[Herpetology • 2018] Leptolalax rowleyae • A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Son Tra Peninsula, central Vietnam

Leptolalax rowleyae

Nguyen, Poyarkov, Le, Vo, Phan, Duong, Murphy & Nguyen, 2018

    DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4388.1.1 

Abstract

Morphological, acoustic and molecular analyses result in the description of Leptolalax rowleyae sp. nov., a new species of frog in the Megophryidae, belonging to the L. applebyi Rowley & Cao species group from central Vietnam. It differs from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological attributes: (1) adult SVL 23.4–25.4 mm in males and 27–27.8 mm in females; (2) presence of distinct dark/brown dorsolateral markings, including black spots on flanks; (3) pinkish milk-white to light brown chest and belly with numerous white speckles; (4) tympanum distinct; (5) absence of webbing or lateral dermal fringes on fingers and toes; (6) pectoral glands comparatively small (3.3–4.7% of SVL); (7) ventrolateral glands indistinct; and (8) iris bicolored with copper tint in upper half fading to golden in lower third of iris. The male advertisement call of the new species consists of 4–6 notes, lacking a distinct introductory note, with an average dominant frequency of 3.2–3.5 kHz. The description of the tadpole constitutes the first description of larval morphology for a member of the L. appleybi species group. Genetically, an uncorrected sequence divergence of 7.4% for 16S rRNA separates the new species from its two closest relatives, L. ardens and L. melicus in the L. applebyi species group.

Keywords: Amphibia, Acoustics, Leptolalax applebyi species group, tadpole morphology, Son Tra Nature Reserve

Luan Thanh Nguyen, Nikolay A. Jr. Poyarkov, Dzung Trung Le, Ba Dinh Vo, Hoa Thi Phan, Tang Van Duong, Robert W. Murphy and Sang Ngoc Nguyen. 2018. A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Son Tra Peninsula, central Vietnam.  Zootaxa. 4388(1); 1–21. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4388.1.1

 facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=551558645225394

 twitter.com/jodirowley/status/969147437385359360

[Herpetology • 2017] Leptolalax maoershanensis • A New Species of the Genus Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Guangxi, China

Leptolalax maoershanensis 

 Yuan, Sun, Chen, Rowley, Wu, Hou & Che, 2017

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4300.4.5

AustralianMuseum.net.au

Abstract

We describe a new species of megophryid frog from Maoershan Nature Reserve in southern China. Leptolalax maoershanensis sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: medium size (SVL 25.2–30.4 mm in eight adult males and 29.1 mm in one adult female); head longer than wide; externally distinct tympanum; distinct black supratympanic line present; dorsal skin shagreened with small tubercles and longitudinal folds; distinct dark spots on the flank; creamy-white chest and belly with irregular black spots; grey-pinkish to dark brownish-violet ventral skin of limbs with numerous whitish speckles; distinct ventrolateral glands forming a white line; finger webbing and fringes absent; toe webbing rudimentary and lateral fringes narrow; longitudinal ridges indistinct under toes and not interrupted at the articulations; and a bicolored iris. The new species differs from all known congeners by an uncorrected p-distance of >6.6% at the 16S rRNA gene fragment examined, and phylogenetic analysis clusters the new species with L. laui and L. liui. At present, the new species is known from montane small bamboo forest in Maoershan Nature Reserve at about 1550 m elevation.

Keywords: Amphibia, Leptolalax maoershanensis sp. nov., taxonomy, Maoershan, phylogeny

Maoershan Leaf-litter Frog (Leptolalax maoershanensis), from southern China.

Photograph: Zhiyong Yuan 

 Zhiyong Yuan, Ruida Sun, Jinmin Chen, Jodi J. L. Rowley, Zhengjun Wu, Shaobing Hou and Jing Che. 2017. A New Species of the Genus Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Guangxi, China.  Zootaxa. 4300(4); 551–570. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4300.4.5

THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN IN SOUTHERN CHINA REVEALS A NEW FROG SPECIES

AustralianMuseum.net.au/blogpost/amri-news/the-highest-mountain-in-southern-china-new-frog

[Herpetology • 2017] Leptolalax puhoatensis • A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from north central Vietnam

Leptolalax puhoatensis

 Rowley, Dau & Cao, 2017

AustralianMuseum.net.au DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4273.1.5 

Abstract

We describe a new, medium-sized Leptolalax species from north central Vietnam. Leptolalax puhoatensis sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of having a body size range of 24.2–28.1 mm in eight adult males and 27.3–31.5 mm in three adult females; distinct dorsolateral markings including blackish spots on the flank and dark canthal and/or temporal streaks; males with a reddish-brown venter, often with faint white dusting and females with a pale pink venter; skin on dorsum with tiny, indistinct, low tubercles in preservative, more distinct and forming low dorsal ridges on dorsal surface in life; toes with webbing basal and narrow lateral fringes; iris copper in upper half and golden in lower half; and a call consisting of a single note and a dominant frequency of 4.9–5.6 kHz (at 22.3–25.8º C). Uncorrected sequence divergences between L. puhoatensis sp. nov. and all homologous 16S rRNA sequences available for known species in the genus are ≥6.3%.

