Firth’s Litter Frog – Leptobrachella firthi – (Rowley, Hoang, Dau, Le & Cao, 2012)

Science name: Leptobrachella firthi – (Rowley, Hoang, Dau, Le & Cao, 2012)

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

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

Description:

Physical Characteristics:
Medium size, with males measuring 26.4–29.2 mm in snout-vent length (SVL) and females ranging from 25.7–36.9 mm.
Males have lateral dermal fringes on toes and fingers, which are absent or weakly developed in females. This sexual dimorphism in fringing is a notable feature of the species.
The species is characterized by a near-immaculate white chest and belly, distinguishing it from many congeners that have more patterned ventral surfaces.

Distribution and habitat:

Elevation: Found between 860 and 1,720 meters above sea level.
Geographic Range:
Leptobrachella firthi is currently recorded from two reserves in Vietnam: Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve in Kon Tum Province and Song Thanh Nature Reserve in Quang Nam Province. The species is likely to inhabit adjacent areas of the Kon Tum Plateau, including parts of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, though further surveys are needed to confirm this.
Habitat
The species lives in montane evergreen forests, usually found near small, rocky streams. It has been observed in disturbed areas where riparian vegetation is absent due to storm damage. Long-term tolerance to habitat disturbance remains uncertain, but males appear closely associated with streams during the breeding season.
Leptobrachella firthi inhabits terrestrial environments, preferring the forest floor near streams. It does not live in trees but is more closely tied to land and water in the form of rocky streams for breeding.

Behaviour and ecology:

Breeding:
The breeding season occurs between March and April, when males call from the edges of streams to attract females. The species likely has a free-swimming larval stage, as is common with other Leptobrachella species. Males are easy to detect during the breeding season due to their loud calls, but they become harder to find during the wet season.

Reproduction and Development:
Although eggs and larvae have not been directly observed, Leptobrachella firthi is assumed to breed in small, shallow, rocky streams, with larvae developing in these aquatic environments. Metamorphosis likely occurs later in the wet season.

Diet:
As a terrestrial leaf-litter frog, it 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:

Endangered under criteria B1ab(iii) due to its limited range and ongoing habitat decline.
Population Trend:

The population is considered to be decreasing, and the species is only found in one location defined by the threats to its habitat.
Threats:
Habitat loss, particularly due to deforestation, is the major threat to Leptobrachella firthi. Additionally, habitat disturbance from storms and riparian vegetation loss could further degrade its breeding habitats. The species is also at risk from the effects of climate change, which could alter the montane habitats it relies on.

Conservation Actions:
Protecting its habitat within Ngoc Linh and Song Thanh Nature Reserves is crucial for the species’ survival. Further surveys are needed to establish a clearer understanding of its distribution, population size, and ecological needs.