ISSN 1026-0269 FROGLOG Newsletter of the Declining Populations Task Force

April 2004, Number 62.

from 1756 quarter-degree grid cells, and Red Data Book of the of

Southern African Atlas that is 88.1% of all the 2008 grid cells South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland in the atlas region. It is interesting to that has been sent to the Smithsonian Project completed! note that 107 frog were known Institution in the USA for final checking

from the region in 1995, but new prior to publication in 2004. discoveries and species descriptions Has it all been worth it? over the atlas period pushed this tally Emphatically YES! The atlas period to 115 species, and several more are focussed everyone’s attention on frog known and will be added in the near distributions and provided a wealth of

future. new information on frog , By Marius Burger and J.A. Harrison With the combined efforts of biology and conservation. One of the National Coordinators, Regional most important spin-offs was the The Southern African Frog Atlas Organisers, public participants and Conservation Assessment and project (SAFAP) was first conceived professional fieldworkers employed to Management Plan that was drawn up (with the assistance of a few beers) by survey target areas, SAFAP traversed for southern African frogs (Harrison et Les Minter (University of the North) almost the entire region and clocked al. 2001). The results of this initiative, and Phil Bishop (then of the University an estimated 350,000 km (see Braack and subsequent revisions of the of the Witwatersrand, now at the 2002)! Public participation was not as assessments, are presented in the University of Otago, New Zealand), good as we had hoped for. Even atlas publication which thus doubles who figured that if it could be done for though SAFAP has about 600 names as a revised Red Data book. The birds, then why not for frogs? The next on its mailing list and contributions species accounts in the atlas are, in logical step was to contact the Avian were received from only about two many cases, the longest essays ever Demography Unit (ADU; University of thirds of these. Yes, frogs may be written for particular species and Cape Town) who had produced The popular with the man in the street, but comprehensively bring together all the Atlas of Southern African Birds frogging as an outdoor activity, not-so-available information between (Harrison et al. 1997). James including getting wet and cold and one set of covers. With the atlas, Harrison, who was coincidently mosquito bitten at night, is only for the conservation of the region’s frog fauna brewing similar plans at the time, took dedicated. To those dedicated few we can proceed from a more solid to the idea immediately. An initial extend our warmest thanks. knowledge base than before. meeting was held at Wits, followed During 2003, four introductory Acknowledgements later by the launch of the project chapters were written, covering the SAFAP acknowledges the invaluable (combined with the launch of methods of the project, an overview of contributions of the Regional Passmore and Carruther’s field guide) the conservation status of the region’s Organizers, and the records submitted in November 1995. Starting with no frogs, a biogeographic analysis of the by numerous project participants. funds, but with high expectations and database, and a discussion of global Generous financial support was some trepidation, the project got amphibian declines (Burger and received from the Department of underway in 1996. Fortunately, funds Harrison 2001; Minter et al. 2004). Environmental Affairs and Tourism, were eventually found and the project Data collection continued up to the WWF-SA, Mazda Wildlife Fund, Total was set for the long haul. Now, eight last minute, even as the finishing South Africa, the Smithsonian years, hundreds of thousands of touches were being put to the text. Institution (USA), National Research kilometres, tens of thousands of The editors edited, re-edited and re- Foundation, Conservation Breeding records, and hundreds of thousands of re-edited. The conservation Specialist Group of the IUCN/SSC, the written words later, the job is done! assessments were checked and Declining Amphibian Populations Task In addition to records gathered ratified by Simon Stuart of the Global Force, Joan St. Leger Lindbergh during the atlas period, historical data Amphibian Assessment programme Charitable Trust, Syfrets, and Sea from all the major national museums (IUCN and Conservation International) World Inc. (USA). Mazda Wildlife Fund were incorporated into the SAFAP in September 2003. Marja Wren- also provided the vitally important database. The database contains Sargent of the ADU did a sterling job bakkie! 42,536 records; 25,486 (60%) of these of typesetting 400 pages under were collected during the atlas period considerable pressure. We now have (1996-2003), and the balance a complete manuscript of the Atlas predates 1996. There are records

The World Conservation Union (IUCN)/Species Survival Commission (SSC) The Open University ● The World Congress of Herpetology ● Arizona State University

