[Herpetology • 2016] Theloderma lacustrinum • A New Small-sized Theloderma (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Laos

Theloderma lacustrinum 

Sivongxay, Davankham, Phimmachak, Phoumixay & Stuart, 2016

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4147.4.5 

Abstract

A new species of the rhacophorid frog genus Theloderma is described from the forested shoreline of the Nam Lik Reservoir, Vientiane Province, Laos. The new species differs from its congeners by having the combination of males with SVL 17.0–20.6; pearly asperities on dorsum; no vomerine teeth; disc diameter of finger III ca. 40% of tympanum diameter; uniformly gray venter; light brown dorsum with darker brown and black markings; and a uniformly bronze iris with small black reticulations. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequence data infers that the new species is most closely related to T. lateriticum from northern Vietnam. Evidence for the monophyly of Theloderma is reviewed.

Keywords: Amphibia, Nam Lik Reservoir, Frankixalus, Nasutixalus, Theloderma lateriticum, Theloderma moloch

Etymology. The specific epithet taken from lacustrinus L., of lakes, in reference to Nam Lik Reservoir, a large, man-made reservoir formed by a hydropower dam that has inundated the vicinity of the type locality.

Diagnosis. Assigned to the genus Theloderma on the basis of molecular data (Fig. 2). A very small-sized (second smallest known) species of Theloderma having the combination of males with SVL 17.0–20.6; pearly asperities on dorsum; no vomerine teeth; disc diameter of finger III ca. 40% of tympanum diameter; uniformly gray venter; light brown dorsum with darker brown and black markings; and a uniformly bronze iris with small black reticulations.

Distribution, natural history, and conservation. Theloderma lacustrinum sp. nov. is currently known only from the type and paratype localities (Fig. 3), where it was collected at night (1820–2215 h) on leaves 30–80 cm above the ground near two rocky streams (292–361 m elev.) in semi-evergreen forest that flow into the Nam Lik Reservoir (Fig. 1). The two known localities are approximately 5.7 air-km apart. We did not observe the new species at these localities during visits in April, July, and September 2015, suggesting that it may be seasonally active or most detectable during cooler, drier months (e.g., at lower heights in the forest canopy). The vicinity of the two known localities had not been surveyed for amphibians prior to construction of the hydroelectric dam, and thus it is not known how inundation from the reservoir may have impacted the range of the species.

Sivongxay, Niane, Monekham Davankham, Somphouthone Phimmachak, Keochay Phoumixay & Bryan L. Stuart. 2016. A New Small-sized Theloderma (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Laos. Zootaxa.  4147(4); 433–442.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4147.4.5

http://www.bryanlstuart.com/site/Publications_files/Sivongxay%20et%20al.%202016.pdf

  

[Herpetology • 2015] Ecology and Natural History of the Knobby Newt Tylototriton podichthys (Caudata: Salamandridae) in Laos

Fig. 6. Life stages of Tylototriton podichthys at the study site. A, Eggs under grass in June; B, eggs on leaf litter in July, C, larvae at bottom of stream pool in October, D, eft emerging onto land, found under a log 30 cm from the stream water on 10 December 2012, E, dorsal view; and F, ventral view of an eft that has begun to resemble an adult newt.
Fig. 2. Sexual dimorphism of Tylototriton podichthys at the study site. A, Dorsal view of adult female; B, dorsal view of adult male;

Phimmachak, Stuart & Aowphol, 2015 || LKCNHM.nus.edu.sg

Abstract

 Almost nothing is known on the ecology and natural history of Tylototriton (Knobby Newts) in Laos. Here, a population of the newly described T. podichthys was intensively studied in a 55,800 sq.m.  area in Xiengkhouang Province, Laos, from June 2012–July 2013. Mark-recapture methods estimated 301 individuals of T. podichthys at the study site. Newts were abundant during the breeding season (June–July), with a maximum density of 8.75 newts in 100 sq.m. of stream. The sex ratio of adult males and females was almost equal and did not differ throughout the year. The population was sexually dimorphic, with females having larger and heavier bodies than males, and different cloacal morphologies during the breeding season. Males, females and immature newts (efts) used a variety of habitat and microhabitat types. Adult newts occupied a stream only during a brief breeding period, but otherwise were primarily terrestrial. The breeding season began in the early rainy season during June–July, and efts emerged from the stream during the dry, cold season beginning in December. Diet was studied by stomach-flushing methods, and consisted primarily of terrestrial invertebrates, especially woodlice (Ligiidae), earthworms (Haplotaxida) and pillbugs (Armadillidae). Unlike in many other newts, conspecific oophagy was not observed. Diet composition, number of prey consumed, and volume of prey consumed did not differ among adult males, adult females or efts.

