Orange-eyed Litter Frog – Leptobrachella pyrrhops – (Poyarkov, Rowley, Gogoleva, Vassilieva, Galoyan & Orlov, 2015)

Science name: Leptobrachella pyrrhops – (Poyarkov, Rowley, Gogoleva, Vassilieva, Galoyan & Orlov, 2015)

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

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

Description: Size and Physical Characteristics: Leptobrachella pyrrhops is a medium-sized species within its genus, with males measuring between 30.3–33.9 mm in snout-vent length (SVL), and females slightly larger at 30.8–34.3 mm. The species is characterized by distinct dark brown or black dorsolateral markings, including blackish spots on the flanks and dark canthal or temporal streaks. The tympanum is externally distinct, and the dorsal skin is finely shagreened with small tubercles and pustules.

Coloration in Life: The chest and belly of this species display a grey-pinkish to dark brownish-violet hue, covered in numerous whitish speckles. These speckles also extend to the lateral sides of the body. The iris is notably bicolored, with the upper two-thirds being bright orange-red, fading to silvery green in the lower third.

Coloration in Preservative: In preservation, Leptobrachella pyrrhops retains some of its distinctive markings, but colors tend to fade, particularly in the ventral and dorsal regions.

Distribution and habitat: Geographic Range: Leptobrachella pyrrhops, known as the Orange-eyed Litter Frog, is native to two localities in Vietnam, specifically in the Loc Bac Forest and the western Langbian Plateau in Lam Dong Province. The species is found between 600 and 1,100 meters above sea level. Its current extent of occurrence (EOO) is estimated at 239 km². The species is considered to be range-restricted due to natural barriers such as mountain ridges, limiting its dispersal.

Elevation: This species is known to inhabit elevations from 600 to 1,100 meters.

Area: The species inhabits primary montane evergreen forests along small rocky streams. These habitats are undergoing degradation, primarily due to agricultural expansion and other human activities.

Habitat: Leptobrachella pyrrhops thrives in moist montane forests, particularly in areas with permanent streams and creeks. It is highly dependent on pristine forest conditions and is thus sensitive to habitat changes.

Behaviour and ecology: Reproductive Biology: Breeding behavior has been observed in April, where males were seen calling along small rocky streams within the forest. Although tadpoles have not been directly observed, it is presumed that the species has a free-swimming larval stage, similar to other Leptobrachella species. The species’ breeding habits and the duration of the breeding season remain poorly studied.

Habitat Use: Leptobrachella pyrrhops is primarily active in montane forests, especially near streams where calling and mating occur. The species is highly forest-dependent and requires moist environments for its survival. Habitat degradation, particularly from agricultural expansion, poses a significant threat to its populations.

Conservation and status: IUCN Red List Category and Criteria: Leptobrachella pyrrhops is currently listed as Endangered under the IUCN Red List criteria B1ab(iii), due to its limited range, the small number of known locations, and ongoing habitat degradation.

Population Trend: The population of this species is thought to be decreasing, primarily due to the continuous decline in habitat quality, driven by human activities such as deforestation for agriculture.

Threats: The primary threat to Leptobrachella pyrrhops is habitat loss due to agricultural development and logging. The species’ dependence on high-quality montane forests makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat disturbances. Additionally, the limited range of the species increases its susceptibility to environmental changes.

Conservation Actions: Efforts to conserve Leptobrachella pyrrhops should focus on protecting the remaining montane forest habitats in Lam Dong Province. Further surveys are also needed to clarify the species’ distribution and population size, which could guide more effective conservation measures. Protecting the forest ecosystems in which this species thrives is essential to ensuring its continued survival.