References Research Institute (JFRI, Ranging from 4 to 13 cm long, Braack, H.H. (2002) Agent Paddaman www.jumpingfrog.org) in Calaveras R. aurora draytonii is the largest native and his Mazda Paddamobile – County and asked for help in frog in North America west of the licensed to act suspiciously. Bird identifying their mystery frogs. JFRI is Rocky Mountains. While originally Numbers 11(2): 17-19. a small research and advocacy group found from just north of San Burger, M. & Harrison, J.A. (2001) The that works to further the conservation Francisco, CA south into Baja state of southern Africa’s Amphibia. of the native amphibian species of California, and from the Pacific coast pp. 117-125 In: The State of South California's Sierra Nevada mountain to the western foothills of the Sierra Africa's Species. Proceedings of a range. Dr. Robert Stack, Executive Nevada, today the frog is found mostly conference held at the Rosebank Director of JFRI, went out to the ranch in isolated watersheds along the Hotel in Johannesburg 4-7 September and identified the species as California Central California coast. Only a few 2001, Endangered Wildlife Trust and red-legged frogs - a "threatened" small, isolated populations are WWF-SA. species under the U.S. Endangered hanging on in the Sierra Nevada. Species Act (ESA). Dr. Stack Unfortunately, most of these are not Harrison J.A., Allan D.G., Underhill discussed with the family the pros and believed to be viable. Habitat loss and L.G., Herremans M., Parker V. & cons of going "public" with the news, conversion, introduction of various Brown C.J. (eds.) (1997) The atlas of but it didn't take them very long to non-native predators (especially the southern African birds. Vols I&II. make a decision. They were proud to American bullfrog, R. catesbeiana) BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg. have the only known descendants of and pesticide drift are the primary Harrison, J.A., Burger, M., Minter, "Twain's frog" in the county living on factors responsible for the frog's L.R., De Villiers, A.L., Baard, E.H.W., their ranch, and they were determined demise. In fact, bullfrogs are now the Scott, E., Bishop, P.J. & Ellis, S. (eds.) to do everything in their power to help primary contestants in Calaveras (2001) Conservation Assessment and save it. That meant contacting various County's annual world frog jumping Management Plan for Southern state and federal agencies like the US championship, held every year at the African Frogs. Final Report. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for county fairgrounds during the third IUCN/SSC Conservation Specialist additional help. weekend in May. Group: Apple Valley, MN. To keep potential sightseers For more information contact: Dr. Minter, L.R., Burger, M., Harrison, from trespassing on their property and Robert Stack/JFRI, PO Box 1416, J.A., Braack, H., Bishop, P.J. & interfering with their cattle operation, Angels Camp, CA 95222, USA. Kloepfer, D. (2004) Atlas and Red not to mention disturbing the frogs, the [email protected] Data book of the frogs of South Africa, family decided not to disclose publicly Donations and/or potential funders are Lesotho and Swaziland. Smithsonian either the location of the ranch or their urgently needed to help assist in Institution, Washington D.C. last name. They also asked JFRI to JFRI's efforts.

help coordinate the efforts of a team of Contact: Marius Burger and J.A. biologists who are now working to Harrison, Avian Demography Unit, Decline of the Kihansi Spray combine protection of the frogs with University of Cape Town, Rondebosch Toad, Nectophrynoides continued operation of the property as 7701, South Africa. asperginis, from the Udzungwa a working cattle ranch. The rancher [email protected] Mountains, Tanzania believes his cows are compatible with the frogs: "Cows have grazed this ranch for 150 years," he said. "They must get along with the frogs or the

