[Herpetology • 2018] On The Identities of Rhacophorus jarujini and Rhacophorus orlovi (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Thailand

Rhacophorus jarujini Matsui & Panha, 2006

in Thongproh, Youjaroen, Chuaynkern,et al., 2018. 

Maejo Int. J. Sci. Technol. 12(1) 

Abstract

 We investigated the respective identities of Rhacophorus jarujini and R. orlovi in Thailand based on specimens collected from several localities in north-eastern Thailand and specimens from museums, namely American Museum of Natural History, Field Museum of Natural History, North Carolina State Museum of Natural Science, Khon Kaen University Vertebrates Collection and Thailand Natural History Museum. Our results confirm that the specimens from Amnat Charoen and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, Thailand, which were previously identified as R. orlovi, are in fact R. jarujini. We therefore propose removing R. orlovi from the list of amphibian fauna of Thailand and that former records of R. orlovi should be replaced by R. jarujini. Furthermore, we report a new record of R. jarujini based on specimens collected from Phu Phan National Park (Sakon Nakhon province), the northernmost record of the species in Thailand.

 Keywords: Rhacophorus jarujini, Rhacophorus orlovi, morphology, species distribution, Thailand

Figure 1. Live adult Rhacophorus jarujini from
 (A) Phu Phan NP (Sakon Nakhon province) and (B) Phu Jong-Na Yoi NP (Ubon Ratchathani province)

Figure 1. Live adult Rhacophorus jarujini from Phu Phan NP (Sakon Nakhon province) (A) and Phu Jong-Na Yoi NP (Ubon Ratchathani province) (B) 

Figure 4. Habitats of Rhacophorus jarujini in Thailand: (A) Wang Wern Waterfall, Yoddom WS, Ubon Ratchathani province;  (C) R. jarujini clinging on cave wall ca. 1 m from the ground; (D) R. jarujini on a tree at Phu Jong-Na Yoi NP, Ubon Ratchathani province 

CONCLUSIONS:

 Examination of specimens of Rhacophorus jarujini and R. orlovi from Thailand confirms the uniqueness of these two species based on external morphological and morphometrical characters. The results confirm that all specimens from Thailand, which were previously identified as Rhacophorus orlovi, are in fact R. jarujini. The present distribution of R. jarujini is known to be from the provincial areas of Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin, Roi Et, Amnat Charoen and Ubon Ratchathani.

Prapaiporn Thongproh, Montri Youjaroen, Yodchaiy Chuaynkern, Chantip Chuaynkern, Pramote Ratree, Prateep Duengkae, Ekachai Phetcharat, Wassana Maiprom, Wimol Ungprombundith and Teerayut Wongpaiseart. 2018. On The Identities of Rhacophorus jarujini Matsui and Panha, 2006 and Rhacophorus orlovi Ziegler and Köhler, 2001 (Amphibia, Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Thailand. Maejo International Journal of Science and Technology [Maejo Int. J. Sci. Technol.].  12(1); 36-50.

http://www.mijst.mju.ac.th/vol12/36-50.pdf

    

[Herpetology • 2017] Rhacophorus hoabinhensis • A New Species of Rhacophorus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from northern Vietnam

Rhacophorus hoabinhensis

Nguyen, Pham, Nguyen, Ninh & Ziegler, 2017

Ếch cây hòa bình  ||  DOI:  10.16373/j.cnki.ahr.170046 

Abstract

 We describe a new species of Rhacophorus based on two adult specimens collected from Hoa Binh Province, northern Vietnam. Rhacophorus hoabinhensis sp. nov. is distinguishable from its congeners on the basis of a combination of the following morphological characters: size small (SVL 31.1–32.5 mm in males); head slightly longer than wide; vomerine teeth absent; snout short (SNL/SVL 0.16); dorsal skin smooth; forearm and tarsus with dermal fringes; dermal appendage at vent present; webbing formula on fingers I12/3-12/3II1-2III1-1IV and on toes I3/4-1II1/2- 1III1/2-1IV1-1/2V; dorsal surface grey yellow with brown spots; lower jaw region dark grey, throat, chest and belly cream; anterior and posterior thighs, as well as ventral surface of tibia orange. The interspecific uncorrected genetic distances (16S rRNA gene) between the new species from Hoa Binh and other analyzed congeners varied from 9.8% to 17.4%. In the phylogenetic analyses, the new species revealed to be a representative of Rhacophorus and was nested within the R. hoanglienensis-orlovi species group.

Keywords: Rhacophorus hoabinhensis sp. nov., karst forest, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, Hoa Binh Province 

Figure 2 Dorsal and ventral views of the adult male holotype (IEBR A.2016.18) of Rhacophorus hoabinhensis sp. nov. from Hoa Binh Province, northern Vietnam.

Figure 4 Rhacophorus hoabinhensis sp. nov. in its biotope in Hang Kia–Pa Co Nature Reserve, Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam.

