Threatened Amphibians of the World

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Threatened Amphibians of the World THREATENED AMPHIBIANS OF THE WORLD S.N. Stuart, M. Hoffmann, J.S. Chanson, N.A. Cox, R.J. Berridge, P. Ramani, and B.E. Young (eds.) THREATENED AMPHIBIANS OF THE WORLD Cover: Hylomantis lemur, Endangered. © Joel Sartore / www.joelsartore.com Back cover: Agalychnis callidryas, Least Concern. © Kenji Nishida Page 1: Ichthyophis kohtaoensis, Least Concern. © Danté Fenolio Page 135: Atelopus ignescens, Extinct. © Michael and Patricia Fogden Page 145: Leptopelis vermiculatus, Vulnerable. © Maik Dobiey Page 609: Epipedobates bassleri, Near Threatened © Maik Dobiey Recommended citation: Stuart, S.N., Hoffmann, M., Chanson, J.S., Cox, N.A., Berridge, R.J., Ramani, P., and Young, B.E. (eds.) (2008). Threatened Amphibians of the World. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain; IUCN, Gland, Switzerland; and Conservation International, Arlington, Virginia, USA. Published as a partnership between IUCN, Conservation International and Lynx Edicions. First edition: July 2008 © Lynx Edicions – Montseny 8, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona (Spain) © Texts: introductory matter: authors / IUCN and Conservation International; species accounts: IUCN, Conservation International and NatureServe © Photographs: credited photographers Printed by Ingoprint S.A. DL: B-32.689-2008 ISBN: 978-84-96553-41-5 All rights reserved. No form of reproduction, distribution, public communication or transformation of this work may be carried out without the authorization of its copyrights holders, except that foreseen by the law. Those needing to photocopy or electronically scan any part of this work should contact Lynx Edicions. Threatened Amphibians of the World is dedicated to The 500 herpetologists from around the world who devoted their knowledge, intellect and time to the Global Amphibian Assessment, and without whom this book could not have been written and especially to George Rabb for his visionary leadership and commitment to confronting the amphibian extinction crisis, which gives us hope in an otherwise bleak situation. Dendrobates azureus, Vulnerable. © Albert Popalis CONTENTS FOREWORDS IX PREFACES XI ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS XIII INTRODUCTORY CHAPTERS 1 Chapter 1. An Introduction to the Amphibians 2 Chapter 2. Why Save Amphibians? 23 Chapter 3. The Global Amphibian Assessment (GAA): History, Objectives and Methodology 30 Chapter 4. The State of the World’s Amphibians 33 Chapter 5. Amphibians of the Afrotropical Realm 53 Chapter 6. Amphibians of the Australasian Realm 65 Chapter 7. Amphibians of the Indomalayan Realm 74 Chapter 8. Amphibians of the Nearctic Realm 85 Chapter 9. Amphibians of the Neotropical Realm 92 Chapter 10. Amphibians of the Palaearctic Realm 106 Chapter 11. Amphibian Conservation – Responding to the Global Decline of Amphibians 114 EXTINCT AND EXTINCT IN THE WILD AMPHIBIAN SPECIES 135 GLOBALLY THREATENED AMPHIBIAN SPECIES 145 NEAR THREATENED AMPHIBIAN SPECIES 609 BIBLIOGRAPHY 645 APPENDICES 693 Appendix Ia. The IUCN Red List Categories (IUCN 2001) 693 Appendix Ib. Summary of the fi ve criteria (A-E) used to evaluate if a species belongs in a Category of Threat (Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable) 693 Appendix II. Defi nitions for the initial data collection regions 694 Appendix III. A summary of IUCN Red List status by genus 694 Appendix IV. List of rapidly declining species 696 Appendix V. Species listed by territory 699 Appendix VI. Amphibian Conservation Summit Declaration: an Amphibian Conservation Action Plan 702 Appendix VIIa. The scale of conservation required for globally threatened amphibians 703 Appendix VIIb. The nature of the ecological process for which landscape-scale conservation action is required 723 Appendix VIII. List of Critically Endangered and Endangered species for which captive breeding is an immediately necessary ex-situ conservation action 725 Appendix IX. Amphibians listed as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) on the 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 727 Appendix X. Amphibians listed as Vulnerable D2 on the 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 728 Appendix XI. List of Least Concern species listed on the 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with country of occurrence 729 Appendix XII. List of Data Defi cient species, with country of occurrence 739 Appendix XIII. The differences in IUCN Red List Status for some Brazilian species 744 Appendix XIV. Glossary of some key terms used 745 Appendix XV. Websites and amphibian-related resources 745 INDEX OF EXTINCT, THREATENED AND NEAR THREATENED SPECIES ACCOUNTS 747 IX FOREWORDS The fi rst signs of trouble for amphibians arose around three decades ago. IUCN, Conservation International and “Round up the usual suspects,” as Captain Renault famously said in the fi lm Casablanca, did not seem to apply. Some- NatureServe made great efforts to understand what was happening, and in 2004, the Global Amphibian Assessment thing appeared to be going on with amphibians that could not be wholly explained by the standard litany of