Keywords: Reptilia, Acoustics, Anura, Leptolalax puhoatensis sp. nov., Southeast Asia, Vietnam

Etymology: specific epithet is in reference to the type locality of Pu Hoat Nature Reserve.  

  Jodi J. L. Rowley, Vinh Q. Dau and Trung T. Cao. 2017. A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Vietnam.

 Zootaxa. 4273(1); 61–79.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4273.1.5

ResearchGate.net/publication/317287742_A_new_species_of_Leptolalax_Anura_Megophryidae_from_Vietnam

 AustralianMuseum.net.au/blogpost/amri-news/amri-new-species-of-leaf-litter-frog-discovered-from-vietnam

 twitter.com/AustMus/status/871164851946696704

 twitter.com/JodiRowley/status/871480180556091393

[Herpetology • 2017] Leptolalax petrops • A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from northern Vietnam

 Leptolalax petrops 

Rowley, Dau, Hoang, Le, Cutajar & Nguyen, 2017  

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4243.3.7 

AustralianMuseum.net.au

Abstract

We describe a new, medium-sized Leptolalax species from Vietnam. Leptolalax petrops sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of having a medium-sized body (23.6–27.6 mm in 21 adult males, 30.3–47.0 mm in 17 adult females), immaculate white chest and belly, no distinct black markings on the head, highly tuberculate skin texture, toes lacking webbing and with narrow lateral fringes, and a call consisting of an average of four notes and a dominant frequency of 5.6–6.4 kHz (at 24.5–25.3 °C). Uncorrected sequence divergences between L. petrops sp. nov. and all homologous DNA sequences available for the 16S rRNA gene are >8%.

Keywords: Amphibia, Acoustics, Anura, L. petrops sp. nov., Southeast Asia, Vietnam

Leptolalax petrops sp. nov. in life, VNMN 2016 A.16

twitter.com/JodiRowley

Leptolalax petrops sp. nov. in life, Male holotype VNMN 2016 A.06 in situ,  from Tuyen Quang Province 

Etymology: The specific epithet derives from the Latin petra, meaning rock, and –ops, meaning having the appearance of, in reference to both the stone-like appearance of the frog and the limestone karst in which the species was found in Lai Chau Province.

Rowley, Jodi J. L., Vinh Q. Dau, Duc H. Hoang, Duong T. T. Le, Timothy P. Cutajar & Tao T. Nguyen. 2017. A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from northern Vietnam. Zootaxa. 4243(3); 544–564.  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4243.3.7

 AustralianMuseum.net.au/blogpost/amri-news/new-stone-frog-discovered-from-vietnam

 twitter.com/JodiRowley/status/842575139623452673

[Herpetology • 2016] Five New, Microendemic Asian Leaf-litter Frogs (Leptolalax) from the southern Annamite mountains, Vietnam; Leptolalax ardens, L. kalonensis, L. pallidus, L. maculosus & L. tadungensis

[Left] Pale Leaf-litter Frog Leptolalax pallidus, Spotted Leaf-litter Frog Leptolalax maculosus, and Ta Dung Leaf-litter Frog Leptolalax tadungensis. 
[Right] Brilliant Leaf-litter Frog Leptolalax ardens and Kalon Leaf-litter Frog Leptolalax kalonensis. 

Photographers: D. Tran, J. Rowley, P. Peloso
 twitter: @JodiRowley

Abstract

The Leptolalax applebyi group of Asian leaf-litter frogs currently comprises four species of particularly small-bodied (<40 mm SVL) species distributed in the Central Highlands of Vietnam and northeastern Cambodia. In addition to their small size, the group is characterized by their morphological and genetic similarities, as well as their breeding habitat at headwaters of small mountain streams and seeps. A recent study suggested that at least two-thirds of the diversity of the group remained hidden within morphologically cryptic lineages. We expand upon the molecular, morphometric, and acoustic data and formally delineate and describe five of these lineages as distinct species: Leptolalax ardens sp. nov., Leptolalax kalonensis sp. nov., Leptolalax pallidus sp. nov., Leptolalax maculosus sp. nov., and Leptolalax tadungensis sp. nov. Due to habitat loss, the current ranges of these species are likely to be a fraction of their historical extent and under continued threat from deforestation.

Keywords: Amphibia, Bioacoustics, Leptolalax ardens sp. nov., Leptolalax kalonensis sp. nov., Leptolalax pallidus sp. nov., Leptolalax maculosus sp. nov., and Leptolalax tadungensis sp. nov., microendemism, Southeast Asia

 Five new species of Asian Leaf-litter Frog [Top] Brilliant Leaf-litter Frog Leptolalax ardens and Kalon Leaf-litter Frog Leptolalax kalonensis. 
[Bottom] Pale Leaf-litter Frog Leptolalax pallidus, Spotted Leaf-litter Frog Leptolalax maculosus, and Ta Dung Leaf-litter Frog Leptolalax tadungensis. 

