Big-eyed Litter Frog – Leptobrachella macrops – (Duong, Do, Ngo, Nguyen & Poyarkov, 2018)

Science name: Leptobrachella macrops – (Duong, Do, Ngo, Nguyen & Poyarkov, 2018)

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

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

Description:

Size:
Adult males range from 28.0 to 29.3 mm in snout-vent length (SVL), with a single adult female recorded at 30.3 mm.
Physical Characteristics:
The species is characterized by its large and protuberant eyes, with the upper half of the iris being golden and fading to a golden-green shade in the lower half.
The skin on the dorsal side is rough and granular with tubercles, while the ventral side is greyish-violet with white speckles.
Fingers and toes have rudimentary webbing, with rounded tips, and there are no lateral fringes on the digits.
The tympanum is externally distinct, and the supratympanic fold is dark brown.

Distribution and habitat:

Geographic Range:
Leptobrachella macrops is known from two locations in Phu Yen and Dak Lak provinces, Vietnam. It inhabits low to mid-elevation tropical evergreen forests at altitudes between 471 and 630 meters above sea level. The species is associated with rocky streams within these forested areas.
Habitat:
This species is found in primary and secondary evergreen forests, specifically in habitats around permanent rocky streams. These streams are critical for its presumed reproductive activities. It depends on the presence of closed forest canopies around stream environments and has not been found in disturbed areas.

Behaviour and ecology:

Reproductive Biology:
Though little is known about its reproductive habits, Leptobrachella macrops likely breeds in water, with a free-swimming larval stage, similar to its congeners.

Diet:
This species likely feeds on small insects and invertebrates found in the leaf litter around streams.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:

Endangered under criteria B1ab(iii), with a small estimated extent of occurrence (491 km²) and continuing decline in habitat quality.
Population Trend:

The population is decreasing, with the species restricted to just two known localities and a fragmented population.
Threats:
The major threat to Leptobrachella macrops is habitat loss, particularly due to deforestation for agriculture. The quality and extent of its forest habitat are continually declining.

Conservation Actions:
Efforts should focus on preserving the remaining forest habitats within its known range. Surveys are needed to confirm its presence in other potential areas and assess the full extent of its population and distribution.