[Herpetology • 2022] A Review of Torrent frogs (Amolops: Ranidae) from Bhutan, the Description of A New Species, and Reassessment of the Taxonomic Validity of some A. viridimaculatus Group Species aided by Archival DNA Sequences of Century-old Type Specimens

Amolops wangyali 

Mahony, Nidup, Streicher, Teeling & Kamei, 2022

DOI: 10.33256/32.3.142175  

  Researchgate.net/publication/361720626 

Abstract

 Seven species of the Asian torrent frogs (genus Amolops) have previously been reported from the eastern Himalayan country of Bhutan. Species identifications from the region have been largely based on photographed animals with few voucher specimens available and no molecular sampling. Understanding the taxonomic status of Bhutan’s torrent frogs has also been hampered by the poorly understood distributional limits of species from surrounding regions. Herein we utilised molecular phylogenetic and morphological data for vouchered specimens from Bhutan and provide a complete literature review of all Amolops populations reported from the country. Phylogenetic relationships were estimated by combining available sequence data (from GenBank) with newly generated sequences from recently collected Bhutanese Amolops populations. We also obtained archival DNA sequences from the type specimens of Amolops formosus, A. himalayanus, and A. kaulbacki, collected between 82 and 151 years ago. Our comparative analyses revealed a large, new (to science) species of the Amolops viridimaculatus group from eastern Bhutan. Morphological examinations of related taxa revealed that A. senchalensis from India is not a synonym of A. marmoratus. Molecular phylogenetic results supplemented by morphological data unambiguously demonstrate i) that A. himalayanus is present in eastern Nepal, ii) the presence of a previously undocumented population of A. nepalicus in eastern Nepal, iii) a 200 km range extention for A. kaulbacki into Yunnan, China, iv) that A. gyirongensis should be considered a junior subjective synonym of A. formosus, and v) that A. splendissimus from Vietnam should be considered a junior subjective synonym of A. viridimaculatus. Based on our results, we expand the Amolops viridimaculatus group to include nine species, including A. formosus, A. himalayanus, A. kaulbacki, and the new species described herein. We provisionally include a further three species in the viridimaculatus group based on morphology, A. longimanus, A. nidorbellus, and A. senchalensis. Combining our data with the literature review allowed us to identify several unidentified Amolops species from recent phylogenetic studies and remove nine frog species (including Hyla, Sylvirana, and seven Amolops species) from Bhutan’s amphibian checklist. We recognise four species of Amolops in Bhutan, three of which cannot be confidently identified to the species level based on currently available data.

Keywords: Anura, taxonomy, Himalayas, conservation, vouchered-specimens

Amolops wangyali sp. nov. adult male holotype (SCZM 2019.07.18.1)
 in life (A & B: images taken ex-situ)
and immediately after euthanisation, prior to fixation (C–G):
A. dorsolateral view; B. lateral view of head, red arrow shows the shoulder gland; C. dorsolateral view; D. ventral view; E.posterior view of thighs; F. palmar view of left hand; G. plantar view of left foot.

Scale bars represent 10 mm.

  Amolops wangyali sp. nov.  
adult male holotype (SCZM 2019.07.18.1) in life (images taken ex-situ)
 adult female paratype (SCZM 2019.07.18.2) in life (A & B) 

Amolops wangyali sp. nov.
 juveniles in life (A–D) showing ontogenetic variation in colouration and markings: A & B. dorsolateral and profile views of a nearly metamorphosed juvenile (SCZM 2019.07.18.3), from the type locality, images taken ex-situ; C. dorsolateral view of larger juvenile (SCZM 2019.07.20.1), from Rongthong (27.2808, 91.53937, ca. 1,520 m a.s.l.), Trashigang District, Bhutan, image taken ex-situ; D. dorsal view of uncollected halfgrown juvenile, from Jere Chhu/Stream, Khaling Town, Bhutan, image taken in-situ;
E. habitat at the type locality, Bodidrang Chhu/ Stream, taken from the Singye Thegchog Bridge two days after the collection of the holotype (20 July 2019);
F. adult female paratype (SCZM 2019.08.02.1) from Bodidrang Chhu/Stream, image taken immediately after euthanisation, prior to fixation. Scale bar represents 10 mm.

