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

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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. The 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. The 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 affinities of these new species and the variability of calls in this genus.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftSalamandra
Vol/bind52
Udgave nummer2
Sider (fra-til)91-106
Antal sider16
ISSN0036-3375
StatusUdgivet - 2016
Eksternt udgivetJa

Bibliografisk note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Deutsche Gesellschaft für Herpetologie und Terrarienkunde e.V. (DGHT), Mannheim, Germany.

ID: 284293133