A groundbreaking discovery has been made in Foshan, Guangdong province, where researchers have identified a new frog species named Leptobrachella kungfu. This unique name pays homage to Foshan’s rich cultural heritage as a renowned ‘City of Kung Fu.’ The discovery was a collaborative effort by scientists from the Guangdong Polytechnic of Environmental Protection Engineering and the Guangdong Provincial Academy of Environmental Science, with their findings published in the prestigious international journal ZooKeys on November 13, 2025. The new species was identified through detailed morphological and molecular analyses. Characterized by its small size, the adult male specimens measure between 25.7 mm and 28.2 mm in snout-vent length. Distinctive features include a black line behind the eye, slightly webbed toes with wide edges, uninterrupted ridges under the toes, and rough back skin without larger folds. The species primarily inhabits the hilly regions of the western Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a densely populated and highly urbanized zone. Lin Shishi, the team leader, emphasized the importance of this discovery, stating that it highlights the critical role of small natural habitats within urban areas as sanctuaries for unique species. This finding also underscores the ongoing advancements in specialized biodiversity surveys in the region. To aid in further species recognition and conservation, the research team has developed an identification guide for the Leptobrachella genus in Guangdong.