Key words. amphibian, diet, ecology, life cycle, mark-recapture

Fig. 6. Life stages of Tylototriton podichthys at the study site. A, Eggs under grass in June; B, eggs on leaf litter in July, C, larvae at bottom of stream pool in October, D, eft emerging onto land, found under a log 30 cm from the stream water on 10 December 2012, E, dorsal view; and F, ventral view of an eft that has begun to resemble an adult newt.
Fig. 2. Sexual dimorphism of Tylototriton podichthys at the study site. A, Dorsal view of adult female; B, dorsal view of adult male; C, ventral view of female cloaca; D, ventral view of male cloaca.

Phimmachak, Stuart & Aowphol, 2015 || LKCNHM.nus.edu.sg

Somphouthone Phimmachak, Bryan L. Stuart and Anchalee Aowphol. 2015. Ecology and Natural History of the Knobby Newt Tylototriton podichthys (Caudata: Salamandridae) in Laos. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 63: 389–400

LKCNHM.nus.edu.sg/nus/images/data/raffles_bulletin_of_zoology/vol63/63rbz389-400.pdf

ResearchgGte.net/publication/281629520_Ecology_and_Natural_History_of_the_Knobby_Newt_Tylototriton_podichthys_(Caudata_Salamandridae)_in_Laos

[Herpetology • 2015] Tylototriton podichthys • Morphological and Molecular Variation in Tylototriton (Caudata: Salamandridae) in Laos, with Description of A New Species

ປາຕີນ | Tylototriton podichthys Phimmachak, Aowphol & Stuart, 2015

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4006.2.3

Abstract

The salamandrid genus Tylototriton is poorly known in Laos, with one described species and unverified reports of two others. We undertook new fieldwork and obtained samples of Tylototriton at six localities across northern Laos during 2009–2013. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA, principal component analyses of 13 mensural characters, and qualitative morphological comparisons with samples from across the geographic range of Tylototriton were performed. Samples from Laos fell into four molecular and morphological groups, consisting of T. notialis, T. panhai, T. anguliceps, and a fourth lineage that is hypothesized here to be an undescribed species. Tylototriton podichthys sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by having distinct mitochondrial DNA haplotypes and in characteristics of the glandular skin on the head and body, shape of the rib nodules, and coloration of the body and limbs. This study expands the number of confirmed Tylototriton species in Laos from one to four, with the description of one species and extension of the ranges of T. panhai and T. anguliceps to Laos. An improved understanding of the geographic ranges of T. podichthys sp. nov. and T. anguliceps within Laos is needed.

Keywords: Reptilia, Caudata, Laos, Southeast Asia, Tylototriton shanjing, Tylototriton verrucosus

Tylototriton podichthys sp. nov.

Tylototriton shanjing Matsui 2013: 187;
Nishikawa, Khonsue, Pomchote & Matsui 2013a: 264 (part);
Sparreboom 2014: 370 (part).

Tylototriton verrucosus verrucosus (part) Le, Nguyen, Nishikawa, Nguyen, Pham, Matsui, Bernardes & Nguyen 2015: 39.

Subgenus: The new species is assigned to the subgenus Tylototriton Dubois & Raffaëlli 2009 (= T. verrucosus species group of Fei et al. 2005) based on its phylogenetic position (Fig. 1) and having orange coloration on limbs and lateral surfaces of tail (Nishikawa et al. 2014).

Etymology. The specific epithet is a noun in apposition taken from pod Gr., foot, and ichthys Gr., fish, in reference to the Lao language name pa theen, ປາຕີນ, meaning “fish with feet,” that is widely used for newts (Tylototriton and Laotriton) in Laos.

Diagnosis. Tylototriton podichthys sp. nov. is a Tylototriton (subgenus Tylototriton) having the combination of an indistinct glandular ridge on midline of crown; distinct, rounded rib nodules with diameter equivalent to or greater than that of eye; parotoid oriented parallel to body axis in lateral view; thick, glandular, vertebral tubercular ridge; rough, glandular skin on cranial crest; uniformly orange cranial crest and parotoids; orange markings separated between rib nodules; dark coloration on ventral surfaces of limbs; and dark coloration on digit tips. 

Phimmachak, Somphouthone, Anchalee Aowphol & Bryan L. Stuart. 2015. Morphological and Molecular Variation in Tylototriton (Caudata: Salamandridae) in Laos, with Description of A New Species. Zootaxa. 4006(2): 285–310.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4006.2.3

ResearchGate.net/publication/281265147_Morphological_and_molecular_variation_in_Tylototriton_(Caudata_Salamandridae(_in_Laos_with_description_of_a_new_species

[Herpetology • 2013] Philautus nianeae • A New Philautus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from northern Laos allied to P. abditus from central Vietnam

Philautus nianeae

Stuart, Phimmachak, Seateun &  Sheridan 2013

Abstract

The small rhacophorid frog Philautus abditus is geographically restricted to central Vietnam and adjacent Cambodia. Our fieldwork in northern Laos resulted in the discovery of a Philautus species that very closely resembles P. abditus, but is at least 330 km from the nearest known locality of that species. The Laos population differs from P. abditus in mitochondrial DNA and coloration, and is described here as a new species. Philautus nianeae sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by having the combination of a hidden tympanum; no nuptial pads; smooth skin; large black spots on the hidden surfaces of the hind limbs; light venter with dark spotting; and a bronze iris. A second species of Philautus from northern Laos, P. petilus, is transferred on the basis of morphology to the genus Theloderma.

