Near Threatened Amphibian Species - Amphibian Specialist Group

Near Threatened Amphibian Species 627460-1,220m asl. It is a locally common species with a stable population. It is arboreal, terrestrial, and sub-fossorial,and mostly inhabits moist montane forest. Adults can be found in leaf-litter, under ground cover, in tree holes andcrevices, and in water tanks. Larvae are found in stagnant waters. It can also be found in gardens, secondary forestand other lightly disturbed areas. The main threat to this species is agrochemical pollution of land and water. It hasbeen recorded in a number of protected areas: the Knuckles Range, Namunukula Forest Reserve, Sinharaja WorldHeritage Site, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and Udawattakele Reserve Forest.Bibliography: de Silva, A. and de Silva, P. (1994), Dutta, S.K. (1997), Dutta, S.K. and Manamendra-Arachchi, K. (1996), Heerath, N.D., Rathnayake,N.D. and Hewamathes, K.K. (2001), Kirtisinghe, P. (1957), Rathnayake, N.D. (2001), Rathnayake, N.D. and Weerasinghe, N. (2000)Data Providers: Kelum Manamendra-Arachchi, Anslem de SilvaScaphiophryne madagascariensis (Boulenger, 1882)This species occurs on the central plateau of Madagascar from Ankaratra south to Andringitra, from 1,300-2,000m asl.It is locally common, but the extent of its habitat is somewhat limited. This is a fossorial species found in montaneforests, savannahs and agricultural areas. Breeding takes place in large, temporary, and perhaps also some permanent,pools. The major threat to this species is considered to be the loss of suitable breeding habitats to agricultural activities,even though this is an adaptable species. Introduction of predatory fish into pools is also a significant threat. Itoccurs in Parc National d’Andringitra.Taxonomy: The name Scaphiophryne madagascariensis applies to populations formerly included in S. pustulosa (Vences et al. 2002).Bibliography: Blommers-Schlösser, R.M.A. and Blanc, C.P. (1991), Glaw, F. and Vences, M. (1994), Vences, M. et al. (2002a)Data Providers: Christopher Raxworthy, Miguel VencesGeocrinia lutea (Main, 1963)MYOBATRACHIDAEWALPOLE FROGThis Australian endemic is found in the south-west corner of Western Australia, near Walpole and in NornalupNational Park, from 0-300m asl. This is a common species that occurs at many sites within its restricted range. Itis found in dense vegetation adjacent to streams, and also hides in wet forest litter on peaty sand. Males call fromtunnels in hummocks of mud or clay covered with low matted vegetation, where females lay 25-30 eggs. The larvaeundergo direct development and emerge after approximately 50 days. Too frequent fires can be a major threat to thespecies. However, most of its habitat is protected so it is not significantly threatened. Its habitat is protected withinWalpole-Nornalup National Park and Mount Frankland National Park, and most of its range is within state forest.There are many new protected areas also being created in this region.Bibliography: Barker, J., Grigg, G. and Tyler, M. (1995), Driscoll, D. and Roberts, J.D. (1997), Main, A.R. (1957), Main, A.R. (1965), Tyler,M.J., Smith, L.A. and Johnstone, R.E (1994)Data Providers: Dale Roberts, Jean-Marc HeroPseudophryne bibronii Günther, 1859BIBRON’S TOADLETThis Australian endemic is found from the south-east corner of Queensland, along the east coast of New South Wales,and into central Victoria and South Australia (including Kangaroo Island), from 20-1,000m asl. It was consideredto be the most common and widespread member of its genus, but populations have appeared to decline in someareas in recent years. This species is found in dry forest, woodland, shrubland and grassland, and shelters underleaf-litter and other debris in moist soaks and depressions. Calling is from February to August and frogs have beennoted calling in temperatures of only 4°C. Between 70 and 200 large eggs are deposited terrestrially on damp leafmould, in shallow nests or under stones and logs near water, and these hatch after rain floods the area and providespools for larvae. Metamorphosis takes three to seven months. The major threat to this species is habitat loss due totransport infrastructure development and agriculture (including cultivation of crops and livestock rearing). Increasingwater salinity is also a problem. However, the specific reasons for the many declines are not known. There are noconservation measures in place for this species, apart from its habitat being protected when it occurs in nationalparks and state forests. The causes of the recent declines need to be identified.Bibliography: Barker, J., Grigg, G. and Tyler, M. (1995), Hero, J.