  Rhacophorus hoabinhensis sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet “hoabinhensis” refers to the type locality of the new species, Hoa Binh Province. For the common names we suggest Hoa Binh Treefrog (English), and Ếch cây hòa bình (Vietnamese). 

Distribution: R. hoabinhensis is currently is known only from the type locality in Hang Kia–Pa Co Nature Reserve, Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam.

Natural history: Rhacophorus hoabinhensis appears to be closely associated with karstic environment. Specimens were found at night between 19:00 and 23:30h, near a small pond. The surrounding habitat was secondary karst forest, consisting of medium and small hardwoods mixed with shrubs and vines. Specimens were found on leaves and branches of trees, about 1.2–1.5 m above the ground. The advertisement call of the species was not heard. The air temperatures at the times of collection ranged from 14.8 to 18.9o C and relative humidity from 84% to 93%. Other rhacophorid species recorded in Hang Kia–Pa Co Nature Reserve were Raorchestes parvulus Boulenger, R. feae Boulenger, R. kio Ohler and Delorme, R. orlovi Ziegler and Köhler, Theloderma albopunctatum Liu and Hu, T. gordoni Taylor, and T. lateriticum Bain, Nguyen and Doan. Females and the tadpole of Rhacophorus hoabinhensis have not been recorded so far.

Tao Thien Nguyen, Cuong The Pham, Truong Quang Nguyen, Hoa Thi Ninh and Thomas Ziegler. 2017. A New Species of Rhacophorus (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Vietnam. Asian Herpetological Research. 8(4); 221–234. DOI:  10.16373/j.cnki.ahr.170046

ResearchGate.net/publication/322438228_A_new_species_of_Rhacophorus_from_Vietnam

ahr-journal.com/Upload/PaperUpLoad/6446ee4e-d1e6-4207-9d27-30af79079a56.pdf

Ếch cây hoà bình – Rhacophorus hoabinhensis

vnmn.ac.vn/phat-hien-loai-ech-cay-moi-cho-khoa-hoc-o-viet-nam-1515738305

[Herpetology • 2017] Rhacophorus zhoukaiyae • A New Species of the Genus Rhacophorus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Dabie Mountains in East China

Rhacophorus zhoukaiyae 

 Pan, Zhang, Wang, Wu,  Kang, Qian, Li, Zhang, Chen, Rao, Jiang & Zhang, 2017

Anhui Tree Frog |  AHR-journal.com 

Abstract 

A new species of rhacophorid of the genus Rhacophorus is described from the Dabie Mountains of west Anhui, east China. The new species, Rhacophorus zhoukaiyae sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: 1) the ventral surface and front-and-rear of the femur is paler yellowish and decorated with irregular grayish blotching, and without obvious spots on the dorsum of the hand and foot webbing; 2) the outer metatarsal tubercle is small; 3) outer fingers are half-webbed and outer toes two third webbed; 4) the skin on the dorsum is smooth and without compressed warts; 5) the throat, chest and belly are pure paler yellowish; 6) the dorsal part of the fingers and toes are grayish-white; 7) the iris is golden-yellow. In addition, the phylogenetic tree showed that all the individuals of R. zhoukaiyae sp. nov. clustered into one distinct clade which suggested the validity of this species. This results could also be used to the support of species delimitation. Currently, this species is known only from mid-elevation montane evergreen forest in the Dabie Mountains of west Anhui, China.

Keywords:  Rhacophorus;  Rhacophorus zhoukaiyae sp. nov.;  phylogeny;  Rhacophoridae;  Dabie Mountains

Figure 3: Rhacophorus zhoukaiyae sp. nov.
(A) Dorsolateral view and (B) Ventral view of the live adult male holotype AHU-RhaDb-150420-01;
(C) Dorsolateral view and (D) Dorsal view of the live adult female paratypes AHU-RhaDb-150418-03. 

Etymology: The new species is named after Professor Kaiya ZHOU (School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China). The suggested English name is the Anhui Tree Frog.

Distribution: This species is currently only distributed in the Dabie Mountains area in Jinzhai County, Anhui Province, China. Currently, the natural habitats of this species are the freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, ponds, and irrigated land.