Photographers: D. Tran, J. Rowley, P. Peloso
 twitter: @JodiRowley

Leptolalax kalonensis

Rowley, Tran, Le, Dau, Peloso, Nguyen, Hoang, Nguyen & Ziegler, 2016 

Discussion

Species in the Leptolalax applebyi group are likely to have historically occurred over a large area of hilly northeastern Cambodia, central and southern Vietnam (~30,000 km2;Rowley et al. 2015). However, each species appears to occur over a relatively small area, with mountain ridges and valleys appearing to present barriers to dispersal (Rowley et al. 2015). This microendemism is perhaps not surprising given their small body size, specific habitat preferences and thus low dispersal ability. Frogs in the group breed in (and perhaps are more broadly restricted to) small seeps and rivulets, often at or near stream headwaters. This is in contrast to other, generally larger, species of Leptolalax most of which breed in larger streams. The specific habitat preferences of the group are likely to further restrict  adults  to  particular  drainage  basins  (as  suitable  breeding  habitat  is  not  present  on  mountain  ridges  or  valleys), and may limit the probability of larval dispersal along streams (except perhaps in high rainfall events).

Habitat loss is the greatest threat to amphibians in Southeast Asia, and the amphibians of the region appear to be particularly vulnerable to habitat alterations (Rowley et al. 2010d). Range-restricted species such as species in the L. applebyi group are likely to be most at risk (Rowley et al. 2010d), and frogs of the L. applebyi group appear to be restricted to relatively undisturbed broadleaf evergreen forest. A considerable portion of their historical range is likely to have already been lost due to deforestation (Rowley et al. 2005) and habitat loss and modification is a continued threat in the region (Meyfroidt & Lambin, 2008).

This study confirms significant species richness underestimation in the Leptolalax applebyi species group. The five additional species named herein almost triple the known species diversity in a group of frogs first identified in only 2009 (Rowley & Cao 2009). Further diversity in this group is likely to be revealed with additional surveys, particularly  in  drainage  basins  adjacent  to  known  species.  In  particular,  ‘Lineage  7’  of  the  L.  applebyi  group  (Rowley et al. 2015) is likely to be a new species, and additional material and/or call recordings are needed to confirm this. Due to rapid and ongoing deforestation, species in this group are at great risk of disappearing before they are even discovered (Rowley et al. 2015). Further survey work and additional systematic work to understand the true diversity of amphibians in the region is urgently required for effective conservation management.

Jodi J. L. Rowley, Dao T. A. Tran, Duong T. T. Le, Vinh Q. Dau, Pedro L.V. Peloso, Truong Q. Nguyen, Huy D. Hoang, Tao T. Nguyen and Thomas Ziegler. 2016. Five New, Microendemic Asian Leaf-litter Frogs (Leptolalax) from the southern Annamite mountains, Vietnam. Zootaxa. 4085(1): 63–102.   http://mapress.com/j/zt/issue/view/zootaxa.4085.1.3
ResearchGate.net/publication/296468073_Five_new_microendemic_Asian_Leaf-litter_Frogs_Leptolalax_from_the_southern_Annamite_mountains_Vietnam

Five new species discovered in fast-disappearing forests
  http://australianmuseum.net.au/blogpost/amri-news/amri-five-new-frog-species-discovered  @JodiRowley

[Herpetology • 2015] Leptolalax isos • A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Vietnam and Cambodia

Leptolalax isos

Rowley, Stuart, Neang, Hoang, Dau, Nguyen & Emmett, 2015

FIGURE 7. (A) Female paratype AMS R 176479, (B) male paratype VNMN A.2015.6/AMS R 176492, (C) unvouchered individual and (D) male paratype AMS R 176475 of Leptolalax isos sp. nov. in situ.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4039.3.1

Abstract

We describe a new, medium-sized Leptolalax species from the Kon Tum Plateau of Vietnam and adjacent Cambodia. Leptolalax isos sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of an absence of distinct dark brown/black dorsolateral markings; toes with rudimentary webbing, wide lateral dermal fringes in males and weak or absent lateral dermal fringes in females; most males with wide lateral dermal fringes on Finger II, a body size of 23.7–27.9 mm in 38 adult males and 28.6–31.5 mm in 9 adult females, near immaculate white chest and belly; absence of white speckling on the dorsum; and a call consisting of 2–3 notes with a dominant frequency of 5.9–6.2 kHz (at 22.4–22.8º C). Uncorrected sequence divergences between L. isos sp. nov. and all homologous 16S rRNA sequences available are >10%. At present, the new species is known from montane evergreen forest between ~650–1100 m elevation in northeastern Cambodia and central Vietnam. Habitat within the range of the new species is threatened by deforestation and upstream hydroelectric dams.

