A New Brown Frog of <italic>Rana</italic> (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) from Central China, Henan Province

<p indent="0mm">The holotype of <italic>Rana chensinensis</italic>, as initially documented by David in 1875, is sourced from the Laoyu River in Yinjiapo, Hu County, Shaanxi Province, on the northern slopes of the Qinling Mountains. Long a contentious issue, the taxonomic composition and distribution ranges of the <italic> R</italic>. <italic>chensinensis</italic> species group have undergone revisions throughout the years. In this study, based on phylogenetic analysis of two mitochondrial genes and morphological comparisons, we identified and described one new species within this group, designated as <italic>R</italic>. <italic>qui</italic> Chen, <bold>sp. nov.</bold> This new species exhibits pronounced genetic divergence, distinct morphological characteristics, and non-overlapping distribution ranges with its closely related species, including <italic>R</italic> . <italic>chensinensis</italic>, <italic>R</italic>. <italic>kukunoris</italic>, <italic> R</italic>. <italic>taihangensis</italic> and <italic>R</italic>. <italic> huanrensis</italic>. The <italic>R</italic>. <italic>qui</italic> Chen, <bold>sp. nov.</bold> resides in low mountainous terrain between 111 and 611 m in elevation. It is found on the eastern fringes of the Funiu Mountains, specifically along the northern slopes of the Tongbai-Dabie Mountain range where the headwaters of the Huaihe River’s mainstream and its tributaries originate. This study enriches the taxonomic diversity of the <italic>Rana</italic> species and elucidates their biogeographic distributions in Henan Province. Moreover, our findings indicate that geographical barriers, such as mountains and water bodies, may play a key role in driving the differentiation and speciation of <italic> Rana</italic> species.