Tao PAN, Yanan ZHANG, Hui WANG, Jun WU,  Xing KANG, Lifu QIAN, Kai LI, Yu ZHANG, Jinyun CHEN, Dingqi RAO, Jianping JIANG and Baowei ZHANG. 2017. A New Species of the Genus Rhacophorus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Dabie Mountains in East China. Asian Herpetological Research. 2017(1); 1-13. 

http://www.AHR-journal.com/en/oa/DArticle.aspx?type=view&id=20170101

[Herpetology • 2016] Larval Morphology and Complex Vocal Repertoire of Rhacophorus helenae (Anura: Rhacophoridae), A Rare Flying Frog from southern Vietnam

Rhacophorus helenae 

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4127.3.6
   ResearchGate.net/publication/304351849 

Abstract

We present new data on the distribution, reproduction, larval morphology and vocalization of Rhacophorus helenae (Rhacophoridae), a narrowly distributed frog from southern Vietnam. Two new populations of R. helenae were discovered during field surveys in the lowland monsoon forests in Dong Nai and Ba Ria–Vung Tau provinces in 2010–2013. Spawning was observed in May 2013. Egg clutches containing small (2.3±0.1 mm) unpigmented eggs were embedded in a foam nest and suspended high on trees above temporary ponds. The tadpoles of R. helenae have a morphology typical of pond-dwelling Rhacophorus larvae with a moderate tail length and a labial tooth row formula of 5(2–5)/3. Postmetamorphic juveniles differed from adult frogs in the features of their coloration and less developed webbing. The complex vocal repertoire of R. helenae included five types of tonal, wideband and pulsed calls and several transitional signal types differentiated by frequency and amplitude parameters. Calls were uttered as singular signals (pulsed calls) or within non-stereotyped series of variable duration (other call types). The complex structure of the advertisement call markedly distinguishes R. helenae from other members of the Rhacophorus reinwardtii species complex.

Keywords: Amphibia, amphibians, advertisement call, DNA barcoding, mouthparts, Rhacophorus reinwardtii species complex, Southeast Asia, tadpole

FIGURE 5. Differences in coloration (A, B) and webbing development (C, D) between juvenile (approximately one month after the completion of metamorphosis) and adult Rhacophorus helenae.

Photographs by V. Trounov.  ResearchGate.net/publication/304351849 

Anna B. Vassilieva, Svetlana S. Gogoleva and Nikolay Jr. A. Poyarkov. 2016. Larval Morphology and Complex Vocal Repertoire of Rhacophorus helenae (Anura: Rhacophoridae), A Rare Flying Frog from Vietnam. Zootaxa. 4127(3);  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4127.3.6

ResearchGate.net/publication/304351849_Larval_morphology_and_complex_vocal_repertoire_of_Rhacophorus_helenae_Anura_Rhacophoridae_a_rare_flying_frog_from_Vietnam

[Herpetology • 2015] Rhacophorus malkmusi • A New Species of Rhacophorus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Gunung Kinabalu, Borneo

Figure 7. Photographs of live specimens of Rhacophorus malkmusi and morphologically similar Bornean Rhacophorus species.
A) Rhacophorus belalongensis, adult female (holotype) from Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre, Brunei Darussalam; B) R. gadingensis, adult female from Kubah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia;
C) Rhacophorus gauni, adult female from Sungai Melinau Paku, Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia; D) Rhacophorus malkmusi, adult female (paratype) from Sungai Langanan, Poring Hot Springs, Sabah, Malaysia (Photo: R. Malkmus);
E) Rhacophorus gauni, adult male from Sungai Melinau Paku, Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia; F) Rhacophorus malkmusi, adult male (topotype) from Sungai Langanan, Poring Hot Springs, Sabah, Malaysia.

Abstract

A new species of Rhacophorus from the eastern slope of Gunung Kinabalu (Sabah, North Borneo) is described. It is similar to, and has previously been confused with, R. gauni, but differs from it by length and shape of head, less extensive webbing between fingers and toes, presence of vomerine ridges and teeth, absence of a pointed tubercle on the upper eyelid, relatively larger interorbital width, and a smaller thenar tubercle. Characteristics of the advertisement call and ecological data are provided.

Key words. Amphibia, Rhacophorus malkmusi sp. n., R. gauni, Sabah, Malaysia, taxonomy

J. Maximilian Dehling. 2015. A New Species of Rhacophorus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Gunung Kinabalu, Borneo. SALAMANDRA. 51(1); 1–11

[Herpetology • 2014] Rhacophorus bengkuluensis • Mitochondrial DNA reveals A New Species of Parachuting Frog (Rhacophoridae: Rhacophorus) from Bukit Barisan, southwestern Sumatra, Indonesia

Rhacophorus bengkuluensis
Streicher, Hamidy, Harvey, Anders, Shaney, Kurniawan & Smith, 2014 | zootaxa.3878.4.2

Abstract

The Indonesian island of Sumatra contains several endemic species of parachuting frog of the genus Rhacophorus. Most of these are known from small type series collected from only a few localities, and consequently, many Sumatran Rhacophorus species are poorly understood. Using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), we investigated relationships among a group of Rhacophorus species from southern Sumatra. Our molecular analysis was based on a fragment of the 16S ribosomal subunit gene (16S) and included data derived from type specimens of two species endemic to Sumatra: R. barisani and R. catamitus. Our analyses of these data reveal that the only known female specimen of R. catamitus possesses a divergent 16S sequence compared to male specimens (8.82%; uncorrected “p” distance). Based on phylogenetic reconstructions, we found that this female specimen belongs to an unnamed taxon related to R. margaritifer from Java. Consequently, we remove the specimen from R. catamitus and describe it as Rhacophorus bengkuluensis sp. nov., a medium-sized slender tree frog with extensive brown hand webbing. We identified additional specimens referable to the new species using mtDNA and morphology. These specimens originate from low to intermediate elevations (ca. 600–1600 m) in the provinces of Bengkulu and Lampung, suggesting that R. bengkuluensis is widely distributed across the southwestern versant of the Bukit Barisan.