Mark Twain's frog not croaked frogs wouldn't still be here." Many ranchers are reluctant to after all! come forward in cases like this By Ché Weldon & Louis H. du Preez because so much fear of the federal The Kihansi spray toad, The above headline appeared in government has been sown by those Nectophrynoides asperginis, is Georgia's Atlanta Journal-Constitution who are fundamentally opposed to the distinctive in Africa in terms of the at the end of 2003. The big news was US ESA. JFRI is working hard to habitat it occupies. Its entire known the re-discovery in Calaveras County create an innovative program whereby habitat is restricted to less than 5km2 of the California red-legged frog (Rana Sierra ranchers that volunteer their of a unique vegetation type. aurora draytonii), generally believed stock ponds to help in the recovery of Continuous spray generated by the to be the inspiration for Mark Twain's Twain's frog would become eligible to Kihansi River, as it flows over the "Celebrated Jumping Frog of receive certain economic benefits, Udzunqwa scarp, showers patches of Calaveras County." It was this short along with assurances that their herbaceous vegetation to create a story that launched his literary career. property rights would be respected. series of spray wetlands. N. asperginis The last time a red-legged frog had They call this the "Dan'l Webster is considered to be critically been seen in the county was way back Project," honouring the name of the endangered and is listed under in 1969. celebrated frog in Twain's tale. Appendix 1 of the Convention on In October 2003, a rancher's JFRI-coordinated field studies International Trade on Endangered young children discovered a small to be initiated this March will attempt Species. population of "strange" frogs while to determine how many of the frogs Concurrent with the description playing near a waterhole used by the are on this particular ranch. Everyone of the Kihansi spray toad in 1998, family's cows. The frogs were different is hoping that there are enough frogs concerns were felt about the chances from any the kids had ever seen to maintain their numbers, or maybe of survival of this Tanzanian endemic before; they were coral coloured on even increase. There is also a back- (Poynton et al. 1998). The spray their hind legs and belly, and had a up plan being developed to create an wetlands were in danger of prominent "ridge" (i.e. dorso-lateral assisted-breeding program in undergoing severe alteration because fold) on either side of their back. The collaboration with the University of of a reduction in water flow due to the family contacted the Jumping Frog Pacific in Stockton, CA. requirements of a hydro-power plant.

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The bypass flow released from the amphibian chytrid fungus is widely Buy Herp Art Clothing and newly constructed dam above the documented. The full extent of the Donate to DAPTF at main Kihansi falls was not enough to Kihansi decline is not completely the Same Time! generate the spray. Consequently, the understood. Multiple stressors that Kathy Wildman provides a biodiverse N. asperginis population experienced might have acted in combination with collection of scientifically accurate a decline in spray toad numbers. The chytridiomycosis are being natural history t-shirts, neckties, Lower Kihansi Environmental investigated. The current status of the children's books and other gifts Management Program (LKEMP) Kihansi spray toad is unresolved as including many amphibian items. instigated the construction of an spray wetlands continue to be International shipping can be elaborate sprinkler system to simulate monitored by LKEMP staff. The failed arranged. Sales support k-12 the spray zone conditions. Following efforts to detect N. asperginis could curriculum development using the these mitigation measures the spray predict the extinction of this species in garden as a hands-on science lab. toad population rebounded in the the wild. Part of the mitigation She will donate 5% of sales to DAPTF affected areas. measures for this species was the if you add that request in the During July/August 2003, establishment of a captive population comments section on the website population numbers of N. asperginis of spray toads in the United States. In order form at: unexpectedly plummeted. The recent months, however, the captive http://whatdidyoubringme.homeste estimated population size was the have suffered from nutritional ad.com lowest since the construction of the disorders, among other setbacks; sprinkler system, causing renewed while numbers are