Published December 12, 2016 | Version v1
Journal article Open

Two new species of terrestrial microhylid frogs (Microhylidae: Cophylinae: Rhombophryne) from northeastern Madagascar

  • 1. Zoologische Staatssammlung München
  • 2. Zoologisches Institut, Technische Universität Braunschweig
  • 3. Museo Regionale di Scienze Naturali, Torino
  • 4. CIBIO, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources

Description

We describe two new microhylid frog species of the genus Rhombophryne from the humid forests of northeastern Madagascar: Rhombophryne botabota sp. n. and R. savaka sp. n. e former is a medium-sized species, characterised by darkened lateral sides of the head (present in only one other congener, R. laevipes) and a unique combination of morphological, osteological, and molecular characters. e latter is a rather small species, characterised by medially undivided vomerine teeth with two large lateral diastemata, and presence of inguinal spots. Rhombophryne savaka sp. n. is the first species of the genus known from Makira Natural Park, and is reported also from Marojejy National Park and Ambolokopatrika (Betaolana Forest). Although its distribution range is relatively large compared to those of congeners, its known extent of occurrence is less than 2,000 km2. As deforestation and habitat degradation persist as threats despite formal legal protection, we suggest an IUCN Red List status of Vulnerable for this species. Rhombophryne savaka sp. n. is possibly endemic to the Marojejy National Park, like several other Rhombophryne species, but is unusual in being found at a relatively low altitude. As such, it is likely to be at high risk of habitat loss and decreasing range, and we propose a status of Endangered for it. We discuss the a nities of these new species and the variability of calls in this genus.

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Scherz et al. 2016 - Two new species of terrestrial microhylid frogs (Microhylidae- Cophylinae- Rhombophryne) from northeastern Madagascar.pdf

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