Amolops wangyali sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a patronym, named in recognition of Mr. Jigme Tshelthrim Wangyal, a Forest Officer with the Department of Forest and Park Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Government of Bhutan. Jigme is an accomplished Bhutanese herpetologist and has published many papers on the subject (Wangyal, 2011, 2013, 2014; Wangyal & Gurung, 2012, 2017; Wangyal & Das, 2014; Wangyal et al., 2020). Jigme’s extensive network of Forest Officers, researchers and wildlife enthusiasts have supplemented his extensive personal observations in several of his publications, and as a consequence, many of the species currently on Bhutan’s amphibian and reptile checklist were first documented in the country through his efforts. He continues to support and inspire interest in amphibian and reptile research through seminars and field training workshops and is a vocal proponent for improving standards of herpetological research in Bhutan. Suggested common name Wangyal’s torrent frog.

CONCLUSIONS:

In summary, we identified four species of Amolops from Bhutan: (1) Amolops sp. 1. (viridimaculatus group: from Tshewang & Letro, 2018), (2) A. cf. gerbillus (marmoratus group), (3) A. cf. putaoensis (monticola group), and (4) A. wangyali sp. nov. (viridimaculatus group). Outside of the new species described herein, we were unable to determine species identities for these taxa given the available data. Until such time as vouchered specimens are clearly identified from the country by means of a detailed morphological comparison of vouchered specimens with relevant taxonomic literature, and/or with the aid of DNA sequence data, the following nine species must be formally removed from the amphibian checklist of Bhutan: (1) Amolops formosus, (2) A. gerbillus, (3) A. himalayanus (including A. aff. himalayanus), (4) A. mantzorum, (5) A. marmoratus, (6) A. monticola, (7) A. wenshanensis, (8) Sylvirana cf. guentheri, (9) Hyla annectans (including Hyla cf. annectans). Unintentional misidentifications in the literature can result in significantly overestimated/ erroneous geographic distributions for species, a situation which undermines conservation efforts. Inaccuracies in such assessments could even result in the redirection of conservation resources (funds and efforts) away from vulnerable range restricted species that require urgent attention. For these reasons, we encourage authors not to assign species names to taxa in publications if there is any uncertainty regarding the identification of the species. Many populations of amphibians reported from Bhutan (and elsewhere in Asia) are provided non-specific locality details (e.g. lack GPS coordinates, elevation details), are not represented in museum/university collections by vouchered specimens, and are often published without photographic evidence. Locally abundant species can often be dismissed as “common”, or of little scientific interest, and subsequently ignored by researchers; however, studies on Himalayan amphibians have demonstrated that “common” or widespread species occasionally represent complexes of morphologically similar species (e.g. Dubois, 1975; Kamei et al., 2009; Dever et al., 2012; Khatiwada et al., 2017; Mahony et al., 2013, 2018, 2020), so careful attention to document every species should be made when possible. Our review of Amolops reports in literature demonstrate that some taxonomic information can be obtained from good quality images of uncollected animals, but inevitably an accurate species inventory for Bhutan’s amphibian fauna will not be possible without permanently maintained reference collections of vouchered specimens. Range restricted species may be only one drought, forest fire or hydroelectric dam away from extinction, thus the urgency to catalogue the Himalayan biodiversity has never been more urgent.

   

 Stephen Mahony, Tshering Nidup, Jeffrey W. Streicher, Emma C. Teeling and Rachunliu G. Kamei. 2022. A Review of Torrent frogs (Amolops: Ranidae) from Bhutan, the Description of A New Species, and Reassessment of the Taxonomic Validity of some A. viridimaculatus Group Species aided by Archival DNA Sequences of Century-old Type Specimens. The Herpetological Journal. 32(3); 142-175. DOI: 10.33256/32.3.142175  

  Researchgate.net/publication/361720626_A_review_of_Amolops_from_Bhutan

[Herpetology • 2022] Acanthosaura meridiona กิ้งก่าเขาหนามสั้นใต้ • A New Short-horned Lizard (Squamata: Agamidae) from southern Thailand

