Kon Ka Kinh Litter Toad – Leptobrachella ardens – (Rowley, Tran, Le, Dau, Peloso, Nguyen, Hoang, Nguyen & Ziegler, 2016)

Science name: Leptobrachella ardens – (Rowley, Tran, Le, Dau, Peloso, Nguyen, Hoang, Nguyen & Ziegler, 2016)

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Amphibia>> Anura >> Megophryidae >> ardens

Species status: Endemic ; IUCN status: EN (Endangered Species)

Description:

Physical Characteristics:

Leptobrachella ardens is a small toad, with diagnostic features characteristic of the Leptobrachella applebyi group. Further detailed morphological descriptions are unavailable but the species is noted for its small size and adaptation to high-altitude evergreen forest environments.
Coloration:

The specific coloration of Leptobrachella ardens has not been fully documented, but like other species in its group, it likely features earthy tones that blend with its leaf-litter habitat.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at elevations between 1,041 and 1,450 meters above sea level.

Geographic Range:

Leptobrachella ardens is known only from Kon Ka Kinh National Park in Gia Lai Province, Vietnam. Although additional surveys may expand its known range to adjacent areas with similar habitat and elevations, its current estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) is 598 km², with fewer than five threat-defined locations. Barriers such as mountain ridges and the physiological limitations of its small body size may restrict its dispersal.
Habitat:

This species inhabits evergreen forests and is found at the headwaters or seeps flowing into rocky streams and adjacent swampy areas. The species’ reproductive biology is not fully understood, but it is assumed to breed in streams, similar to other species in the Leptobrachella genus.

Behaviour and ecology:

Breeding:
Males have been observed calling near streams in August, suggesting that the species is a stream breeder with a free-swimming larval stage, similar to other species in the genus. The duration of the breeding season remains unknown, though calling activity has been noted in June and August in related species.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Endangered (B1ab(iii)) due to its limited range and the ongoing decline in habitat quality.

Population Trend: Decreasing.

Threats:

The primary threat to Leptobrachella ardens is habitat loss and degradation caused by deforestation, agricultural expansion, and logging. These activities have significantly impacted the quality of its montane forest habitat.
Conservation Actions:

The protection of its evergreen forest habitat within Kon Ka Kinh National Park is essential for its survival. Monitoring of habitat conditions and population trends, as well as further surveys to determine its full geographic range, are important for its long-term conservation.