The genus Kurixalus is found mostly in South-Eastern Asia and comprises 23 species, ten of which have been described after 2014, with many known from very small ranges or even a single locality. Additionally, morphological similarities between species have caused a degree of taxonomic confusion, often making species identification uncertain.

A significant contribution toward clarifying the genetic position of known Kurixalus species comes from a recent paper published in Acta Herpetologica. In it, the authors use molecular techniques to reconstruct the genus’ phylogeny and to identify specimens of uncertain classification observed in February 2024 in Yunxiao County (Fujian, China).

Molecular analyses were performed on DNA samples collected from three individuals in Fujian and compared with genetic material from individuals of known species in mainland China. Results show that the three unidentified samples cluster with K. inexpectatus—an important finding that extends the known range of this species by over 830 km. The analysis also confirms K. inexpectatus as a valid species. Its closest relatives appear to be populations of K. hainanus, but phylogenetic relationships within the genus remain complex, with several lineages still unresolved.

The study also applied ecological niche modeling to identify areas where undiscovered populations may be found. Southern mainland China appears to offer a wide area of suitable habitat for both K. inexpectatus and K. idiootocus. However, because of habitat degradation and fragmentation, it is unlikely that K. inexpectatus occurs continuously across its potential range. Still, the model suggests that multiple populations may remain undiscovered.

Future fieldwork should focus on the regions identified by the model as highly suitable. However, the small number of known populations and ongoing habitat loss underline the need to include K. inexpectatus on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species.

Click here to read the full paper.

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