Near Threatened Amphibian Species - Amphibian Specialist Group

626Threatened Amphibians of the WorldBibliography: Barker, J., Grigg, G. and Tyler, M. (1995), Hoskin C.J. (2004), McDonald, K.R. (1992), Zweifel, R.G. (1985)Data Providers: Jean-Marc Hero, Ross Alford, Michael Cunningham, Conrad Hoskin, Keith McDonaldDyscophus antongilii Grandidier, 1877TOMATO FROGThis species occurs in north-eastern Madagascar, where it has a relatively wide, but poorly understood, distribution.Specific records come from around Antongila Bay, Ambatovaky, Andivoranto (a historical record), and near Andasibe.Other reported localities for this species, especially the southernmost ones, might in fact refer to Dyscophus guineti.It occurs from sea level up to 600m asl. It is locally abundant, especially in and around Maroansetra. However, thereis circumstantial evidence for local population declines here, perhaps due to increased urbanization. In Ambatovakyits population is stable and abundant. It lives in primary rainforest, coastal forest, secondary vegetation, degradedscrub, and highly disturbed urban areas. It is a very adaptable species, but possible declines in Maroansetra indicatethat there might be a limit to the extent that it can persist in urbanized habitats. It appears to be localized to sandyground near the coast, and breeds in ditches, flooded areas, swamps, and temporary and permanent still or very slowlyflowing water. Pollution of waterbodies is a potential threat, and in the past this species was subject to collectionfor international trade, although this is now largely under control and restricted. It occurs in the Réserve Spécialed’Ambatovaky and probably in Parc National de Masoala. This species is sometimes bred for commercial purposesoutside Madagascar, and many specimens exchanged in the pet trade are captive bred. Captive breeding programmesand the CITES Appendix I status of this species have effectively halted commercial exploitation of it in Madagascar (ifindeed this was ever a major threat), and any future trade in it needs to be well regulated. There is a well-managedcaptive breeding programme involving many US zoos, and it is now also kept in a zoo in Madagascar. Further taxonomicwork is required to resolve confusion between this species and D. guineti. CITES Appendix I.Taxonomy: The differences between this species and Dyscophus guineti are not clear.Bibliography: Andreone, F. and Luiselli, L.M. (2003), Blommers-Schlösser, R.M.A. and Blanc, C.P. (1991), Glaw, F. and Vences, M. (1994),Guibé, J. (1978), Pintak, T. (1987), Raxworthy, C.J. and Nussbaum, R.A. (2000), Schmid, A.A. (1970)Data Providers: Christopher Raxworthy, Miguel Vences, Franco Andreone, Ronald NussbaumElachistocleis erythrogaster Kwet and Di-Bernardo, 1999This species is restricted to the south-eastern border of the Planalto das Araucárias, Serra Geral, Rio Grande do Sul,Brazil, from 900-1,200m asl. It is uncommon but its population is apparently stable and it is regularly recorded. It occursin subterranean habitats in open fields and breeds explosively in temporary ponds. The major threat to this species ishabitat loss due to cattle ranching. It occurs in Parque Nacional da Serra Geral and Parque Nacional de Aparados daSerra, and also in the Pro-Mata (Protection of the Mata Atlântica in Minas Gerais (PROMATA/MG)) Reserve.Bibliography: Kwet, A. and Di-Bernardo, M. (1998), Kwet, A. and Di-Bernardo, M. (1999), Kwet, A. and Sole, M. (2002)Data Providers: Débora Silvano, Axel Kwet, Paulo GarciaGlyphoglossus molossus Günther, 1868This species is known from north-central Myanmar (Zug et al. 1998), through mainland Thailand (Taylor 1962),southern Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Stuart 1999), and Cambodia (Bourret 1942), to southern Viet Nam, fromsouthern Gai Lai Province to the Mekong River (Orlov et al. 2002). It is found up to 600m asl. It is locally common atbreeding sites, but is otherwise a highly cryptic fossorial species, only occasionally seen on the forest fl oor (Zug etal. 1998). Large numbers are traded for consumption in rural markets, indicating either large populations, or intensivecollection at limited breeding sites (Taylor 1962; P. van Dijk pers. comm.). It is an inhabitant of dipterocarp forest andother deciduous forest areas, and breeds in seasonal or temporary deep rain pools (Heyer 1973; Inger and Colwell1977; Zug et al. 1998). This species is threatened by local consumption in substantial numbers in parts of Thailandand Lao People’s Democratic Republic, where it is collected during breeding seasons. The females found in marketsin Thailand are getting smaller, suggesting an adverse effect of collection on the species. It is apparently not greatlyaffected by forest degradation, but it is generally not commensal in human habitation or agricultural landscapes. Itinhabits many protected areas in the region, and ensuring their integrity (particularly by preventing collection of frogsat breeding sites) should go a long way towards securing the conservation of this species. The effects of harvestingof non-protected populations should also be