Tuesday, December 12, 2017

[Herpetology • 2017] Arthroleptis troglodytes Poynton, 1963 • The Rediscovery of A Lost Frog


 Arthroleptis troglodytes  Poynton, 1963
Becker & Hopkins, 2017 


Abstract
The cave squeaker Arthroleptis troglodytes Poynton, 1963 was first collected in 1961/62, and not observed again for 54 years despite several attempts to locate it. We rediscovered this species near the type locality in the Chimanimani mountain range in eastern Zimbabwe. We describe for the first time the call and colour in life, and highlight several morphological and habitat features not previously recorded for this species.

Keywords: amphibian, Arthroleptis, high altitude, Possibly Extinct, taxonomy, Zimbabwe






Adult male Arthroleptis troglodytes.

Francois S. Becker and Robert W. Hopkins. 2017. The Rediscovery of A Lost Frog: Arthroleptis troglodytes Poynton, 1963.  African Zoology. 52(3); 183-187. DOI:  10.1080/15627020.2017.1370982

After 54 years in hiding, 'extinct' frog rediscovered in Zimbabwe   earthtouchnews.com/conservation/endangered/after-54-years-in-hiding-extinct-frog-rediscovered-in-zimbabwe/
Rare 'cave squeaker' frog seen in Zimbabwe for first time in 55 years  theguardian.com/environment/2017/feb/05/return-of-zimbabwes-cave-squeaker-as-rare-frog-found-fifty-years-on
The "cave squeaker," a tiny frog not seen in decades, has been found in Zimbabwe  huffingtonpost.com/entry/cave-squeaker-frog-zimbabwe  via @HuffPostGreen