ecological was produced with this shocking result: one-third of amphibian species are threatened with extinction. In addition, threats, such as habitat degradation and loss. The declines that were fi rst noticed in earnest in the late 1980s and we were lacking data on many species which are potentially threatened. New studies show that many of the species early 1990s raised the possibility that something was seriously amiss: a crisis that might start with environmentally that are listed as ‘Data Defi cient’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ are indeed threatened. One-third of sensitive creatures such as amphibians, but ultimately affect other strands of life, including humans. an entire distinct group of species at risk of extinction is not a trivial fi gure. NatureServe is a non-profi t organization dedicated to providing the scientifi c basis for effective conservation This book is another step in our attempt to alert the world about the extinction crisis that toads, frogs, salamanders action, with a deep appreciation for the role that research plays in addressing environmental challenges. We were and caecilians are currently facing. It is a landmark book comprising all what needs to be known about amphibian pleased to join with IUCN and Conservation International in carrying out the Global Amphibian Assessment (GAA) as conservation, and as such I am very happy to see its publication and to write this foreword. I would, however, be a way to document and draw attention to the amphibian declines now underway. even happier if the amphibian extinction crisis was not taking place. I am concerned that the size of this book is a NatureServe scientists began seriously delving into the plight of amphibians through our coordination of RANA refl ection of the number of threatened species that it comprises. When reading it one should not forget that only (Research and Analysis Network for Neotropical Amphibians), a U.S. National Science Foundation-funded effort. threatened amphibians are included in the species accounts that occupy the bulk of its length. Through RANA, researchers with an interest in understanding amphibian declines in Latin America came together to Many of us probably do not give much attention to amphibians and will probably be surprised to see how diverse, share information, approaches, and results, and to train a new generation of Latin American herpetology students. unique, colourful, and fascinating they are. Many species have developed very specifi c evolutionary characteristics The project has also helped to document some of the causes that appear to be behind these declines, including fungal and adaptations. We might think that they all lay eggs in water, but some give birth to live young, some do not need diseases and shifts in climate. Building on our work with RANA, as well as our long history of assessing conservation water, some species carry their eggs, others carry their young. Two Australian frogs incubated their eggs in their status for North American and Latin American species, I am pleased that NatureServe was able to contribute to the stomachs and both are already Extinct. As a result, an entire evolutionary lineage has been lost, along with up to GAA by coordinating the Western Hemisphere portion of the initiative, and creating a website for disseminating the 164 other species. These reproductive traits are the results of millions of years of evolution. Who knows if such project’s data and results to the broader community (www.globalampihibians.org). adaptations would not have been key to the survival of species in response to climate change? The GAA partnership has succeeded admirably in bringing the dire condition of the world’s amphibian species into Amphibians are sending us a very strong signal that something is seriously wrong with the way we take care of focus, and in motivating the scientifi c and conservation communities to take action. The present volume provides an our environment. They have been considered as the ‘canaries in the coal mine’; their permeable skin makes them important summary of what is known about amphibians around the world, and what will be required to ensure their sensitive to many forms of pollution; they are also extremely sensitive to climate change and diseases. The sharp future. While the work to do so will be diffi cult, and success is not assured, only by committing to the approaches decline in amphibian populations could prefi gure, if we are not careful, what other groups of species might undergo outlined in the recent Amphibian Conservation Action Plan will we have a hope for preserving the many and varied in the future. Amphibians provide us with a critical challenge if we are to meet the target that all countries agreed faces of this ancient lineage. upon: a signifi cant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010. Amphibians are a key part of ecosystems and the food chain; they control the number of many invertebrates, and Mary L. Klein are prey for many species of birds or mammals. Some species are also a source of revenue for human communities President and CEO, NatureServe who eat them, use them as medicines, or supply them to the international pet trade.
