New species of caecilian discovered in SW China

"This elusive, underground-dwelling creature is found in a single, limited location, emphasizing its vulnerability and the urgent need for conservation efforts," said Rao Dingqi, associate researcher at the institute.

Ichthyophis yangi was discovered under a stone in farmland adjacent to a stream, suggesting that it may have specific habitat requirements that are not widely available or are easily disrupted by human activities, according to the institute.