Keywords: Rhacophoridae, Indonesia, Sundaland, 16S, flying frog, new species, composite taxon

Streicher, Jeffrey W., Amir Hamidy, Michael B. Harvey, Ben Anders, Kyle Shaney, Nia Kurniawan and Eric N. Smith. 2014. Mitochondrial DNA reveals A New Species of Parachuting Frog (Rhacophoridae: Rhacophorus) from Sumatra. Zootaxa. 3878(4);

http://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3878.4.2

http://mapress.com/zootaxa/2014/f/z03878p365f.pdf

http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D7AED20E-2ADD-4DB2-8D8E-96E4D1719B66

[Herpetology • 2013] Rhacophorus borneensis | Bornean Smaller Gliding Frog • a New Gliding Frog in Rhacophorus reinwardtii group (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Borneo

Rhacophorus borneensis

Bornean Smaller Gliding Frog

Matsui M, Shimada T & Sudin A. 2013. 

Curr. Herpetol. DOI: 10.5358/hsj.32.11

Abstract

A rhacophorid frog from Borneo is divergent genetically and morphologically from Javanese R. reinwardtii, with which it was formerly confused, and is recognized as a distinct species. The frog differs from R. reinwardtii by an immaculate green dorsum and a black posterior thigh surface, which is studded with sky blue spots in the female. Because the frog is also divergent genetically and morphologically from the other congeners recently split from R. reinwardtii, we describe it as a new species, R. borneensis.

 Keywords: New species, MtDNA phylogeny, Rhacophorus reinwardtii, Borneo, Taxonomy

Rhacophorus borneensis sp. nov.

Bornean Smaller Gliding Frog

Rhacophorus reinwardtii Inger and Stuebing, 1997: 194 (part); Chan and Grismer, 2010: 43 (part).

Etymology: The specific name refers to the island of Borneo, where the new species was found.

Range: Known from the type locality, Camel Trophy of the Maliau Basin Conservation Area, Sandakan Division, State of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo; Batang Ai, State of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo (Chan and Grismer, 2010).

Rhacophorus borneensis Matsui, Shimada & Sudin, 2013

photo: George Madani frogblogmanchester.com

Natural History: In Camel Trophy, an amplectant pair of the type specimens were found at night perching on a tree branch (<1 m) extending above the surface of a shallow pool (3–5 m×10 m). The air temperature before the time of finding was 24C. No tadpoles or eggs were found in the pond and calling males were absent in early March. Frogs found associated with R. borneensis included Kurixalus appendiculatus (Günther, 1858), Polypedates macrotis (Boulenger, 1891), Chiromantis sp., and M. petrigena Inger and Frogner, 1979.

Matsui M, Shimada T & Sudin A. 2013. A New Gliding Frog of the Genus Rhacophorus from Borneo. Curr. Herpetol. 32 (2): 112-124. DOI: 10.5358/hsj.32.11

Chan, K.-O. & Grismer, L. L. 2010. Reassessment of the Reinwardt’s Gliding Frog, Rhacophorus reinwardtii (Schlegel 1840) (Anura: Rhacophoridae) in Southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia and its re-description as a new species. Zootaxa. 2505: 40–50.

[Herpetology • 2013] Range extension of Rhacophorus dulitensis Boulenger, 1892 (Anura: Rhacophoridae) in western Sarawak, Borneo

Figure 2. Female Rhacophorus dulitensis (NMBE 1056708)
from Kubah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia (western Borneo).

Abstract

 We report on a record of Rhacophorus dulitensis from Kubah National Park in western Sarawak. The new record extends the known geographical range of the species 300 km to the west.

________________

Rhacophorus dulitensis is endemic to Borneo, the largest of the Southeast Asian Greater Sunda Islands, where it occurs in primary lowland forest at elevations below 600 m a.s.l. (Harvey et al. 2002; Malkmus et al. 2002). Although not a rare species, it is seldom encountered because it lives in the canopy layer of forests and only descends to lower vegetation in order to breed (Dehling 2011). 

Rhacophorus dulitensis has a scattered distribution in central and northern Borneo. Originally described from Mt. Dulit in eastern Sarawak (3°25’ N, 114°00’ E), it has since been recorded from several localities in central and eastern Sarawak, Brunei Darussalam, Sabah, and East Kalimantan (Boulenger 1892; Inger et al. 2004; Inger and Stuebing 2005; Das 2007; Figure 1).