-M., Littlejohn, M. and Marantelli, G. (1991), Pengilley, R.K. (1973)Data Providers: Jean-Marc Hero, Graeme Gillespie, Frank Lemckert, Murray Littlejohn, Peter RobertsonTaudactylus liemi Ingram, 1980LIEM’S TINKER FROGThis Australian endemic occurs in the Eungella area of Queensland, west of Mackay, from Cathu State Forest in thenorth to Crediton in the south, from 180-1,250m asl. It is a common species and is commonly heard, but it is sparselydistributed and rarely seen. There have been no observed declines in the population. It is confined to rocky marginsof fast-flowing creeks and seepages in montane rainforest in the Eungella area (Rettalick and Hero 1998). Males callfrom hidden positions. Eggs are laid under rocks in side pools, where the larvae complete their development. Thereare several potential threats to this species, but no evidence yet of them affecting populations. These threats areforest grazing and trampling of streamside vegetation by livestock, introduced cane toads (Bufo marinus) which couldpenetrate natural habitats via roads and use ponds for breeding, and the chytrid fungus (which has been found insome streams where this species occurs, but there is no evidence that it has infected this species so far). The species’habitat is protected within a national park. It is also listed as threatened in Queensland, and research and monitoringof populations is in place. Given the presence of the chytrid fungus, populations should be monitored carefully.Bibliography: Barker, J., Grigg, G. and Tyler, M. (1995), Ingram, G.J. (1980), Retallick, R.W.R. and Hero, J.-M. (1998), Retallick, R.W.R.,Hero, J.-M. and Alford, R.A. (1997)Data Providers: Jean-Marc Hero, Ross Alford, Michael Cunningham, Keith McDonald, John Clarke, Richard RetallickPelobates cultripes (Cuvier, 1829)PELOBATIDAEWESTERN SPADEFOOTThis species is present in most of the Iberian Peninsula (except the northern area of the Peninsula and parts ofcentral and northern Portugal), and southern France. There are also isolated populations in western France. It occursfrom sea level (France and Spain) up to 1,770m asl (Spain). This species is generally common in suitable habitat.However, population declines have been observed in most of its range. The burrowing habits of this species generallyrestrict its distribution to areas with sandy or soft soils. It occurs in dunes, oak forest, scrub, cultivated land,and open areas, sometimes close to human habitation. In France it is largely restricted to coastal regions. It breedsin temporary pools and livestock ponds with thick vegetation that occasionally may be brackish. This species has along larval development period, which makes it vulnerable to introduced predators and desiccation of ponds. In Iberiathreats include the isolation of populations by agricultural intensification, destruction of wetland habitats (by urbandevelopment) and their pollution (with agrochemicals), and introduction of predatory Louisiana crayfish (Procamabrusclarkii) and fish (such as Gambusia holbrooki) to breeding areas. Mortality on roads, and tourism development, arecausing localized declines in some populations. In France, tourism and wetland drainage are the principal threatsto this species. Overall, the severity of the threats to this species appears to be increasing. It occurs in a number ofprotected areas, including several NATURA 2000 sites, and is listed on Appendix II of the Berne Convention and onAnnex IV of the EU Natural Habitats Directive. It is protected by national legislation in Spain, and is listed in a numberof national and subnational Red Data Books.Bibliography: Alvarez, A. and Martin, L. (2000), Arnold, E.N. (2003), Blanco-Moreno, R., Campos-Sánchez, J. and Montes-Perálvarez, P.(1998), Busack, S.D. and Zug, G.R. (1976), Cei, J.M. and Crespo, E.G. (1971), Cejudo, D. (1990), Ferrand de Almeida, N. et al. (2001), García-París, M., Buchholtz, D. R. and Parra-Olea, G. (2003), Gasc, J.-P. et al. (eds.) (1997), Godinho, R. et al. (1999), Herrero, P. and Talavera, R.R.(1988), Lizana, M. and Marco, A. (2001), Lizana, M., Márquez, R. and Martín-Sánchez, R. (1994), Malkmus, R. (1996b), Malkmus, R. (2004),Martínez-Solano, I. and Bosch, J. (2001), Paulo, O. (1997), Pleguezuelos, J.M., Márquez, R. and Lizana, M. (2002), Reques, R. (2000)Data Providers: Pedro Beja, Jaime Bosch, Miguel Tejedo, Miguel Lizana, Iñigo Martínez-Solano, Alfredo Salvador, Mario García-París,Ernesto Recuero Gil, Valentin Perez-Mellado, Carmen Diaz Paniagua, Marc Cheylan, Rafael Marquez, Philippe GeniezArthroleptella landdrosiaDawood and Channing, 2000PETROPEDETIDAELANDDROS MOSS FROGThis species is endemic to the Hottentots Holland and Kogelberg Mountains, South Africa, reaching the coast nearRooi Els and Betty’s Bay. It occurs from sea level up to 1,600m asl. This species occurs in small, widely scatteredpopulations. It inhabits fynbos heathland and does not survive in degraded areas. Breeding is by direct development,and eggs are laid in wet vegetation, such as mossy areas, near rivers, hillside or roadside seepages, and heavilyvegetated streams. Even though its habitat is largely protected, the major threats to this species are the spreadof alien species (in particular pines) and too frequent fires. Coastal populations are