Keywords: Laos; new species; Philautus abditus; Philautus petilus; Rhacophoridae

Etymology. The specific epithet is a matronym for Dr. Niane Sivongxay, Professor of Biology at the National University of Laos, co-collector of the species, and cherished friend and colleague of the authors.

Distribution and natural history. Philautus nianeae is known from three localities in Vientiane, Bolikhamxay, and Khammouan Provinces in northern Laos (Figure 1). In Vientiane Province, males were found during mid-May calling at night (2015–2130 h) on vegetation within 2 m of the ground and within 5 m of streams and riverbanks in disturbed semi-evergreen forest, sometimes mixed with bamboo, at 490–548 m elevation. In Bolikhamxay Province, a female and three juveniles were found during early March on rainy nights (1912–1952 h) 1 m above the ground on sapling leaves and palm fronds within 3 m of small rocky streams in semi-evergreen forest at 471–488 m elevation. In Khammouan Province, males were found during mid-May calling at night (2000–2110 h) on vegetation 1.5–4 m above the ground in semi-evergreen mixed with pine forest near the edge of open grassland at 972–979 m elevation. The Nam Ngum River at the type locality in Vientiane Province is under concession for a hydroelectric power project, making the persistence of the species at the type locality uncertain.

Stuart, Bryan L., Somphouthone Phimmachak, Sengvilay Seateun & Jennifer A. Sheridan. 2013. A New Philautus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from northern Laos allied to P. abditus Inger, Orlov & Darevsky, 1999. Zootaxa. 3745(1): 73-83.

http://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3745.1.6

http://www.bryanlstuart.com/site/Publications_files/Stuart%20et%20al.%202013%20Zootaxa.pdf

[Herpetology • 2013] Kaloula indochinensis | อึ่งอินโดจีน | Indochina Narrow-mouthed Frog • A new species of Narrow-mouthed Frog of the Genus Kaloula from Eastern Indochina

FIG. 3.— Kaloula indochinensis sp. nov. from Krong Pa Village, K’Bang District, Gia Lai Province, Vietnam (Photo by Robert W. Murphy);
(C) Nakai District, Khammouan Province, Laos (Photo by David A. Emmett);
(D) Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary, Mondulkiri Province, Cambodia (Photo by Channa Phan).

Abstract

We describe a new species of frog of the genus Kaloula (family Microhylidae) from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia based on morphological evidence. The new species has previously been mistaken with K. baleata, which it most closely resembles. Kaloula indochinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: maximum snout–vent length 53.7 mm; finger tips expanded into wide discs; the majority of specimens with two subarticular tubercles on the fourth toe; inner and outer metatarsal tubercle slightly raised, inner metatarsal tubercle shorter than first toe; absence of dorsolateral stripe; and large, bright, orange-yellow axillary and inguinal spots.

Key words: Amphibia, Anura, Linear discriminant analysis, Principal component analysis, Southeast Asia, Systematics

Kaloula indochinensis

Chan, Blackburn, Murphy, Stuart, Emmett, Ho & Brown 2013

Distribution.— The new species is known to occur at five localities from southern Vietnam through eastern Cambodia to central Laos. The record from Cambodia is based on a photograph of an individual from Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary, Mondulkiri Province, Cambodia (Fig. 3D).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to the new species’ distribution in Indochina, a geographic area containing the modern-day countries of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

Discussion

The known distribution of K. indochinensis is restricted to eastern Indochina. Other cooccurring congeners in this region include K. mediolineata from Dac Lac Province, Vietnam (Nguyen et al., 2009), K. aureata from southern Peninsular Thailand (Nutphund, 2001), and K. pulchra, which is ubiquitous throughout disturbed habitats in Asia (Frost, 2011). Based on geographic proximity, it is possible that K. indochinensis occurs in sympatry with K. pulchra and K. mediolineata.

Kin Onn Chan, David C. Blackburn, Robert W. Murphy, Bryan L. Stuart, David A. Emmett, Cuc Thu Ho, and Rafe M. Brown. 2013. A New Species of Narrow-mouthed Frog of the Genus Kaloula from Eastern Indochina. Herpetologica. 69(3); 329-341. DOI: 10.1655/HERPETOLOGICA-D-12-00094

[Herpetology • 2013] ปาดเรียวมลายู | Polypedates discantus | Malayan Slender Tree Frog • A New Tree Frog in the Genus Polypedates (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Hatyai, Songkhla Province, southern Thailand