Recommended publications
  • Hawaiian High Islands Ecoregion Pmtecting Nature
    5127/2015 Ecoregion Description The Nature Conservancy Hawaiian High Islands Ecoregion Pmtecting nature. Preserving life ~ This page last revised 21 July 2007 Home Introduction Ecoregion Description Ecoregion Conservation Targets Location and context Viability Goals The Hawaiian High Islands Ecoregion lies in the north Portfolio central Pacific Ocean. It is comprised of the ecological TNC Action Sites systems, natural communities, and s~ecies ~ssociated Threats with the terrestrial portion of the mam archipelago of Strategies the Hawaiian Islands (eight major islands and Acknowledgements immediately surrounding islets). These islands have a <I total land area of 1,664,100 hectares (4,062,660 acres). Tables This terrestrial ecoregion excludes the Northwestern Maps &Figures Hawaiian Islands (belonging to Hawai'i coastal/marine The Hawaiian ecoregion contains highly diverse physiography. CPT Database ecoregion) and the surrounding marine environment. Appendices The Hawaiian High Islands Ecoregion lies within the Glossary Hawaiian Biogeographic Province, which encompasses Physiography Sources all of the above ecoregions and occupies the northern portion of the Oceanian Realm. The Hawaiian High Islands Ecoregion is marked by a very wide range of local physiographic settings. These Boundary include fresh massive volcanic shields and cinderlands reaching over 4000 m (13,000 ft) elevation; eroded, faceted topo- graphies on older The Hawaiian High Islands Ecoregion Boundary islands; high sea cliffs (ca 900 m [3,000 ft] in height); is defined by the TNC/NatureServe National raised coral plains ~ and amphitheater-headed Ecoregional Map. It is a modification ofBaile~'s . valley/ridge systems with alluvial/colluvial bottoms. Ecoregions of the United States. The World W1ldhfe Numerous freshwater stream systems are found The Hawaiian High Islands Ecore;Pon lies in Federation (WWF) recognizes four ecoregions for the the central north Pacific Ocean.
    [Show full text]
  • Bioseries12-Amphibians-Taita-English
    0c m 12 Symbol key 3456 habitat pond puddle river stream 78 underground day / night day 9101112131415161718 night altitude high low vegetation types shamba forest plantation prelim pages ENGLISH.indd ii 2009/10/22 02:03:47 PM SANBI Biodiversity Series Amphibians of the Taita Hills by G.J. Measey, P.K. Malonza and V. Muchai 2009 prelim pages ENGLISH.indd Sec1:i 2009/10/27 07:51:49 AM SANBI Biodiversity Series The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) was established on 1 September 2004 through the signing into force of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) No. 10 of 2004 by President Thabo Mbeki. The Act expands the mandate of the former National Botanical Institute to include responsibilities relating to the full diversity of South Africa’s fauna and ora, and builds on the internationally respected programmes in conservation, research, education and visitor services developed by the National Botanical Institute and its predecessors over the past century. The vision of SANBI: Biodiversity richness for all South Africans. SANBI’s mission is to champion the exploration, conservation, sustainable use, appreciation and enjoyment of South Africa’s exceptionally rich biodiversity for all people. SANBI Biodiversity Series publishes occasional reports on projects, technologies, workshops, symposia and other activities initiated by or executed in partnership with SANBI. Technical editor: Gerrit Germishuizen Design & layout: Elizma Fouché Cover design: Elizma Fouché How to cite this publication MEASEY, G.J., MALONZA, P.K. & MUCHAI, V. 2009. Amphibians of the Taita Hills / Am bia wa milima ya Taita. SANBI Biodiversity Series 12. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
    [Show full text]
  • Amphibian Alliance for Zero Extinction Sites in Chiapas and Oaxaca
    Amphibian Alliance for Zero Extinction Sites in Chiapas and Oaxaca John F. Lamoreux, Meghan W. McKnight, and Rodolfo Cabrera Hernandez Occasional Paper of the IUCN Species Survival Commission No. 53 Amphibian Alliance for Zero Extinction Sites in Chiapas and Oaxaca John F. Lamoreux, Meghan W. McKnight, and Rodolfo Cabrera Hernandez Occasional Paper of the IUCN Species Survival Commission No. 53 The designation of geographical entities in this book, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IUCN concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of IUCN or other participating organizations. Published by: IUCN, Gland, Switzerland Copyright: © 2015 International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purposes is authorized without prior written permission from the copyright holder provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of this publication for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written permission of the copyright holder. Citation: Lamoreux, J. F., McKnight, M. W., and R. Cabrera Hernandez (2015). Amphibian Alliance for Zero Extinction Sites in Chiapas and Oaxaca. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. xxiv + 320pp. ISBN: 978-2-8317-1717-3 DOI: 10.2305/IUCN.CH.2015.SSC-OP.53.en Cover photographs: Totontepec landscape; new Plectrohyla species, Ixalotriton niger, Concepción Pápalo, Thorius minutissimus, Craugastor pozo (panels, left to right) Back cover photograph: Collecting in Chamula, Chiapas Photo credits: The cover photographs were taken by the authors under grant agreements with the two main project funders: NGS and CEPF.