continuing to drop concern for the survival of the critically (Lee 2004). endangered spray toad of Kihansi. No An imminent danger is the The Amphibian apparent explanation could be given likelihood that the amphibian chytrid Fauna of for the mass disappearance and the fungus could spread to other Nagaland, India: only evidence was a few spray toad in the region, which could Species and carcasses. lead to similar results in species that Habitats The dead specimens were are susceptible to disease. The collected for post mortem Udzungwas form part of the Eastern examination. Histological sections of Arc Mountains, a biodiversity hotspot By Meren Ao & Sabitry Bordoloi, skin tissue revealed the presence of well known for its diverse and endemic DAPTF Seed Grant Recipients, 2002 the amphibian chytrid fungus, amphibian species. A document The state of Nagaland in north-east Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in containing amphibian disease India abounds with unexplored virgin some of the specimens. Shortly after management was compiled for forest. It is part of the Eastern this discovery was made, LKEMP Kihansi Gorge following the survey Himalayan region, one of India’s two assigned an amphibian survey of the and discussed for implementation at a biodiversity hotspots. The state’s Kihansi and the adjacent Udagaji panel meeting in Washington D.C. in climate is subtropical, but altitudinal Gorge to determine the status of January 2004. Maintenance of the variation leads to varied climatic chytridiomycosis in the remaining sprinkler system and monitoring of conditions which contribute to this high spray toads and other anurans. spray wetlands implies that the biodiversity. Due to its inaccessibility The survey was conducted in opportunity for human induced and other problems inherent of remote November by C.W., Jeremy transmission of the amphibian chytrid areas, published reports on the Thompson (Technical Advisor for fungus remains high. Apart from the amphibian fauna are scarce. The LKEMP) and James P. Gibbs advantages of staff and researchers present study has revealed that the (Conservation Biologist, State practicing sterilization procedures for area supports many more species University of the New York College of the well being of amphibians within than were previously known. 32 Environmental Science and Forestry). Kihansi Gorge, it will restrict the species have so far been identified. More that three months had passed spread of diseases to other areas. New records for India: since the last sighting of a live N. Acknowledgements Megophrys wuliangshanensis, M. asperginis had been made. Despite This research was funded and glandulosa, Amolops viridimaculatus, intensive searching during the day and coordinated by the Lower Kihansi Rana humeralis, Rhacophorus at night, we did not find any spray Environmental Management Project. gangshanensis. toads in any of the spray wetlands where the species is known to occur. References New records for Nagaland: Five species of anurans were found Lee, S. (2003) Kihansi Spray Toad, Megophrys major, Amolops gerbilus, through simultaneous searches along Report No. 9. Wildlife Conservation A. monticola, Fejervarya teraiensis, F. streams and amongst forest litter in Society, Bronx, NY. 16 March 2004. nepalensis, Hoplobatrachus crassus, the gorge: Schoutedenella Poynton, J.C, Howell, K.M., Clarke, Philautus garo, Phrynoglossus xenoudactyla, Nectophrynoides B.T. & Lovett, J.C. (1998) A critically borealis, megacephalus, tornieri, Afrixalus fornasinii, endangered new species of P. teraiensis, Rana garoensis, R. Arthroleptides yakusini and Nectophrynoides (Anura: Bufonidae) livida, R. mawphlangensis, R. tytleri, Ptychadena aequiplicata. from the Kihansi Gorge, Udzungwa Rhacophorus bipunctatus, R. Chytridiomycosis was subsequently Mountains, Tanzania. Afr. J. Herp. maximus, Theloderma aspermum. detected in P. aequiplicata from 47(2): 59-67. Previously-recorded species: Kihansi Gorge and in A. yakusini from Contact: Ché Weldon, School of Bufo melanostictus, annectans, Udagaji Gorge. Environmental Sciences and Microhyla ornate, Amolops It is suspected that the Development, University of the North marmoratus, Chirixalus vittatus, prevalence of chytridiomycosis in N. West, Potchefstroom Campus, Private Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, asperginis played a role in the Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, species’ decline. Mass mortality of South Africa. Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, Philautus amphibians associated with the [email protected] annandalii, Paa mokokchungensis,