likely to be affected by urbandevelopment. However, these threats are believed to be relatively minor. Much of this species’ range is protected inthe Hottentots Holland and Kogelberg Nature Reserves.Bibliography: Channing, A. (2001), Dawood, A. and Channing, A. (2000), Minter, L.R. et al. (2004)Data Providers: Leslie Minter, Alan Channing, James HarrisonArthroleptella lightfooti (Boulenger, 1910)LIGHTFOOT’S MOSS FROGThis species is endemic to Table Mountain and to other mountains on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa, where itoccurs from sea level up to 1,000m asl. It is moderately common. It is a species of fynbos heathland and forest thatdoes not survive in degraded areas. Breeding is by direct development, with 5-12 eggs being laid in moss or similarvegetation in wet mossy areas near rivers, hillside or roadside seepages, and heavily vegetated streams. Even thoughits habitat is largely protected, the major threats to this species are the spread of alien species (in particular pines)and too frequent fires. Coastal populations are likely to be affected by urban and tourist development. However,these threats are believed to be relatively minor. Most of this species’ range is in Cape Peninsula National Park andKirstenbosch Botanic Gardens.Bibliography: Channing, A. (2001), Channing, A., Hendricks, D. and Dawood, A. (1994), Minter, L.R. et al. (2004), Passmore, N.I. andCarruthers, V.C. (1995), Wager, V.A. (1986)Data Providers: Leslie Minter, Alan Channing, James HarrisonPetropedetes cameronensis Reichenow, 1874This species occurs from south-eastern Nigeria to south-western Cameroon, generally at low altitudes, and also onthe island of Bioko (Equatorial Guinea). It is fairly common. It lives close to flowing water in closed-canopy lowlandforest. The eggs are placed on moist rock surfaces close to streams, and the larvae develop on the rock surfaces indamp conditions. This is the most water-dependent member of the genus in Cameroon. It is threatened by the lossof forest habitat due to agricultural development, logging and expanding human settlements. This species occursin Korup National Park.Bibliography: Amiet, J.-L. (1973a), Amiet, J.-L. (1978b), Amiet, J.-L. (1989), Amiet, J.-L. (1991), Böhme, W. (1975), Herrmann, H.-W. etal. (2005), Joger, U. (1982), Lawson, D.P. (1993), Mertens, R. (1965), Perret, J.-L. (1966), Perret, J.-L. (1984), Schiøtz, A. (1963), Schiøtz,A. (1966)Data Providers: Jean-Louis AmietPetropedetes johnstoni (Boulenger, 1888 “1887”)This species is known only from the lowland, coastal plain of south-western and southern Cameroon. It is a commonspecies. It lives in lowland forest and mangrove forests, and can tolerate a limited degree of habitat disturbance.The males call in forest, often far from water, and guard a nest of eggs on large leaves a few centimetres above theground. This species appears not to be water-dependent, and the larvae are presumably terrestrial. It is threatenedby the loss of forest habitat due to agricultural development, logging and expanding human settlements. It occurs inKorup National Park, and possibly in a few other protected areas.Bibliography: Amiet, J.-L. (1983b), Amiet, J.-L. (1991), Herrmann, H.-W. et al. (2005), Lawson, D.P. (1993), Parker, H.W. (1936), Perret,J.-L. (1984), Sanderson, I.T. (1936)Data Providers: Jean-Louis AmietPetropedetes natator Boulenger, 1905This species occurs in the hilly parts of West Africa in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, from nearsea level up to 1,400m asl. Although it is patchily distributed, it is very abundant where it occurs, for example onthe Freetown Peninsula in Sierra Leone. It is found only in forested hilly country, and lives in or near water, breedingin fast-flowing streams. The eggs are laid on land, and the larvae attach themselves by means of suckers to rocksin waterfalls and rapids. It is presumably threatened by the loss of forest habitat due to agricultural development,logging and expanding human settlements. In some places it is also adversely affected by mining activities, forexample on the Simandou Range, and on Mount Nimba. It occurs in a few protected areas, including Mont SangbeNational Park in Côte d’Ivoire.Taxonomy: J.L. Amiet (pers. comm.) and Perret (1984) suggest that this species does not belong in the genus Petropedetes.Bibliography: Perret, J.-L. (1984), Rödel, M.-O. (2003), Rödel, M.-O. and Bangoura, M.A. (2004), Schiøtz, A. (1964a)Data Providers: Mark-Oliver RödelPhrynobatrachus alleni Parker, 1936This species ranges from Sierra Leone, through southern Guinea, Liberia, southern Côte d’Ivoire and southern Ghanato south-western Nigeria. It has not been recorded from Togo and Benin, and its absence from these countries mightbe genuine, owing to lack of suitable habitat. It is a very common species in suitable habitats. It inhabits primarylowland rainforest, and can survive in small forest fragments, though at lower population densities (and it might