    [Show full text]
  • Partial Report of Activities Carried out in the Masako Forest Reserve
    PARTIAL REPORT OF ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT IN THE MASAKO FOREST RESERVE PROJECT ID: 27590-1 By Franck Masudi Muenye Mali May 2019 The project is funded by the Rufford Foundation “Amphibian diversity and environmental education for local people and capacity building for decision makers for the survival of Masako Forest Reserve in the DRC” PROJECT ID: 27590-1 Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 3 2. FIELD METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................................................... 3 2.1. Investigation ............................................................................................................................ 3 2.2. Amphibian inventory .................................................................................................................... 4 3. PRELIMINARY RESULTS .................................................................................................................... 5 3.1. Views and proposals collected from the local community on the destruction of the Masako forest reserve ...................................................................................................................................... 5 3.1.1. Summary of responses to questions submitted to the local community ....................... 5 3.1.2. Immediate consequences observed following the destruction of the Masako reserve . 5 3.2. List of direct consequences
    [Show full text]
  • Ecology and Demography of the Critically Endangered Kandian Torrent Toad Adenomus Kandianus: a Long-Lost Endemic Species of Sri Lanka
    Ecology and demography of the Critically Endangered Kandian torrent toad Adenomus kandianus: a long-lost endemic species of Sri Lanka S URANJAN K ARUNARATHNA,SUJAN H ENKANATHTHEGEDARA,DINESH G ABADAGE M ADHAVA B OTEJUE,MAJINTHA M ADAWALA and T HILINA D. SURASINGHE Abstract The tropical island nation of Sri Lanka is a bio- Keywords Adenomus kandianus, Amphibia, Bufonidae, diversity hotspot with a high diversity and endemism of am- conservation, Critically Endangered, montane streams, phibians. The endemic, stream-dwelling Kandian torrent Sri Lanka, tropical rainforests toad Adenomus kandianus is Critically Endangered and was considered to be extinct until its rediscovery in . The species is now known from two localities in tropical Introduction montane forests. We conducted a -year study using tran- sect surveys and opportunistic excursions to assess habitat he South Asian tropical island of Sri Lanka is rich in associations, demographics and abundance of A. kandianus Tamphibian diversity (Meegaskumbura et al., ). in and around Pidurutalagala Conservation Forest. We re- Of the country’s described amphibian species corded a mean of . post-metamorphs per year, with a (c. %) are endemic and . % are restricted to rainforests density of , individual per m , with occurrence within (Surasinghe, ; Wickramasinghe et al., ). Sri Lanka’s a narrow extent (c. km ) of the stream channel. amphibians are threatened by deforestation, environmental Behaviour and microhabitat selection varied depending on pollution and road traffic (Pethiyagoda et al., ; sex and stage of maturity. The species preferred moderately Karunarathna et al., ). These anthropogenic stressors have sized montane streams with rocky substrates and woody contributed to the extinction of amphibian species, and de- debris, colder temperatures, and closed-canopy, intact ri- clining populations of nearly half of the extant species (MOE, parian forests.