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Rana khare. SEED GRANT Kats. Institutions: Columbus Rana limnocharis as recorded Zoological Park Association, North by earlier authors is mentioned here NEWS Carolina Herpetological Society, as F. terainensis and F. nepalensis. DAPTF Seed Grants 2004: We have Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, Similarly, Polypedates leucomystax is just completed our allocation of Captive Born Reptiles, Geraldine R. P. teraiensis and P. megacephalus in DAPTF Seed Grants for 2004. We Dodge Foundation, Inc. this study. received 65 proposals from 34 American Bullfrogs in Europe: Based on our survey and the countries, and we our funding 23 Information about the distribution and presence of various life-history stages projects, an outlay of $43,123. This status of American bullfrogs in Europe in these habitats, five habitat-specific year, for the first time, we are funding can be found at: www.zavod- types have been identified: proj ects in Honduras, Morocco, symbiosis.si/bullfrog.htm Anyone 1) species living in open tropical Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sardinia, who can provide updates, additional habitats and breeding in temporary Suriname, Switzerland and Thailand. information or comments on this issue water bodies, 2) species living in Six of the projects we are supporting should contact Jana Kus Veenvliet disturbed habitats and breeding in in the USA are funded by ARMI; we and Paul Veenvliet at: info@zavod- temporary water bodies, 3) species are very grateful to them for their symbiosis.si living in open tropical habitats and continuing support. Canadian Amphibian and Reptile breeding in permanent water bodies, Since 1992, the DAPTF has 4) species living in disturbed habitats Conservation Network (CARCNET) funded 155 projects through its Seed – 2004 The 9th annual CARCNET and breeding in permanent water Grant programme, distributing bodies and 5) species living in forest meeting will be held in Edmonton, $273,000 to researchers in 76 Alberta on 24-27 September 2004. habitats and breeding in running different countries. Tim Halliday water. Altogether, 100 amphibian The conference will offer a platform to Reports on DAPTF Seed Grants: habitats were surveyed and certain exchange ideas and information Recipients of DAPTF Seed Grants are physico-chemical parameters were between leading scientists in the field generally expected to publish the recorded. Water chemistry data on the of herpetology as well as to educate results of their projects in refereed various breeding habitats were as the public and scientific audience journals, or as articles in Froglog. follows. about the biology and conservation of They are also required to send us amphibians and reptiles. Lentic Systems reports, so that their results can be Presentations and posters are open to Dissolved O2 (2.5-7.5 mg/l), free CO2 made available to DAPTF members. all aspects of the conservation biology (2.5-7.0 mg/l), pH (6.2-7.5), alkalinity Below is a list of reports that we have of amphibians and reptiles and (70.3-100.0 mg/l), phosphate (0.02-0.3 received recently. Anyone wanting a herpetological research. Presentations mg/l), nitrate (0.01-0.21 mg/l). Trace copy of a report should contact the on public education projects and elements detected were Fe (0.02-16.5 author in the first instance; we can ethics are also welcome. For more ppm), Mn (6.8-65.3 ppm), Zn (0.2-1.0 supply copies if you cannot reach the information about CARCNET and the ppm), Mg (39.0-47.6 ppm). author. meeting please visit the following web Lotic Habitats Jelka Crnobrnja-Isailovic, Jan Willem site: http://www.carcnet.ca/ Dissolved O2 (5.6-11.2 mg/l), free CO2 Arntzen & Ivan Aleksic (2003) The (2.8-4.8 mg/l), pH (7.0-8.1), alkalinity status of great crested newt (Triturus (62.0-82.1 mg/l), phosphate (0.24-0.5 cristatus superspecies) breeding sites mg/l), nitrate (0.27-0.74 mg/l). Trace in Serbia, the central Balkans. elements detected were Fe (0.06-16.9 [email protected] ppm), Mn (1.0-3.9 ppm), Zn (0.1- Dustin Perkins & Malcolm Hunter 16.3ppm), Mg (24.3-46.6 ppm). (2003) Effects of riparian timber These data do not reveal any pollution management on the amphibian by industrial or domestic wastes. community in western Maine: an There is urgent need for experimental and retrospective RANA and the US National Science extensive exploratory surveys to be approach. Foundation grant DEB-0130273 undertaken in all areas of Nagaland to [email protected] helped support the publication of create a database of population [email protected] this issue. studies on which future investigations Maria Gabriela Perotti (2003) Effects into declines and disappearances can FROGLOG is the bi-monthly newsletter of of natural UV-B radiation on anuran be based. In view of the increasing the Declining Amphibian Populations Task species from northern Patagonia, anthropogenic stress on habitats and Force. Articles on any subject relevant to Argentina. Testing carry-over effects global climate deterioration, many the understanding of amphibian declines on larval fitness. should be sent to: species endemic to the region (and [email protected] John W. Wilkinson, Editor, Department of perhaps species so far unrecorded) Biological Sciences, The Open University, may become extinct in the future. Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, U.K. Contact: Meren Ao, Principal, Kohima Froglog Shorts Tel: +44 (0) 1908 - 652274. Science College, Kohima-797002, Fax: +44 (0) 1908 - 654167

E-mail: [email protected] Nagaland, INDIA. DONATIONS We gratefully [email protected] acknowledge receipt of these Funding for FROGLOG is Sabitry Bordoloi, Associate Professor, donations, received prior to March 22, underwritten by the Detroit Inst. Of Advanced Studies in Science 2004. Individuals: Evan C. Evans III, Zoological Institute, P.O. Box 39, and Technology, Khanapara, Royal Oak, MI 48068-0039, USA Gale K. Nord, Janalee P. Caldwell, Guwahati-781002, INDIA Micheal Sredl, Dinah Bear, Michael J. [email protected] Lodato, Kathryn L. Molines, Carol Hall, Rebecca Christoffel, Alan Byboth, Lee

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