.......................

J. Maximilian Dehling and D. Matthias Dehling. 2013. Range extension of Rhacophorus dulitensis Boulenger, 1892 (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) in western Borneo. Check List. 9(2): 425–426.

http://www.checklist.org.br/getpdf?NGD238-11

[Herpetology • 2012] Novel behaviors of Southeast Asian rhacophorid frogs (Anura, Rhacophoridae) with an updated anuran species list for Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

FIGURE 2. A. Rhacophorus pardalis constructing leaf nest around foam egg mass.

Abstract

Land-use change and the predicted impacts of climate change are major threats to the biodiversity of Southeast Asia. Judging their impacts requires baseline biodiversity data and an understanding of the behavior of resident species in order to effectively manage that diversity. Here, we present an updated anuran species list for Danum Valley Field Center from the results of a nine-week survey expedition. We employed nocturnal stream searches as the basis of sampling and include data gathered from opportunistic encounters. We documented 47 anuran species, including one new locality record. In addition, we recorded a single species of caecilian (Gymnophiona). During this survey period we also documented aggressive territoriality in Rhacophorus appendiculatus, the manipulation of leaves to surround eggs by Rhacophorus pardalis, and predation of an adult Rhacophorus dulitensis by Polypedates otilophus. These observations and their implications are discussed.

Key words: Amphibians, Rhacophorus, Polypedates, reproduction, predation, diet, call recording

Rhacophorus pardalis nest construction.

– On three occasions, we observed female Rhacophorus pardalis laying eggs, and subsequently manipulating leaves to cover the foam nest. In each case, the female laid her eggs on a single leaf and after the male departed, used her front and hind limbs to pull an adjacent leaf towards the egg mass or folded over the leaf on which her eggs were placed, to form a cover for the foam nest. The female then positioned herself in a way that allowed her to press the two leaves together around the eggs (Fig. 2A), which appeared to 'glue' the leaves or leaf blades to the egg mass. Each time, the female sat near the bottom or top of the clutch with her front and hind feet splayed to press the leaves, or halves of the single leaf, together for approximately 30 minutes, then shifted her position to the top or bottom end, again pressing the leaves together for an additional 30 minutes. 

FIGURE 2.  B. Polypedates otilophus consuming Rhacophorus dulitensis. 

Frog predation by Polypedates otilophus.

– On a single occasion, we observed an adult Polypedates otilophus in the process of consuming an adult male Rhacophorus dulitensis (Fig. 2B). Upon collection of the P. otilophus, the meal was disgorged. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of frog predation by a rhacophorid.

CONCLUSION

The novel behaviors and new locality records reported here for Danum Valley highlight the importance of preserving lowland Bornean forests. Currently, much of Southeast Asia is being logged or converted to oil palm plantations (Sodhi et al., 2004; Sodhi et al., 2010), with devastating consequences for ecosystem services and biodiversity in general. Studies are currently under way to determine the effects of conversion of forest to oil palm on biodiversity of amphibians. Continued monitoring of lowland biodiversity is essential as a baseline to judge the impacts of forest fragmentation and potential latitudinal and elevation range shifts, through lowland biotic attrition, predicted under climate change scenarios. It may be possible for many species to behaviorally adapt to land use and climate change, and it is important to document baseline behavioral patterns where possible. We encourage further research on Bornean amphibian ecology, evolution, and behavior in order to more fully understand the region‘s biodiversity before it is lost.

Sheridan, J.A., S.D. Howard, P. Yambun, J.L. Rice, R. Cadwallader-Staub, A. Karolus, and D. Bickford. 2012. Novel behaviors of Southeast Asian rhacophorid frogs (Anura, Rhacophoridae) with an updated anuran species list for Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Tropical Natural History. 12 (1): 1-8.

http://www.biology.sc.chula.ac.th/TNH/TNH_April_12_no_2/1%20Jenifer%201-OK-1-8.pdf

[Herpetology • 2013] Taxonomic review of the tree frog genus Rhacophorus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from the Western Ghats, India | Rhacophorus calcadensis, R. lateralis, R. malabaricus and R. pseudomalabaricus, with description of ontogenetic colour changes and reproductive behaviour

Rhacophorus calcadensis Ahl, R. lateralis Boulenger,
R. malabaricus Jerdon, and R. pseudomalabaricus Vasudevan & Dutta

Remarkable Transformation of Coat Colour from Juvenile to Adult  

via SD Biju | http://facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=454305841310555

Abstract 

A taxonomic revision of the Western Ghats species from the genus Rhacophorus is presented. Based on museum studies and new collections from localities spanning the known range of Western Ghats Rhacophorus, we review the four known species of this genus, their type specimens, current taxonomic status and their geographic distribution on the basis of morphological and molecular data. The holotypes of Rhacophorus calcadensis, R. lateralis and R. malabaricus are redescribed. The previously unidentified holotype of Rhacophorus malabaricus is herein fixed. Descriptions of ontogenetic colour change (OCC) in the Western Ghats Rhacophorus are provided and we conjecture the taxonomic utility of OCC. Additionally we provide observations on nesting behaviour of each species, and report multiple male participation during amplexus, oviposition and foam nest construction in R. lateralis and R. malabaricus. 

