Near Threatened Amphibian Species - Amphibian Specialist Group

Near Threatened Amphibian Species 631less common in secondary and degraded habitats. It is naturally a forest species, living especially along streams ingiant Pandanus, bird’s nest ferns and the common lily (Colospermum montanum). It is also found, though at much lowerdensities, in rural gardens, plantations, and in pandans in pastureland. It breeds by direct development, the eggs beinglaid in leaf axils. The clutch size is less than 30 eggs. The main threat to this species is probably forest loss due tosmall-scale subsistence wood extraction, and logging. It has been confirmed as occurring in Tomaniivi Nature Reserve,Colo-I-Suva Forest Park, Garrick Memorial Park, Bouma Forest Reserve, and Savura Forest Reserve. The main priorityconservation measure for this species is the conservation of mature forest, especially along streams.Bibliography: Boistel, R. and Sueur, J. (1997), Gibbons, J.R.H. and Guinea, M.L. (1983), Gorham, S.W. (1965), Gorham, S.W. (1968),Gorham, S.W. (1971), Ryan, P. (2000), Watling, D. and Zug, G.R. (1998)Data Providers: George Zug, Dick Watling, Clare MorrisonPtychadena erlangeri (Ahl, 1924)This species occurs in the Rift Valley in Ethiopia, and in the highlands on both sides of the Rift Valley. It is generallyfound at 1,500-2,500m asl, though it possibly extends as low as 1,300m asl near the shore of Lake Abaya (the typelocality). Its distribution is severely fragmented although it probably occurs more widely than current records show.It appears to be a rather rare species (though this might be due in part to the difficulty in distinguishing betweenthis species and Ptychadena neumanni). It seems to be particularly associated with long grasses and similar coarseherbaceous vegetation in forest clearings, not necessarily very close to permanent water. Its breeding behaviour isunknown, but it presumably takes place in pools in forest clearings and at forest margins. The main threats to thisspecies are related to environmental degradation resulting from encroaching human settlements, with the consequentexploitation of forest resources for both subsistence and commercial purposes, including activities such as loggingand agricultural development. The best-known population of this species is found in Bale Mountains National Park.Conservation of montane forests is the highest priority conservation measure for this species.Bibliography: Largen, M.J. (1997), Largen, M.J. (2001), Perret, J.-L. (1980)Data Providers: Malcolm LargenPtychadena superciliaris (Günther, 1858)This species ranges from Sierra Leone, through southern Guinea and Liberia, to southern Côte d’Ivoire and southwesternGhana. It is rare in Taï National Park (south-western Côte d’Ivoire), but perhaps more common in coastalforest in Côte d’Ivoire; it is locally common in Sierra Leone. This is a lowland rainforest species, and its adaptabilityto altered habitats is not known. The details of its breeding biology are also unknown, but if it is similar to othermembers of its genus then it probably breeds in temporary pools. The major threats to this species are the lossand degradation of forest due to agricultural development, logging and expanding human settlements. It occursin Mount Nimba World Heritage Site (Guinea, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire), Taï National Park (Côte d’Ivoire), and possiblyalso other protected areas.Bibliography: Guibé, J. and Lamotte, M. (1957), Herrmann, H.-W. et al. (2005), Perret, J.-L. (1976b), Rödel, M.-O. (2000b), Schiøtz,A. (1964a)Data Providers: Mark-Oliver Rödel, Arne SchiøtzRana areolata Baird and Girard, 1852CRAWFISH FROGThis species is known from northern and central Mississippi, north-central Louisiana, and eastern Texas north througheastern Oklahoma, north-central Arkansas, western Tennessee, and western Kentucky through southern Indiana andIllinois, across Missouri, northern Iowa, and eastern Kansas, USA (Altig and Lohoefener 1983; Conant and Collins1991). It can be locally common in remnant habitat patches, but much of its native habitat has been lost. It is secretivebut not uncommon in Texas (Bartlett and Bartlett 1999). In Illinois, it is uncommon and declining in some areas wherebreeding habitats have been drained or stocked with predatory fish (Phillips, Brandon and Moll 1999). The specieswas locally plentiful in western Indiana until about 1970, when it declined markedly and disappeared from manysites for reasons that are not well understood, including some in which the habitat did not change in any obviousway (Minton 2001). It