ปาดเรียวมลายู | Malayan Slender Tree Frog  

 Polypedates discantus Rujirawan, Stuart & Aowphol 2013

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3702.6.3

Abstract

We describe a new species of Southeast Asian rhacophorid frog belonging to the Polypedates leucomystax species complex from Songkhla Province, southern Thailand. Polypedates discantus sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of having the skin of the head not co-ossified with the skull; absent or indistinct white dots on the back of the thigh; paired-vocal sac openings; and a round tubercle on the tibiotarsal articulation. The new species is also distinguished from P. leucomystax and P. megacephalus in univariate and multivariate analyses of quantitative morphometric characters, and has uncorrected pairwise distances of 6.61–7.16% from its closest relative, P. leucomystax, in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene The new species has four distinct male advertisement call types, consisting of one-note, two-note, three-note and staccato calls. The new species occurs syntopically with P. leucomystax at the type locality.

Key words: Rhacophoridae; Polypedates; advertisement call; morphology; species complex; Thailand 

FIGURE 6. Polypedates discantus sp. nov. holotype (ZMKU AM 00992) in life.(A) rear of right thigh, (B) ventral view of right hand, and (C) ventral view of right foot. Scale bar = 5 mm.

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3702.6.3

Polypedates discantus sp. nov.

Polypedates leucomystax “Morph B” Narins, Feng, Yong and Christensen-Dalsgaard, 1998: 129.

Polypedates sp. “Malay Clade” Kuraishi, Matsui, Hamidy, Belabut, Ahmad, Panha, Sudin, Yong, Jiang, Ota, Thong and Nishikawa, 2013: 1.

Holotype: ZMKU AM 00992, adult male, collected at Thung Tam Sao, Hat Yai District, Songkhla

Province, Thailand, on 15 November 2012 with advertisement calls recorded at 18.35h at 28.4 °C by Anchalee Aowphol, Attapol Rujirawan, Siriporn Yodthong, Korkhwan Termprayoon, and Natee Ampai.

Etymology. The specific epithet discantus taken from dis L. for separate and cantus L. for song, in reference to the new species’ differing call from the syntopic P. leucomystax.

Suggested common name. Malayan slender tree frog (English). ปาดเรียวมลายู: Paad-Reaw-Ma-La-Ewu (Thai), taken from Paad for tree frog, Reaw for slender, Ma-La-Ewu for Malayan.

ปาดเรียวมลายู | Malayan Slender Tree Frog  | Polypedates discantus

photo by V.Lauhachinda:  554231751308544

Malayan Slender Tree Frog  | Polypedates discantus

male from Wang Prachan, Thai-Malay border

photo by P. Pawangkhanant: 10201387063430364

Rujirawan, Attapol, Bryan L. Stuart & Anchalee Aowphol. 2013. A New Tree Frog in the Genus Polypedates (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from southern Thailand. Zootaxa. 3702(6): 545–565. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3702.6.3

http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2013/f/z03702p565f.pdf

http://www.bryanlstuart.com/site/Publications_files/Rujirawan%20et%20al.%202013.pdf

[Herpetology • 2011] Trimeresurus (Trimeresurus) cardamomensis | งูเขียวหางไหม้จันทบูร | Cardamom Mountains Green Pitviper • Two new species of pitviper of the genus Cryptelytrops Cope 1860 (Squamata: Viperidae: Crotalinae) from Southeast Asia

Cardamom Mountains Green Pitviper

Trimeresurus (Trimeresurus) cardamomensis

Abstract

We describe two new species of green pitviper from Southeast Asia that are morphologically similar to Cryptelytrops macrops, but can be distinguished from that species by genetic means, multivariate analysis of morphology and some aspects of coloration. Cryptelytrops cardamomensis sp. nov., is described from southeastern Thailand and the Cardamom Mountains of southwestern Cambodia. Cryptelytrops rubeus sp. nov. has been recorded from southern Vietnam and eastern Cambodia. These species have previously been confused with C. macrops, hence we also present here a redescription of this species, whose range is now restricted to Thailand, southern and central Laos, and northeastern Cambodia. All three species are present in Cambodia, but have disjunct ranges corresponding to three separate highland regions in southwestern (Cardamom Mountains), northeastern (western edge of the Kontum Plateau) and eastern (low elevation hills on the western edge of the Langbian Plateau) Cambodia for C. cardamomensis, C. macrops and C. rubeus respectively. However, there is still considerable morphological variation between geographically separated populations of C. macrops s.s., and greater sampling in southern and northern Thailand in particular may be required before the species diversity of this group is fully clarified. 

Key words: Cryptelytrops cardamomensis sp. nov., Cryptelytrops macrops, Cryptelytrops rubeus sp. nov., green pitviper, multivariate morphometric analysis, Trimeresurus

Cardamom Mountains Green Pitviper

Trimeresurus (Trimeresurus) cardamomensis sp. nov.

