Researchers from Chulalongkorn University and Chiang Mai University have discovered a new species of salamander at Doi Soi Malai, Tak Province, earning international acclaim for Thai research. This newly identified species, named Doi Soi Malai Salamander (Tylototriton soimalai), is a unique addition to global biodiversity.

This discovery is the result of collaborative research by teams from Chulalongkorn University, Chiang Mai University, and Kyoto University in Japan. The lead research team from Chulalongkorn’s Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, has conducted studies on the salamander species in the Doi Soi Malai area for several years. Finally, on August 31, 2022, the new species was identified in a pond at an elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level.

The Doi Soi Malai Salamander exhibits distinct characteristics that differentiate it from other salamander species. These include a head that is longer than it is wide, a blunt snout, a pronounced central cranial ridge, and a black body with orange markings. Genetic analysis has revealed that it is closest to the Northern Salamander but has a genetic variance of up to 4.1%.

Currently, this salamander species is only found in the Doi Soi Malai summit region, where conservation efforts are necessary to protect its habitat from human disturbances, particularly during the breeding season when the salamanders use water pools along the roads for reproduction.

The discovery of the Doi Soi Malai Salamander marks a significant success for Thai research, garnering international recognition and providing important groundwork for the conservation and study of this unique amphibian species in the Doi Soi Malai ecosystem.

For More Information : Chulalongkorn University

Link : https://www.chula.ac.th/