    [Show full text]
  • A Global Overview of Protected Areas on the World Heritage List of Particular Importance for Biodiversity
    A GLOBAL OVERVIEW OF PROTECTED AREAS ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE FOR BIODIVERSITY A contribution to the Global Theme Study of World Heritage Natural Sites Text and Tables compiled by Gemma Smith and Janina Jakubowska Maps compiled by Ian May UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre Cambridge, UK November 2000 Disclaimer: The contents of this report and associated maps do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of UNEP-WCMC or contributory organisations. The designations employed and the presentations do not imply the expressions of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNEP-WCMC or contributory organisations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or its authority, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION 1.0 OVERVIEW......................................................................................................................................................1 2.0 ISSUES TO CONSIDER....................................................................................................................................1 3.0 WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY?..............................................................................................................................2 4.0 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY......................................................................................................................3 5.0 CURRENT WORLD HERITAGE SITES............................................................................................................4
    [Show full text]
  • Maritime Southeast Asia and Oceania Regional Focus
    November 2011 Vol. 99 www.amphibians.orgFrogLogNews from the herpetological community Regional Focus Maritime Southeast Asia and Oceania INSIDE News from the ASG Regional Updates Global Focus Recent Publications General Announcements And More..... Spotted Treefrog Nyctixalus pictus. Photo: Leong Tzi Ming New The 2012 Sabin Members’ Award for Amphibian Conservation is now Bulletin open for nomination Board FrogLog Vol. 99 | November 2011 | 1 Follow the ASG on facebook www.facebook.com/amphibiansdotor2 | FrogLog Vol. 99| November 2011 g $PSKLELDQ$UN FDOHQGDUVDUHQRZDYDLODEOH 7KHWZHOYHVSHFWDFXODUZLQQLQJSKRWRVIURP $PSKLELDQ$UN¶VLQWHUQDWLRQDODPSKLELDQ SKRWRJUDSK\FRPSHWLWLRQKDYHEHHQLQFOXGHGLQ $PSKLELDQ$UN¶VEHDXWLIXOZDOOFDOHQGDU7KH FDOHQGDUVDUHQRZDYDLODEOHIRUVDOHDQGSURFHHGV DPSKLELDQDUN IURPVDOHVZLOOJRWRZDUGVVDYLQJWKUHDWHQHG :DOOFDOHQGDU DPSKLELDQVSHFLHV 3ULFLQJIRUFDOHQGDUVYDULHVGHSHQGLQJRQ WKHQXPEHURIFDOHQGDUVRUGHUHG±WKHPRUH \RXRUGHUWKHPRUH\RXVDYH2UGHUVRI FDOHQGDUVDUHSULFHGDW86HDFKRUGHUV RIEHWZHHQFDOHQGDUVGURSWKHSULFHWR 86HDFKDQGRUGHUVRIDUHSULFHGDW MXVW86HDFK 7KHVHSULFHVGRQRWLQFOXGH VKLSSLQJ $VZHOODVRUGHULQJFDOHQGDUVIRU\RXUVHOIIULHQGV DQGIDPLO\ZK\QRWSXUFKDVHVRPHFDOHQGDUV IRUUHVDOHWKURXJK\RXU UHWDLORXWOHWVRUIRUJLIWV IRUVWDIIVSRQVRUVRUIRU IXQGUDLVLQJHYHQWV" 2UGHU\RXUFDOHQGDUVIURPRXUZHEVLWH ZZZDPSKLELDQDUNRUJFDOHQGDURUGHUIRUP 5HPHPEHU±DVZHOODVKDYLQJDVSHFWDFXODUFDOHQGDU WRNHHSWUDFNRIDOO\RXULPSRUWDQWGDWHV\RX¶OODOVREH GLUHFWO\KHOSLQJWRVDYHDPSKLELDQVDVDOOSUR¿WVZLOOEH XVHGWRVXSSRUWDPSKLELDQFRQVHUYDWLRQSURMHFWV ZZZDPSKLELDQDUNRUJ FrogLog Vol. 99 | November
    [Show full text]
  • Correlates of Eye Colour and Pattern in Mantellid Frogs
