Orange-bellied leaf-litter toad – Leptobrachella crocea – (Rowley, Hoang, Le, Dau & Cao, 2010)

Science name: Leptobrachella crocea – (Rowley, Hoang, Le, Dau & Cao, 2010)

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

Species status: Endemic ; IUCN status: LC (Least Concern)

Description:

Physical Characteristics:
Leptobrachella crocea is a small-bodied frog. Detailed morphological data are limited, but its physical features include:
A rough dorsal surface with small tubercles.
The absence of webbing on fingers and toes, with slight webbing present on the toes.
The species is notable for its bright orange belly, a distinctive feature that gives it its common name.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at an elevation of 1,316 meters above sea level.
Geographic Range:
Leptobrachella crocea is known only from Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve in Dak Glei District, Kon Tum Province, Vietnam. It is expected to inhabit nearby areas, particularly in southern Song Thanh Nature Reserve and possibly near the Lao border, but its true range remains uncertain. The species has a very limited known extent of occurrence, estimated at 135 km².
Habitat
The species occupies undisturbed evergreen forest in steep, hilly terrain. It is often found in leaf litter, among rocks, and within riparian vegetation close to shallow, stony streams. Its habitat may face disturbances if the species is found outside of well-protected areas, but current knowledge is limited.

Behaviour and ecology:

Habitat Preferences:
Leptobrachella crocea is a terrestrial species that lives on land, specifically in leaf litter and riparian zones near streams in montane forests. It does not inhabit trees or water bodies directly but relies on the forest floor and adjacent streams for shelter and breeding.

Breeding and Reproduction:
Though females, eggs, and larvae have not yet been observed, Leptobrachella crocea is presumed to have a free-swimming larval stage similar to other species in the Leptobrachella genus. Breeding likely occurs in shallow, rocky streams, but further studies are needed to confirm this.

Diet:
As a leaf-litter toad, Leptobrachella crocea likely feeds on small invertebrates found within the forest floor, such as insects and other arthropods.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:

Data Deficient due to the limited available information on its population size, distribution, and ecological requirements.
Population Trend:

Unknown, though its population is suspected to be small due to its restricted range and specific habitat preferences.
Threats:

The main potential threat to Leptobrachella crocea is habitat loss due to deforestation and degradation of its montane forest environment. These disturbances could impact its small, localized populations, especially if they occur outside well-protected areas like Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve.
Conservation Actions:

More research is needed to determine the true extent of its range, population size, and the impact of habitat disturbances. Conservation efforts should focus on preserving the forest habitats within its known range and regulating activities that could degrade its habitat, such as logging and agriculture.