 Acanthosaura meridiona

Trivalairat, Sumontha, Kunya & Chiangkul, 2021

 กิ้งก่าเขาหนามสั้นใต้  ||  DOI: 10.33256/32.1.3450 

  facebook.com/MontriSumontha

Abstract

 A new short – horned lizard species of the genus Acanthosaura from southern Thailand, is described herein. The species was previously recognised as Acanthosaura crucigera and has been reported to present a wide distribution across mainland south-east Asia. The combination of modern morphological studies of Acanthosaura meridiona sp. nov. allows its separation from closely related species A. crucigera, on the basis of presenting more nuchal scales, more scales between diastema, more scales bordering rostral scales and more midline ventral scales. Mitochondrial DNA analysis also indicated a sister relationship between A. meridiona sp. nov. and A. crucigera with a 100 % probability according to Bayesian and maximum – likelihood analyses. The pairwise distance between A. meridiona sp. nov. and A. crucigera ranges from 9.9 – 11.1 %, while the distance between A. meridiona populations ranges from 0 – 0.9 %. This new discovery contributes to the redescription of the distribution of A. crucigera under Kra Isthmus and its replacement by A. meridiona sp. nov.

Keywords: crucigera complex, tropical rainforest, Thai – Malay Peninsula, ND2, taxonomy

Colour pattern variation within Acanthosaura meridiona sp. nov.
 (A – B) Adult female from Wang Nam Rab Resort Na Yong District, Trang Province.
 (C – D) Adult male from Wang Hip Dam, Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Tammarat Province.
 (E) Sub adult male from Wang Hip Dam, Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Tammarat Province.
(F) Juvenile from Wang Hip Dam, Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Tammarat Province.  

Acanthosaura meridiona sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A medium – sized species (maximum SVL 115.1 mm for males and 118.1 mm for females) with a single short conical spine above the posterior margin of the eye; small spine on the occiput between the tympanum and the nuchal crest; tympanum scaled, large, roundish; moderately developed gular pouch; small scales intermixed with medium keeled scales on the flanks with a random distribution; nuchal crest with slightly equal rows of 8 – 10 tiny semi – conical spines; large diastema of 10 – 16 scales between the nuchal and vertebral crests; vertebral crest composed of small equally sized saw – like scales beginning in the shoulder region and decreasing in size until the base of the tail; tail 1.07 – 1.61 of SVL; black collar and black eye patch present, extending posteriorly to reach the nuchal crest. Description of the holotype: Adult male. SVL 109 mm; TL 176 mm, tail complete; HL 20.8 mm; head is one – fifth the length of the body (HL/SVL 0.19), narrow (HW/SVL 0.15), moderately tall (HD/HL 0.60), triangular in dorsal and lateral views; snout moderately long (SL/HL 0.45); rostrum moderately wide (RW/RH 2.44), steeply sloping anteriorly; canthus rostralis prominent, forming a large projecting shelf extending above the eye, composed of 14 large scales; ....

Natural history: This species usually lives near streams, waterfalls or moist areas with rocks and logs and in areas covered with high trees shading evergreen rainforests (Fig. 6). It is active during the day on various substrates such as the ground, logs, rocks, ferns of approximately 0.5 m in height, or trees 1 – 2 m above the ground. It sleeps at night approximately 1 – 2 m above the forest floor, in a log holes or under rocks on the ground. When awakened by approach or provocation, the lizards quickly climb upward, while others may drop to the ground and seek refuge under rocks or hollow logs. Our observations showed that some individuals had eaten earthworms on the ground.

 Distribution. Acanthosaura meridiona sp. nov. occurs in southern Thailand according to personal field observations, including records in Na Yong District, Trang Province; Khao Bantad Wildlife Sanctuary, Trang – Phattalung Province; Krabi Province; Wang Hip River, Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Tammarat Province; Ton Lat Waterfall, Nathavee District, Songkhla Province. In addition, specimens were collected from Natural History Museum, National Science Museum, Technopolis, Pathum Thani Province at the following locations: Khanom Waterfall, Lan Saka District, Nakhon Si Tammarat Province; Tak Ta Khan, Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani Province; and Thale Ban National Park, Khuan Don District, Satun Province (Fig. 7). 

Etymology: The specific name meridiona comes from the Latin word meridionalis, meaning southern. It is a reference to the distribution of the species in the southern region of Thailand.

