The National Museum of Nature and Science announced that DNA analysis revealed that salamanders inhabiting Kyoto Prefecture and the Kii Peninsula are new species, and about 30 new species have been reported in the last 10 years, and new species have been discovered one after another. increase.
The new species of salamander that was discovered is named "Homurahakone salamander" and is about 15 cm in length and has a characteristic like a red back. The area from Kyoto prefecture to Ishikawa prefecture and the high mountain range of the Kii Peninsula. It inhabits two areas of the department.
A group such as Researcher Natsuhiko Yoshikawa of the National Museum of Nature and Science revealed that it is a new species from analysis of DNA and morphology.
"Homurahakone salamander" was widely distributed mainly in the Kinki region about 400,000 years ago, but now it can be seen only in areas with a relatively cool climate suitable for habitat.
About 30 new species of small salamanders in Japan have been reported in the last 10 years from DNA analysis, and new species are being discovered one after another in various parts of Japan.
With this discovery, the small salamanders in Japan are 46 species, 45 of which are endemic to Japan, and are said to be organisms that symbolize the diversity of nature.
Researcher Yoshikawa says, "Although it is a creature that symbolizes the richness of nature in Japan, many are endangered and it is important to protect the habitat."