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| Philautus candrageni Herlambang, Gonggoli, Racho, Asti, Cahyadi, Atmaja, Fauzi, Eprilurahman & Hamidy, 2026 |
Abstract
The genus Philautus comprises 52 recognized species, three of which are currently known from Java and are endemic to the island. We conducted extensive fieldwork across Central Java between 2017 and 2025 to reassess the taxonomy of Philautus in this understudied region. We clarified species boundaries and uncovered cryptic diversity within this genus by employing an integrative framework that combined morphological assessments, molecular phylogenetics, and bioacoustic analyses. Our results include a redescription of P. jacobsoni and the formal description of a newly identified montane species, Philautus candrageni sp. nov., from Mount Merapi. We also provide further insights into the taxonomic status of Philautus pallidipes. These findings reveal considerable taxonomic complexity and previously overlooked diversity within Java’s montane amphibian assemblages. They also underscore the importance of sustained integrative research and advocate for targeted conservation efforts for Philautus species across the island.
Amphibia, Conservation, cryptic, endemic, Java, mountain
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| Live specimen of the paratypes of Philautus candrageni sp. nov. from Mount Merapi: (A, B) Dorsal and ventral ofMzB 33679 (male), (C, D) Dorsal and ventral of MzB 33678 (male), (E, F) Dorsal and ventral of MzB Amph 33677 (male). Photos by Hastin Ambar Asti. |
Philautus candrageni sp. nov.
Etymology. We use the ancient name of Mount Merapi, “Candrageni”, as the species name. According to Serat Pustaka Raja Purwa, a classical javanese manuscript, written by R. Ng. Ranggawarsita, Mount Merapi was originally called Candrageni before it was renamed by Prabu Kusumawicitra during his reign over java. the name Candrageni is believed to reflect Merapi’s fiery and mystical nature, possibly derived from the words “Candra” (moon) and “Geni” (fire), symbolizing a balance between celestial energy and volcanic power. We believe that the presence of Philautus candrageni sp. nov. on Mount Merapi represents the biocultural harmony of this volcanic landscape
.Suggested English common name. Merapi Bush Frog.
Suggested Indonesian common name. Katak-semak Merapi
Alamsyah Elang Nusa HERLAMBANG, Ade Damara GONGGOLI, Asrael RACHO, Hastin Ambar ASTI, Ganjar CAHYADI, Vestidhia Y. ATMAJA, Muhammad Alif FAUZI, Rury EPRILURAHMAN and Amir HAMIDY. 2026. Revisiting the Taxonomy of Javan Philautus (Anura: Rhacophoridae), with the Description of A New Species. Zootaxa. 5768(1); 29-56. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.1.2 [2026-03-09]