Mutschmann’s Frog – Odorrana mutschmanni – Pham, Nguyen, Le, Bonkowski & Ziegler, 2016

Science name: Odorrana mutschmanni – Pham, Nguyen, Le, Bonkowski & Ziegler, 2016

Taxonomic:  Animalia>> Chordata>> Amphibia>> Anura >> Ranidae >> mutschmanni

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

Description:

Physical Characteristics:
Odorrana mutschmanni is a medium to large-sized species. Males range in size from 85.8 to 91.6 mm in snout-vent length (SVL), while females are larger, measuring 108.7 to 110.1 mm SVL. The species has a longer head than it is wide, with a round snout that projects beyond the lower jaw. The nostrils are lateral, closer to the snout tip than the eyes. The tympanum is round and conspicuous, about 70% of the eye diameter. The limbs are slender, with finger and toe tips expanding into discs, and undeveloped webbing between the fingers.

Coloration:
In life, O. mutschmanni exhibits a green dorsum with dark brown spots and a greyish-brown side with dark spots. The lips are marked by black bars, and the ventral surface features large, dark brown spots. The webbing between the toes is dark brown, and the flanks display ivory-colored spinules. The species is larger than most other Odorrana species and has distinctive dark spotting on its ventral surface.

Distribution and habitat:

Altitude:
Odorrana mutschmanni is found at an elevation of around 447 meters above sea level (asl). It inhabits the karstic landscapes in northeastern Vietnam, particularly in hardwood forests mixed with shrubs and vines.

Range:
This species is currently known only from Ha Lang District, Cao Bang Province, Vietnam. However, its range may extend beyond this area, as similar habitats and elevations exist in nearby regions such as Ha Giang Province in Vietnam, and Guangxi and Yunnan provinces in China. Further surveys in these areas may uncover its presence.

Habitat:
Odorrana mutschmanni is closely associated with karstic environments. Individuals have been observed on boulders, often between 0.5 and 1 meter above the ground, within secondary forests. While its reproductive biology remains largely unknown, it is presumed that the species breeds in streams, as seen in other species of the genus. The species is currently facing a decline in habitat quality and extent due to activities like quarrying for cement, road construction, agricultural expansion, and illegal timber logging.

Behaviour and ecology:

Lifestyle:
Odorrana mutschmanni is a terrestrial and nocturnal species commonly found perched on boulders within karst environments. It is sometimes observed in pools of water, although its rudimentary webbing suggests it does not spend significant time in aquatic habitats.

Reproduction:
The reproductive behavior of O. mutschmanni is not well documented, but it is presumed to breed in streams based on the habits of related species. Females lay unpigmented eggs, and males lack external vocal sacs, suggesting they may not produce calls.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Odorrana mutschmanni is listed as “Data Deficient” on the IUCN Red List due to the limited information available on its population, distribution, and ecological requirements. The species was last assessed in 2020.

Threats:
The primary threats to O. mutschmanni include habitat loss due to quarrying for cement, road construction, agricultural expansion, and illegal logging. These activities are rapidly degrading the species’ karst forest habitat, which is critical for its survival.

Conservation Actions:
There are no specific conservation measures in place for O. mutschmanni. Surveys are needed to better understand its population trends, range, and ecological requirements. Given the species’ reliance on karst habitats, conservation efforts should focus on protecting these unique environments from further degradation.