 We suggested the following common names: กิ้งก่าเขาหนามสั้นใต้ - kingka khaow naam sunn tai (Thai), southern short- horned lizard (English), süd-kurzhorn nackenstachler (German), and Acanthosaurus à cornes courtes du sud (French).

Poramad Trivalairat, Montri Sumontha, Kirati Kunya and Krittiya Chiangkul. 2021. Acanthosaura meridiona sp. nov. (Squamata: Agamidae), A New Short-horned Lizard from southern Thailand. Herpetological Journal. 32(1); 34-50. DOI: 10.33256/32.1.3450 

 facebook.com/MontriSumontha/posts/5538466849513763

   

[Herpetology • 2021] Cyrtodactylus bapme • A New Species of Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827) from the Garo Hills, Meghalaya State, north-east India, and Discussion of Morphological Variation for C. urbanus

 Cyrtodactylus bapme

Kamei & Mahony, 2021

Garo Hills Bent-toed Gecko || DOI: 10.33256/31.3.177196

Abstract

 Recent taxonomic and systematic research on Cyrtodactylus khasiensis has found that this nomen comprises a large number of superficially similar but deeply divergent species-level taxa from throughout north-east India and surrounding countries. In this study we focus on the taxonomic status of recently surveyed populations from the East Garo Hills and West Garo Hills districts and a single specimen collected from Ri Bhoi District in Meghalaya State, north-east India. Based on a combination of morphological and molecular data we found that the Ri Bhoi specimen is conspecific with the recently described C. urbanus, and that the Garo Hills populations represent a new species of Cyrtodactylus described herein. Molecular analyses (using the NADH dehydrogenase 2, nd2 and adjoining tRNA genes) demonstrate that the new species is nested within the khasiensis group of the Indo-Burma radiation of Cyrtodactylus, and is well-supported as sister to a clade that comprises C. septentrionalis and C. guwahatiensis. We morphologically compare the new C. urbanus specimen with the original description of the species, identify a number of errors and ambiguities in the original description, and notably expand the known morphological variation for the species based on 23 characters. The discovery of an endemic new species of lizards from the Garo Hills further highlights the region as an overlooked centre of biodiversity importance. We discuss several misidentifications in the literature of other reptile species from the region emphasising the need for further attention by taxonomists to review the herpetofauna of the Garo Hills.

Keywords: Biodiversity, taxonomy, lizard, reptile, endemic

 Cyrtodactylus bapme sp. nov. adult female holotype (BNHS 2752) in preservation:
A. dorsal view; B. ventral view; C. details of dorsal pholidosis; D. dorsal view of head; E. ventral view of head; F. lateral view of head.

A and B to scale; D–F to scale. Scale bar is 10 mm.

 Cyrtodactylus bapme sp. nov. in life from Meghalaya State, north-east India, showing variation in colour and pattern:
A. adult female paratype (BNHS 2754) from Jangrapara, West Garo Hills District; B. adult female paratype (BNHS 2755) from Tura Peak Reserved Forest, West Garo Hills District;
C. juvenile paratype (BNHS 2756) from Jangrapara, West Garo Hills District; D. adult female paratype (BNHS 2753) from Daribokgre, East Garo Hills District;
E. and F. adult female holotype (BNHS 2752) from Daribokgre, East Garo Hills District.

 Images taken ex-situ.

Cyrtodactylus bapme sp. nov. 

Morphological character summary. Cyrtodactylus bapme sp. nov. is a moderate-sized gecko (SVL 69.9– 77.0 mm); 8–12 supralabials; 8–10 infralabials; dorsal tubercles are smooth to weakly keeled, bluntly conical; 21–24 dorsal tubercle rows; ca. 32–37 paravertebral tubercles between the level of the axilla and the level of the groin; 30–39 midventral scale rows; 0–13 pit-bearing (without true pore) precloacal scales in a continuous series in females, condition in males unknown; 12–19 subdigital lamellae on finger IV (excluding non-lamellar scales between the proximal and apical lamellae series); 15–22 subdigital lamellae on toe IV (excluding nonlamellar scales between the proximal and apical lamellae series); no single row of transversely enlarged subcaudal scales; 7–9 paired dark brown dorsal blotches on the dorsum; 10–12 alternating dark and light bands on the dorsum of the tail.

