ASEAN body hails newly discovered fanged frog species in PH

THE ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) on Wednesday celebrated the discovery of a new species of fanged frog called “Limnonectes cassiopeia” in Luzon Island.

The Limnonectes cassiopeia. (University of Kansas researchers)

Mistakenly thought to be the juvenile version of the well-known and nearly identical Luzon Giant Fanged Frog for the past two decades, it has been determined that the two species are not closely related, the ACB said.

According to the ASEAN body, the males of some species are distinct for their large, bony protuberances, like fangs, in their lower jaw, assumed to be used for male-to-male combat.

The males’ fangs are also much larger than that of females and have huge heads, some as large as chickens in other parts of Southeast Asia.

The Limnonectes cassiopeia is one of the nine new wildlife discoveries in Southeast Asia, joining the semi-slug or “snugs” Microparmarion sallehi of Brunei Darussalam; a new species of slender gecko Hemiphyllodactylus khpoh of Cambodia; the Aerides obyrneana of Indonesia; the Phanera roseoalba of Laos PDR; the Thismia malayana of Malaysia; the Trimeresurus uetzi or Uetz’s pit viper of Myanmar; the Macrodactyla fautinae or the Tiger Anemone of Singapore; the Khao Ebid leaf-toed gecko (Dixonius chotjuckdikuli) of Thailand; and a new species of lizard called Scincella truongi, or Truong’s Smooth Skink of Vietnam.

“While we are in awe of these newly discovered species in the region, this should move us to work together to conserve and protect this natural wealth,” ACB acting Executive Director Clarissa Arida said.

“We call on everyone to reflect and take meaningful steps to protect our wildlife, preserve their natural habitats, and promote sustainable use of resources,” she added.

The statement came as the international community celebrated the World Wildlife Day 2025 last March 3.

Through the featured new species, the ACB said it aims to raise awareness and inspire action as part of ASEAN’s collective responsibility in wildlife conservation.

With over once million species estimated to be threatened with extinction and facing the intensifying triple planetary crisis, the ACB said innovative finance for wildlife conservation is “more urgent than ever”. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)