Keywords: Rhacophorus, taxonomy, phylogeny, ontogenetic colour change, polyandry, Western Ghats, biodiversity, conservation

Remarkable Transformation of Coat Colour from Juvenile to Adult in Rhacophorus from the Western Ghats, India

via SD Biju | http://facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=454305841310555

Introduction

The Old World tree frog family Rhacophoridae Hoffman, consisting of 350 species in 16 genera, is one of the most diverse anuran families in the world (Frost 2013, AmphibiaWeb 2013). Within the genus Rhacophorus Kuhl & Van Hasselt (sensu stricto), 85 nominal species are currently recognised making it the most species-rich rhacophorid genus (Frost 2013; AmphibiaWeb 2013). The primary centre of Rhacophorus radiation is in the tropical and temperate zones of East and South East Asia (Inger 1999; Chan & Grismer 2010). In India, 14 Rhacophorus species have been reported though some of the species records from north and northeast India require taxonomic scrutiny (SDB, personal observation). The Western Ghats mountain range is considered a distinct biogeographic unit (Biju & Bossuyt 2003; Bossuyt et al. 2004, 2006; Roelants et al. 2004; Bocxlaer et al. 2009), and contains four species of Rhacophorus viz., Rhacophorus calcadensis Ahl, R. lateralis Boulenger, R. malabaricus Jerdon, and R. pseudomalabaricus Vasudevan & Dutta, that are endemic to this chain of mountains.

............................

2013. Taxonomic review of the tree frog genus Rhacophorus from the Western Ghats, India (Anura: Rhacophoridae), with description of ontogenetic colour changes and reproductive behaviour. Zootaxa. 3636(2): 257–289. 

http://mapress.com/zootaxa/2013/f/z03636p289f.pdf

[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 • 2005] Rhacophorus htunwini • A new species of Rhacophorus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Myanmar (Burma)

Htun Win’s treefrog | Rhacophorus htunwini 

Wilkinson, Thin Thin, Kyi Soe Lwin, and Awan Khwi Shein 2005

Abstract

A new species of the genus  Rhacophorus is described from Myanmar. The new species is most similar to R. bipunctatus but differs in the male having a larger body size, a bright green dorsal coloration, yellow in the outer portion of the iris, fainter crossbands on the limbs, a more extensive dermal fringe along the arm, more extensive projection on the heel, more extensive webbing on the hand, and typically two large equal-sized black spots, one in the axillary region and one on the middle of the flank.

Introduction: 

Ten species of Rhacophorus are thought to occur in Myanmar (R. appendiculatus (Günther), R. bipunctatus Ahl,  R. bisacculus Taylor,  R. dennysi Blanford,  R.  feae Boulenger,  R. maximus Günther,  R. reinwardtii (Schlegel),  R. taronensis Smith,  R. turpes Smith, and  R. verrucosus Boulenger). Here, we report on an additional species of Rhacophorus collected during expeditions in 2001 and 2002 to Rakhine State in western Myanmar near the Bay of Bengal and to Kachin State in northeastern Myanmar near the Chinese border.

Etymology: The name htunwini is given in honor of the late U Htun Win, who devoted the last eight years of his life to the pursuit of knowledge of the diversity and natural history of the reptiles and amphibians within his country. As team leader of the Myanmar Herpetological Survey Team, he first recognized this frog as potentially new to science.

Distribution and Natural History: At present Rhacophorus htunwini  is known from Nagmung and Machanbaw Townships, Putao District, Kachin State, and from much further south in Rahkine State in the southwestern foothills of Rakhine Yoma, Gwa Township, and Kyauktaw Township, Sittawe District (Fig. 4). This distributional pattern indicates that this species may be restricted to the Indo-Burman Mountain Range that arcs from southwestern Myanmar along the border with India, and the Eastern Himalayas in northern Myanmar. The absence of specimens from the Chin Hills of western Myanmar is probably due solely to a lack of surveys in the region.

The type specimens including the holotype (CAS 229913, USNM 561869) were found approximately 2 m off the ground in bamboo. Referred specimens were found in undisturbed habitat near a spring (CAS 222136) or seasonal (CAS 221351) and permanent (CAS 222065) streams. Other species of Polypedates and Rhacophorus found in the vicinity of the type locality were P. leucomystax, R. bipunctatus, and R. dennysi.