Keywords: Amphibia, Acoustics, Anura, Leptolalax isos sp. nov., Cambodia, Southeast Asia, Vietnam

Rowley, Jodi J. L., Bryan L. Stuart, Thy Neang, Duc H. Hoang, Vinh Q. Dau, Tao T. Nguyen and David A. Emmett. 2015. A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Vietnam and Cambodia. Zootaxa. 4039(3): 401–417.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4039.3.1 

ResearchGate.net/publication/283565875_A_new_species_of_Leptolalax_(Anura_Megophryidae)_from_Vietnam_and_Cambodia

[Herpetology • 2012] Leptolalax firthi • A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from central Vietnam

Firth's Asian Leaf Litter Toad | Leptolalax firthi 

Rowley, Hoang, Dau, Le & Cao, 2012
AustralianMuseum.net.au 

ABSTRACT

We describe a new species of Leptolalax from central Vietnam. Leptolalax firthi sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: an absence of distinct dark brown or black dorsolateral markings; toes with rudimentary webbing and wide lateral dermal fringes in males and weak or absent lateral dermal fringes in females; most males with wide lateral dermal fringes on Finger II; medium size (26.4–29.2 mm in 21 adult males, 25.7–36.9 mm in 14 females); and near immaculate white chest and belly. The male advertisement call of the new species, consisting of 2–5 notes with a dominant frequency of 5.4–6.6 kHz (at 18.3–21.2º C) is also unique among Leptolalax species for which calls are known. Uncorrected sequence divergences between L. firthi and all homologous 16S rRNA sequences available were >10%. At present, the new species is known from montane evergreen forest between ~860–1720 m elevation in Kon Tum and Quang Nam Provinces. The extreme sexual dimorphism observed in L. firthi in terms of lateral dermal fringing, a morphological character often used to distinguish Leptolalax species, highlights the importance of ensuring interspecific comparisons in the genus are performed separately for each sex.

Key words: Bioacoustics, Kon Tum Plateau, Leptolalax firthi sp. nov., Southeast Asia, sexual dimorphism

FIGURE 2. Adult male holotype (AMS R 176524) of L. firthi sp. nov. in life. (A) in situ, frontodorsolateral view
FIGURE 4. Paratypes of L. firthi sp. nov. in life. (E) adult female AMS R 173736, and (F) sub-adultfemale AMS R 173774. 

Etymology: Specific epithet is a patronym honouring Denys Firth, for his support of amphibian biodiversity conservation and scientific capacity building in Asia. 

Rowley, J. J. L., Hoang D. H., Dau Q. V., Le T. T. D., and Cao T. T. 2012. A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from central Vietnam. ZOOTAXA 3321(3321):56-68  

ResearchGate.net/publication/274016300_A_new_species_of_Leptolalax_(Anura_Megophryidae)_from_central_Vietnam

Finding frogs: it's all about timing - Australian Museum 

http://australianmuseum.net.au/blogpost/science/finding-frogs-its-all-about-timing

[Herpetology • 2015] Cylindrophis jodiae & C. mirzae • Two New Species of the Genus Cylindrophis Wagler, 1828 (Squamata: Cylindrophiidae) from Southeast Asia

Fig. 8. Current distribution pattern of the genus Cylindrophis.

Cylindrophis jodiae & C. mirzae

Amarasinghe, Campbell, Hallermann, Sidik, Supriatna & Ineich, 2015
 Amphibian-Reptile-Conservation.org

Abstract

The original description of Anguis ruffa (now Cylindrophis ruffus) given by Laurenti in 1768 is not sufficiently comprehensive for the morphological identification of the species, and the type locality, given as “Surinami,” is in error. However, Schlegel in 1844 corrected the type locality as “Java in Indonesia.” There is also, currently, no proof of the existence of a type specimen of Anguis ruffa. Therefore, we accept Schlegel’s correction of the type locality being Java. Anguis ruffa is here redescribed based on museum specimens collected from Java only. Because the original description of C. r. burmanus is insufficiently comprehensive we here redescribe this species using the presumed type series collected from Myanmar, and we also designate a lectotype. We examined a large number of Cylindrophis specimens deposited in European and Indonesian museums, using morphological and meristic characters, plus coloration. We identified four groups based on the number of scale rows around the midbody (17, 19, 21, and 23). Among the Cylindrophis collections at Natural History Museum, London and Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris, we have discovered several specimens which do not fit any recognized species descriptions. We here describe two new species chosen from among them: Cylindrophis jodiae sp. nov. from Vietnam and C. mirzae sp. nov. from Singapore. Finally, we provide color plates showing the different body colorations for all the recognized species in the genus Cylindrophis.

Key words. Biogeography, Indonesia, pipe snake, Singapore, taxonomy, Vietnam

Current distribution pattern and Coloration of the genus Cylindrophis
Amarasinghe, Campbell, Hallermann, Sidik, Supriatna & Ineich, 2015  Amphibian-Reptile-Conservation.org

• Cylindrophis ruffus (Laurenti 1768) 

Anguis ruffa Laurenti 1768: 71. (Figs. 1, 8; Table 2) 

Synonyms: Cylindrophis resplendens Wagler 1828: pl. 5, fig. 1. 

Type locality, Java. 

Cylindrophis rufa javanica Gray 1849: 112. Type locality, Java. 