Cryptelytrops cardamomensis – Malhotra, Thorpe & Stuart 2011

Distribution. Trimeresurus (Trimeresurus) Cryptelytrops cardamomensis is currently known from Koh Kong Province in southwestern Cambodia and Chantaburi Province in southeastern Thailand. (Fig. 1). The species probably occurs in appropriate habitat throughout the Cardamom Mountains in southwestern Cambodia and adjacent southeastern Thailand, and offshore islands (e.g., Koh Chang).

Ecology. Trimeresurus (Trimeresurus) Cryptelytrops cardamomensis is currently known from low-lying coastal areas up to 800 m elevation in semi-evergreen, evergreen, and mangrove/melaleuca swamp forest. All specimens were found within a couple of metres above the ground, and most within 10 m of water. No food items were found in the digestive tracts of the types.

Etymology. The name refers to the mountain range wherein the type locality of this species occurs.

Big-eyed Green Pitviper

Cryptelytrops macrops sensu stricto (Kramer 1977) 

Distribution. Kramer (1977) reported the species from Thailand (Bangkok) and Vietnam, and it was presumed to occur in the intervening area. However, it is apparent that the species has a wider distribution (Fig. 1). Viravan et al. (1992) reported it from western, northern and northeastern Thailand, and although the present study has not been able to confirm its presence in western Thailand (unfortunately, the majority of specimens resulting from Viravan et al.’s study, now deposited in the Natural History Museum, London, have since lost their labels carrying the locality information), it is very likely to be present there. One adult female at the QSMI was said to have been obtained from southern Thailand via a dealer based in Thung Song. Mitochondrial DNA analysis showed that it was highly similar to  C. macrops s.s. from the Bangkok region (Genbank accession numbers AF517184, AF517219, AF517163, and AF517176). Nevertheless, the occurrence of this species in southern Thailand must remain speculative at present until it can be confirmed by the collection of additional specimens in the field. Orlov et al. (2002a) also illustrate a specimen (Fig. 20: Pg 191) of C. macrops said to be from southern Thailand. However, this specimen seems to be a misidentified male C. albolabris. The species is also present in southern (Teynié et al. 2004) and central Laos (see also “Material examined”, this paper). 

Malhotra, A., R. S. Thorpe, Mrinalini and B. L. Stuart. 2011. Two new species of pitviper of the genus Cryptelytrops Cope 1860 (Squamata: Viperidae: Crotalinae) from Southeast Asia. Zootaxa. 2757: 1–23. http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2011/f/zt02757p023.pdf

[Herpetology • 2011] Trimeresurus (Trimeresurus) macrops Redescription | งูเขียวหางไหม้ตาโต | Big-eyed Green Pitviper | Two new species of pitviper of the genus Cryptelytrops Cope 1860 (Squamata: Viperidae: Crotalinae) from Southeast Asia

Abstract

We describe two new species of green pitviper from Southeast Asia that are morphologically similar to Cryptelytrops macrops, but can be distinguished from that species by genetic means, multivariate analysis of morphology and some aspects of coloration. Cryptelytrops cardamomensis sp. nov., is described from southeastern Thailand and the Cardamom Mountains of southwestern Cambodia. Cryptelytrops rubeus sp. nov. has been recorded from southern Vietnam and eastern Cambodia. These species have previously been confused with C. macrops, hence we also present here a redescription of this species, whose range is now restricted to Thailand, southern and central Laos, and northeastern Cambodia. All three species are present in Cambodia, but have disjunct ranges corresponding to three separate highland regions in southwestern (Cardamom Mountains), northeastern (western edge of the Kontum Plateau) and eastern (low elevation hills on the western edge of the Langbian Plateau) Cambodia for C. cardamomensis, C. macrops and C. rubeus respectively. However, there is still considerable morphological variation between geographically separated populations of C. macrops s.s., and greater sampling in southern and northern Thailand in particular may be required before the species diversity of this group is fully clarified. 

Key words: Cryptelytrops cardamomensis sp. nov., Cryptelytrops macrops, Cryptelytrops rubeus sp. nov., green pitviper, multivariate morphometric analysis, Trimeresurus

Big-eyed Green Pitviper

Cryptelytrops macrops sensu stricto (Kramer 1977) 

Distribution. Kramer (1977) reported the species from Thailand (Bangkok) and Vietnam, and it was presumed to occur in the intervening area. However, it is apparent that the species has a wider distribution (Fig. 1). Viravan et al. (1992) reported it from western, northern and northeastern Thailand, and although the present study has not been able to confirm its presence in western Thailand (unfortunately, the majority of specimens resulting from Viravan et al.’s study, now deposited in the Natural History Museum, London, have since lost their labels carrying the locality information), it is very likely to be present there. One adult female at the QSMI was said to have been obtained from southern Thailand via a dealer based in Thung Song. Mitochondrial DNA analysis showed that it was highly similar to  C. macrops s.s. from the Bangkok region (Genbank accession numbers AF517184, AF517219, AF517163, and AF517176). Nevertheless, the occurrence of this species in southern Thailand must remain speculative at present until it can be confirmed by the collection of additional specimens in the field. Orlov et al. (2002a) also illustrate a specimen (Fig. 20: Pg 191) of C. macrops said to be from southern Thailand. However, this specimen seems to be a misidentified male C. albolabris. The species is also present in southern (Teynié et al. 2004) and central Laos (see also “Material examined”, this paper). 

