Science name: Leptobrachella bidoupensis – (Rowley, Le, Tran & Hoang, 2011)
Taxonomic: Animalia>> Chordata>> Amphibia>> Anura >> Megophryidae >> bidoupensis
Species status: Endemic ; IUCN status: CR (Critically Endangered Species)
Description:
Physical Characteristics:
Leptobrachella bidoupensis is a small frog species, with males ranging from 23.5 to 24.6 mm in snout-vent length and females from 29.2 to 29.4 mm. It has a slightly longer head than wide, with a protruding snout and a raised tympanum. The species lacks vomerine teeth and a pineal ocellus. The fingers have rounded tips with no webbing or lateral fringes, while the toes have slight webbing and fringes.
Coloration:
In life, males are dark reddish-brown with black mottling on the dorsal side, and white speckling on the ventral surface. Females have similar dorsal coloring but exhibit a lighter pink ventral surface. Both sexes have a unique bicolored iris, with the upper half being reddish-brown and the lower half silvery gray. Metamorphs display a darker brown coloration with fine whitish speckling and a V-shaped interorbital marking.
Tadpoles and Metamorphs
Tadpoles:
Tadpoles of Leptobrachella bidoupensis are semi-transparent with pale brown coloration in daylight. They have elongated bodies with a shallow depression between the head and the body. The tail has well-developed musculature and is twice as long as the body, with brownish marbling on the dorsal fin.
Metamorphs:
Metamorphs have a dark brown dorsal coloration with pinkish-orange upper arms and a distinct oval orange spot on the shoulder.
Distribution and habitat:
Elevation: Found at elevations between 1,553 and 1,908 meters above sea level.
Geographic Range:
Leptobrachella bidoupensis is known only from Bidoup Nui Ba National Park, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. This range is highly restricted, covering only 42 km² in a single threat-defined location, though it is possible that further surveys may extend its known distribution. The species is limited by its dependence on evergreen forest and specific montane habitat requirements.
Habitat
This species is associated with swampy areas, rocky seeps, and stream headwaters within montane evergreen forest. Despite its location in a protected national park, Leptobrachella bidoupensis faces increasing habitat modification, particularly due to agricultural encroachment.
Behaviour and ecology:
Breeding and Reproduction:
Males have been observed calling in May and June, with metamorphs appearing toward the end of May. While the reproductive biology of this species remains unknown, it is assumed to have a free-swimming larval stage, similar to other species in the genus Leptobrachella.
Diet:
The diet is not well-studied but is likely similar to other leaf-litter frogs, consisting primarily of small invertebrates found within its forest habitat.
Conservation and status:
IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Critically Endangered (B1ab(iii)) due to its highly restricted range, ongoing habitat degradation, and the potential threat of further deforestation.
Population Trend:
Decreasing, though the exact number of mature individuals is unknown.
Threats:
The main threat to Leptobrachella bidoupensis is habitat loss, driven primarily by deforestation and agricultural expansion, even within protected areas like Bidoup Nui Ba National Park.
Conservation Actions:
Protecting the remaining montane evergreen forest within its known range is essential for the species’ survival. Additional surveys are also recommended to better understand the full extent of its distribution and ecological needs.
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