W-shaped marking on the dorsal head; it is a nocturnal, arboreal species that preys on snails and other mollusks and inhabits low-altitude montane forests, shrubs, and humid farmlands. Paramegophrys liui is also a “Three-Value” protected species with an LC conservation status; it is a small megophryid frog of the genus Paramegophrys, with a snout–vent length (SVL) of 3–4 cm and prominent metacarpal tubercles. This species depends on pristine water sources, occurs adjacent to montane streams, and emits sharp, loud calls at night during the breeding season. These new records fill the distribution gaps of these taxa in Dinghushan National Nature Reserve and provide additional first-hand data for studies on animal behavioral ecology.

Epipogium roseum, the newly recorded plant species also known as the “Ghost Orchid”, is a saprophytic orchid that acquires nutrients via fungal symbiosis. It has stringent habitat requirements and acts as a critical indicator species for ecosystem health. This record also updates the known distribution range of this species in Guangdong Province.

These novel discoveries provide valuable empirical evidence and data support for research on species dispersal mechanisms, ecological adaptability, and the impacts of climate change. As the first national nature reserve in China, Dinghushan will persist in conducting regular biodiversity monitoring, enhance the conservation and scientific research of wild flora and fauna, and safeguard this valuable ecological treasure on the Tropic of Cancer desert belt.