A new species of newt was discovered in Laos in 2010.

The genus also occurs in adjacent parts of Thailand, China, and Vietnam.

The new species was discovered in Khammouan Province, Laos, Nakai-Nam Theun National Protected Area, Nam On river catchment.

Distinct rib nodules and unique vibrant orange dots distinguish Laos’ population of the newly discovered species from other members of the T. asperrimus group. The species is known only from the location at which it was discovered.

Scientists fear that over-harvesting for traditional medicine and the international pet trade may put the species at heightened risk. The formal description of other Asian salamandrids in the past (Laotrian laoensis; Stuart and Papenfuss 2002) has inadvertently led to exploitation for the international pet trade.

Hopefully the Theun National Protected Area, one of Laos’ largest and best-funded national protected areas24, will afford this endemic species some protection.