investigated.Bibliography: Bourret, R. (1942), Heyer, W.R. (1973), Inger, R.F. and Colwell, R.K. (1977), Murphy, R.W. (n.d.), Orlov, N.L. et al. (2002),Stuart, B.L. (1999), Zug, G.R., Htun Win, Thin T., ThanZawMin, WinZawLhon, KyawKyaw (1998)Data Providers: Peter Paul van Dijk, Tanya Chan-ardKalophrynus baluensis Kiew, 1984This species has been found at several sites within Gunung Kinabalu National Park, from 1,300-1,800m asl, and at onesite in the Crocker Range to the south, in western Sabah, Borneo. It is regarded as very common within Gunung KinabaluNational Park. It lives within the litter of montane forests (oak-chestnut), and is presumed to breed in small temporarypools on the forest floor and possibly in phytotelms (water-filled cavities in plants such as bromeliads). There are nomajor threats to this species. Both of the known regions where it occurs lie within protected areas, and continuationof rigorous management of the existing parks is the best guarantee for the conservation of this species.Bibliography: Inger, R.F. and Stuebing, R.B. (1997), Malkmus, R. et al. (2002)Data Providers: Robert Inger, Djoko Iskandar, Indraneil Das, Robert Stuebing, Maklarin Lakim, Paul Yambun, MumpuniKalophrynus nubicola Dring, 1984This species is known only from Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak, Borneo. It has not been recorded in theheavily surveyed Gunung Kinabalu National Park, and probably does not occur in Sabah. It is restricted to altitudesabove 1,500m asl. Nothing is known about its population status. It is known from montane forest and is presumed tobreed in small, temporary forest pools. There are currently no major threats to this species. Although it is known onlyfrom Gunung Mulu National Park, it might occur in other montane forests in other parts of Sarawak and Kalimantan,so the continued maintenance of these forest habitats is essential.Bibliography: Dring, J.C.M. (1984b)Data Providers: Robert Inger, Djoko Iskandar, Indraneil Das, Robert Stuebing, Maklarin Lakim, Paul Yambun, MumpuniKalophrynus subterrestris Inger, 1966This species is widely distributed throughout much of the lowland forest of Borneo, below 300m asl, and is likely tooccur more widely than currently recorded. It is relatively abundant where it occurs. This is a lowland, tropical moistforest species, not found in modified habitats, and is presumed to breed in small pools of standing water on theforest floor. It is threatened by the loss of habitat as a result of clear-cutting of tropical forest. It has been recordedfrom Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary.Bibliography: Inger, R.F. (1966)Data Providers: Robert Inger, Djoko Iskandar, Indraneil Das, Robert Stuebing, Maklarin Lakim, Paul Yambun, MumpuniKaloula kokaciiRoss and Gonzales, 1992BICOL NARROW-MOUTHED FROGThis species is found on Catanduanes Island and on several mountains of the Bicol Peninsula, in the Philippines, from200-300m asl. It is a common species. It inhabits lower altitude montane and lowland forests, where it is found inforest, along forest edges, and in secondary growth vegetation. This is a highly adaptable species that also occursin modified habitats beside these forests. It lives and presumably breeds in water-fi lled tree-holes and hollows. Themain threat to this species is continued destruction of lowland rainforest for agricultural development and humansettlements. However, this species is adaptable and is probably not significantly threatened. A protected area needsto be established on the island of Catanduanes to protect this island’s biodiversity.Bibliography: Alcala, A.C. and Brown, W.C. (1985), Parker, H.W. (1934), Ross, C.A. and Gonzales, P.C. (1992)Data Providers: Arvin Diesmos, Angel Alcala, Rafe Brown, Leticia Afuang, Genevieve Gee, Katie Hampson, Mae Leonida Diesmos,Aldrin Mallari, Perry Ong, Dondi Ubaldo, Baldwin GutierrezKaloula mediolineata Smith, 1917This species is known from mainland Thailand, adjoining southern Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Taylor 1962;Stuart 1999), and Dac Lac Province in southern Viet Nam (Orlov 2002). It presumably occurs more widely than currentrecords suggest. There is no reliable information available on the population status of this species. Large numbers inmarkets could indicate large populations, or intensive collection, or both. It has not been found during some recentherpetofauna surveys of areas where it was historically known to occur (P. van Dijk pers. comm.), suggesting a possibledecline. It is known mostly from areas originally covered with deciduous dipterocarp forest, and has not beenreported from agricultural areas. Breeding takes place in seasonal pools (Heyer 1973). The major threat to this speciesis intensive collection for local consumption, gravid females being preferred. Its habitat has also been extensivelyimpacted by fire and other anthropogenic processes, or cleared completely for agricultural development and other landuses. It is known to occur in or near a number of protected areas, but several of these are not secure from the threatsof uncontrolled fires and collecting of frogs