Ecology. Cryptelytrops macrops s.s. occupies hilly areas up to c. 600 m. It has mainly been found in dry evergreen and mixed deciduous forest mixed with bamboo forest, but also in dry dipterocarp/grassland vegetation. Most specimens were found within a couple of metres of the ground, but occasionally up to 4 m high. Specimens were frequently found in the vicinity of water. Food items found in the digestive tracts of specimens examined included mammals (NMW 23899:4 from the Dong Rek mountains and AFS96.5 from Lampang Province, Thailand), frogs (FMNH 255252 and 255254 from Champasak and Bolikhamxai Provinces, Laos respectively; FMNH 262715 and 262716 from Stung Treng Province, Cambodia) and reptiles (FMNH 255253 from Bolikhamxai Province, Laos). 

Malhotra, A., R. S. Thorpe, Mrinalini and B. L. Stuart. 2011. Two new species of pitviper of the genus Cryptelytrops Cope 1860 (Squamata: Viperidae: Crotalinae) from Southeast Asia. Zootaxa. 2757: 1–23. http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2011/f/zt02757p023.pdf

[Herpetology • 2010] Rhacophorus vampyrus | Vampire Flying Frog • A new tree frog of the genus Rhacophorus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from southern Vietnam

[in Pic: in life diurnal colouration (on white background): adult male holotype & female paratype; adult male, non-vouchered specimen, in situ with nocturnal colouration, and adult male diurnal colouration (note modified skin under angles of jaw over paired subgular vocal sac)]

Rhacophorus vampyrus, Vampire Flying Frog

a Flying Frog inhabit a single, high-elevation patch of montane forest in Southern Vietnam, where it breeds in small, water-filled holes in trees.

Abstract

We describe a new species of rhacophorid frog from the Langbian Plateau in southern Vietnam. Rhacophorus vampyrus sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of: a pale tan to brick red dorsum; white throat, chest and belly; black flanks and anterior and posterior surface of thighs; grey to black webbing between fingers and toes; reduced finger webbing; and pointed projection at tibiotarsal articulation. At present, the new species is known from montane evergreen forest between 1470–2004 m elevation. Rhacophorus vampyrus sp. nov. is a phytotelm breeder, depositing eggs in foam nests in small tree-holes.

Key words: Anura, Rhacophoridae, Southeast Asia, Vietnam

ปาดแวมไพร์

• ปาดชนิดใหม่จากป่าเมฆ (ที่ราบสูง Langbian) ทางตอนใต้ของเวียดนาม

• ทำรังโฟมเพื่อวางไข่ในโพรงต้นไม้ (phytotelm breeder)

• ชื่อปาดแวมไพร์ (Vampire Flying Frog, P. vampyrus) ได้จากลักษณะของลูกอ๊อดที่มีฟันคล้าย เขี้ยว 2 คู่ที่ใต้ริมฝีปากบน

 Rowley, J.J.L., Le, T.T.D., Tran, T.A.D., Stuart, B.L., & Hoang, D.H. 2010. A new tree frog of the genus Rhacophorus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from southern Vietnam. Zootaxa. 2727: 45–55. http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2010/f/zt02727p055.pdf

[Herpetology • 2006] กบชะง่อนผาภูหลวง | Odorrana aureola | Phu Luang Rock Frog • Cascade Frog from Northeastern Thailand

กบชะง่อนผาภูหลวง

Odorrana aureola Stuart, Chuaynkern, Chan-ard & Inger, 2006

Abstract

We describe three new species of frogs from eastern Thailand based on old and new material. These represent a species of Megophrys from Chantaburi and Sa Kaeo Provinces, a species of Odorrana from Loei Province, and a species of Fejervarya from Ubon Ratchatani Province. Tadpoles are assigned to the new species of Megophrys and Fejervarya and to a recently described species of Rhacophorus from eastern Thailand using molecular identification.

ETYMOLOGY— The specific epithet aureola taken from aureolus (L.) for ornamented with gold, in reference to the diagnostic yellow markings on the limbs and flanks of this species.

DISTRIBUTION AND ECOLOGY— Odorrana aureola is currently known only from Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary and Phu Kradueng National Park (Fig. 1) in Loei Province, Thailand. The Phu Luang specimens were collected at night (1915–2030 h) on boulders, rock outcrops and a fallen tree within 4 m of swift, 1–8-m-wide rocky streams near cascades, except FMNH 265922 was collected in the water at the edge of a 2-m-wide stream with slow current between two small dams. Odorrana aureola was collected in sympatry with an apparently undescribed species that morphologically resembles O. chloronota (e.g. FMNH 265931/THNHM 05126, FMNH 265932/THNHM 05127) but that is not the sister taxon of O. chloronota (Stuart et al., 2006).

