Spotted Litter Frog – Leptobrachella maculosa – (Rowley, Tran, Le, Dau, Peloso, Nguyen, Hoang, Nguyen & Ziegler, 2016)

Science name: Leptobrachella maculosa – (Rowley, Tran, Le, Dau, Peloso, Nguyen, Hoang, Nguyen & Ziegler, 2016)

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

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

Description:

Size and Physical Characteristics:
Leptobrachella maculosa is a small species, characterized by a distinctive spotted pattern that provides camouflage in its forest environment. Its morphology is typical of forest floor-dwelling amphibians, with adaptations that suit life in moist, leafy habitats.

Distribution and habitat:

Geographic Range:
Leptobrachella maculosa is found exclusively in Phuoc Binh National Park, Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam. The species is restricted to a few locations, primarily due to geographical barriers like mountain ridges that limit its dispersal. Its distribution is confined to this area, but further surveys in adjacent regions, including southwest Khanh Hoa Province, may reveal a broader range.

Elevation:
The species occurs at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,166 meters above sea level, thriving in the high-altitude forest environments.

Area:
Leptobrachella maculosa has an estimated extent of occurrence of 616 km². Its restricted range places it at higher risk of habitat fragmentation and environmental threats.

Habitat:
The species inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests, often in areas surrounding small rocky streams. Individuals are frequently found within leaf litter and inside clay holes along dry stream beds, utilizing these microhabitats for shelter and foraging.

Behaviour and ecology:

Reproductive Biology:
Although specific details about the reproductive behavior of Leptobrachella maculosa are unknown, it is presumed to breed in streams, like other members of the genus. Males have been observed calling near streams, and it is likely that the species has a free-swimming larval stage. The breeding season is suspected to occur around September, as males have been heard calling then, although related species call between June and August.

Habitat Use:
The species primarily relies on the forest floor in evergreen forests, making use of leaf litter, rocky stream beds, and small crevices for shelter. It is particularly associated with streams in its habitat, where it likely breeds and feeds.

Conservation and status:

IUCN Red List Category and Criteria:
Leptobrachella maculosa is listed as Endangered under the IUCN Red List, meeting the criteria B1ab(iii), due to its limited distribution, fragmented population, and ongoing decline in habitat quality.

Population Trend:
The population of Leptobrachella maculosa is currently decreasing. Its fragmented population and small geographic range make it vulnerable to habitat loss and environmental changes.

Threats:
The primary threat facing Leptobrachella maculosa is habitat degradation, primarily from deforestation and land conversion for agriculture. The quality of its forest habitat continues to decline due to human activities, particularly logging and agricultural expansion, which reduce the available habitat for this species.

Conservation Actions:
Conservation efforts should prioritize protecting the remaining forest habitats within Phuoc Binh National Park and adjacent areas. Additionally, further research is needed to fully understand the species’ distribution, population size, and reproductive habits. Preserving its stream habitats and maintaining forest cover are essential to ensuring the long-term survival of Leptobrachella maculosa.