for human consumption. Efforts are needed to secure these national parksand wildlife sanctuaries, and to manage the exploitation of populations of this species outside protected areas.Bibliography: Heyer, W.R. (1973), Orlov, N.L. et al. (2002), Stuart, B.L. (1999), Taylor, E.H. (1962)Data Providers: Peter Paul van Dijk, Tanya Chan-ardMicrohyla perparva Inger and Frogner, 1979This species is endemic to eastern and central Borneo where it is known from scattered localities below 250masl. It is likely to occur more widely than currently recorded. As the species is easy to fi nd when it is breeding, it ispresumed to be abundant. It occurs in primary lowland rainforest where adults live on the ground in the leaf-litterand breed in very small rain pools. The main threat to this species is deforestation through clear-cutting. It has beenrecorded from several protected areas.Bibliography: Inger, R.F. and Stuebing, R.B. (1997)Data Providers: Robert Inger, Djoko Iskandar, Indraneil Das, Robert Stuebing, Maklarin Lakim, Paul Yambun, MumpuniMicrohyla petrigena Inger and Frogner, 1979This species occurs below 700m asl in central and north-eastern Borneo in Kalimantan (Indonesia), Sabah and Sarawak(Malaysia), and Brunei Darussalam. It also occurs on Tawitawi Island in the Sulu Archipelago of the Philippines,where a record of this species (Diesmos and Leong pers. comm.) was previously incorrectly assigned to Microhylaannectens. As the species is easy to find when it is breeding, it is presumed to be abundant. Adults occur in the litterof lowland primary rainforest, and breed in small, clear streams. The main threat to this species is deforestationthrough clear-cutting. It has been recorded from at least three protected areas including Lanjak Entimau WildlifeSanctuary (Sarawak) and Batu Apoi National Park (Brunei).Bibliography: Inger, R.F. and Stuebing, R.B. (1997), Malkmus, R. et al. (2002)Data Providers: Robert Inger, Djoko Iskandar, Indraneil Das, Robert Stuebing, Maklarin Lakim, Paul Yambun, Mumpuni, Arvin Diesmos,Leong Tzi MingOreophryne jeffersoniana Dunn, 1928This species is known only from the islands of Sumbawa, Rinca, Komodo, and the western part of Flores, in the LesserSunda Islands, Indonesia, below 600m asl. It is not an abundant species, but is still regularly recorded. It lives in bushesand trees in tropical dry forest and shrubland. Breeding is presumably by direct development, with the eggs being laidon the ground. Very little is known about threats to this species, but plans for introducing livestock to the area would beparticularly detrimental. It occurs in Komodo National Park and perhaps other protected areas within its range.Bibliography: Auffenberg, W. (1980), Iskandar, D.T. and Colijn, E. (2000)Data Providers: Djoko Iskandar, MumpuniRamanella montana (Jerdon, 1854)This species is currently reported to be widely distributed throughout the Western Ghats of India. The type locality isWayanad, and the species is only known with certainty from this site (S.D. Biju pers. comm.). It is rare and difficultto fi nd. It inhabits low foliage, such as leaf sheaths of palms and tree fern fronds, in tropical moist forests. It breedsby larval development, and deposits its eggs in tree holes where the larvae develop. Breeding begins soon afterthe onset of monsoon rains. This species has been recorded from a cardamom plantation adjoining a forest reservesuggesting that it is tolerant of a degree of habitat modification, but presumably still requires trees for breeding. Themajor threat to it is conversion of areas of suitable forest habitat to agricultural land (including eucalyptus, coffeeand tea plantations). It has only been recorded with certainty from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. Recordsfrom other protected areas, namely Indira Gandhi National Park and Kalakkad Wild Life Sanctuary (both in TamilNadu), Kudremukh National Park (in Karnataka), Bhimashankar Wild Life Sanctuary (in Maharashtra), and Purna WildLife Sanctuary (in Gujarat), may refer either to this species or to congenerics. Further taxonomic studies are urgentlyneeded to clarify its precise distribution and altitudinal range, and to resolve confusion with related species (currentcollections of it probably represent more than one species).Taxonomy: The taxonomy of this species requires urgent attention as the collections of this species probably represent more than onetaxon (S.D. Biju pers. comm.).Bibliography: Biju, S.D. (2001), Chanda, S.K. and Deuti, K. (1997), Daniel, J.C. and Shull, E.M. (1963), Dutta, S.K. (1997), Krishna, S.N.,Krishna, S.B. and Vijayalaxmi, K.K. (2004), Padhye, A.D. and Ghate, H.V. (2002), Vasudevan, K., Kumar, A. and Chellam, R. (2001)Data Providers: S.D. Biju, Gajanan Dasaramji Bhuddhe, Sushil Dutta, Vivek Ashok Gour-Broome, Karthikeyan Vasudevan, ChelmalaSrinivasulu, S.P. VijayakumarRamanella obscura (Günther, 1864)This species occurs in a number of isolated populations in the low country wet zone and the central hills of SriLanka, including Sinharaja Forest, Knuckles Range, and Namunukula and Udwattakele. It has an altitudinal range of