VietNamNet Bridge – During a survey in late August 2008, scientists discovered an ancient frog species in the Vinh Cuu Nature Reserve in the southern province of Dong Nai.

A Limnonectes dabanus frog.

This species of frog is rarely seen and its natural life has not been fully researched. In the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red Book, Limnonectes dabanus is listed as “Data Deficient”.

Limnonectes dabanus is a species of frog in the Ranidae family. It is endemic to Vietnam. Its natural habitats are subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, rivers and swamps.

Previously, Limnonectes dabanus had been recorded in southern Vietnam (Dak Lak, Lam Dong, Kien Giang provinces) and Cambodia (O’Rang, Pichrada, Siem Pang). This is the first sighting of the amphibian in Dong Nai.

In recent years many rare species in the Vietnam Red Book like the Bos gaurus gayal, the Scleropages formusus dragon fish, and the Elephas maximus elephant have returned to the Vinh Cuu Nature Reserve.

(Source: TTO)