Granular Toad – Leptobrachella tuberosa – (Inger, Orlov & Darevsky, 1999)

Science name: Leptobrachella tuberosa – (Inger, Orlov & Darevsky, 1999)

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

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

Description:

Size and Physical Characteristics: Leptobrachella tuberosa is a small frog, with distinct features typical of the genus. It has rounded finger tips and lacks webbing between the toes. The species also has various macroglands, including pectoral and supra-axillary glands, that are characteristic of Leptobrachella species.

Coloration in Life: The species has a generally brown dorsal coloration, which helps it blend into the forest floor. There are darker brown markings along the back, and its belly is typically lighter with some speckling.

Coloration in Preservative: In preservative, the colors tend to fade, but the general pattern of dark brown on the dorsum and lighter speckles on the ventral surface remains visible.

Distribution and habitat:

Geographic Range: Leptobrachella tuberosa is known from several locations in central Vietnam, specifically from Quang Nam, Thua Thien-Hue, and Gia Lai Provinces. The species inhabits elevations ranging from 850 to 1,401 meters above sea level. Its range may extend into northern Quang Tri Province, southeastern Laos, and northeastern Cambodia, as these areas share similar habitats.

Elevation: The species is found at elevations between 850 and 1,401 meters in montane forest areas.

Area: The estimated extent of occurrence (EOO) is 46,164 km², with the species recorded at eight threat-defined locations.

Habitat: Leptobrachella tuberosa primarily inhabits rocky streams and the surrounding herbaceous riparian vegetation in montane primary forests. It is often found in undisturbed forest areas, although some individuals have been recorded in disturbed habitats. The species is closely associated with streams, which serve as breeding sites.

Behaviour and ecology:

Reproductive Biology: Like other Leptobrachella species, L. tuberosa is presumed to breed in streams, laying eggs in the water. The species has an aquatic larval stage, with tadpoles that develop in slow-moving or still water within rocky streams. Males have been observed calling during July, and one was recorded calling from vegetation approximately 1 meter above the ground near a cascading stream.

Habitat Use: Leptobrachella tuberosa is primarily found in undisturbed montane forests near streams. It is more likely to inhabit intact forests, although it has been recorded in some disturbed areas as well.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Leptobrachella tuberosa is listed as Least Concern due to its relatively wide distribution and presence in several locations. However, its habitat is under threat from deforestation, logging, and other forms of habitat degradation, which may affect the population in the future.

Population Trend: The population is considered to be decreasing, primarily due to habitat loss and degradation.

Threats: The primary threat to Leptobrachella tuberosa is habitat destruction, particularly from logging and agricultural expansion. Deforestation and forest degradation continue to reduce the quality and extent of its montane forest habitat.

Conservation Actions: Conservation efforts should focus on protecting the montane forests where the species is found. This includes limiting deforestation and habitat destruction in central Vietnam. Further research is needed to better understand its population size, distribution, and life history.