Etymology. The specific epithet “bapme” is derived from the word for “gecko” in the Garo language of the A’chik Mande (“Garo people”), the tribe indigenous to the region where the species occurs. The name is treated as a noun in apposition. 

Suggested Common name. Garo Hills Bent-toed Gecko.

  Rachunliu G. Kamei and Stephen Mahony. 2021. A New Species of Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827) from the Garo Hills, Meghalaya State, north-east India, and Discussion of Morphological Variation for C. urbanus. Herpetological Journal. 31(3); 177-196. DOI: 10.33256/31.3.177196

[Herpetology • 2021] Leptopelis palmatus • New Evidence for Distinctiveness of the Island-endemic Príncipe Giant Tree Frog (Arthroleptidae)

 Leptopelis palmatus (Peters, 1868)

in Jaynes, Myers, Drewes et Bell, 2021. 

DOI: 10.33256/31.3.162169

 twitter.com/KE_Jaynes  

Photo: Rayna Bell.

Abstract

 The Príncipe giant tree frog Leptopelis palmatus is endemic to the small oceanic island of Príncipe in the Gulf of Guinea. For several decades, this charismatic but poorly known species was confused with another large tree frog species from continental Africa, L. rufus. Phylogenetic relationships within the African genus Leptopelis are poorly understood and consequently the evolutionary history of L. palmatus and its affinity to L. rufus remain unclear. In this study, we combined mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), morphological, and acoustic data for L. palmatus and L. rufus to assess different axes of divergence between the species. Our mtDNA gene tree for the genus Leptopelis indicated that L. palmatus is not closely related to L. rufus or other large species of Leptopelis. Additionally, we found low mtDNA diversity in L. palmatus across its range on Príncipe. We found significant morphological differences between females of L. rufus and L. palmatus, but not between males. We characterised the advertisement call of L. palmatus for the first time, which is markedly distinct from L. rufus. Finally, we summarised our observations of L. palmatus habitats and additional notes on phenotypic variation and behaviour. Our study reinforces the distinctiveness of L. palmatus and provides information important for the conservation of this endangered species.

Keywords: bioacoustic, morphology, endemic, mitochondrial DNA, island, São Tomé and Príncipe

colour variation in Leptopelis palmatus 
(CAS 258958, CAS 258910,
USNM 591753, USNM 591758)

Photos A. Stanbridge and R. Bell.

Leptopelis palmatus (Peters, 1868)

. (a) Violin plots of adjusted Snout-Vent Length (SVL), Tympanum size (TMP), Tympanum-Eye ratio (TMP:EYE), and Disc-Tympanum ratio (DSC:TMP) in L. palmatus and L. rufus. Comparisons significant at an adjusted P < 0.05 with a Tukey Honest Significant Difference test are indicated with an asterisk.
 (b) Call parameter definitions and representative audio spectrograms of L. palmatus and L. rufus male advertisement calls.
 (c) colour variation in Leptopelis palmatus (from left to right: CAS 258958, CAS 258910, USNM 591753, USNM 591758)

Photos A. Stanbridge and R. Bell.

 

  Kyle E. Jaynes, Edward A. Myers, Robert C. Drewes and Rayna C. Bell. 2021. New Evidence for Distinctiveness of the Island-endemic Príncipe Giant Tree Frog (Arthroleptidae: Leptopelis palmatus). Herpetological Journal. 31; 162-169. DOI: 10.33256/31.3.162169

 twitter.com/KE_Jaynes/status/1410633175395614721

A rã gigante de Príncipe, Leptopelis palmatus, é endêmica da pequena ilha oceânica de Príncipe no Golfo da Guiné. Por várias décadas, esta espécie carismática mas pouco conhecida foi confundida com outra espécie grande de rã da África continental, L. rufus. As relações filogenéticas dentro do gênero africano Leptopelis são mal compreendidas e, conseqüentemente, a história evolutiva de L. palmatus e sua afinidade com L. rufus permanecem obscuras. Neste estudo, combinamos dados de DNA mitocondrial (mtDNA), morfológicos e acústicos de L. palmatus e L. rufus para avaliar diferentes eixos de divergência entre as espécies. Nossa árvore de genes de mtDNA para o gênero Leptopelis indicou que L. palmatus não está proximamente relacionada a L. rufus ou outras espécies grandes de Leptopelis, e encontramos baixa diversidade de mtDNA em L. palmatus em toda a sua distribuição em Príncipe. Encontramos diferenças morfológicas significativas entre as fêmeas de L. rufus e L. palmatus, mas não entre os machos. Caracterizamos o canto reprodutor de L. palmatus pela primeira vez, que é marcadamente distinto do de L. rufus. Finalmente, resumimos nossas observações dos habitats de L. palmatus e notas adicionais sobre variação fenotípica e comportamento. Nosso estudo fornece informações importantes para a conservação dessa espécie ameaçada de extinção