Bangkok, Thailand, May 24, 2007 — A new species of color-changing frog found in northeastern Thailand sits motionless on the brown soil.

Named the Phu Luang Cliff frog after the national park where it lives, the amphibian, which can grow to 3.5 inches (8.9 centimeters) has a naturally green body that can turn brown.

Scientists have found the rare frog in mountain waterfalls and creeks between 3,280 to 4,291 feet (1,000 to 1,500 meters) above sea level, Tanya Chan-ard, curator of Bangkok's National Science Museum, told the Associated Press.

The frog was discovered a few years ago, although scientists have only recently began studying it, Tanya said. --- http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/05/photogalleries/wip-week30/photo4.html

แนะนำตัวอย่างอ้างอิง จากองค์การพิพิธภัณฑ์วิทยาศาสตร์แห่งชาติ

กบชะงอนผาภูหลวง (Odorrana aureola): http://tistr.or.th/tistr/code/tistrorg/ecological_note/en_200801.pdf

Stuart, B. L., Y. Chuayngern, T. Chan-ard and R.F. Inger. 2006. Three New Species of Frogs and a New Tadpole fromEastern Thailand. Fieldiana Zoology New Series. 111: 1-19.:

http://bioone.org/doi/abs/10.3158/0015-0754(2006)187%5B1:TNSOFA%5D2.0.CO%3B2

[Herpetology • 2005] กบชะง่อนผาเขาใหญ่ | Odorrana (Rana) indeprensa | Khao Yai Rock Frog • Cascade Frog from Northeastern Thailand

ABSTRACT

A new species of cascade ranid belonging to the Rana livida species complex is described from Nakhon Ratchasima and Nakhon Nayok Provinces, eastern Thailand. The new species is differentiated from other cascade ranids by the following combination of characters: males with snout-vent length 54.3–69.1 mm (mean 61.8 mm), females 92.8–101.0 mm (mean 96.9 mm); males with gular pouches; finger II shorter than I; all digit tips expanded, with circummarginal grooves; no outer metatarsal tubercle; smooth dorsal skin, dorsolateral folds weak or absent; legs banded; males with white spinules on dorsal and ventral surfaces; posterior portion of thigh creamy white with brown marbling in preservative; and eggs without pigment. New data are presented for two similar, recently described species in the complex that also bear white spinules, Rana banaorum and Rana morafkai.

Key words: Laos, Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Rana indeprensa, Rana livida, species complex

Figure 5: Rana indeprensa, new species from Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand: (left) FMNH 183666, holotype, an adult male; (right) FMNH 183662, female paratype. Photographs by W. Ronald Heyer.

Photographs by M. Cota.

http://fieldherpforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3825&start=25

Etymology.— The specific name is derived from the Latin indeprensus, meaning unobserved or undiscovered, in reference to the hidden identity of this new species for over 35 years in a natural history collection.

Distribution and Ecology.— Currently, R. indeprensa is only known from Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and Sarika Waterfalls, Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand. Specimens were collected at night (1830–2003 h) in dry evergreen and gallery evergreen forest on rocks, vines, trees, and stream banks within 4.5 m of 3.5–18 m wide streams, except for FMNH 183657, which was taken on the forest floor away from water. Vertical position of specimens varied from ground level to ∼1.5 m height. Tadpoles are unknown.

Figure 1: Map of mainland Southeast Asia with collection localities for referable specimens. 1) Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, 2) Sarika Waterfalls, Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand, 3) Huong Son Forest Reserve, Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam, 4) Xe Sap National Biodiversity Conservation Area, Xe Kong Province, Laos, 5) Dong Hua Sao National Biodiversity Conservation Area, Champasak Province, Laos, 6) Ngoc Linh Mountain, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, 7) An Khe District, Gia Lai Province, Vietnam.

Bain, R.H. and Stuart, B.L. 2005. A new species of cascade frog (Amphibia: Ranidae) from Thailand, with new data on Rana banaorum and Rana morafkai. Natural History Bulletin of the Siam Society 53: 3-16.: http://cbc.amnh.org/center/pubs/pdfs/5-BainandStuartNHBSS2006.pdf

[Herpetology • 2005] Odorrana bolavensis, O. orba & O. heatwolei (originally Rana) • Three new species of Spinule-bearing frogs allied to Rana megatympanum from Laos and Vietnam

ABSTRACT

Three new species of frogs allied to Rana megatympanum are described from Laos and Vietnam. One new species is from the Bolaven Plateau of southern Laos, a second is from central Laos and adjacent central Vietnam, and a third is from northern Laos. The three new species are distinguished from similar species by skin texture, the location of white spinules on the skin in males and females, spotting on the lips, body size, relative tympanum size, and unpigmented eggs.

Key words: Laos; New species; Ranidae; Vietnam

— New species —

Rana bolavensis sp. nov.