Proposed standard English name: Red-Tailed PipeSnake 

Proposed standard Indonesian name: Ular Pipa Ekor Merah

• Cylindrophis burmanus Smith 1943 

Cylindrophis rufus burmanus Smith 1943: 97

Proposed standard English name: Burmese Pipe-Snake

• Cylindrophis jodiae sp. nov. Amarasinghe, Ineich, Campbell & Hallermann

Proposed standard English name: Jodi’s Pipe-Snake 

• Cylindrophis mirzae sp. nov. Amarasinghe, Ineich, Campbell & Hallermann

Proposed standard English name: Mirza’s Pipe-Snake 

Proposed standard Indonesian name: Ular Pipa Mirza

• Cylindrophis aruensis Boulenger, 1920

• Cylindrophis boulengeri Roux, 1911

• Cylindrophis engkariensis Stuebing, 1994

• Cylindrophis isolepis Boulenger, 1896

• Cylindrophis lineatus Blanford, 1881

• Cylindrophis maculatus (Linnaeus, 1758)

• Cylindrophis melanotus Wagler, 1830

• Cylindrophis opisthorhodus Boulenger, 1897

• Cylindrophis yamdena Smith & Sidik, 1998

 A.A. Thasun Amarasinghe, Patrick D. Campbell, Jakob Hallermann, Irvan Sidik, Jatna Supriatna and Ivan Ineich. 2015. Two New Species of the Genus Cylindrophis Wagler, 1828 (Squamata: Cylindrophiidae) from Southeast Asia. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation. 9(1) [General Section]: 34–51 (e98).

http://www.amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/pdfs/Volume/Vol_9_no_1/ARC_9_1_%5BGeneral_Section%5D_34-51_e98_low_res.pdf

[Herpetology • 2015] Undiagnosed Cryptic Diversity in Small, Microendemic Frogs (Leptolalax) from the Central Highlands of Vietnam

Fig 3. Images in life of frogs in the Leptolalax applebyi group.
(A) Leptolalax applebyi (= molecular lineage 1; Kon Tum Province, Vietnam), (B) Leptolalax melicus (= molecular lineage 2; Ratanikiri Province, Cambodia), (C) Leptolalax sp. (= molecular lineage 3; Gia Lai Province, Vietnam), (D) L. bidoupensis (= molecular lineage 4; Lam Dong Province, Vietnam), (E) Leptolalax sp. (= molecular lineage 5; Lam Dong Province, Vietnam), (F) Leptolalax sp. (= molecular lineage 6; Binh Thuan Province; photo: Pedro Peloso), (G) Leptolalax sp. (= molecular lineage 7; Dak Lak Province, Vietnam), (H) Leptolalax sp. (= molecular lineage 8; Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam), (I) Leptolalax sp. (= molecular lineage 9; Dak Nong Province, Vietnam).

doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128382

Abstract

A major obstacle in prioritizing species or habitats for conservation is the degree of unrecognized diversity hidden within complexes of morphologically similar, “cryptic” species. Given that amphibians are one of the most threatened groups of organisms on the planet, our inability to diagnose their true diversity is likely to have significant conservation consequences. This is particularly true in areas undergoing rapid deforestation, such as Southeast Asia. The Southeast Asian genus Leptolalax is a group of small-bodied, morphologically conserved frogs that inhabit the forest-floor. We examined a particularly small-bodied and morphologically conserved subset, the Leptolalax applebyi group, using a combination of molecular, morphometric, and acoustic data to identify previously unknown diversity within. In order to predict the geographic distribution of the group, estimate the effects of habitat loss and assess the degree of habitat protection, we used our locality data to perform ecological niche modelling using MaxEnt. Molecular (mtDNA and nuDNA), acoustic and subtle morphometric differences revealed a significant underestimation of diversity in the L. applebyi group; at least two-thirds of the diversity may be unrecognised. Patterns of diversification and microendemism in the group appear driven by limited dispersal, likely due to their small body size, with several lineages restricted to watershed basins. The L. applebyi group is predicted to have historically occurred over a large area of the Central Highlands of Vietnam, a considerable portion of which has already been deforested. Less than a quarter of the remaining forest predicted to be suitable for the group falls within current protected areas. The predicted distribution of the L. applebyi group extends into unsurveyed watershed basins, each potentially containing unsampled diversity, some of which may have already been lost due to deforestation. Current estimates of amphibian diversity based on morphology alone are misleading, and accurate alpha taxonomy is essential to accurately prioritize conservation efforts.

Fig 1. Map showing the localities where specimens in the Leptolalax applebyi group were collected.
Colours of localities assigned based on the nine molecular lineages. Paler areas are higher elevation. Dark grey lines show country boundaries, pale grey lines show watershed boundaries and blue lines show rivers.

doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128382

Jodi J. L. Rowley, Dao T. A. Tran, Greta J. Frankham, Anthony H. Dekker, Duong T. T. Le, Truong Q. Nguyen, Vinh Q. Dau and Huy D. Hoang. 2015. Undiagnosed Cryptic Diversity in Small, Microendemic Frogs (Leptolalax) from the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
PLoS ONE. DOI:  10.1371/journal.pone.0128382

[Herpetology • 2015] Leptolalax pyrrhops • A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from the western Langbian Plateau, southern Vietnam

Leptolalax pyrrhops 
Poyarkov, Rowley, Gogoleva, Vassilieva, Galoyan & Orlov, 2015

Orange-eyed Litter Frog • Cóc Mày Mắt Cam || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3931.2.3