    SALAMANDRA 49(1) 7–17 30Correlates April 2013 of eyeISSN colour 0036–3375 and pattern in mantellid frogs Correlates of eye colour and pattern in mantellid frogs Felix Amat 1, Katharina C. Wollenberg 2,3 & Miguel Vences 4 1) Àrea d‘Herpetologia, Museu de Granollers-Ciències Naturals, Francesc Macià 51, 08400 Granollers, Catalonia, Spain 2) Department of Biology, School of Science, Engineering and Mathematics, Bethune-Cookman University, 640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114, USA 3) Department of Biogeography, Trier University, Universitätsring 15, 54286 Trier, Germany 4) Zoological Institute, Division of Evolutionary Biology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Spielmannstr. 8, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany Corresponding author: Miguel Vences, e-mail: [email protected] Manuscript received: 18 March 2013 Abstract. With more than 250 species, the Mantellidae is the most species-rich family of frogs in Madagascar. These frogs are highly diversified in morphology, ecology and natural history. Based on a molecular phylogeny of 248 mantellids, we here examine the distribution of three characters reflecting the diversity of eye colouration and two characters of head colouration along the mantellid tree, and their correlation with the general ecology and habitat use of these frogs. We use Bayesian stochastic character mapping, character association tests and concentrated changes tests of correlated evolu- tion of these variables. We confirm previously formulated hypotheses of eye colour pattern being significantly correlated with ecology and habits, with three main character associations: many tree frogs of the genus Boophis have a bright col- oured iris, often with annular elements and a blue-coloured iris periphery (sclera); terrestrial leaf-litter dwellers have an iris horizontally divided into an upper light and lower dark part; and diurnal, terrestrial and aposematic Mantella frogs have a uniformly black iris.
    [Show full text]
  • Using Spatially Explicit Call Data of Anhydrophryne Ngongoniensis to Guide Conservation Actions
    Using spatially explicit call data of Anhydrophryne ngongoniensis to guide conservation actions M Trenor orcid.org/0000-0002-0682-2262 Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Masters degree in Zoology at the North-West University Supervisor: Prof C Weldon Co-supervisor: Dr J Tarrant Graduation May 2018 25747339 Abstract It’s been barely 25 years since the Mistbelt Chirping Frog (Anhydrophryne ngongoniensis) was discovered. This secretive amphibian occurs only in the so-called mistbelt grasslands and montane forest patches of south-central KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and is restricted to an area of occupancy of just 12 square kilometers. This species’ habitat is severely fragmented due to afforestation and agriculture and only two of the remaining populations are formally protected. The species occurs mostly on fragmented grassland patches on forestry land, and any conservation strategies should include the management practices for the landowners. Updated density estimates and insight into habitat utilization are needed to proceed with conservation strategy for the species. Like many other frogs, this species is cryptic in its behaviour, making mark-recapture surveys prohibitively challenging. Audio transects have been used previously, but are dependent on surveyor’s’ experience, hindering standardization. Using automated recorders, in a spatially explicit array with GPS synchronization, one can confidently estimate the density of calling males and reveal the estimated locations of calling males, thus providing insight into their occupancy. We surveyed nine historic sites and detected the species at five of the sites in either isolated grassland patches or indigenous Afromontane forest. We successfully employed the spatially explicit catch recapture (SECR) method at three of the sites using Wildlife Acoustics™ Song Meters with extended microphones in an array.
