Chinese scientists have discovered two previously unknown species in the tropical rainforests of Hainan Island, underscoring the region’s rich biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts in one of China’s most ecologically significant provinces.
New Gecko Species in Bawangling National Nature Reserve
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences identified a new species of gecko in the Bawangling reserve during a biodiversity field survey conducted in late 2024. The dark green gecko is distinguished by granular scales across its back and tail, webbed toes, and a slender build suited to climbing damp forest terrain. Genetic sequencing and morphological comparisons confirmed that the lizard represents a previously undescribed lineage. The species description has been peer-reviewed and published in the international journal Zootaxa.
Dr. Li Junwei, the lead herpetologist on the project, stated, “This discovery adds to the growing list of endemic species in Hainan and reflects the exceptional ecological diversity supported by the island’s mountainous terrain and monsoonal climate.”
New Fungi Species Found in Wuzhishan
Separately, in the central forested region of Wuzhishan, two new species of fungi were recorded: Craterellus albimarginatus, an edible mushroom marked by a white fringe along its cap, and Ramaria flava, a coral fungus previously misidentified in earlier surveys. These fungi form essential symbiotic relationships with native tree species and contribute to forest nutrient cycles.
The discoveries were made by a team from the Institute of Tropical Biosciences and Biotechnology, who emphasized the role of Hainan’s unique soil and humidity in sustaining rare fungal ecosystems.
A Call for Continued Research and Protection
Both discoveries have prompted renewed calls from Chinese conservationists for stronger legal protections for Hainan’s remaining primary rainforest. The Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, established in 2020, remains a hotspot for biological exploration, with several new species identified each year.
“As climate change and human activity continue to affect vulnerable habitats, discoveries like these are critical reminders of what’s at stake,” said Dr. Zhang Yiran, an ecologist involved in the Hainan Biodiversity Monitoring Program.