Abstract

We describe a new species of megophryid frog from Loc Bac forest in the western part of the Langbian Plateau in the southern Annamite Mountains, Vietnam. Leptolalax pyrrhops sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological attributes: (1) presence of distinct dark brown/black dorsolateral markings, including blackish spots on flanks and dark canthal and/or temporal streaks; (2) rudimentary webbing on toes; (3) tympanum externally distinct; (4) dorsal skin finely shagreened with numerous small tubercles and pustules; (5) medium size for the genus (30.3–33.9 mm in 2 adult males, 30.8–34.3 mm in 7 females); (6) grey-pinkish to dark brownish-violet chest and belly with numerous whitish speckles, also covering the lateral sides of body; (7) ventrolateral glands small, indistinct, do not form a distinct line; (8) pectoral glands comparatively small, comprising 1–3% of adult SVL; (10) iris bicolored, typically bright orange-red in upper two-thirds, fading to silvery green in lower third. The male advertisement call of the new species is also unique among those Leptolalax species for which calls are known, with a single long 'introductory' note, consisting of 5–12 pulses, followed by of 4–5 predominantly single-pulsed notes, and an average dominant frequency of 1.91–2.23 kHz. From the morphologically similar L. applebyi, L. melicus and L. bidoupensis, Leptolalax pyrrhops sp. nov. can be further distinguished by 13.5%, 13.7% and 10.3% sequence divergence at the 16S rRNA mtDNA gene. At present, the new species is known from montane evergreen forest between 800–1100 m elevation. We suggest the species should be considered as Data Deficient following IUCN’s Red List categories. To date our finding represents the southernmost known record of the genus Leptolalax from Vietnam.

Keywords: Indochina, Annamite mountains, Southeast Asia, Truong Son, Da Lat Plateau, taxonomy, new species 16S rRNA, advertisement call, microendemism, Leptolalax pyrrhops sp. nov.

Members of Leptolalax applebyi species group

Poyarkov, Nikolay A. J., Jodi J. L. Rowley, Svetlana S. Gogoleva, Anna B. Vassilieva, Eduard A. Galoyan & Nikolai L. Orlov. 2015. A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from the western Langbian Plateau, southern Vietnam.
Zootaxa. 3931(2): 221–252. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3931.2.3

ResearchGate.net/publication/273445733_A_new_species_of_Leptolalax_(Anura_Megophryidae)_from_the_western_Langbian_Plateau_southern_Vietnam

facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205238741402435
A new, fire-eyed, frog discovered in the forests of Vietnam - @AustMus http://shar.es/1f5sHM  

[Herpetology • 2014] The Breeding Behaviour, Advertisement Call and Tadpole of Limnonectes dabanus (Anura: Dicroglossidae)

FIGURE 1. (A) Adult male Limnonectes dabanus (AMS R 173212/UNS0288) and (B) adult female L. dabanus (AMS R 173213). (C) Same adult male, M, and female, F, in seep area beneath an overhanging boulder with eggs on the ceiling (yellow up arrow) and floor (yellow down arrow). (D) Same adult female in same location, surrounded by eggs (yellow arrows).

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3881.2.8

Abstract

Fanged frogs (Limnonectes) are a group of dicroglossid frogs from Asia that often have reversed sexual dimorphism with larger males. Limnonectes dabanus is a poorly known species of fanged frog from forested habitats in southern Vietnam and eastern Cambodia. Adult males exhibit an extreme degree of megacephaly and possess bizarre head ornamentation. L. dabanus breeds in shallow, non-flowing or very slow-flowing pools, puddles, and drainage ditches. Eggs are laid as a widely spaced array, and the larvae have a morphology typical of pond-dwelling tadpoles. Although males of the species lack vocal sacs, they produce a low-pitched (0.4–0.6 kHz), single-note advertisement call that sounds like a drop of water falling into water. Given the spacing of calling males, presence of multiple females near breeding sites, and reversed sexual dimorphism, the mating system of L. dabanus may be an example of resource-defense polygyny, and the massive head of the male is likely used in male combat.

Keywords: acoustics, amphibian, larvae, reproductive behaviour, Southeast Asia

Rowley, Jodi J. L., Duong T. T. Le, Duc H. Hoang & Ronald Altig. 2014. The Breeding Behaviour, Advertisement Call and Tadpole of Limnonectes dabanus (Anura: Dicroglossidae). Zootaxa. 3881(2): 195–200. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.3881.2.8

[Herpetology • 2014] Gracixalus lumarius | Thorny Tree Frog | Ếch cây gai • A Striking New Species of Phytotelm-Breeding Tree Frog (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve in Kon Tum Province, central Vietnam

Gracixalus lumarius
FIGURE 2. Dorsolateral view of Gracixalus lumarius sp. nov. in life showing variation in skin texture (A) male holotype AMS R 176202, (B) male paratype AMS R 173890.
FIGURE 7. (B) phyptotelm in which holotype of Gracixalus lumarius sp. nov. (AMS R 176202) and eggs (AMS R 176213) were collected. 