[Herpetology • 2021] Amazops amazops • A New Genus and Species of Rhinatrematid Caecilian (Gymnophiona: Rhinatrematidae) from Ecuador

Amazops amazops 

Wilkinson, Reynolds & Jacobs, 2021

DOI: 10.33256/hj31.1.2734

 twitter.com/HerpJournal 

Abstract

 A new genus and species of rhinatrematid caecilian, Amazops amazops gen. et sp. nov., is described based on a single specimen from Orellana, Ecuador collected in 1990. Among other features the new taxon differs from all other rhinatrematid caecilians in having less than four annular grooves interrupted in the region of the vent and in the squamosal contributing to the bony margin of the orbit. A consideration of its distinctive morphology suggests that it is plausible that the new taxon is the sister taxon of all other rhinatrematid caecilians. That the genus is known from a single specimen, and that this is the first new rhinatrematid species from the Andes described for more than 50 years, highlights the poor sampling (collecting) of rhinatrematid caecilians and limited knowledge of their diversity.

Keywords: Andes, biodiversity, computed tomography, morphology, South America, systematics, taxonomy

USNM 320729, holotype of Amazops amazops sp. nov. with head end (top), whole body (middle) and tail end (bottom). 

Scale bar gradations in mm. 

Photo by Harry Taylor (Natural History Museum, London).

CT scan of skull USNM 320729, holotype of Amazops amazops sp. nov.

The holotype of Amazops amazops sp. nov. in life [USNM 320729]. 

Photo by William W. Lamar.

Amazops gen. nov. 

Diagnosis. Rhinatrematid caecilians with the squamosal contributing to the margin of the orbit. 

Content: A single species Amazops amazops, sp. nov., the type by monotypy and by designation. 

Etymology: The name is a portmanteau word combining reference to the Amazonian provenance of the type and only known species and the distinctive topological relationships of its eye and orbit, particularly the contribution of the squamosal to the bony margin of the orbit, which is unknown in any other rhinatrematid. As mandated by the code, gender is masculine. 

Remarks: Three other features of the only known specimen of this genus are distinctive, known in no other rhinatrematids and might be diagnostic for the genus: lack of contact between the quadrate and maxillopalatine, contact between the squamosal and frontal and the small number of annular grooves that are interrupted by the vent. 

  

Amazops amazops sp. nov.

 

Etymology. As for the genus. For nomenclatural purposes the specific epithet is considered to be a genderless noun in apposition.

Remarks. That the species is known from a single specimen is sufficient reason to suggest that the IUCN conservation status of the species should be data deficient. Effort is needed to identify populations of this distinctive lineage as a precursor to any meaningful study of its natural history. Based on it being a rhinatrematid it is assumed that it will share the reproductive mode of the other rhinatrematids, as far as is known, in being oviparous with an aquatic larval stage (San Mauro et al., 2014, Müller, 2020) and thus being dependent on water bodies for its reproduction. 

 Map showing type locality (black star) of Amazops amazops sp. nov.

