New frog species found in Loei
<img align="left" src="http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/230507_new05.jpg"><p>A new mountain frog species has been discovered by Thai biologists at a lush forest in the Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary in Loei province. The new species, Odorrana aureola, was found during recent exploration of the wildlife sanctuary, said Tunya Chan-ard of the National Science Museum.
The frog, which is called cha ngon pha phu luang in Thai, is normally green but sometimes its colour changes to light brown. It is about 60 to 80mm long and has black spots on both sides of its body.
A specimen was sent for further examination at an international reference laboratory in the US.
''The experts confirmed last year that the creature is a newly-discovered highland frog species endemic to the Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary,'' said Mr Tunya.
The discovery was revealed at a seminar on Thailand's biological diversity to mark International Day of Biodiversity yesterday.
Biologists also found several rare bat, fish and tree frog species. Some of them are likely to be new species, he said.
Bangkok Post May 23, 2007