might no longer occur in southern Iowa (Johnson 2000). It has been found repeatedly and inlarge numbers in the Ouachita River bottomlands in Louisiana (Dundee and Rossman 1989). This species inhabitsmoist meadows, pasturelands, river flood plains, pine scrub, and golf courses. It hides in crayfish, reptile, or rodentburrows when inactive, and also under logs and in sewers. Eggs are laid and larvae usually develop in temporarywater such as in flooded fields, ditches, farm ponds, and small lakes. The major threats to this species are habitat lossand degradation particuarly through drainage of its breeding habitat. It is also threatened by the stocking of breedingwaters with predatory fish (Phillips, Brandon and Moll 1999). It occurs in many protected areas. Better informationon current population status and trends is needed to aid its conservation.Taxonomy: Rana capito and R. sevosa were formerly included in this species, but were removed from its synonymy by Young andCrother (2001).Bibliography: Altig, R. and Lohoefener, R. (1983), Bailey, M.A. (1991), Barbour, R.W. (1971), Bartlett, R.D. and Bartlett, P.P. (1999),Blackburn, L., Nanjappa, P. and Lannoo, M.J. (2001), Bragg, A.N. (1953), Busby, W.H., and Brecheisen, W.R. (1997), Case, S.M. (1978),Christiansen, J.L. and Bailey, R.M. (1991), Collins, J.T. (1982), Collins, J.T. (1990), Collins, J.T. (1993), Conant, R. and Collins, J.T. (1991),Dundee, H.A. and Rossman, D.A. (1989), Frost, D.R. (1985), Johnson, T.R. (1977), Johnson, T.R. (2000), Minton Jr, S.A. (1972), MintonJr, S.A. (2001), Phillips, C.A., Brandon, R.A. and Moll, E.O. (1999), Redmond, W.H. and Scott, A.F. (1996), Smith, P.W. (1961), Young, J.E.and Crother, B.I. (2001)Data Providers: Geoffrey Hammerson, Matthew ParrisRana aurora Baird and Girard, 1852RED-LEGGED FROGThe subspecies Rana aurora aurora occurs from south-western British Columbia, including Vancouver Island in Canada,south along the coast of the USA (primarily west of the Cascade-Sierran crest), to Mendecino County, just north of SanFrancisco, California. It is usually found below 1,200m asl. Rana aurora draytonii occurs from Mendecino County, justnorth of San Francisco, California, south to north-western Baja California, Mexico. It was introduced in Nye County,Nevada, probably between 1940 and 1950. It might now be extinct in the southern Sierra Nevada, and is apparentlynow absent from Great Valley, California. The Sierra Nevada populations are small and highly localized. It occurs fromsea level up to 1,500m asl in the Sierra Nevada range. Rana aurora aurora is relatively widespread in Washingtonand Oregon, although localized declines have been reported where its habitat has been modified. The range of R. a.draytonii has been reduced by 70% (USFWS 1996c, 2002), and it has been extirpated from much of its former rangein California (Hayes and Jennings 1988). It occurs in about 256 streams or drainages in 28 counties and is still locallyabundant in portions of the San Francisco Bay area and the central coast (USFWS 2002). This species is usually foundin or near the quiet permanent waters of streams, marshes, or (less often) ponds and other quiet bodies of water. It isalso sometimes found in damp woods and meadows some distance from water. In California, it occurs in sites withdense vegetation such as willows, close to water and some shading. Rana aurora aurora can reproduce in waterbodiesranging from large lakes to temporary ponds and ditches (Nussbaum, Brodie and Storm 1983). Rana aurora auroraalso breeds in man-made ponds, but it might not persist over time when these are permanent and are invaded bynon-native predators (Adams 1999, 2000; Kiesecker and Blaustein 1998; Kiesecker, Blaustein and Miller 2001a). Itcan occupy ephemeral pools if the water remains until late spring or early summer (Biosystems Analysis 1989), andit aestivates in small mammal burrows and moist leaf-litter in dense riparian vegetation (Rathbun et al. 1993, citedby USFWS 1994b). It disperses from water in wet weather but can seek refuge in deep water. Breeding usually takesplace in permanent water, and the eggs are attached to stiff submerged stems in this subspecies, whereas the eggmass is at the surface in Rana aurora draytonii. An important threat to Rana aurora aurora is the loss of wetlandsin the Willamette Valley (Oregon) and Puget Lowlands (Washington). The increased distribution of warm water fishand bullfrogs is also a threat (Adams 1999, 2000; Kiesecker and Blaustein 1988; Kiesecker, Blaustein and Miller2001a), and conversion to permanent ponds is an important threat (as this allows