 Mark Wilkinson, Robert P. Reynolds and Jeremy F. Jacobs. 2021. A New Genus and Species of Rhinatrematid Caecilian (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Rhinatrematidae) from Ecuador. Herpetological Journal. (31); 27-34. DOI: 10.33256/hj31.1.2734

 twitter.com/HerpJournal/status/1346489794952638465

[Herpetology • 2017] Hyperolius ruvuensis • A New, Narrowly Distributed, and Critically Endangered Species of Spiny-throated Reed Frog (Anura: Hyperoliidae) from A Highly Threatened Coastal Forest Reserve in Tanzania

Hyperolius ruvuensis 

Barratt, Lawson & Loader, 2017 

 thebhs.org

Abstract

 Amphibians are in decline globally due to increasing anthropogenic changes, and many species are at risk of extinction even before they are formally recognised. The Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa is a hotspot of amphibian diversity but is threatened by recent land use changes. Based on specimens collected in 2001 we identify a new species from the coastal forests of Tanzania. The new species belongs to the spiny-throated reed frog complex that comprises a number of morphologically similar species with highly fragmented populations across the Eastern Afromontane Region, an adjacent biodiversity hotspot comprising of numerous isolated montane forests. The new species is the first coastal forest member of this otherwise montane clade. We formally describe this species, assess its distribution and conservation threat, and provide a revised key to species of the spiny throated reed frog complex. We highlight the most important characters distinguishing the new species from the other similar reed frog species. Recent surveys at the type locality and also more broadly across the region failed to find this new species. The conservation threat of this species is critical as the only known locality (Ruvu South Forest Reserve) is currently subjected to devastating land use changes.

Key words: Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa, conservation, habitat destruction, Hyperolius ruvuensis sp. n., Hyperolius spinigularis, Tanzania Ruvu South Forest Reserve

Fig. 3. Dorsal (A) and ventral (B) views of the holotype of Hyperolius ruvuensis sp. n. BMNH 2002.410.

Scale bar = 1 cm. 

Hyperolius ruvuensis sp. n. Barratt, Lawson and Loader 

Ruvu Spiny Reed Frog

Etymology.— The species is named after Ruvu South Forest Reserve where the specimens were collected and is the current extent of the species occurrence.

  Christopher D. Barratt, Lucinda P. Lawson, Gabriela B. Bittencourt-Silva, Nike Doggart, Theron Morgan-Brown, Peter Nagel and Simon P. Loader. 2017. A New, Narrowly Distributed, and Critically Endangered Species of Spiny-throated Reed Frog (Anura: Hyperoliidae) from A Highly Threatened Coastal Forest Reserve in Tanzania. Herpetological Journal.  27; 13-24.

Newly discovered Tanzanian frog already facing extinction
https://news.mongabay.com/2017/03/newly-discovered-tanzanian-frog-already-facing-extinction/ via @mongabay

[Herpetology • 2003] A Revision of the Scaphiophryne marmorata Complex of Marbled Toads from Madagascar, including the Description of A New Species; Scaphiophryne boribory

female Scaphiophryne boribory 

photo: Olaf Pronk | https://flic.kr/p/dM2LPR

Scaphiophryne boribory 

Vences, Raxworthy, Nussbaum & Glaw, 2003

A revision of the available material hitherto assigned to the endemic Malagasy microhylid toad Scaphiophryne marmorata finds this taxon to be a complex of three species. In this study we resurrect Scaphiophryne spinosa Steindachner, 1882 from the synonymy of S. marmorata and describe a new species from central eastern Madagascar. These three Scaphiophryne species are characterized by their distinctly expanded terminal finger discs, a character only shared with S. gottlebei. S. spinosa is characterized by a highly granular back, with large spiny tubercles above the forelimb insertion and in the tympanic region, while S. marmorata is dorsally covered by less prominent and more regular tubercles. The new species is distinguished from both S. marmorata and S. spinosa by its large body size (SVL 47-60 mm), a smoother dorsal skin, and reddish terminal finger discs in life. S. spinosa is distributed in low- and mid-altitude rainforests along the east coast, whereas the new species is only known from mid-altitude rainforest in the

Fierenana region. In contrast, records of S. marmorata include eastern mid-altitude rainforests

and several more arid western sites.

Key words: Amphibia, Anura, Madagascar, Microhylidae, frog taxonomy.

Etymology. The specific name is an unlatinized epithet derived from the Malagasy adjective boribory (=rounded), and refers to the stout and rounded body shape of this species.

Distribution. Only known from two specific sites in the Fierenana region, central eastern Madagascar (Fig.3): (1) Ampahanana, and (2) Sahanomanana.

Venesci, M; Raxworthy, C. J.; Nussbaum, R. A.; Glaw, F. 2003. A Revision of the Scaphiophryne marmorata Complex of Marbled Toads from Madagascar, including the description of a new species. Herpetological Journal 13: 69–79.