Wilkinson, Jeffery A.; Thin, Thin; Lwin Kyi Soe & Shein, Awan Khwi. 2005. A new species of Rhacophorus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Myanmar (Burma). Proceedings of the California Academy of Sciences. 56(4): 42–52.

http://researcharchive.calacademy.org/research/Herpetology/myanmar/Wilkinson%20et%20al_PCAv56pp42-52.pdf

[Herpetology • 2011] Rhacophorus pseudacutirostris | Sumatran Sharp-nosed Tree Frog • new species from Sumatera Barat (Western Sumatra)

Sumatran Sharp-nosed Tree Frog

Rhacophorus pseudacutirostris, Dehling 2011

Abstract

The taxonomic status of the population of Rhacophorus angulirostris from West Sumatra is reassessed. This record was based on five specimens that had been collected in Padang, West Sumatra, more than a century ago, are stored in the collection of the Naturhistorisches Museum Wien, Austria, and were assigned to R. angulirostris from Borneo by Inger (1966). Reexamination revealed that the specimens from Sumatra share only few diagnostic characters with R. angulirostris from Borneo. Bornean and Sumatran specimens difer in the presence of a dermal projection at the tibio-tarsal articulation, male body size, snout shape, shape of the canthus rostralis and the supratympanic fold, extent of webbing between the ingers, size of the thenar tubercle, position of the nostrils, internarial distance, the eye-to-nostril distance, size of eye and tympanum, and size and position of the dentigerous processes of the vomers. he specimens from Padang were compared to all other Southeast Asian members of the genus and found to represent a distinct species, herein described as new, that appears to be not even closely related to R. angulirostris. Because the only record of R. angulirostris from Sumatra was based on these specimens, the geographic distribution of R. angulirostris is again restricted to northeastern Borneo. An identification key for the Rhacophorus species from Sumatra is provided.

Key words: Amphibia, Rhacophorus pseudacutirostris sp. n., identification key, Indonesia, Borneo, endemism.

Rhacophorus pseudacutirostris sp. n.

(Figs. 1–3)

Rhacophorus acutirostris (nec Rhacophorus acutirostris Mocquard, 1890, archeonym replaced by Rhacophorus angulirostris Ahl, 1927): Inger (1966, partim).

Rhacophorus angulirostris (nec Rhacophorus angulirostris Ahl, 1927): Manthey & Grossmann (1997, partim); Harvey et al. (2002, partim); Malkmus et al. (2002, partim); Dehling (2008, partim); Teynié et al. (2010, partim).

Holotype: NHW 16301:5, adult male, from Padang, Sumatera Barat (West Sumatra), Indonesia, collected between 1890 and 1904 by Consul Johannes Schild.

Paratypes: NHW 16301:1, NHW 16301:3, two adult females, NHW16301:2, 16301:4, two adult males, same data as holotype.

Etymology: the species epithet is composed of pseud­, the Latinized form of the Greek preix ψευδ­, meaning “false”, and the Latin words acutus, meaning “sharpened”, and ros­trum, meaning “snout”; in allusion to the former confusion of the new species with Rhacophorus acutirostris Mocquard, 1890 (name replaced with R. angulirostris Ahl, 1927) from Borneo. As common name, I suggest Sumatran Sharp-nosed Tree Frog.

— Key to the Sumatran species of Rhacophorus —

Dehling, J.M. 2011 Taxonomic status of the population of Rhacophorus angulirostris Ahl, 1927 (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Sumatera Barat (Western Sumatra) and its description as a new species. Salamandra, 47(3): 133-143. http://salamandra-journal.com/index.php?option=com_docman&Itemid=72

[Herpetology • 2002] Rhacophorus achantharrhena, R. barisani & R. catamitus • 3 New parachuting frogs Rhacophorus from Sumatra

Rhacophorus achantharrhena sp. nov.

Fig. 1

Holotype.— An adult male, UTACV 53961 (collector’s tag M. B. Harvey 5390), collected 31 May 1996 by Michael B. Harvey and Eric N. Smith on the western slope of Bukit Kaba, Bengkulu, Sumatra, Indonesia, 03 30 02 S, 102 38 08 E, 1415 m (Fig. 2).

Etymology.— The name of the new species is a masculine noun in apposition derived from the Greek nouns akantha meaning thorn or prickle and arrhen meaning male. Males of the new species are covered in tiny spicules, and the new name alludes to this sexually dimorphic character.

Natural history.—At the type locality, calling males were found between 2100– 2200 hrs on low vegetation along a rocky stream through secondary growth. The stream lacked current; its water was clear, shallow, and restricted to pools separated by dry patches of streambed. At 2100 hrs, the temperature was 19 C. When a full moon appeared overhead, males stopped calling.