Abstract

We describe a distinctive new species of phytotelm-breeding rhacophorid frog from central Vietnam. Gracixalus lumarius sp. nov. is distinguished from all other rhacophorids in Indochina by a combination of (1) medium body size (adult males 38.9–41.6 mm; adult female 36.3 mm), (2) dorsum brown diurnally and yellow nocturnally, (3) venter pink, (4) tympanum and supratympanic fold indistinct (5) iris dark gold with a dense, relatively uniformly distributed network of black reticulations, (6) dorsum with distinctive white conical tubercles in males, and (7) eggs deposited on wall of a phyptotelm. The new species is known from montane bamboo and montane evergreen forest in Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve in Kon Tum Province, between ~1845–2160 m elevation. 

Key words: Amphibian, montane, Southeast Asia

FIGURE 2. Dorsolateral view of Gracixalus lumarius sp. nov. in life showing variation in skin texture (A) male holotype AMS R 176202,
(B) male paratype AMS R 173890, (C) male paratype AMS R 173889.

Etymology. Specific name from lumarius L., meaning of thorns, in reference to the extensive conical tubercles over the dorsal surface of the new species.

Suggested common name. Thorny Tree Frog (English), Ếch cây gai (Vietnamese)

Ecology. The holotype was found underwater in a tree hole with conspecific eggs on the wall of the phyptotelm (Fig 7B). All other specimens were found on arboreal vegetation, away from streams or ponds in montane evergreen or bamboo forest (eg. Fig 7A). The advertisement call and larvae of the new species are 

unknown. At present, the species is only known from montane bamboo and evergreen forest (>1800 m) on Mount Ngoc Linh and adjacent peaks, with less than 20 km between the farthest localities. The distribution of the species is unknown, but is likely to be restricted to high-elevation forest on Mount Ngoc Linh and adjacent peaks.

Discussion

The fauna of Mount Ngoc Linh and surrounding peaks is characterized by high endemism (Jenkins et al. 2007), and Gracixalus lumarius sp. nov. is among several high-elevation (>1700 m) frog species known only from this area. Both Leptobrachium ngoclinhense (Orlov) and Theloderma nebulosum Rowley Le, Hoang, Dau & Cao were described from Ngoc Linh and adjacent peaks, and currently appear to be endemic to them. This is perhaps not surprising given the isolation of this area from other high elevation (>1800 m) forest.

Frogs that breed in phytotelmata represent only ~2% of currently recognized anuran taxa (Lehtinen et al. 2004). Within the family Rhacophoridae, at least nine species of obligate phytotelm breeders with free living larvae are known (Lehtinen et al. 2004). These species currently fall within the genera Chiromantis, Kurixalus, Nyctixalus and Theloderma. Although tadpoles were not observed, Gracixalus lumarius sp. nov. is almost certainly an obligate phytotelm breeder and has free-living tadpoles, given the observed oviposition above water, and relatively small, pigmented ova (R. Altig pers. comm). Phyptotelm breeding is generally interpreted as a strategy to avoid predation, competition, or unfavourable abiotic conditions in the ancestral water body (Crump 1982; Duellman & Trueb 1986). However, the relatively high availability of water-filled tree-holes and rarity of streams or pools above 1800 m in the study area may indicate that the species is simply taking advantage of the most available water source.

The distinctive, white conical asperities on the dorsum of the new species are unique among known species in the family Rhacophoridae, however similar conspicuous asperities on the dorsum of males are known in some species of Afrixalus (Hyperoliidae), Boophis (Mantellidae), and Osteocephalus (Hylidae). Previous authors have speculated that sexual dimorphism in skin texture may facilitate sex recognition in frogs (Jungfer & Hoedl 2002), and at least in Osteocephalus, males only display tuberculate dorsal skin with keratinized spicules during the breeding season, while females have a more or less smooth dorsum Jungfer et al. 2013). Based on the type series, it appears that only male Gracixalus lumarius sp. nov. have a tuberculate dorsum with distinctive, white conical asperities, and that the size of asperities may be associated with breeding readiness. The male holotype collected in the dry season (April) with distinct nuptial pads and found with conspecific eggs also had the most distinctive asperities. In contrast, the two adult males collected in the wet season (July), had no distinct nuptial pads and less obvious (but still very distinct) white conical asperities, suggesting that the asperities remain present but are less distinct in the non-breeding season.

JODI J. L. ROWLEY, DUONG THI THUY LE, VINH QUANG DAU, HUY DUC HOANG & TRUNG TIEN CAO. 2014. A Striking New Species of Phytotelm-Breeding Tree Frog (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from central Vietnam. Zootaxa. 3785(1);  25–37. 

http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3785.1.2

http://mapress.com/zootaxa/2014/f/zt03785p037.pdf

[Herpetology • 2013] Leptolalax botsfordi • A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from the Highest Mountain in Indochina, Mount Fansipan, Hoang Lien National Park, northern Vietnam

Leptolalax botsfordi Botsford’s Leaf-litter Frog

photo: Jodi Rowley

Abstract

We describe a new species of Leptolalax from northern Vietnam. Leptolalax botsfordi sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of (1) supra-axillary and ventrolateral glands present; (2) dark brownish red ventral surface with white speckling; (3) medium body size for the genus (29.1–32.6 mm in 7 adult males, 30.0–31.8 mm in 2 females); (4) black markings on the flanks absent; (5) toes with rudimentary webbing and weak lateral fringing; (6) large pectoral glands (1.1–1.9 mm; 4–6% SVL) and femoral glands (2.4–4.3 mm; 7–14% SVL); and (7) an advertisement call with a dominant frequency of 2.6–3.2 kHz (at 14.0º C). At present, the new species is known only from upper montane forest between 2,795–2,815 m elevation on Mount Fansipan, Hoang Lien National Park. To our knowledge, Leptolalax botsfordi sp. nov. occurs at higher elevations than any other species in the genus. If L. botsfordi sp. nov. is truly restricted to a narrow, high-elevation band, it is likely to be particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The new species also faces the immediate threat of habitat degradation and pollution due to tourist activity.