breeding waters to be invaded bynon-native predators). R. a. draytonii is threatened most significantly by habitat loss and alteration, and non-nativepredators are also likely to be important (Lawler et al. 1999; Doubledee, Muller and Nisbet 2003). R. a. aurora occursin several small wildlife refuges in Oregon and Washington managed by the USFWS (US Fish and Wildlife Service),and some state refuges (such as Wilson and Burlington). Most of its range is within actively managed agriculturaland forestry matrix (under the control of private owners, the Bureau of Land Management, or the US Department ofAgriculture Forest Service). Regarding R. a. draytonii, the US Geological Survey has developed a conservation planfor this species, and about 1.7 million hectares were designated as critical habitat for it in California (USFWS 2001c).A monitoring and conservation programme must be implemented in the Mexican range of this subspecies, as thisdoes not include any protected areas.Taxonomy: The two subspecies, Rana aurora aurora and R. a. draytonii, are probably specifi cally distinct based on genetic data (H.B.Shaffer pers. comm.; G.M. Fellers pers. comm.). When separated, the common names become Northern Red-legged Frog and CaliforniaRed-legged Frog, respectively.Bibliography: Adams, M.J. (1999), Adams, M.J. (2000), Altig, R. and Dumas, P.C. (1972), Behler, J.L. and King, F.W. (1979), Blackburn, L.,Nanjappa, P. and Lannoo, M.J. (2001), Briggs Sr, J.L. (1987), Brown, H.A. (1975), Bulger, J.B., Scott, N.J. and Seymour, R.B. (2003), Cook,D. and Jennings, M.R. (2001), Corkran, C.C. and Thoms, C. (1996), Davidson, C., Shaffer, H.B. and Jennings, M.R. (2001), Davidson, C.,Shaffer, H.B. and Jennings, M.R. (2002), Doubledee, R.A., Muller, E.B. and Nisbet, R.M. (2003), Fellers, G.M. et al. (2001), Green, D.M.(1985), Green, D.M. (1986a), Green, D.M. (1986b), Hayes, M.P. and Miyamoto, M.M. (1984), Hayes, M.P., Pearl, C.A. and Rombough, C.J.(2001), Jennings, M.R. and Hayes, M.P. (1994), Kiesecker, J.M. and Blaustein, A.R. (1998), Kiesecker, J.M., Blaustein, A.R. and Miller,C.L. (2001a), Lawler, S.P. et al. (1999), Leonard, W.P. et al. (1993), Licht, L.E. (1971), Nussbaum, R.A., Brodie, Jr., E.D. and Storm, R.M.(1983), Pearl, C.A. (2005), Reaser, J.K. (2003), Stebbins, R.C. (1985b), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1994b), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service(1996c), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (2001c), Zeiner, D.C. et al. (eds.) (1988)Data Providers: Georgina Santos-Barrera, Christopher Pearl, Geoffrey HammersonRana banjarana Leong and Lim, 2003This montane species has been recorded from the Banjaran Bintang mountain range of Peninsular Malaysia and theBanjaran Titi Wangsa mountain range of Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia. It might also be present in the mountainranges of Banjaran Benom, Banjaran Gunong Tahan and Banjaran Timur, all in Peninsular Malaysia, and might alsooccur in the highlands of the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. It has an altitudinal range of at least 700-1,300m asl. Thepopulation status of this species is unknown. It does not occur in modified habitats, but it appears to be a strict inhabitantof undisturbed streams in highland and montane tropical forests. Adult males have been observed calling from thesides of forest streams while perched low on fallen branches or live vegetation, or on sandy banks or leaf-litter. Thelarvae inhabit well-shaded streams with clear, slow-flowing water and a sandy substrate. The habitat of this speciesis threatened, at least locally, by logging and smallholder agricultural development. It has been recorded in the HalaBala Wildlife Sanctuary of Thailand, and the Cameron Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary of Peninsular Malaysia. It mightalso be present in other protected areas of the Banjaran Bintang and the Banjaran Titi Wangsa mountains.Taxonomy: Adults and larvae of this montane species have previously been misidentifi ed as either Rana signata or R. glanulosa.Bibliography: Berry, P.Y. (1972), Berry, P.Y. (1975), Chan-ard, T. et al. (1999), Leong, T.M. and Lim, B.L. (2003), Smedley, N. (1931),Smith, M.A. (1922)Data Providers: Leong Tzi MingRana boylii Baird, 1854This species is known from the Pacific drainages from the upper reaches of the Willamette River system, Oregon (westof the Cascades crest), south to the upper San Gabriel River, Los Angeles County, California, including the coastalranges and Sierra Nevada foothills, in the USA. There is a disjunct population at La