Jeanneney Rabearivony, Achille P. Raselimanana, Manajary A. Andriamazava, Russell Thorstrom and Lily-Arison Rene de Roland. 2010. A new locality for the endangered microhylid frog Scaphiophryne boribory from northern Madagascar and a rapid survey of other amphibians of the Bemanevika region. Herpetology Notes. 3: 105-109

http://www.peregrinefund.org/docs/pdf/research-library/2010/2010-Rabearivony-microhylid.pdf

[Herpetology • 2006] 3 new Rhampholeon | R. beraduccii, R. acuminatus & R. viridus • The pygmy chameleons of the eastern Arc range (Tanzania): Evolutionary relationships

Abstract

The pygmy chameleons of the Eastern Arc Range forests in Tanzania are reviewed on the basis of  known  and newly  collected material. Two new species be longing to Rhampholeon (Rhinodigitum) and one to Rh. (Rhampholeon) from the Pare, Nguru and Mahenge Mountains are described. The status and distribution of the other species known in the area are reviewed, and an identification key is provided. The phylogenetic relationships between these taxa are discussed on the basis of small and large mt-rDNA subunits sequences and the relative importance of some morphological characters is evaluated. Hypotheses about the evolution of the group in the area are presented.

Key words: biodiversity hotspot, biogeography, molecular systematics, Rhampholeon, Rieppeleon

Rhampholeon (Rhinodigitum) beraduccii n. sp.

Etymology. The new species is named in honour of Joe Beraducci, Arusha, Tanzania, as an appreciation for his generous assistance and help provided to us and to numerous other scientists working in the EAR.

Distribution and ecology. Rh. beraduccii is to date only known from the vicinity of Sali in the Mahenge mountains, an isolated massif separated from the Udzungwa range by the Kilombero valley. All animals were found alone, on low shrubs or herbs, within a few centimetres of the ground, in open land, in the immediate vicinity of the village.

Rhampholeon (Rhinodigitum) acuminatus n. sp.

Etymology. From Latin acuminare (to sharpen), in reference to the numerous sharp spines found on the head and body

Distribution and ecology. So far Rh. acuminatus is known from a single population in an Afro-montane rainforest between 1500 and 1600 m above the village of Ubili in the Nguru mountains. The species seems to be locally abundant. Six specimens have been collected for the present description; another six have been transferred to a reptile park in Arusha to attempt captive breeding. Most animals have been found between 50 cm and 2 m high on large ferns and shrubs, although several have been spotted up to an estimated 3-4 m high. This spatial distribution is rather unusual for pygmy chameleons, which generally stay closer to the ground. Interestingly it is comparable in its arboreal inclination to the morphologically similar Rh. spinosus from the Usambara mountains. The living specimens laid 2-4 eggs, hatching in January (J. Beraducci, Arusha, in litt.).

Rhampholeon (Rhampholeon) viridis n. sp. 

Etymology. The specific name derives from Latin viridis (green) and refers to the rich green colour of the males.

Distribution and ecology. This species inhabits the undergrowth and lower story vegetation of the submontane evergreen forests of the South and North Pare mountains. Its occurrence in the West Usambara is based on a single specimen in the British Museum collected in 1980 but its presence in these mountains has not since been reconfirmed. The holotype was collected at an altitude of 1450 m, but specimens have been found up to 2070 m in the South Pare and 1700 m in the North Pare. These forests are typical examples of the Afromontane forests that are dominated by emergent trees such as  Albizia gummifera, Macaranga kilimandscharica, Xymalos monospora, Ocotea usambarensis, Podocarpus latifolius and Chrysophyllum gorongosanum.

When handled these chameleons produced an easily felt “buzzing” vibration, particularly if touched lightly on the back. At the time of collection in early July, an adult male and female chameleon were found sleeping within a few centimetres of each other, indicating pairing off and thus possible recent past or potentially future mating activity.

Mariaux, Jean and Colin R. Tilbury. 2006. The pygmy chameleons of the eastern Arc range (Tanzania): Evolutionary relationships and the description of three new species of Rhampholeon (Sauria: Chamaeleonidae). Herpetological Journal. 16 (3): 315-331: [Fulltext]