At Gunung Dempo, the single male specimen was found at 2115 hrs. (air temperature 18 C) calling from low vegetation above a pool of still water separate from, though adjacent to a large, fast flowing stream. This specimen was found where a road through a tea plantation crosses the stream. The nearest forest was about 1 km higher up the mountain where the stream originated.

The lower abdomen of the single female is filled with greatly distended ovaries containing seemingly mature eggs (visible through the skin of the flanks). The yolks are pale yellow. To avoid damaging the specimen, we made no attempt to count the eggs; however, the largest eggs protruding through a small gash on the specimens flank were 1.3 mm in diameter.

FIG. 4.— Head shape of four species of Rhacophorus:

A. Rhacophorus barisani, holotype, UTACV 53971; B. Rhacophorus margaritifer, UTACV 54009;

C. Rhacophorus catamitus, holotype, UTACV 53981. D. Rhacophorus achantharrhena, holotype, UTACV 53961. Each specimen is a male.

Abstract

We report on a small collection of parachuting frogs from Sumatra and Java. Three new species are described. Rhacophorus achantharrhena is similar to R. dulitensis and R. prominanus and differs from these species by a suite of characters including morphology of the supratympanic fold, digital webbing, coloration, and morphometrics. These three species are unusual in having white visceral and parietal peritonea. Rhacophorus catamitus is a small species similar to R. angulirostris and differing from this species by having a calcar at the heel and reduced digital webbing. Rhacophorus barisani resembles R. baluensis but differs from this species in color pattern, habitus, webbing of the fingers, and morphology of the dermal appendages. A new specimen of Sumatran R. pardalis is described and compared to the holotype of R. pulchellus. Rhacophorus prominanus is reported from Gunung Rajabasa, Lampung. Two specimens are described and compared to Bornean R. dulitensis and R. prominanus from the Malay Peninsula. Rhacophorus tunkui Kiew is a junior subjective synonym of Rhacophorusprominanus Smith. Finally, we describe new specimens of Rhacophorus margaritifer from Cibodas, Java. Skeletons of the new species and of R. margaritifer are described in detail. Superficial jaw and throat musculature appears to be relatively conservative within the genus.

Key words: Rhacophorus achantharrhena new species; Rhacophorus catamitus new species; Rhacophorus barisani new species; Rhacophorus prominanus; Rhacophorus pardalis; Rhacophorus margaritifer; Osteology; Sumatra

FIG. 2.— Distributions of six species of parachuting frogs in Western Indonesia.

Rhacophorus barisani sp. nov.

(Fig. 7)

Holotype.— An adult male, UTACV 53971 (collector’s tag M. B. Harvey 5396), collected 31 May 1996 by Michael B. Harvey and Eric N. Smith on the western slope of Bukit Kaba, Bengkulu, Sumatra, Indonesia, 03 30’ 02’’ S, 102 38’ 08’’ E, 1440 m.

Etymology.—The new name barisani is a masculine noun in apposition and refers to the Bukit Barisan Range. Occurring at high elevations in primary rainforest, the new species is likely endemic to this mountain range.

Natural history.—The type series was found along a stream trickling through tall, upper montane rainforest. Where the stream flattened out, none of these frogs were found. Rather, they were found calling from vegetation 1.3–2.0 m above deep pools where the stream flowed down a steep, basaltic slope. Foam nests were found floating on the water’s surface. The notes of the laugh-like call are short in duration and repeated numerous times in quick succession.

Rhacophorus cf. catamitus

Rhacophorus catamitus sp. nov.

(Fig. 11)

Holotype.—An adult male, UTACV 53981 (collector’s tag M. B. Harvey 5444), collected 3 June 1996 by Michael B. Harvey and Eric N. Smith on the southeastern slope of Gunung Dempo, Sumatera Selatan, Sumatra, Indonesia, 04 03’ 05’’ S, 103 , 08’, 40’’ E, 1695–1630 m.

Etymology.— The specific epithet catamitus is a noun in apposition derived from the Latin name for the cup bearer of the gods in Greco-Roman mythology. Catamitus was a boy kept forever young by Jupiter. Although male Rhacophorus are usually smaller than females of the same species, the difference in size is rarely as dramatic as in R. catamitus. In addition, males of this species have much smaller nuptial pads and testes than congeners examined by us; the Wolffian ducts are only weakly convoluted.

Natural history.— Rhacophorus catamitus occurs in forest of the Bukit Barisan range. All but the female specimen were collected between 1040 and 1695 m. At the type locality and at Bukit Kaba, males called from low vegetation near streams.

The single female was inactive atop a leaf about 2 m above a small stream through forest between 600–650 m.

Harvey, M.B.; Pemberton, A.J. & Smith, E.N. 2002. New and poorly known parachuting frogs (Rhacophoridae: Rhacophorus) from Sumatra and Java. Herpetological Monographs. 16: 46-92.: DOI: 10.1655/0733-1347(2002)016%5B0046:NAPKPF%5D2.0.CO%3B2