Grulla Meadow, Sierra SanPedro Martir, Baja California, Mexico. It has apparently disappeared from portions of its historical range, especiallyin southern California (see Hayes and Jennings 1988). It occurs from sea level up to 2,040m asl. This species hasprobably been extirpated from the Tehacahapi Mountains southwards, and there have also been severe declines inthe central Sierra foothills of California (Drost and Fellers 1996). It is now rare or absent in Oregon (Leonard et al.1993), moderately common in north-western California and the northern Sierra foothills, and rare or absent in thecentral and southern Sierra foothills. This species was first recorded in Mexico three decades ago, but almost nothingis known about its biology there. This species inhabits partially shaded, rocky streams at low to moderate altitudes,in areas of chaparral, open woodland, and forest (Nussbaum, Brodie and Storm 1983; Hayes and Jennings 1988). Itseeks cover at the bottom of a pool when startled. Its breeding and non-breeding habitats are the following, in orderof decreasing favourability: (1) partially shaded, small perennial streams, 30-1,000m asl, with at least some cobblesizedrocks, riffle areas and a stream depth rarely greater than 1m; (2) intermittent, small, partly shaded, rocky streamsdisplaying seasonal riffle habitat; (3) large (consistently greater than 1m in stream depth), partly shaded, perennialstreams with rocky or bedrock habitat; and (4) open perennial streams with little or no rocky habitat. Breeding takesplace in pools of streams, and eggs are usually attached to gravel or rocks at the edge of pools or streams (Nussbaum,Brodie and Storm 1983). In northern California, eggs were found attached to cobbles and boulders at lower thanambient flow velocities, near confluences of tributary drainages in wide, shallow reaches, and most breeding siteswere used repeatedly (Kupferberg 1996). Threats to this species include stream scouring (it may negatively impactfrogs in stream bed hibernation sites), introduced aquatic species, non-selective logging practices, and stabilizationof historically fluctuating stream flows. However, because causes of declines are uncertain, it is difficult to assessthe degree to which this species is threatened. S.J. Kupferberg (pers. comm.) found that bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)larvae perturbed aquatic community structure and exerted detrimental effects on R. boylii populations in northernCalifornia but had only a slight impact on Pseudacris regilla. Some populations of this species occur in nationalforests in California and Oregon, but this does not necessarily provide adequate protection. It also occurs in a fewnational, regional and state parks, and on properties owned by The Nature Conservancy. In Mexico it occurs withinthe San Pedro Martir National Park, which is a relatively well-preserved area. This species is protected by Mexicanlaw under the “Special Protection” category (Pr).Bibliography: Behler, J.L. and King, F.W. (1979), Blackburn, L., Nanjappa, P. and Lannoo, M.J. (2001), Drost, C.A. and Fellers, G.M. (1996),Green, D.M. (1986a), Green, D.M. (1986b), Kupferberg, S.J. (1996), Leonard, W.P. et al. (1993), Lind, A.J., Welsh, Jr, H.H. and Wilson,R.A. (1996), Macey, J.R. et al. (2001), Nussbaum, R.A., Brodie, Jr., E.D. and Storm, R.M. (1983), Stebbins, R.C. (1985b), Welsh Jr, H.H.,Hodgson, G.R. and Lind, A.J. (2005), Zweifel, R.G. (1955), Zweifel, R.G. (1968a)Data Providers: Georgina Santos-Barrera, Geoffrey Hammerson, Gary FellersRana capito LeConte, 1855GOPHER FROGThis species is found in the USA from the Coastal Plain from the southern half of North Carolina (Beaufort County)to southern Florida (Collier County on the west coast, Broward County on the east coast), west to the TombigbeeRiver of Alabama. There are isolated populations in central Alabama (with a historical record from Shelby County)and central Tennessee (Atlig and Lohoefener 1983; Bailey 1991; Conant and Collins 1991; Godley 1992; Redmondand Scott 1996; Miller and Campbell 1996). Most of its range is contained within the range of the gopher tortoiseGopherus polyphemus (Conant and Collins 1991). In Alabama, this frog occurs at six breeding sites (M.A. Bailey pers.comm.). In Florida, it is extant at 79 sites east of the Apalachicola River (R. Franz unpubl.) and it breeds in at least 25sites west of the Apalachicola River (J.G. Palis pers. comm.). It is known from two specimens in Tennessee (Redmondand Scott 1996; M.A. Bailey pers. comm.), and it is known to occur at seven sites at least in Georgia, including Fort