Distribution and ecology.— Rana bolavensis is currently known only from wet evergreen forest at 1000–1200 m elevation on the Bolaven Plateau of southern Laos (Fig. 2), a large, volcanic plateau isolated from the Annamite Mountain chain by the Xe Kong River Valley. Specimens were collected at night on rocks and vegetation along rocky streams, except FMNH 258310 (adult male) was found at night on a low tree branch about 100 m from a stream, FMNH 258166 (juvenile) was found at night on leaf litter in the forest during a heavy rain, and FMNH 258241 (juvenile) was found during the day under leaf litter in the forest. These observations suggest that juveniles may be more terrestrial than adults. Many specimens of both sexes were infested with mites on the eyelid, fingers, and toe webbing. One other species of frog, Leptobrachium buchardi Ohler, Teynie´, and David, 2004, has been described from the highlands of the Bolaven Plateau, and may also be endemic to the area. Much of the wet evergreen forest on the top of the Bolaven Plateau is being converted to coffee plantations, a practice that probably threatens the survival of R. bolavensis.

Etymology.— The specific epithet bolavensis refers to the type locality on the Bolaven Plateau.

Rana orba sp. nov.

Distribution and ecology.— Rana orba is currently known from the northern Truong Son (Annamite Highlands) of the Laos-Vietnam frontier in eastern Khammouan and Bolikhamxay Provinces, Laos, and western Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam (Fig. 2). Specimens were collected at night in evergreen forest on leaf litter, rocks, rock ledges, logs, tree roots, and vegetation within 6 m of rocky streams. The Laos specimens were found at 600–700 m elevation and the single Vietnam specimen was found at 200 m elevation.

Etymology.— The specific epithet orba (L.) for orphan, is in reference to the species being known in Vietnam only from a single juvenile.

Rana heatwolei sp. nov.

Distribution and ecology.— Rana heatwolei is currently known only from Phou Dendin National Biodiversity Conservation Area, Phongsaly Province, northern Laos, near the frontier with Vietnam and China (Fig. 2). Specimens were collected at night in hill evergreen forest at 600–800 m elevation on dirt banks, rocks, logs, tree roots, and vegetation within 4 m of rocky streams.

Etymology.— The specific epithet is a patronym for Dr. Harold F. Heatwole, co-collector of the new species, whose guidance, support, and companionship greatly aided the senior author in conducting herpetological fieldwork in Laos.

— DISCUSSION —

Our descriptions of three additional species supplement the recent findings that the morphologically variable cascade ranids allied to R. livida represent a complex of species living in the montane lotic streams of Laos and Vietnam (Bain and Nguyen, 2004; Bain et al., 2003; Orlov et al., 2003; Stuart et al., 2005). Often more than one species in this complex occurs sympatrically, but only R. chloronota is currently recognized to be relatively widespread (Bain and Nguyen, 2004; Bain et al., 2003). The discovery of many new species with relatively small distributions has important consequences for conservation of biodiversity in Indochina. Further studies to identify evolutionary lineages in these frogs, and their phylogenetic relationships to each other, are warranted and underway (B. L. Stuart, unpublished data).

Stuart, B.L. and Bain, R.H. 2005. Three new species of spinule-bearing frogs allied to Rana megatympanum Bain, Lathrop, Murphy, Orlov, and Ho, 2003 from Laos and Vietnam. Herpetologica: 478-492. http://cbc.amnh.org/center/pubs/pdfs/10-StuartandBain2005.pdf

[Herpetology • 2005] Odorrana (Rana) khalam • A new cascade frog (Amphibia: Ranidae) from Laos and Vietnam

Odorrana (Rana) khalam,

Stuart, Orlov & Chan-ard, 2005

STUART, B. L., N. L. ORLOV, AND T. CHAN-ARD. 2005. A new cascade frog (Amphibia: Ranidae) from Laos and Vietnam. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 53:125–131.

http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/rbz/biblio/53/53rbz125-131.pdf

[Herpetology • 2006] Leptobrachium mouhoti • from Mondolkiri, eastern Cambodia

Leptobrachium mouhoti Stuart, Sok & Neang, 2006

Type locality: "in shallow water among tree roots at bank of O Doeung Por Stream in hilly evergreen forest, near 12° 18´ 08.4 N, 107° 03´ 08.1 E, 500 m elev., Seima Biodiversity Conservation Area, O'Rang District, Mondolkiri Province, Cambodia".

Holotype: FMNH 262756.

Synonyms

• Leptobrachium mouhoti Stuart, Sok & Neang, 2006

• Leptobrachium (Leptobrachium) mouhoti — Delorme, Dubois, Grosjean & Ohler, 2006

Stuart, B. L., K. Sok, and T. Neang. 2006. A collection of amphibians and reptiles from hilly eastern Cambodia. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 54(1):129-155.: Fulltext from http://www.fmnh.org/research_collections/zoology/aandr_reprints.htm