    [Show full text]
  • The Head of Xenopus Laevls. by Nellie F
    The Head of Xenopus laevls. By Nellie F. Paterson, D.Se., Ph.D., Department of Zoology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. With Plates 9 to 16. CONTENTS. PAGE INTRODUCTION 161 LATERAL LINE SENSORY ORGANS 163 MUSCULATURE 165 BLOOD-VESSELS ......... 172 THE CHONDROCRANIUM ........ 175 1. Metamorphosis ........ 183 2. Olfactory Eegion 188 3. Nasal Cavities 191 4. Auditory Eegion ........ 193 THE HYOBRANCHIAL SKELETON ....... 196 THE CRANIAL NERVES 198 Ganglion Pro-oticum ........ 199 Nervus Trigeminus ........ 200 1. Ramus Mandibularis 200 2. Ramus Ophthalmicus Profundus 203 NERVUS FACIALIS 209 1. Truncus Supra-orbitalis 210 2. Ramus Hyomandibularis . • - .211 3. Ramus Palatinus ........ 214 NERVI GLOSSOFHARYNGEtTS AND VAGUS . - .216 1. Nervus Glossopharyngeus . • • • .217 2. Nervus Vagus 220 SUMMARY OF COMPOSITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF NERVES . 226 SUMMARY 227 REFERENCES 228 INTRODUCTION. THE Aglossa, comprising only the genera Xenopus, Pipa, Propipa, Hymenochirus, and Pseudohymeno- chirus, are characterized among other things by the absence of a tongue and by a pectoral girdle that exhibits considerable deviation from that of typical Anura Phaneroglossa. NO. 322 M 162 NELLIE F. PATBESON The Aglossa are usually classified as the lowest of the A n u r a, but as Gadow in his account of the Amphibia in the ' Cambridge Natural History' (1909) indicates, their characteristic features are not necessarily primitive ones. A tongue is lacking in the majority of truly aquatic forms, and in the Aglossa the shoulder girdle and other parts of the body are doubtless specialized in response to their particular habits. It is therefore not surprising to find that the Aglossa present some striking morphological similarities with the aquatic Urodela on the one hand, and with certain genera of the Phaneroglossa on the other, but it is very doubtful if these resemblances are of any conse- quence.
    [Show full text]
  • Larval Morphology and Development of the Malagasy Frog Mantidactylus Betsileanus
    SALAMANDRA 49(4) 186–200 30 December 2013Sarah ScheldISSN 0036–3375 et al. Larval morphology and development of the Malagasy frog Mantidactylus betsileanus Sarah Scheld 1,2,4, R. G. Bina Perl 1,2,3, Anna Rauhaus 1, Detlef Karbe 1, Karin van der Straeten 1, J. Susanne Hauswaldt 3, Roger Daniel Randrianiaina 3, Anna Gawor 1, Miguel Vences 3 & Thomas Ziegler 1,2 1) Cologne Zoo, Riehler Str. 173, 50735 Köln, Germany 2) Cologne Biocenter, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Str. 47b, 50674 Köln, Germany 3) Zoological Institute, Technical University of Braunschweig, Mendelssohnstr. 4, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany 4) Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 25, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria Corresponding author: Thomas Ziegler, e-mail: [email protected] Manuscript received: 21 September 2013 Abstract. The Mantellidae is a species-rich family of neobatrachian frogs endemic to Madagascar and Mayotte. Although tadpoles have been described from many mantellids, detailed studies of their early embryonic development are rare. We provide a documentation of the developmental stages of Mantidactylus betsileanus, a common mantellid frog of Madagas- car’s eastern rainforests, based on clutches deposited and raised in captivity. Metamorphosis was completed after 89 days on average. External gills were not recognizable in the embryos, similar to three other, previously studied mantellids, which apparently constitutes a difference to the mantellid sister group, the Rhacophoridae. We also provide updated de- scriptions of the species’ larval morphology at stage 25 and stage 36, respectively, from captive bred and wild-caught indi- viduals, and report variations in the keratodont row formula from 0/2, 1/1, 1/3 to 1:1+1/3.
    [Show full text]
  • A Study in Ecological Economics
    The Process of Forest Conservation in Vanuatu: A Study in Ecological Economics Luca Tacconi December 1995 A Thesis Submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at The University of New South Wales I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and that, to the best of my . knowledge and belief, it contains no material previously published or written by another person nor material which to a substantial extent has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma of a university or other institute of higher ·learning, except where due acknowledgment is made in the text of the thesis. Luca Tacconi School of Economics and Management University College The University of New South Wales 22 December 1995 With love to my parents Alfi.o and Leda (Con affetto dedico questa tesi ai miei genitori Alfio e Leda) IV Abstract The objective of this thesis is to develop an ecological economic framework for the assessment and establishment of protected areas (PAs) that are aimed at conserving forests and biodiversity. The framework is intended to be both rigorous and relevant to the decision-making process. Constructivism is adopted as the paradigm guiding the research process of the thesis, after firstly examining also positivist philosophy and 'post-normal' scientific methodology. The tenets of both ecological and environmental economics are then discussed. An expanded model of human behaviour, which includes facets derived from institutional economics and socioeconomics as well as aspects of neoclassical economics, is outlined. The framework is further developed by considering, from a contractarian view point, the implications of intergenerational equity for biodiversity conservation policies.
    [Show full text]