XI'AN, June 10 (Xinhua) -- A rare Tsinling Tree Toad, a species unique to China, was spotted in Shaanxi Province, northwest China, authorities said on Wednesday.

The tree toad was seen in Panda Valley, a tourist attraction in Foping County. This is the third time the species has been spotted in the area since 2013, after it was not seen for decades due to environmental degradation.

Pu Zhiyong, who works at Panda Valley and spotted the toad, said that the sighting showed that the local environment was improving.

The toads have been spotted on seven occasions in the past five years; testament to the success of environmental protection efforts.

"The improving quality of the environment will help them flourish," Pu said.

First discovered in Shaanxi's Zhouzhi County in the 1960s, the species live in the province's Qinling Mountains.