Bana Bubble-nest Frog – Kurixalus banaensis – (Bourret, 1939)

Science name: Kurixalus banaensis – (Bourret, 1939)

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Amphibia>> Anura >> Rhacophoridae >> banaensis

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

Description:

Physical Characteristics:
Body Size: Medium-sized, with a snout-vent length of 33.9 mm.
Skin: Smooth on the snout, back, and limbs; the abdomen and ventral side of the thighs are granular.
Head: Longer than wide, with a rounded snout and a flat interorbital region. Eyes have horizontal pupils, and the tympanum is visible with an oval shape.
Limbs: Moderately webbed toes and fingers with discs at the tips. The discs have circummarginal grooves, and there is some webbing between the third and fourth fingers.
Coloration: The back and head are light brown with dark brown spots, including an X-shaped dark mark on the back. The limbs have dark brown crossbars. The venter is pale yellow-brown, while the throat, belly, and undersides of the thighs are pale yellow-brown with fine granules.
Sexual Dimorphism:
No significant differences have been observed between males and females based on the available data. However, reproductive females have large yellow ova.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found at elevations between 109 and 1,510 meters above sea level.
Geographic Range:
Kurixalus banaensis is known from Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien – Hue, Da Nang, and Quang Nam Provinces in central Vietnam. It may also occur in adjacent areas of Lao PDR and potentially further south in Vietnam, though these southern records are under review.
Habitat:
This species is primarily associated with evergreen forests and has not been observed outside of forest habitats. It is believed to breed in still water such as marshes and pools. Forests in its range are subject to ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation due to agricultural expansion.

Behaviour and ecology:

This species is arboreal, living near flowing streams in elevations ranging from 800 to 1,000 meters. It feeds on various insects and other invertebrates found within its forest habitat.
Kurixalus banaensis exhibits bubble-nest breeding, where females lay eggs in foam nests attached to plants above water bodies. The larvae drop into the water once they hatch. These frogs are most active during the rainy season, from June to August, when breeding occurs.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Listed as Least Concern due to its relatively wide range, although its population is considered to be in decline.

Population Trend: Decreasing, primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural activities.

Threats:

The main threats to Kurixalus banaensis are habitat destruction due to logging, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Fragmentation of forest habitats is ongoing, further affecting the species.
Conservation Actions:

Protection of forest habitats is essential for the conservation of Kurixalus banaensis. Limiting deforestation and promoting reforestation in its range are vital for ensuring its continued survival.