Keywords: Bioacoustics, Mount Fansipan, Leptolalax botsfordi sp. nov., Southeast Asia

Leptolalax botsfordi | Botsford’s Leaf-litter Frog
 only from near the top of the highest mountain in Indochina.

photo: Jodi Rowley ‏ 

Rowley, Jodi J. L., Vinh Q. Dau & Tao T. Nguyen. 2013. A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from the Highest Mountain in Indochina. Zootaxa. 3737(4): 415-428.

http://mapress.com/zootaxa/2013/f/z03737p428f.pdf

New frog species discovered on tallest mountain in Indochina

http://news.mongabay.com/2014/0122-mann-new-frog-species-indochina.html

New species of small, #frog discovered on top of Indochina’s highest peak! #Vietnam  http://bit.ly/1ekKi9b  pic.twitter.com/BTq05HxLDf pic.twitter.com/7ozwgeaNsk via @JodiRowley ‏

[Herpetology • 2012] Rhacophorus helenae | Helen's tree frog • A new species of large flying frog (Rhacophoridae: Rhacophorus) from lowland forests in southern Vietnam

Helen's tree frog | Rhacophorus helenae Rowley, Tran, Hoang & Le 2012

Abstract 

We describe a new species of Rhacophorus from lowland forests in southern Vietnam. The new species is most similar to Rhacophorus kio, but differs from this and all other Rhacophorus from Southeast Asia by a combination of its large body size (males 72.3–85.5 mm; females 89.4–90.7 mm snout–vent length); green dorsum; white venter; black patch at axilla; bluish-green posterior surface of thighs with pale yellow marbling; low, single-lobed supracoloacal dermal ridge, and white sclera. In contrast to the widely distributed R. kio, the new species is known only from two fragments of disturbed, low-elevation forest approximately 30 km apart in a highly modified agricultural landscape. The continued survival of the new species is threatened by ongoing habitat loss and degradation.

distribution: lowland forest patches; Nui Ong Nature Reserve and Tan Phu Forest, in southern Vietnam

New giant flying frog discovered near city of 9 million

http://news.mongabay.com/2013/0109-hance-new-flying-frog.html

Rowley JJL, Tran DTA, Hoang HD, Le DTT. 2012. A new species of large flying frog (Rhacophoridae: Rhacophorus) from lowland forests in southern Vietnam. J Herpetology 46: 480-487.  DOI: 10.1670/11-261

[Herpetology • 2011] Theloderma nebulosum & T. palliatum • Two new species of Theloderma (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from montane forest in Vietnam

Abstract

Two new species of rhacophorid frogs in the genus Theloderma are described from high-elevation montane forest on the Kon Tum and Langbian Plateaus in Vietnam, on the basis of morphological and molecular evidence. Both new species are differentiated morphologically from their congeners by their small body size (<30 mm SVL); absence of vomerine teeth; rugose skin texture with minute, calcified dorsal asperities; no webbing on hands; brownish dorsum; and a bicoloured iris (pale gold in upper third and reddish brown in lower two-thirds). Molecular evidence supports that both new species are members of genus Theloderma, and are distinct from all congeners sampled (uncorrected sequence divergences at the 16S rRNA gene of >8.5% for all Theloderma for which homologous 16S rRNA sequences are available). The new species are differentiated from each other by dorsal pattern, extent of dorsal asperities, and by mitochondrial DNA.

Key words: Anura, Rhacophoridae, Southeast Asia, Vietnam

Cloaked Moss Frog Theloderma palliatum 

| The species, known only from high-elevation forest on the Langbian Plateau in Vietnam, is named after its ability to change from a dull brownish colour to reveal this bold, high-contrast pattern.

Photo: Jodi J. L. Rowley | http://australianmuseum.net.au/

Misty Moss Frog Theloderma nebulosum 

| The species is named after its habitat- mist-shrouded forest on the moutains of the Kon Tum Plateau, Vietnam.

 Photo: Jodi J. L. Rowley | http://australianmuseum.net.au

 Jodi J L Rowley, Le T. T. D, Huy Duc Hoang, Dau Q. V. and Thuy Cao. 2011. Two new species of Theloderma (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Vietnam. Zootaxa.   3098: 1–20

researchgate.net/publication/223916590_Two_new_species_of_Theloderma_Anura_Rhacophoridae_from_Vietnam

http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2011/f/z03098p020f.pdf

http://australianmuseum.net.au/BlogPost/Science-Bytes/Two-new-species-of-moss-frog-discovered